The Shoe Update - YouLookFab Forum

I finally saw a podiatrist/chiropodist today and clarified my foot issues and what types of shoes I could wear. Within the last month, I fully accepted that perhaps I may never wear a heel higher than 2 inches again, and I've made peace with that fact. I was relieved today that my foot issues are not as bad as I thought and I'm not stuck on wearing frumpy orthopaedic shoes and sneakers. Basically I will need a custom orthotic (required because I have a stage 1 bunion and a short big toe - which apparently makes the bunion worse).

So here are my new shoe requirements:
- I need to at least have a platform in the front of the shoe. About 0.5 inches
- 1-1.5 inch heel for "flats" (best shoe to accommodate orthotics)
- up to 2 inches on certain types of heels
- wide toe box (no pointy toes - it makes the bunion worse)
- wedge or a chunky heel

To my relief, it's easy to fit this criteria without having to resort to orthopaedic brands. I feel good about it. Chunky soles with streamlined features have always been a style I lean towards due to sheer comfort and RATE-ness. However, I'm concerned about the style and trend factor. These days, flat boots are very streamlined and almond toes are favoured. Most almond toes are too narrow for me.

Any suggestions on more modern footwear that may fit my new requirements? I just bought these boots today and they're so comfy with my insole on:

http://www.zappos.com/harley-davidson-khari-black

I'm considering:

Fluevog Cece:
https://www.fluevog.com/shop/1.....hor_page=4

Fluevog Bondgirl (similar to the ones I own but I want it in a different colour):
https://www.fluevog.com/shop/2.....#038;of=67

I'm considering other Doc Martens styles as well.

Suggestions would be appreciated!

10 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

That's great news! I'm glad to hear you are going to be able to combine some of your style goals with your foot health goals! Will Danskos work for you? I've seen some seriously cute ones this season, and the toes are still quite rounded.

CocoLion

(website)

Love the Fluevog Cece. Even though it doesn't have the currently trendy pointy toe, it's surely a cool looking boot and far from orthotic looking.

I'll take a look around for other styles.

For work, I swear by my Sanita clogs.

Amazon

Sanita Women's Professional Celina Clog

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Top Pick

Alassë

I'm glad to hear you have more shoe options!

Suz

This is really, really great news. So glad.

And I love the 'Vogs. Both ones.

It would be fun to have a brighter coloured boot.

For winter footwear I think your choices are a lot bigger. In summer it may still be a slight strain, but probably a lot less than this past year.

amiable

Yay! So glad that you have happier feet in your future. Love the Bondgirl vogs and the harley davidsons! I have some Doc Martens on their way to me too

danskogirl

Active Member

So glad you've found your options opening up! I know I've recommended the Dansko Lulu before but am doing so again because it fits all your criteria -- as well as having an insole that comes out so that it can fit an orthotic. I have the Lulu and can fit my orthotic in just fine. (Also, Zappos' listed measurement for the heel seems to be off. I measure the heel at 1.5", with the platform in front at 0.75".)

(The only thing, for me, is that the sizing seems a bit strange. I'm a 6W/6D in dress shoes, and usually wear Dansko shoes of various styles in a 37. Occasionally, if a 37 is too big, a 36 fits well. But with the Lulu (and other recent Dansko styles), I'm finding that the 36 is just a smidge too small, especially lengthwise -- my foot fits in the shoe but there's no room at the tips of my toes -- and the 37 too long. I make the 37 work in this style with added toe stuffing. I wish they made half sizes.)

Also, I know you're in Canada so finding a place that carries it can be hard. I wonder if the recently opened Nordstrom in Calgary carry these and, if so, might be able to ship to you. Good luck with your new shoes search!

(ETA: I swear I don't work for Dansko, LOL. It's just a brand that tends to work well for my foot challenges.)

Zappos

Dansko Lulu

$149.94

MsLuna

Thank you for the encouraging words and responses ladies!

@Firecracker: I'll have to opt for the Danskos with removable insoles once I have custom orthotics. Danskogirl posted a shoe that fits this criteria! I heard many good things about Dansko!

@Cocolion: the Cece's are so pricey but worth it! I may just put one on layaway soon! Also heard lots of great things about Sanita!

@Suz: I'd love to get the Fluevog Bondgirl in that red colour, but I think I should focus on getting the Cece first because it's a basic. One reason why I like the colder months is due to the comfort of boots! With my new custom orthotics, summer will be even trickier!

@Amy: the Harley's are soooooo nice on the feet. It has shock absorbent cushioning. My only gripe is that when I walk, my longest toe touches the front of the shoe, but no real pain otherwise. Can't wait to see your docs!

@danskogirl: I've had my eye on the Lulu's for a while and managed to find a Canadian vendor that sells it! I want one in every colour! I'm normally between a36 and 37 in Danskos but 37 works best for me.

I want yo look into their Marseille collection too. The dansko Olivia is available in red snakeskin!!!

DonnaF

I have custom orthotics -- that I never use. They hurt my feet more than they make them comfortable. One thing I've learned is that the podiatrist's guidelines are just guidelines, and that the individual characteristics of a particular pair of footwear is even more important. My podiatrist told me to wear rocker bottom shoes or basically the type of shoes yours did. However, my most comfortable sandals are my Softspots Neima (which look better in snakeskin than the various colors available now). These babies have a 2.5+" heel(!), and supposedly my feet don't bend that far. The arch/curve must hit me just right. They have a very, very slight platform BUT they really don't flex which is why they work for me, I suspect. Footwear loose over the arch of my low volume feet also allow my feet to flex more (ouch!) so I suspect that's why booties/boots don't work for me as well as one would think. YMMV.

It's a long journey. . . .and remember that not all *comfort* brand shoes will work for your particular feet and its issues.

Sveta

This is great Kate! I am sure you would be able to find stylish footwear to meet your criteria. Fingers crossed!

labelzilla

You won't necessarily need shoes with removable insoles to be able to fit your orthotics inside. Look for shoes with very little arch support or shaping as your orthotics will take care of that. Is the shape of your foot particularly square at the toes? If not, rounded or almond shapes shouldn't be a problem as they should extend past your toes without constricting anyways. I sometimes wonder if podiatrists think that we jam our toes all the way to the ends of pointed toe shoes (or maybe some people do!)

I also have bunions and have had orthotics in the past. They're hardly limiting and I think you won't have such a difficult time finding shoes to meet your criteria as it may seem now.

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