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When comfort dictates style

Anonymous

I have to cope with chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis that affects other joints (hip, ankle, toe, knee, thumb). I also have bunions to accommodate & hide. Part of my pain management strategy has been to replace my higher-heeled shoes. Buying comfortable dress shoes has been particularly challenging. Here's what I bought to start:

http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Pet.....TF8&q

Do you guys like these? (vote yay or nay)

They aren't the dressiest, but they work for most occasions, I think. I bought both colors, and will probably use the nude color most often. The nude ones are leather, while the black ones are a satiny fabric.

There's nothing I like better than a pair of killer pumps, but that's out of the question now. The reason I'm posting is to let you all know what I'm dealing with when I make fashion choices. I don't have any problem with everyday clothing because the casual office I work in provides me with more freedom of choice than most places of business. My choices for evening and special occasions, however, has to change. I see the lists some of our YLF members create and wonder what type of list I'll come up with. While my lifestyle doesn't require me to dress up much, I do like to look nice when dining out with family and friends, etc. That is to say, I enjoy dressing up. Maybe some of you can help me as I sort this out. A big shout out to DonnaF for finding that peplum top for me. I love things like that because they can be dressed up or down and are made of comfortable, easy care fabrics.

Dressing

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tulle

Veteran

Love them. Hope they work for you!

smiles33

I completely relate to the need to dress for comfort now. I, too, admire but no longer wear the 3" heels to work. Yet I don't know if this particular shoe is going to be comfortable. I see it has a synthetic sole (which looks thin and flimsy) and think that combined with the 2" heel, it could be actually quite uncomfortable on your joints. I'll go with a synthetic sole for some flats, but if I have heels, I want a cushioned leather sole.

Plus, at $80, they aren't that inexpensive either. I think I'd return them and look for brands known for their comfort. I've been able to pick up comfortable casual workplace-appropriate shoes ("name brands" like Cole Haan Air, Taryn Rose, and Born) on sale for under $100 (e.g., DSW, Nordstrom Rack, Cole Haan outlet) and they've lasted me several years now.

I think the shoe style also makes a difference. I don't wear stilettos or even stacked heels anymore. It's either flats or a wedges (which I find more stable) if I want some height. My favorite pair are Cole Haan Air peep-toe wedges with a super comfortable sole that I have walked for 30+ consecutive minutes in without any pain/blisters. For casual shoes, like my Born flats, I like to use Dr. Scholl's gel inserts for even greater comfort. They are so amazing!

Good luck finding some great shoes that are comfortable!

Peri

Veteran

Just chiming in with some empathy...I'm with you on the back and foot issues. I have found that the board has been very kind about my fashion limitations. I wear loose pants, and gym shoes most of the time and everyone knows I'm not allover stylish, but they still help me with what I can do. I think there are several of us who can't just dress for looks alone. Life is life, what can we do? Welcome!

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

My sub contract in special ed stipulates that closed toe flats will be worn to school sites. It's a limitation, sure, but limitations can actually enhance creativity. Find the most wonderful shoes for you & your life and rock them with joy and conviction. I'd go the Dorothy Parker route: never complain, never explain.

Sal

Veteran

It must be so painful, I do feel for you coping with that level of pain.

In terms of shoes, the positive side is that flats are very fashionable! There are several people on the forum with foot issues so I am sure you will get some stellar advice!

Deborah

Veteran

That is a very stylish shoe for a 'comfort' shoe. I like it a lot. I am sorry that you experience such pain but at least you know you that style and comfort can work nicely together.

Jenny H

I can relate as I also have foot issues (different issues, but issues nonetheless). I'm constantly looking for shoes that don't look orthopedic but can accomodate my custom orthotics.

I like these shoes. They look very arty and a little edgy. I'm guessing that since you bought two pairs that you are finding that the are comfortable to work for you.

Anonymous

Thanks, everyone. No, they aren't the most comfortable shoes I own, but they were purchased to wear only on occasions when dressy shoes will do, and when I'm not expecting to spend all day on my feet. Those occasions are few and far between, but I like having suitable attire in my closet for such times.

