Jenava, Birkenstock actually sells insoles that have arch support just like their sandals, in case that might work for you. But yeah, you are never going to get that enveloped foot feeling from an insole that you get from a fitted shoe.

I didn't know that! I will try to seek them out. The ones I have are superfeet and they are OK, but def. not the same as the Naot's or Birks.

Hopefully this link works, but it's just a search on amazon. I have the blue ones ("Birkenstock Blue Footbed Heeled Arch Support") and they are sized down from my normal shoes size (but equivalent to my normal Birki size). The blue ones wouldn't be good in a heeled shoe though due to their rigidity, so for a bit of a heel I would get a longer style. Surely Seattle must have a Birki store. The best thing would be to try them out before buying to find the best style and size.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb.....Caps%2C399

These are great for comfort shoes, given the need.

Have you thought about getting orthotics? I have them and never worry about a shoe having support. They have lots of different kinds you can get so they fit in different kind of shoes. They are expensive, but if you have insurance that will cover them, they are great!

Jem, I have them for my running shoes. I did talk to my podiatrist about dress orthodics, but I would be very limited in the shoes I could wear with them (I think mine are like super wide or something? which is weird cause I have narrow feet, but I pronate so I think that's the reason?).

Scarlet, I'll check them out. There are a couple stores that offer Birkis but I'm not, ahem, a frequent customer...maybe I should be!...they are like the walking shoe company and such...I don't think we have a birki store? but I'll look.

I'm fine with them for just flats...they'd be for my flat casual booties.

I think you have to know your feet and your needs and it sounds like you have done that. I tend to have what seems like too many shoes because on a lot of days, I need 14-hr + serious no-nonsense shoes and it just takes Clarks loafer/shootie style or laceup or something to do that, but I have a range for different pants--almost just as you say with these. In other words, I aim for the least-frumpy version of frumpy so I have several types and heel heights. Elsewise I would just have to wear track shoes or hiking shoe.

Strategy also is, with my fussy feet, if I wear shoes most of the time that don't squish my toes or make bunion worse or whatever, I find I can continue to wear other more fashion-forward shoes from time to time, such as certain flats for office desk work days, heels (somewhat) for special occasions, more pointy-toe if it works with a specific outfit, and the like.

Walk a mile in another lady's feet before you jump to criticizing her footwear fashions! There may be a strategy at work and not just fashion-ignorance.

UF - yes, often my outfit revolves around my feet and the weather! (-: