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BIA after MIA...

lozz_oz

Veteran

..so its been a while since I last posted (maybe back when I chimed in about the Australian bushfires).
In the last couple of years or so I sort of lost a bit of my enthusiasm for all things fashion when the caring role for my elderly parents required a lot of time and energy. That situation is somewhat behind me now.

My new challenge (albeit somewhat first world trivial) is that I need to start my shoe collection from scratch. Yikes!
Despite not always being pragmatic by nature, I figure that after the $$$ spent on custom orthotics, I should do as the podiatrist tells me and look for shoes that will keep my feet happier (small bunions developing).
Being in hard lockdown in Sydney isn't helping either as all shopping is on line. Lets just say its been like a post office here with multiple parcels arriving and almost as quickly being returned.

Success so far..
1. New Balance running shoes (for exercise only)
2. Everyday sneaker
3. Birkenstock Gizeh white
4 Birkenstock Gizeh silver
5.Ziera white lace up brogue

Considering...
6. Black lace up refined combat boots for winter (I know, we are heading into spring summer here!)

As you can see, there is room for extras. Specific challenges include -
Summer is generally hot and humid and long. Sneakers can be pretty uncomfortable in these conditions, so the Birkenstocks will my casual default and the white brogues for occasions other than casual.
Given the options for orthotic friendly shoes are not as great as in the US or Europe, and prices are steeper, I feel I need to make careful decisions.

Gone are my Imelda Marcos days where I fed my love of shoes and gathered quite a collection (many from a size Eu 37 sample shoe maker). Now I need a half to full size larger, a firm heel counter and wider shoe box. Some that tick all these boxes are truely ugly and dare I say fugly

Anyone else had to face a similar challenge? I'm open to all suggestions, sympathy, empathy......!

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Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from lozz_oz

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hey great to see you back! Sorry about the elderly parents issues-I’ve been there and we still have my in-laws, him 90, her 85.
I have been called Imelda Marcos by my staff but when this was reported to me none of them would admit to it, LOL.
Ziera is a good NZ brand for orthotics, went into liquidation last year but was bought by that big Australian group that owns Styletread and lots of your brands. Might be the Munro footwear group?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Nice collection of orthotica!

I’ve been buying up a storm in the shoe dept this year—these finds and a pair of very simple flat white sandals that are more stable than the Eccos. I think I’m up to 19 pairs. I’ve always had wide feet (one more than the other) and want shoes that I can be my hyperactive self in, so I think I have a natural tendency towards the qualifications your doc gave you (that said, I’m sure mine wouldn’t like the brown shoes or clog sandals because of the heels). Living in the sensible shoe capital of the world, Germany, furthers those tendencies.

When I broke a bone in my foot 1.5 years ago, it exacerbated the bunion. The physical therapists said strengthening my quads would help with the bunions—my other foot had an incipient one. I was happy to do it—I used to have muscular quads from soccer & swimming, and miss them, vanity-wise. I have noticed a real difference—when I slack off the upper leg exercises for a couple weeks, I feel it down in my feet. So that’s my suggestion—work those legs

On the shoe front, I can’t make specific suggestions for your market, but clogs are having a fashion moment. I bet you can find some that would work for you, maybe with a closed back for next winter. Have fun!

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lozz_oz

Veteran

Jenni, yes that’s correct, Ziera was rescued and absorbed into the Munro Footwear Group. So far the brand is offering the most comprehensive range that might suit my preference for stylish footwear.
Lol SF - ‘nice collection of orthotica’ ! Lucky you to have access to sensible shoes in the sensible shoe capital of Germany .... do you own any Birkenstock’s?
Clogs are a no no for me - trust me, I already asked the podiatrist!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Ooof. Sorry to make such an off-the-mark suggestion. My sister was just asking me about Birks yesterday. I have great access to them, but they aren’t really my thang, iykwim. Good luck in your quest.