I did buy padded insoles to put in them--the kind that are made for women's dress shoes and sandals. The somewhat arty look to the shoes is what I like. Also, I managed to get them for half price, so I thought they were worth a try since I couldn't find anything else that looked even remotely suitable.

I wear Clarks, Cobb Hill, Softspots and Sofft for everyday--all of which have padded insoles with arch support and have heels that do not exceed 2 inches--most are 1.5 inches. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, so it's difficult to find shoes that fit in the first place, but somehow I'm managing pretty well. Luckily, I can wear boots 3/4 of the year, and my boots are all very comfortable.

I spend the greater part of each day at a desk, so I'm not on my feet much. For that reason, the heel height is not extremely critical, though I do prefer the 1.5-inch height. I have a Desk Cycle underneath my desk, and use it to keep the blood circulating in my legs.

No complaints from me except when it comes to finding stylish shoes for people like me who have foot problems. I don't think it's really that hard for manufacturers to do it. They just cater to a different demographic. It's the same as the need for more petite size offerings in a world where many women are petite but the retailers continue to stock clothes for regular-sized women. I often wonder where all the regular-sized women are. I have yet to meet very many women who look like they can wear off-the-rack clothing. Most look like they have to have their clothes altered in on way or the other, or have their clothes custom made.

Anonymous

I've found this website to be good resource:
http://www.barkingdogshoes.com

rabbit

Veteran

Have you tried Earthies? They seem to have a wide forefront and narrow heel in some styles. I have a pair of black mary janes that are all day walking shoes for me. Most comfortable heels I've had and work with skirts as well as jeans. They look better on than in the stock photo IMO.

Earthies Women's Savona Casual Shoes

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Anonymous

Thanks, anna606. I just bookmarked it. I've to replace my boots this year. One pair wore out, 2 pairs started bothering me after the toe pain set in, and one pair never fit quite right to begin with and I foolishly didn't return them while I had the chance. I also had very few sandals for summer, and had to fill that wardrobe hole as well. This is what I bought:

Blondo Hermione Mary Jane pump: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....d_s=lpo-to These are super comfy, and I was lucky enough to get the tan ones in my size at the $42 price.

Sofft Porter boots:http://www.6pm.com/sofft-porter-black-lucca These are the ones that didn't fit. Once I read all the reviews that said they run short, I ordered 2 pairs (1 black, 1 chocolate brown), each a half size larger than what I already owned. They fit perfectly and the quality is top notch. Best of all, I didn't pay too much for them.

Walking Cradles Cheyenne: http://www.zappos.com/walking-.....ft-leather I already showed you these in another thread. I paid under $70 for them, and that's what I think they're worth. They're comfortable, but not more comfortable than less pricey brands. Still, I'm glad I bought them. They're great ankle boots.

Softspots Safia sandals: http://www.6pm.com/softspots-safia-luggage Again, I managed to find them on sale. I bought a black pair and a red pair.

Clarks Wendy Land sandals: http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-W.....B0086UD7BA I bought the black. I'm not crazy about the style, except that they look good with my straight-legged black jeans.

Cobb Hill Aubrey: http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hil.....038;qid=14 I paid full price for these, but they're worth every penny. I bought the black.

Cobb Hill Virginia: http://www.amazon.com/Cobb-Hil.....038;ie=UTF I got a tan pair with rewards points. They're so comfortable that I paid full price to get a second pair in pewter.

Anonymous

rabbit, I looked at some Earthies, but didn't explore the brand in depth. Do they have C/D or D width sizes? Actually, in the Naturalizer brand, I need an E width. Shoe shopping is challenging because of this, particularly when I look for boots, as I need an average shaft and most wide width boots also have wide shafts.

trix

bettycrocker, I'm starting to suspect that you're my body double. I too have a wide forefoot and narrow heel, and although I don't have the arthritis/bunion issues (yet!), I do insist on comfortable shoes because I do a good amount of walking (though my job calls for less than it used to in the past). I hear you on the utter lack of attractive shoes for people with less than perfect feet.

