Help me make a decision - new boots

Hi all!

My first post (well, second, after the intro one)! After years of lurking. And quietly soaking in knowledge.

And I need help! Please.

Right now, I have 0 pairs of boots that fit me correctly. I have troublesome feet, with MRI/xrays/physical therapy to help the pain coupled with duck feet and high arches. My physical therapist told me I could never wear anything but athletic shoes. I've slowly found a few brands that work for me. They're not very stylish, but I think much much better than running shoes for work and play.

Which of these boots do you like better (I'd choose the brown version of either):

http://www.shoebuy.com/footprints-bergen/538553

http://www.surf4shoes-au.com/W.....Dark-brown::103428063.html

A simple vote, or reasons why, would really help me. Is one more versatile (I'm thinking the garda)? Are lace-up boots too fringey? I'd like to wear them with jeans and dresses, if possible.

Style-wise I think I fall into earthy urban chic? Or I am trying to?

I am complete shoe novice. And I need to get rid of all my other boots since plantar fasciitis is rearing its ugly head once more.

Thanks all! Every day I think I should choose the other pair.

12 years ago

Kalli

Active Member

A coworker of mine has the same condition, she still is able to wear some stylish shoes. Is it possible to put orthotics into most flat boots? Anyhow, regarding those two boots, it's hard for me to make a judgment until I actually see what you wear a lot of. The first one is very urban and the 2nd one seems more classic with it's minimalism.

Echo

Veteran

The second ones, without the laces, will be easier to style, IMO. They will more easily coordinate with dresses as well as more casual clothing, and I think they project more of an "earthy uran chic" look than laced boots. The laced boots are more of a UWP look (at least in black) IMO, and whereas they fit some people's styles perfectly, they are a more difficult style to pull off, generally speaking.

Lyn D.

I vote for the second pair.
If you are only going to have one- these might be more versatile for dressing-up or down.

DonnaF

Keen and Northface also make boots that are not super gear-ish. The second pair of boots, since they are plainer, would probably be more versatile.

I am assuming you live in a place that gets cold and so you need boots? I ask this because I live in NorCal and find that I never wear tall boots. My feet/ankles get cold, so I wear booties.

maximumene

Garda for the win. As others have pointed out, it's the more versatile style that could be dressed up or down.

I've got problem feet myself, though of a different variety. I'd recommend looking into brands that specialize in making comfortable shoes that don't look like orthopaedic shoes. Ecco is my darling du jour; Clarks is also solid, and neither brand should break the budget. Other comfort-driven brands include Joseph Seibel, Mephisto, Naot, Dansko, Spring Step.

rebekahphoto

The Garda would be more versatile I think. I have Ecco, Romika, Frye, Sebago & Camper boots that all allow me to add insoles & offer enough comfort for my uber fussy arches & plantar fasciitis too. Soft leather is a help & I tend to get more support from rubber soles

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

I like the lace-ups, but to echo what others have said... I don't really know your style.

If you are still looking at other boot-brands, I would say take a look at Born. I haven't tried their boots, but I have a pair of their mule-type wedge sandals that I think are god-awful-ugly. But when I wear them, the clouds part in the sky, sunlight streams down, and a heavenly choir sings to the arches of my feet. This is a brand worth looking into, because every step feels like a foot massage.

I don't know if this is something you can do in your condition, but I found my feet got much stronger and more flexible, with regular ballet barre and yoga classes.

http://www.bornshoes.com/ViewA.....goryID=102

missvee

I love the styling of the first pair and I think they would work well with your earthy urban chic vibe. The second pair are much more classic and will work with a wider variety of outfits. So it's hard to say which pair you should buy. It all depends on your lifestyle.

Thistle

To answer your question (without reading the other posts first), I think the second boots are a better choice. They can be both dressed up and dressed down.

On a side note, I have trouble feet too. I shattered my left foot and had to have it rebuilt. While this makes it so I can't wear a lot of shoes others can, there are many, many shoe makers out there that make cute shoes that I can wear.

I am not a doctor, so I can't speak to your specific situation.

One brand you might want to look into is Doc. Martins. My understanding is these were originally designed for those with problem feet, and they were so fun and unique they got widespread popularity.

A few brands I have had luck with (your mileage may vary)
-Ara
-Born
-Clarks
-Ecco
-Pikoliono
-Trotters
-Wolkies
-Munro
-Rieker

There are others, but my mind is drawing a blank right now!

Anonymous

I vote for pair #2, as they seem more versatile. I have had great success with Softspots, Clarks and Dansko. I messed up my ankle last year, which is on the same leg as my sciatica pain (when the sciatica pain flares up, my ankle hurts). Now my other leg has bursitis in the knee. Needless to say, my shoe/boot choices revolve around what's most comfortable. I still try to be stylish, though. Whatever you choose to buy, make sure your feet feel good.

Haruka

Member

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it.

I actually have a pair of Borns, and Merrell, and Frye boots - all of which, even with orthotics, hurt. I've ordered several Keen boots and sent those back (hooray for zappos), and Clarks and Doc Martens too. I'll try the other brands - thanks everyone! The main problem is my size is 5 EEE (I know) - so while the arch part can be somewhat remedied, getting my duckling feet into any shoes is an issue. I've taken my fryes and merrells to the cobbler for stretching several times each, but the last time they said that I shouldn't stretch them much more to keep the leather from tearing.

So, that's my foot saga! Thanks again!

Ah, 5s are hard enough, but EEE makes it even more challenging, even without your current foot issues. Thank goodness for Zappos and internet searches to give you some hope of shod feet. Glad you found a couple pairs of boots that might work. Given your fit challenges and enabler that I am, maybe you should get both so that each gets a chance to air out in between wears so that they last longer?

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