Interesting thought, Tulle. I guess I need to figure out if I can stand to only wear dark bottoms for the next few months. The reason I was thinking about a lighter pair of sneakers was so they would blend with lighter bottoms, rather than sticking out. Although I don't have any bottoms that are the "stone" or "bone" color, I do have light gray, taupe, light wash blue jeans and white jeans that I thought would be better suited to light shoes. Your thoughts?

A toe without pain is a priceless accessory. Ugly shoes x 112 days=youbetcha

I think that shoe would be tragic in bone mostly because it would really really look orthopedic and possibly age you by a decade. If course this is my opinion only.

Carter, I really admire how your are soldiering along with this challenge - both physical and emotional - hugs!
Echoing everybody else that your outfits look great and casually chic even with the aircast. I am with Inge - this is the right time for you to embrace the sneaker and sporty luxe trend and have fun with it: kind of making lemonade...:-) Actually white sneakers may be even easier to style in this deliberate way.
Good luck - with the healing and with shoe dilemma!

Thanks, Unfrumped! Only sneakers for now for stability. I'm basically going to be learning to walk properly again. I've been walking on the side of my foot to take pressure off the toe for well over a year. You're probably right about light colored clunky shoes looking clunkier.

Thanks, Deb! I've been using St John's Wort oil since the minute the incision healed. No scientific proof that it's made any difference, but the PA thought I was there for my 8 week post-op check up, and the surgeon said that if he'd seen the same xray at 3 months, he'd say I was fused. I also think you were right about the staples vs sutures! So far, so good.

This is not exactly your style, but neither are the black Addictions . . . .Have you ever considered taking shoe dye and decorating the Addictions in a few more colors to look more like fashion sneakers? I would paint either the black or the white; the stone ones unless painted with metallics just scream Rossmore Leisure World to me. [No offense to a friend and his husband who just moved there.] Yeah, I would use multiple metallics on the stone/taupe.

Donna, in the Zappos reviews, someone mentioned shoe paint for these. Was that you?? I was hoping the plain shoes would just fade away rather than make a statement. Maybe I should embrace them and let them stand out?

BJ and Donna...the stone ones are tragically suited for LeisureWorld?? Oh no!

Sveta, you're a darling. Thank you!

Carter you look great! Your toes are nicely polished. That is very FAB. I can't wear the same shoes everyday. My feet are painful most days. But you may find it works differently for you. Feet without pain is incredibly beautiful. Who cares what the shoes look like?

Not quite 112 days yet, but I have gone 72 days with just 2 pair of shoes.

My feet grew half a size and the swelling from late pregnancy forced me I to slip ons that accommodated the changes.

Even 2 weeks post partum, I am not thrilled with bending to put on shoes (I had the baby c-section). So, I am still wearing the same two pairs.

I do recommend two pairs to rotate in and out. It saves wear and tear on your feet and on your shoes to not wear the same pair daily.

While Sanita and Dansko clogs are rigid, they are not form fitting so your foot will move around. Also, slightly gripping with your toe is inherent. Might not be the safest bet for you. I would go with snug support. Birkenstock clogs might work, but I would be a little concerned with the toe grip in those too. When in doubt, ask your MD!

I think I actually did wear the same pair of ugly shoes all through high school.

Anyway, no foot pain is a mitzvah. Maybe you can embrace the clunk for that amusing Addams Family look. Probably the only one who will notice is you.

You're looking really good! Cute enough to totally distract from the boot.

Glad the recovery's going well. I'd say to definitely look for a second pair, because two ugly shoes at least get you a little variety. I kind of agree that the bone isn't a great color, but what about the white ones? Or maybe looking for a slightly different style as the second pair?

Can you wear the Brooks addiction running shoes instead of the walkers? They are silvery, and look light and sporty--- What about a light trail shoe? --- these by Salomon tend to be stiff because they have a rock protector, which is basically a plastic plate that keeps the shoe from bending much.

Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it and wear the black ones-- but I'm another person that needs at least 2 pair to switch out of, although 2 identical pair may not give your feet a break.

Well, ugly is a very relative thing in fashion. Weren't Birks considered hideous by fashionistas only a few years ago? I say wear those black shoes with your head held high and a smile on your face. Same goes for a pair in "bone" or "stone". You look great from head to toe.

Agree with the general sentiments expressed - you look great, you can totally work the black sneakers, and very glad your foot is healing well. I would hold off ordering more until you see how comfortable the new sneakers will be. You may need another pair for comfort reasons but I don't know if you can know that yet!

Oh, Thistle! But what a great reason to have to wear shoes you wouldn't normally choose! My right foot has always been about a half size longer than my left. Since the doc had to cut out so much bone, it's now about a half size smaller than my left foot. With my first child, both feet ended up a half size larger. Seems so weird to me.

Missey, you're probably right about the toe grip issue. Mine are gripping anything for awhile.