Staysfit

Veteran

Welcome back! To clarify, are Birkenstock sandals orthotic friendly, or do they offer enough support for your feet that you do not need them? I had great luck with Olukai sandals, which also seem to offer nice arch and metatarsal support without orthotics. I have no idea if they are easily available to you? Also, Naot and Mephisto make some of the most comfy shoes I have owned, some of which work with orthotics, some have enough support to go without.

I suggest taking a look at the Blog: Barking Dog Shoes
The writer reviews all sorts of shoes for many types of foot concerns. Perhaps you will find something helpful there.

Anonymous

Well I can emphathize re: aging parents! Worst thing about getting older, imho
Fully support Birkies for summer!

Anonymous

If New Balance sneakers fit you well I'm thinking we may have very different feet so I'm holding off on suggestions but I'm feeling deep empathy and also great support for your program.

In the past I've added multiples of styles I thought worked, a brown and then a black, only to find that they weren't that great after all so maybe get real wear in after each purchase.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Thanks for the advice Staysfit, I’ll check out that blog.
To clarify, the Birkenstock’s will offer my feet adequate support, although a podiatrist will always prefer an enclosed sandal with heel support.
We are a comparatively minuscule market here on the other side of the world....so it’s a case of making do with the brands available to us.
I agree, phoebe, that it’s sensible to get a feel for how a particular style or brand works for my foot before duplicating.
Sigh, the challenge is real!

madeline

Veteran

Empathize with the caregiving. My mom is 87 and frail.
Also sympathize about the shoes.
My fussy feet have become super fussy over the past few years. I had orthotic insoles made, but they are a pain to remember to put in all my different shoes.
I like Vionics sneakers & boots. No need for orthotics with this brand. Fits my high arch and bunion laden feet well.
Also love Birks Arizona sandals.
Super feet green insoles work well for me too if I have a pair of shoes that I need more support in. Good luck in your quest!

lozz_oz

Veteran

Thanks for your support Madeline. Lots of good advice too.

CarolS

Veteran

Hi Lozz_oz -- I've been meaning to respond to this post all day, and finally, here I am.

I can relate both to the challenges of elder care and the struggle of adapting to a whole new world of "sensible footwear".

I have a wide forefoot (doesn't look wide to me, but I guess it flattens when I step) and a narrow heel. Struggled and continue to struggle with achy/cranky feet, but also want to keep my feet as healthy and pain free as I can so I can continue to do the things I want to do!

Here are some of my experiences:

I made very limited shoe purchases at first because I didn't want to spend a lot of money and then find out that my new purchases were no better than my old. Now on to what I bought and how it has worked:
New Balance walking shoes (in EE thank you very much!). Met my podiatrists recommendation for width and gives lots of room in the toe box, which is great for my chronic ingrown toenail. Feels a bit like wearing shoe boxes but they've been "okay".
Blundstones -- chisel toe (my one concession to a teeny bit of vanity -- could not do the round toe). These served me very well.
Birkenstocks. I bought a pair of Gizeh and a pair of Arizona. Cannot wear the Gizeh. I have loved a thong style sandal all my life, but these put some kind of pressure on the top of my foot and send me into spasm pretty quickly. The Arizonas are a workhorse, but serve more as slippers than shoes to wear out. I might try a pair with a back strap next summer.
Saucony Integrity walking shoe (in wide width) I put a Sole insole in them - for the past couple of years these have had to pass as my "white sneaker". Reasonably comfortable. Nothing fancy to look at but to my eye they fell in with the general "dad sneaker" type trend.
Merrell Moab II hiking shoes in wide. MY BEST WALKING SHOES. They are not pretty, but, especially when the feet were acting up, I'd wear these almost anywhere. I even wore them to work for a few weeks when the feet were in a particular funk. They do NOT elevate an outfit in any way, but I love these shoes.
Sandals are tricky. I have had some luck with a pair of Aetrex sandals (Jillian style). I have a pair of Tevas that are OK too, although probably a size too small. May remedy that next summer.
I recently tried a couple of pair of more "fashionable" sneakers: Olukai leather sneakers and a pair of Ecco Soft 7s. I'm happy with the Olukai, and the width in the forefoot is decent, but I now think the Eccos are going to be better. They are more supportive of my whole foot.
I have definitely sized up. All my life I considered myself to be a size 7.5. Now, depending on the shoe, I aim for an 8 to 8.5, aiming for whatever little bit of extra width I can get.
Still wrestling with dressier shoes (and thankful for the sneaker trend!) I recently picked up a pair of Ecco oxfords on a pretty deep discount - figured they are worth a shot. (Worst case is that they are "sitting" shoes that I can wear for the odd semi-dressy occasion and if/when we ever return to the office). No party shoes in my closet yet, but am keeping my eyes out. Could be a hunt.