Although they may appear spendy at first, would you consider La Canadiennes? Mine are workhorses for me, so I think the cost per wear must be pretty low by now (and I always buy them on sale). Although I don't think they generally come in wide widths, I found that going up half a size worked quite well for me.

Clarks are a mainstay for me as well, but a bit more hit-and-miss because their sizing can be a bit erratic. When my job involved more a lot more time on my feet (the kind of job where you'd walk down 15 flights of stairs because the elevator was too slow), I used to invest in Mephistos, but they don't make very fashion-forward styles. For the lesser amount of walking I do now, Aerosoles can be perfectly acceptable, and on sale they can be practically disposable (which is good because they're not that durable).

Funny, I actually bought a pair of Walking Cradles sandals for my main summer shoes this past summer. They weren't bad — I'd wear them to walk all over town — but they weren't quite as comfortable as the Clarks Unstructured sandals I wore into the ground over the previous two summers. Actually, I think they contributed to me developing calluses/corns under the balls of my feet (on both sides). The ones you chose look more comfy and sole-friendly, though -- I hope they work for you!

Anonymous

It's helpful to hear from someone who has the same foot problems as I. The arthritic pain only flares up occasionally, so thankfully it's not something I have to contend with on a daily basis. Still, I don't know from one day to the next which joint is going to give me fits, so I thought it best to make sure all of my shoes are lower heeled and cushioned. I bought special insoles for my New Balance running shoes as well. I hate lace-up shoes, but use those when walking on the treadmill. Otherwise, I don't wear anything that laces up because it makes the tops of my feet hurt after a short while.
I will consider any comfortable brand recommended, as long as the price is not astronomical. I don't think the sale prices of the La Canadiennes are too high. I like the looks of their boots.

Anonymous

Thanks to Anna606, I went to BarkingDogShoes.com and found these boots, which I ordered from OnlineShoes.com.

Alegria Caiti, in the Drifted color:
http://www.barkingdogshoes.com.....mitus.html

I'm anxious to see how these fit. I took the fit quiz and ordered the recommended size, which happens to be the same size I wear in the Dansko brand.

I only have 2 pairs of Dansko boots, but they're very comfortable. I especially love the arch support in the footbed. I have Buffy in grey suede and in brown leather: http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-W.....B004JSM98A

Thistle

Veteran

A bit late to the party, but I firmly believe that not being in pain trumps style every single time. And I mean this even if you aren't suffering from a conditition. I will never, ever understand suffering for a "look". But that is just me and my very practical streak.

That said, I injured my back in an accident 12 years ago and that made it impossible for me to wear any shoe with heel over 1.5 inches comfortably.and I love shoes. So, here are some things I have learned:

1. Comfort brands can be fashionable. You just have to be more careful with them. I have found Clarks, Earthies, Ecco, rieker and Munro work well with my feet. Ara less so. Born sometimes.

2. I shop a lot online as my local options are limited. Free shipping and returns are a must for me as I am not sure what will and won't work.

3. Some fashion brands work, these are mostly based on style of the shoe. Usually with Dr. scholl's inserts to add cushioning. I have found Dolce Vita and Vince Camuto both make shoes my feet, knees and back are okay with. I pop in some Dr. scholl's inserts for a bit of extra comfort.

It's harder with issues, but doable. And worth it.

I do love shoes. I just have to be careful with what I buy. And I do put more of budget to good quality shoes.

rabbit

Veteran

betty I'm not sure about the width sizing in Earthies, but it looks like you have some good leads in several brands. Best of luck!

Anonymous

I'm getting there. If it weren't for the forefoot width issue, I'd have a lot more choices. Still, I'm grateful for what's out there. My beef is that it's nigh impossible to find dress shoes, and by that I mean dressy shoes that meet the level of refinement necessary to be worn for special occasions such as weddings, etc. For this reason, I'm simply going to have to rethink the way I dress for such occasions.

bj1111

Veteran

have you tried tsubo? http://www.tsubo.com/women-heels/

JayS

Veteran

I feel for you. If my feet aren't happy, I'm not happy. I think you are well on your way to putting together a stylish, comfortable shoe wardrobe. I second the Tsubo recommendation. I have several pairs and love them. Also, Gentle Souls are heavenly. The footbeds are memory foam covered by doeskin. They are spendy.. but can be found at discounts at 6pm.com and Amazon, as can Tsubo. My favorites are the WedgeHammer. I've bought both the bronze and black a couple of times.. they're that comfortable. (The straps are elastic..they conform to your foot.)
Good luck!