IK, I assume it took you longer than 112 days to get through highschool, right? I guess I'll be channeling Morticia...

Yes, Aubergine! I seem to be getting the message that if I get a second shoe, it needs to be something other than the addiction:-)

Elly, I'll look at the running shoe, but I'm guessing that any running shoe will necessarily have more bend than I'm allowed. Hiking/trail shoes may be interesting though. I'll take a look at those. Thanks for the suggestion!

Gaylene, I love that! I'm now working on the theor that I'm ahead of the fashion curve...someday the fashionistas will catch up to me;-)

Shevia, you're right of course, that I really have no clue yet what I may need. I can't even be certain when the swelling will go away...or not. However...I've always had a "tie up loose ends" approach, whether or not the ends are actually loose!

Carter, you look beautiful! Your outfits are great...I especially like the leopard top.

If it were me, I would just wear the same pair of shoes every day. If you don't like the shoe style very much, I wouldn't buy a second pair. Might as well save your money for something nicer down the road.

Carter, I haven't read the entire thread, but I wanted to send my sympathy... but also good wishes that your foot heals quickly and completely. Quite frankly, the most important thing is taking good care of the foot so it can heal, and style takes a backseat. However, what better time in the scope of fashion eras than now to be relegated to athletic shoes? After all, sporty luxe is a big thing, so I say embrace it. I would recommend two pairs so you're not wearing just one pair day in and day out -- not only to alleviate boredom and give you a second option, but also to give the shoes a break. I switch running shoes every other day for this reason. I think it's better for your feet too.

You look terrific at any rate, and I know you'll continue looking fab with your temporary footwear restrictions! It will go by fast.

Hi Carter -- I haven't read all the responses either, but good luck with the recovery! I hope it proceeds smoothly.

If it were me, I'd wear the same pair of ugly shoes for the whole time -- unless, as Janet suggests, doing so would ruin the shoes. I think I have heard that it's a good idea to switch between shoes to give your shoes a 'break' -- it also keeps them from getting stinky.

I'd ask the podiatrist what he/she thinks.

It's so good to see you! You are looking great! I've only skimmed responses so far but I wouldn't get the bone shoes. There's a certain je me sais quoi that will age you a million years. I'd stick to the black and quietly wear them as much as possible. If your foot feels a bit better and you're sick of the shoes, then I'd venture out again....I'm so glad you are healing and on your feet. Take care.

Yay for real shoes, boo for ugly! LOL

Here's what I'd do: I'd get two pair of black because wearing the exact same shoes every day could get funky, and what if they get wet or something? I'd alternate them like I do my gym shoes. Then I'd consider getting a white pair and dying them a color I love that would go with my light colored bottoms.

Good luck with your continued recovery!

When if not now could you sport all the happy socks you wouldn't normally wear? Match your outfits, do some pattern matching, crazy sparkles and ruffles. Socks are cheap and fun. Give 'em something to smile at rather than apologize for what you can't do anything about. (1.5 yrs out of foot surgery, very happy.)

Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad I asked about the bone colored shoes. I'm pretty sure I would have ordered them and then not been able to figure out why I looked frumpier in them than in the black ones!

Ms Mary, I hadn't thought about them getting wet! I'll have to address this because the dog could care less what the weather may be for her walks.

I think I'll just do as someone suggested above and order a bunch from Zappos.

Be sure to remove the insoles from the Addictions when you take them off for the day. It helps when airing them out. The Addiction runners are barely more flexible than the walkers; I really don't notice any difference in that respect. The removable insoles in the runners are much nicer (thicker) than the ones that come with the walkers.

I agree with BJ--NO BONE Carter! I know deep down you know that will be a look killer.

I am so sorry you have to go through this foot pain, but then having to wear the Brooks so long. Why don't you try to wear mostly black or dark bottoms so at least it all blends well....After you wear in the Brooks you can try for a second pair of "stiffs" and hopefully you will then have two styles in the rotation.

I think you're like me in your sensibilities so I know how hard this must be for you! Just be sure your hair and makeup are great when you need to go out--buy yourself some fabulous new perfume--the good stuff. Wear your best jewels and carry your nicest purses.

As long as you have to feel meh about your footwear, you might as well take this time to focus on beauty and hair. Get treatments. Get massages. Whatever it takes to keep up the morale!

We'll be with ya all the way if you want to whine and cry...

Wow--lots of comments since the last time I looked! As most of my Winter bottoms are dark jeans or charcoal or black pants, it would not be a stretch for me to avoid light colors for the duration. Light color jeans, in particular, strike me as chilly and impractical in freezing temps, snow and mud. But I'm guessing you live in a warmer climate, in which case dressing exclusively in dark pants might be too restrictive, and the lighter shoes would be your logical choice. Best of luck to you--it sounds like you're recovering well!

Oh dear! I hope this never happens to me. I might just go into fashion gloom and doom! No advice whatsoever .... Just loads of sympathies! At least the toe seems to be healing well x