I wish you healthy feet and much luck in your quest!

Sal

Veteran

Nice to see you back:)

Have you checked out Frankie4 -https://frankie4.com/

I haven't worn them but I have heard as they are podiatrist designed they are wonderful for orthotics and support. There are a range of shoes, sneakers, sandals and boots - I am sure some of the designs might appeal. Not cheap though!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi there! I emphasise. Also with the lockdown

Have you looked at Peter Sheppard? They now sell online. Lots of Euro brands.

Also Edward Meller?

I’ve heard great things about Frankie4 too.

rachylou

Veteran

I definitely sympathise with problem feet. I’m strictly combat boots and sneakers right now. Not even sandals because they’re not protective enough. I’ve been wearing white Easy Spirit mules in place of sandals.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Many good suggestions here! Thank you Brooklyn, I’ll do some further online searches....I’m hopeful once we get out from this lockdown, that I can visit stores in person which will make the whole process so much easier. I’m familiar with both Peter Sheppard and Edward Meller shoes, so fingers crossed they make something suitable.
Yes, Sal, I’ve seen some of the Frankie4 styles (some don’t really do the supportive heel counter....so far the Ziera brand tend to do that better). I gather it will come down to assessing shoe by shoe.
Thank you Carol to respond with a wealth of experience and some great advice. I think hasten slowly is the first message I need to get into my head - it can be difficult to change old habits! Certainly the increased costs most of these ‘specialty’ shoes entail, I need to become more prudent and less impulsive or swayed by the fashion or the aesthetics of footwear ...
Interested to see that you have some Blundstone boots...they are an Australian brand (on their international website I noticed they have styles that aren’t available to us here!!) . Might send them a message to explore those as a possibility.
Lots of food for thought.....thanks to all who have responded.

MsMaven

Veteran

Buying shoes during the pandemic has been tough and I am sure I've set a record on purchases this last 18 months. Basically I have narrow feet, but with bunions and now having problems with an overlapping toe. I have been buying mediums, but I'm now trying to go back to narrow, but in shoes with a wide enough and deep enough toe box.

I do subscribe to Barking Dog shoes, but I've learned a lot and have received so much good advice here. I do find that as I get older, my feet keep changing. It's a challenge. I've also resigned myself to having to do a lot of trial and error. Sometimes a brand in one style works well, but then I buy a similar style shoe in the same brand a year or two late and it doesn't work at all. (Talking about Mephisto here.)

Another thing I've learned is that even though a pair of shoes doesn't look worn out, many don't work after a year or two of wear. The support structures of the shoes don't necessarily last for a long time.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Wise wise words Ms Maven! I gleaned from my podiatrist that brands and the manufacturers of their shoes do make changes (possibly to keep production costs lower) and thereby render some of the styles less successful in subsequent iterations. (sounds like lip stick manufacturers that change our favourite colours!)

So again, its going to be a shoe by shoe trial...

Yes, I get that the integrity and structure of shoes starts to be less supportive after lots of wear. Its certainly all a time consuming and expensive exercise. Thank goodness for this forum and the wealth of experience that people are willing to share.