if you have to wear orthotics/supportive shoes but want to look fab - YouLookFab Forum

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if you have to wear orthotics/supportive shoes but want to look fab

Debbie

Could someone describe a no-brainer outfit that would look good in Wash DC where I have to wear sneakers with support for walking 8 hour days?

This is my ultimate fashion challenge. I seem to have a mental block about it or am making it harder than it is.

Challenges:
orthotic must fit in shoe with insole covering it (usually this means some type of fashion sneaker or running sneaker)
must be able to wear no-show socks

(PS I will take my brulee gladiators for times when I am not walking a lot. They are very comfy for me, but not for walking long distances when I need the support)

(PSS I own gray Converse and my orthotics fit in them with a pad over them but what to wear with them in summer?)
Thank you for de-mystifying this for me!

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from chewyspaghetti

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I say go for the Converse with a linen pant and a colorful woven top.

shiny

Veteran

I don't know if these are YLF approved BUT this weekend, while at an art opening that was a dressed up, chi-chi affair, I saw this absolutely stunning, stylish woman who was probably in her mid- to late-70s, and she was wearing sneaks kinda like this:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7351757/color/24291

What made it work was that she wore long black bootcut pants that were hemmed to perfect PPL and so covered up most of the sneaker. She was also wearing a black top, interesting silver jewelry, and her hair was cut short, chic, and funky and was an amazing shade of silver. She was uber-polished and just looked great. The shape of the shoes was just interesting enough they did not look orthopedic or overly athletic. The problem with this is that I'm not sure it would necessarily work with anything other than black sneaks and black pants?

Edit to add: she was also wearing a bright turquoise scarf tied around her neck. That was one of the best details. I remember thinking to myself that's exactly the sort of outfit and haircut I want to copy and wear when I'm that age.

Debbie

bump for more help please---thanks shiny and chewy-----

Chris

Are the Cons a low top or high top?

How about a new pair of low top Converse in a nice summery color? Linen white or a bright? You could wear with clams or walk shorts at least.

marianne

Debbie, have you tried comfort sandals like Ecco, Naot or Mephisto? Many of them have great arch support. I don't wear custom orthotics, but I use Superfeet, and it's quite comparable. Just a thought - if you can't do without orthotics, then just ignore my comment

Debbie

Chris

I did not know it is ok to wear Converse with clamdiggers? I have a pair of navy and gray low tops. Does Angie know you wear that combo? LOL! If is ok, you just solved my dilemma!

Marianne:

which ones do you wear say with clamdiggers with your superfeet inside?

Thanks

cciele

Veteran

Hmm... maybe you can put an orthotic in something like:

Privos
http://www.zappos.com/product/7416655/color/655

Palladium
http://www.6pm.com/product/7347844/color/423

Or other sporty Mary Jane type shoes?

marianne

Sorry Debbie, I didn't mean that I wear superfeet with sandals, but that wearing Mephisto sandals feels like wearing superfeet in terms of arch support. The footbed is amazing.
I also like cciele's suggestion - I wear my dress superfeet (half length) with this Privo style:
http://www.footwearetc.com/Pri.....7c20_d_779

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These work well with orthotics:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7420012/color/15942

My client comfortably fits her orthotics in this style and she loves them.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I used to have those Hush Puppies- I liked them and they were comfy.l I had them on one day in the store, and I literally walked right out of them. Weight loss will do that to you LOL

anne

Veteran

Oh those ones were very close to the ones Tam has and I was considering getting. Would they be 8-hour comfy without socks Angie?

Vani

Veteran

Ooh, I've liked those since I saw Tam sport them. Hope they work out for you Debbie!

Debbie

I ordered them in pewter from Hush Puppies.com. zappos was out of them in my size.

I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks for all the help. I am determined to get this figured out!

HannahC

Debbie,

There is a great blog: http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/
that is dedicated to comfortable shoes for women with real feet comfort issues. They had quite a few recommendations of comfortable and supportive footwear (including sandals) in which you can fit orthotics.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Yeah they are the ones I have too. Although the heel on the Australian version is slightly different. They are totally 12 hours shoes - I love them!!!!!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks for posting that blog Hannah- I am going to check that out.