What are your alternatives to Pumps...

jayne

After reading all the replies to the http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....n-her-life thread, I recognize this problem.

I noted that Cole Haan Air wedges were mentioned as a great alternative and would love to try them, if I lived in the States.

Then I also saw kitten heel sandals, but these do not suit my cold climate

and then there is Mary Janes, but I find they have the same toe pinching problem as pumps do (although the strape keeps them on better).

So is there a pretty alternative for a chubby legged (thus not able to use ankle boots with any success) slightly classic kind of gal?

What is your ideal shoe?

Mine:
I am wearing Earthies now and they are heaven in comfort (as a sandal)
if they made a sleek oxford with a pretty little chunky heel, I would be gold.
Or the same in the pretty slipper loafers in a little heel in patent leather.

Am I dreamin?

13 years ago

Inspiration

14 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Loves Tea

Active Member

Well, let me qualify this by telling you I am a chemist and therefore must wear long pants and shoes that cover my whole foot (no ballet flats) to work. Every. Single. Day. I can also get away with dressing somewhat casual because I work in a lab, so I have no idea if this will work for anyone with a job where they have to dress up. My go-to shoes are a clog-style pair of Clarks. I bought them in black and in brown. They work with khakis, jeans, and even dress pants. Here's a link to something similar http://www.dsw.com/shoe/clarks.....Ref=SEARCH I also love casual city boots for fall and winter.

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Actually, I've seen both those kinds around here, so I'm sure they should be possible to get in Europe as well. Probably not the most common thing, but possible. Doesn't Shannon have a pair of heeled oxfords too?

As a cankle owner, I just want to suggest you don't give up on ankle boots or booties either --- a low-contrast pair could be just the ticket.

Thing about mary janes, I find the ankle strap lets me size up a little to give myself a little extra wiggle room, without shedding my shoe with every step. Worth a shot too?

13 years ago

Anonymous

I wear a size 7.5W (D width), so my choices are rather limited. Here's what I have:

http://www.amazon.com/S%C3%B6f.....B004LY3CLK

plus a pair very similar to these but in charcoal grey suede:

http://s.onlineshoes.com/image.....366_45.jpg

I have fussy feet, with a high instep in addition to the bunions. Both of the shoes mentioned in this post are comfortable enough to wear for special occasions. I wouldn't want to walk around in them all day, though, and I'm glad I don't have to wear them to the office.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

My alternative to pumps over the last year has been my Pilar Abril shooties, and alternately my Harajuku Lovers oxfords.

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13 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Cute booties!

13 years ago

Anonymous

Actually, booties are an excellent alternative to pumps. I have several pairs of them, and wear them with trousers. I don't wear them with dresses or skirts for fear they'll make my short legs look even shorter. I do think that for the long legged among us, they look great with dresses and skirts.

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, my alternative to pumps is... more pumps! At last count I had 29 pair, and I suspect it's over 30 now.

Not much help, am I?

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

I own two pairs of pumps, but I also wear heeled ankle booties and heeled maryjanes as alternatives.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I hate pumps. They hurt me more and more these days. I like Mo's heeled oxfords, and I have a pair of loafers. Definitely do try more ankle boots, though; I find them way more comfy since the shaft helps keep your toes from sliding forward and jamming into the toe box. For wide ankles, go for low-contrast as Manidipa said, no crazy embellishments in that area (buckles, laces, etc.).

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I find that most of my pumps have some sort of strap--T strap or ankle strap or twisty straps or Mary Jane straps. I only have a couple pairs of true pumps like the Kate Spade turquoise pumps and my Missoni for Target chevron stripe pumps. Straps make pumps feel much more secure on my feet. Try Clarks or Indigo by Clarks low heel pumps. I have three pairs (red T strap, brown twisty strap and black Mary Jane strap), all bought pre-YLF, and they are hands down the most comfortable pumps in my closet. I also have a pair of nude Easy spirit Mary Jane pumps that are super comfy too. They're getting a little worn and scuffed but I haven't found a suitable replacement yet. All of these are about 2-2.5 inch heels which is much more manageable for a full work day than 3-3.5 inches.

13 years ago