Gentle Souls Wedge Hammer

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Anonymous

Thanks, ladies. I will explore those brands. I am going to want more ankle boots for work, but those aren't too hard to come by. It's the really dressy shoes that will take some time. I need a wide width, a low heel, and prefer a slink back pump that has non-slip doles and closed-in toes that don't kill my feet. No patent leather, though I don't mind a small amount of patent trim. A versatile nude or pewter color would be my top choice.

Neelie

Veteran

I highly recommend this brand - http://www.roshommerson.com/ THey have some very comfortable yet refined shoes that come in different widths too Good luck!

AviaMariah

Veteran

Another foot sufferer here and I agree that it is not fab to suffer for a look. I have arthritis in my toe joints which acts much the same as a bunion. I have slowly learned over the past few years which shoes work for me. My advise it to take it slow; try out a lot of different brands (in the house) and don't be afraid to do a lot of returns. You'll probably spend more on each pair of shoes than you're used to so you want them to work. Also, I found that as I only wore comfortable shoes, my feet "recovered" a little so that I could wear a little higher heel than before as long as I only did it once in awhile.

Thistle

Veteran

I found that smoking slippers in luxe fabrications (velvet, suede etc.) worked for me for nights out and holiday parties.

These were an Angie pick last year, and I found them fabulous for date night and for my comapny's holiday party at a swanky country club.

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Anonymous

I can't wear flats or pumps, unfortunately. I walk right out of them because the heels are too loose. If it weren't for that, this would be a lot easier.

I have owned Ros Hommersons in the past, but my feet now demand more comfortable insoles. There are also certain styles I'm averse to because they remind me of what my aunts used to wear. IOW, I associate those styles with old age. I'm in my 50s and still feel young at heart, so I'm not ready to go there with style. I think I'd go barefoot before I'd wear those shoes, and I'm not kidding.

Still, I leave no stone unturned and am always looking at all brands that carry D widths.

Anonymous

Hi bettycrocker--you're welcome, I'm glad you were able to find some great options!! I've purchases several pairs of Dansko (clogs, sandals and a pair of boots) thanks to Kirsten's website and never looked back. I'm all about the arch support, too. When possible, I'll insert either Superfeet insoles and Sol insoles into my non-danskos because I.AM.OBSESSED. about arch support. I am definitely a classic tomboy with strong minimalimist tendencies (my favorite color is grey in every shade possible.) Keeping all things in proportion and balanced, i find that Danksos pair well with my more simple style and color preferences. Good luck with your new purchases--look forward to hearing about it!!

Anonymous

Thanks, anna606. I very much like the insoles of my Dansko boots. I have a neutral gait and only need moderate arch support. I'll look into the Superfeet insoles.

I do have a sense of what shoes I want to wear for dressy occasions, but can't find what I want. I may have to wait a while. I am happy with the Rose Petals shoes, though. They are very nice looking and are comfortable enough for events where a lot of standing isn't required.

I ordered these this evening:
http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id347140
I've never tried this brand before, but there are excellent fit reviews at Zappos.

I also found these boots:
http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id346678

rabbit

Veteran

betty do you have pictures of the styles of dressy shoe you are looking for in a non-comfort style? That might help folks point out comfortable options with the same look.

stainedglass

I like the Aravon Mary Janes. They're made by New Balance, so hopefully they'll be comfortable. I have a similar foot (wide forefoot with bunions and normal sized heel... I have to buy men's ee width running shoes) and it took lots of trial and error, but I did finally find a pair of funky mary janes that would work for formal events. I like searching with zappos, even if I don't buy the shoes there, because I can easily set the desired height, width, and shoe material. Good luck with the shoe hunt!

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