Another "comfortable" sneaker off the table - YouLookFab Forum

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Another "comfortable" sneaker off the table

April

Veteran

Calling all YLF members with *extremely* problematic feet.

I just returned two pairs of Cariuma sneakers and am despairing of finding one that's all-day comfortable for me (neuromas on both feet and a painful bunion on just one).

Here are the brands that don't work for me:

Ecco
Softino (my Softino boots are crazy comfortable, but not my sneakers)
Cariuma
M Gemi
Aeroboost
Finn Comfort
Munro
Walking Cradles
Ellen DeGeneres
Blackstone (unless they have a style that runs wider than the CW96)
Converse shearling-lined

I tend to remove the insole where possible and replace it with a shearling insole by Ugg which hogs some space, so I need a roomy shoe, and I'd love one that doesn't look overly gearish/athletic.

General

48 replies

Latest reply was from April

MsMary

Veteran

Believe it or not my sneaker-fussy feet have been quite happy with sneakers from Banana Republic:

https://bananarepublic.gap.com.....t=Sneakers

Julie

Birkenstocks work for me when my feet are acting up...and they don't all look like the iconic sandals (though I like my birk sandals too!)

Julie

Also what about Dansko? Good for heel issues at least...and these sneakers have plenty of toe room.

Irina

Veteran

Ron White Daisy oxfords - I have high hope for this one.

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nemosmom

Veteran

I have (and like) the Wander Up by Dr. Scholls. I also like the Vans "comfycush", but if you are replacing insoles, you may not be interested in those anyway. My feet don't like Ecco or Cons at all.

Dr. Scholl's Wander Up

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Dr. Scholl's Wander Up Slip-On Sneaker

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you tried AllBirds, Sorrels and Fit Flops?

Have you tried ordering sneakers in a wide size?

Anonymous

I have wide feet and Allbirds worked for me. No find. I'm sorry.

Lesley

Veteran

I have 4 pairs of sneakers if you count my Blackstones, and by far the snuggest fit is a pair of Reeboks, and the roomiest is a pair of slip-ons from Steve Madden, FWIW.

rachylou

Veteran

Have you tried men’s shoes? They’re made with higher toe boxes. A lot of companies have the same shoe style for both men and women.

nuancedream

Veteran

I read some good reviews of the Ilse Jacobsen Tulip slip on sneaker, which is supposedly good for ladies with bunions and arthritic toes. It's available at Nordstrom and Zappos

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know...sneakers are not all-day comfortable for me, really....I put insoles of various descriptions into all of mine, and even then, we are not talking perfection. A flat shoe is always going to be a bit problematic for me.

I have very different foot issues from yours (and foot shape matters, too) which is probably why my go-to brands are not okay for you. I hope you find one that works eventually!

Roberta

Veteran

I second the Danskos which have such good support and a wide toebox. I also have walked miles in my plain white Born sneakers, below. I own and like the Jacobson shoes below, but I don't think they have much support. I do not recommend Clark's. Super cute but I found them squishing my toes very soon.

Børn Børn Tamara Perforated Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom

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ILSE JACOBSEN Womens Tulip 3375 Slip-On

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madeline

Veteran

I love my Rykas. Lots of toe box room, room for your insole if you size up a half size.

slim cat

Veteran

Our podiatrist recommended HOKA ONE ONE running shoes. That's the brand my ex wears most of the time and even my daughter likes it. She went with men'e version - more colors were available at that time.

REI is the best place to get professional help.
Amazon and Nordstrom sell HOKA shoes as well.

April

Veteran

My feet thank you all for these suggestions. I do have Allbirds (sized up to accommodate a long second toe) and find they aren't warm enough for winter. Also they don't offer a true white, which is what I'm looking for.

My best results over the years have been with my Onitsuka Tigers, but they no longer sell the ones that have worked well for me.

tammyw

Expensive but amazingly comfortable and roomy and also cute - Zadig & Voltaire. This is the pair I have and it’s like walking on clouds.

https://us.zadig-et-voltaire.c.....TJEALw_wcB

Inge

(website)

Maybe also have a look at Mephisto, April, they specialize in footwear for fussy feet and have updated their assortment with lots of modern styles these last few years. I have a wider foot, and have to wear an orthotic, and am very happy with the booties, sandals, and oxfords I got from them (want to try their sneakers next

https://www.mephisto.com/us/women.html

https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?.....nav&s

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

If Onitsuka worked, maybe other Asics? Born? Naturalizer? Running shoe companies like Brooks, Merrell, On? Have you gone to a running store? Or a specialized comfort shoe store?

shiny

Veteran

April do you have the tree or wool runners? Have you tried wearing them with socks?

April

Veteran

Shiny, socks are a whole other problem. If they fit correctly, they squeeze my feet side-to-side such that my neuromas start wailing. If I size up, they slide down and wad up inside my shoe. So I have started preferring shoes meant to be worn without socks. And I have the wool Allbirds.

Laura, I had not wanted a running shoe because the molded insoles often create new pain, and because I don't want a gearish athletic shoe. But I must remember to leave no retail stone unturned.

Thanks, Inge - will check out Mephisto.

TW -- that's a new brand to me, and I'll be happy to give it a go.

Of course, we've all had that frustrating (and expensive) situation where by the time you know the shoe won't work for you, you've worn it for a full day and can no longer return it.

Lieselotte Kander

(website)

You should check Nike or Skool Skate Sneakers. I like both of them in white.

judy

Veteran

I feel you on the fussy feet. I've had bunions before but two years ago I also developed a neuroma..healed now, but can't squish my feet into anything narrow any more... and the also, the bunions keep getting worse. My always favorite flat shoes like Blundstones and Frye's didn't work any more. In google searching I found a brand called https://oeshshoes.com/ Oesh. They are zero drop and make a shoe that I can wear. There are some styles that you can put an insert in, like the Elite clog and also their sneakers. I've bought several over a few years and they are very good on customer service. The combination of a thick sole that is gentle on the foot, not too bendable and wide enough to accommodate all the toes is hard to find. How I wish someone would make a chelsea boot. The Birkenstock one is nice, but the soles are too hard for me. Good luck with your search.

April

Veteran

Thanks, Judy. I have ordered a pair of white sneakers from Oesh.

CarolS

Veteran

I share your frustration in the challenge of fitting fussy feet. Can't offer much beyond the already comprehensive list of ideas offered here, but I sure do hope you find something that works for you!

Anonymous

FitFlop, possibly? I have both formal (patent lace up) & casual (white sole) flats from them that are comfortable & don't need breaking in. Good luck!

judy

Veteran

April, I hope they work for you. Having zero drop and side to side flat was really important to my neuroma. Not easy to find, even in "flat shoes".

LaPed

Veteran

April, if the Oesh shoes seem like they might work, you could also look at Altras. They are mostly real gear shoes with a few "lifestyle" models in the mix. But they are zero drop and wide toebox. Worth considering for when you need to log serious miles. There are also lots of barefoot/minimalist brands out there with a "foot shaped" toe box if you are open to a thin, flexible sole.

Anonymous

Have you ever tried these:
https://www.nike.com/t/air-for.....AR5339-100

I have plantar fasciitis and I live in these

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April

Veteran

Zap! Great to see you and thanks for the suggestion.

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