Essential footwear - YouLookFab Forum

I have recently been inspired to change my look from sloppy mom in ill fitting jeans and t shirt to something more a bit more stylish. I'm really struggling with footwear, especially with the new pant shapes. I can wear anything with boot cuts, but now that I have straight leg cords and a pair of skinny black jeans, I'm not really sure what I should wear. To complicate things, I have fussy feet and need comfort shoes. I don't wear shoes without socks, and can't wear ballet flats because my heels are narrow and the front of my feet are wide. I need to be able to walk my daughter to school in them. I recently threw out the ugliest pair of shoes I've ever owned (bought them when I had plantar fasciitis) and replaced them with Dansko Kips (that they are an improvement shows just how bad my last pair was). I also bought a pair of tall black riding boots and some grey asics (onitsuka tigers). I have two pairs of winter boots, and some all weather moc type shoes. I'm thinking I'd like a versatile short boot, something not too warm (don't want to roast indoors) but still suitable for reasonably cleared Minnesota sidewalks. I'd also like something in a 1-2" heel, maybe penny loafers? Or the boot could have a heel? I don't necessarily want to look "fashionable", but I would like to look put together. What should my next footwear purchase(s) be?

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

What do you think of a lace-up wedge heel to go with the skinnies?

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Kristin L

I have super fussy feet too. I just bought a pair of Born oxfords that I think should support my high arch, I'd be worried about 1-2" heels on icy sidewalks, but I'm in the south and I freak out at the idea of walking on anything icy.

skitt

Active Member

I don't think I could do a wedge, I'd probably be twisting my ankle all the time because of the narrow heel.

I love the style of Born shoes, but all the ones I've tried are too narrow. I don't know if their width varies by style though.

annagybe

(website)

Try the blog Barking Dog shoes. They have sort of recommendations for fussy feet.

DonnaF

Hi, skitt! I've always felt that those of us with wide forefoot and narrow heels would walk right out of penny loafers and (probably, though I haven't tried) slipper flats. How about ankle booties, either flat or with 1-2" heels? You can have a little heel slippage with booties without walking out of them. I have super fussy feet with bunions and an arthritic joint, and just bought Aldo booties in that heel range. I thought I would have to pay twice as much for Munro American booties which admittedly were nicer but not necessarily that much more comfortable. Another stylish option is oxfords, either flat or with a heel. You have to search to find heeled oxfords without 3" heels, but they are there!

I could be wrong, but I would imagine that engineer or cowboy style boots are hotter than Chelsea style boots, but maybe that is because the leather looks thicker to me; I have no personal experience.

Diana

How about a combat boot or motorcycle style boot? I find a mid-calf shaft height the most versatile, but you need to try some on to find your sweet spot.

I'd try some Doc Marten styles and maybe some Fryes, depending on your budget. I have the Frye Veronica Shortie and like it a lot. I have similar fussy foot issues (with narrow heels too) as you.

I used to wear penny loafers with 2" heels when I worked - they were surprisingly comfortable because the heel height transfers some pressure to the ball of your foot and off your heel. I think the height also meant I didn't walk out of them too, because they were fine - you should try them if you never have!

I do have a pair of combat boots, but have only worn them under pants. I've read things that say boots that height aren't flattering with skinny jeans, but what do I know?

What do you think of these? http://www.zappos.com/merrell-.....roof-black The rubber sole would be very practical for icy sidewalks. Are they versatile?

JAileen

I love those Merrells! I bookmarked them to give them a better look at later.

Re: plantar fasciitis (sp?) I got it by wearing bad shoes when walking (Teva sandals) my podiatrist gave me inserts and I wear them when I'm walking or hiking. All I need are shoes that lace up. Mostly what I wear walking look awful - Salomon goretex shoes. Pro: comfortble, waterproof, great traction. Con: appearance. I haven't had foot poblems in 13 years, though! I do change to other shoes when I'm "running" errands.

ClaraT

The BarkingDog shoe blog actually just had a post "5 Comfortable Shoes for Wide Forefoot/Narrow Heel Combination." That blog is a fantastic resource.

I love Barking Dog Shoes! My problem is what to wear with comfortable shoes more than anything. And what shoes I should have in my closet.

Ariadne

Donna, which Aldo boots did you get?

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