haha Vildy, I actually wanted to put in a disclaimer that certain advice doesn't apply to problem feet, but it ended up being too wordy! In that case, you need to do whatever works, fashion be damned-- I sprained my ankle last years, and 3 months in a boot was followed by several months in whatever shoe would fit my ankle brace. : )
I like velcro fine for athletic pursuits too-- I have teva sandals that aren't super attractive but are very practical for warm weather hiking.