Shoes - Need advice - YouLookFab Forum

My family genetics are hitting a little sooner then I'd like. I have a bunion forming on my right foot (I have an appointment next week for evaluation) and many of my shoes, according to Google, should be tossed out and replaced with more comfortable styles. The things is, I do not buy just one type of shoe - or brand. I'm what some people may call a "shoe collector." I rarely shop with a specific shoe in mind, and instead purchase anything that looks interesting. My shoes size has also stayed relatively the same for the last 10 years and I have about 100+ pairs of shoes that I wear "regularly." I've been known to buy a shoe and THEN purchase clothes to go with them. I find many shoes to be comfortable, but I also have a problem with in-grown toe nails. These have all been "taken care of" by podiatrists over the years so I usually stray from shoes that are too tight in the toe area. But I find 2 inch heels to be just as comfortable as 4 inch heels.

I wear a wide range of styles: heels, wedges, flats, sandals, pumps, etc. I need to revamp my shoe purchasing habits so I have less pain. Any thoughts or suggestions on brands to look into? I typically shop at places like TJ Maxx, Macy's, or DSW for shoes but I'm open to actual shoe stores, too. Since I buy so many shoes, I've typically gone for quantity over quality. The most expensive shoes I've ever purchased were a pair of boots on sale for $110 and a pair of prom shoes for $60. Typically I spend in the $20-$45 range.

11 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Hello, and I am sorry to hear about your foot issues. Would you consider switching your shoe shopping strategy from quantity to quality? There are some brands which are pretty comfy (Born, Naot, etc.) but tend to cost more than the prices you mentioned. These way you would only get a few new, more expensive shoes per season but they would be very comfortable.

always trying

I tend to. Buy too many shoes also, but last spring I had to purge several pairs,some because I too am developing a small bunion on rt foot,and others that just did not offer the comfort level I now want. This purge was the best thing I did in a long time. Some shoes were expensive, some not. I shall tell you, for what it is worth, what it have learned, and the one mistake in replacing them I made. Some pumps fall off my feet, but one pair of pointy toe leather did not at first,and I love them,,but after the 4th or4th wears real leather stretched out,and they now fall off. so lesson 1, be careful with real leather,,2. MAkE sure the shoes are cut high enough to go up over the bunion, and are soft. If getting sandals, make sure the straps are not just below the bunion, as it will cut into it and be painful. If your bunion is small it may show a pump. I do not think it is big enough to look ugly, AND maybe by babying it it will not grow!

JayS

Sympathy for you feet issues. I know if my feet are unhappy, I'm unhappy. Browse this website...they suggest shoes for lots of different foot issues. The page here will take you to links devoted to bunions. Good luck!

KayteHam

Active Member

I'm definitely thinking I will have to move to more quality that quantity in my purchasing. I don't want to resort to older shoe brands for comfort since I'm young. I really don't want to sacrifice my shoe style for comfort though and I'm 25. I still want to look age appropriate without being too mature.

avicennia

I agree with Tanya re Quality over quantity. You might consider Clark's as well.

Suz

(website)

I'm confused....when you say you find 2 inch heels as comfortable as 4 inch heels, does that mean they are all comfortable or all uncomfortable for you now?

Also, I hate to sound like a scolding granny but if you have a bunion already in your 20s, it would really be a good idea to baby it and treat it well so it does not advance and give you serious problems later on.

That doesn't mean you have to go for "old lady" shoes. How about embracing the sporty luxe look and wearing some really fun sneakers with some of your outfits? Or grabbing some great tall flat boots? Whenever you can give your feet a break, you should -- save the heels for occasions when the outfit really absolutely needs it and you won't be standing or walking much.

It's hard to recommend brands that might work without knowing more about your feet (high or low volume, large or small, etc.) but I would say: Real quality leather vs. synthetic; leather lining where possible; room in the toe box (even with a pointy toe this is possible); lower heels vs. high heels except for rare occasions; flexible soles; nothing that presses or rubs on that bunion. You can also ice the bunion, do exercises for it, and wear a brace at times if need be.

Datura

I have a similar issue with a small bunion on one foot and found that buying a wooden shoe stretcher with a metal bunion peg worked to save a lot of my shoe collection, especially the leather shoes but sometimes the non- leather ones too. Brands I like are Clarks, Miz Mooz, Jambu, Born, Keen. I usually add the size and style I like to my Amazon wish list and buy them when the price goes down enough. I used to buy cheaper shoes...now I hold out for the more expensive brands, but wait till they are on super clearance so they end up being pretty reasonable.

Laurel

Dansko works for me, and my podiatrist recommended them--- I have a couple of pairs that are stylish as well.

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