“Same here. Mobility, being able to walk fast and unrestricted, as well as long-term knee, spine, and foot health is so much more important to me than the ‘cute’ factor.”
I value all those things. Luckily it’s just not hard to find them in cute options. There are ballet flats, penny loafers, wedges, even kitten heels if you want a little lift, embellished sandals … You don’t remotely “have” to wear heels or anything uncomfortable.
Ballet flats are really just a little something between you and the ground. Lots of us wouldn’t last 30 minutes in them, if moving. Same issue with some leather-soled loafers. I like a rubber sole for the everyday, with a nice, feminine upper, a look that’s sweet, not orthopedic. Just saying. Some of mine are wedges, but not the higher club look.
as lookingforward says, flats are just that-flat. They do not offer any kind of arch support, which some people, like me, need to prevent heel pain. Some comfort brands offer shoes that look pretty flat but have a hidden arch support in them, and those can occasionally work for me. There were a bunch of links to possible comfortable shoes that are also stylish the other day-I wouldn’t be able to wear most of them. While some did have heel cushioning, most had none to minimum padding at the ball of the foot, which is also a problem for me. And high heels are just out. Wedges can work, but I’ve yet to see very dressy wedges anywhere. Luckily, I don’t run in very dressy circles or I’d be in trouble.
^^^Agreed. Flats, in my opinion, are really not the best for your back/legs/knees/feet - much better than heels, but not really the best. If you walk everywhere every single day (or even if you don’t) - you really begin to value shoes that actually serve their purpose and don’t restrict movement or cause pain or discomfort by the end of the day.
With clothing, I think many different styles can be great - dresses, shorts, etc., but with shoes I really won’t compromise - utility will trump “the look” every time (this is for the daily shoe).
I’d rather wear heels than ballet flats in a heartbeat. I’ve never met a pair that fit me comfortably and I don’t like how flat they feel.
I’ll go with some sandals, wedges, or heels if it’s a dressy affair. Actually just bought one of my most comfortable heels a couple weeks ago. I can finally ditch those uncomfortable, unstable Mary Janes pumps for a some zippered pumps. No more fearing of breaking the strap when I need to walk fast.
Out with the old…
http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/l/tid/19094473.jpg
In with the new…(somewhat similar…)
http://www.onlymakerstore.com/image/cache/catalog/Product/upload0702/vk771/womens_High_Heel_Cut-outs_Zipper_Pumps_Black_1-228.jpg
On the everyday I wear sandals, boots, or sneakers. I used to like flip flops, but they didn’t give me the support I needed and I didn’t like how I couldn’t walk at a certain pace in fear of losing my shoe.
Worst shoes for your feet: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/style/worst-shoes-for-your-feet?page=1
It includes both high heels and flats - I think support is really key.
My podiatrist was yelling at me the other day for wearing aerosoles as there was no arch support, so she sold me some orthotics that fit in my rubber soled clogs to walk the dog. I stepped wrong, broke my foot, and now am on crutches 12 weeks! Screw arch support! Haha
Oh no, dke! I did have some Aerosoles with decent arch support, but have seen some that have very little (flats). Hope you heel fast!
Niqui77-I see that you’re familiar with Polyvore-one of my D’s favorite sites.
When you suffer from plantar fasciitis ballet flats are foot killers and wedges are like flats with just enough of an angle to add pressure to the already sore ball of your foot. I love certain brands of Scandinavian clogs when I know that I will be standing for long periods of time, but forget about them for walks. One bad pebble can result in a real foot blow out. One my last trip to Europe, D turned me on to the German brand “Think!”. The styling is hardly classic, they do have a bit of the crunchy granola vibe, but seriously---- they are fantastic for those of us who don’t have much success with orthotics and need that arch support built into the architecture of the shoe. My local Nordstrom has just recently begun to carry a limited selection.
My foot pain waxes and wanes though is far better than years ago due to the many sorts of shoes for the ailing foot in women our age! I got from one brand to another. Yes, some may be too “granola” for certain situations. But between Keens, Dansko and Earth shoes, there are a lot of options. There are flats and then there are cleverly made flat shoes with sufficient support and style to make an all day wearing possible.
However, here are some other brands. http://www.elnaturalista.com/en/woman?utm_source=elnaturalista&utm_medium=homemenu&utm_campaign=ballerinawoman#/season-spring_summer/kind_of_shoe-ballerina-sandal
http://www.pikolinos.com/us-en/women.html
http://www.j-41.com/storeitems.aspx?gender=women&category=casual
I am wearing Pikolinos right now 
. I am CEO so crunchy granola styling is policy.
NOT cute:
http://us.christianlouboutin.com/us_en/shop/women/pigalle-7.html
Aforable:
http://store.tods.com/Tods/US/p/XXW0VR0L730VEEM003?gclid=CKq74KDX4MYCFUhgfgodonIAuQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
I cannot wear Danskos. I don’t know if the arch is in the wrong place for me, or the wooden clog is too hard, but boy do my feet hurt in those! But I have two pair of “Born” that look as nice but with rubber soles and I can wear them all day. Great lakes, some of those Picolinos look nice! AND, they sell them on 6pm.com for about half the the full price (I do not pay full price unless I absolutely have to). Going to go see if there are any that I “need” to try out!
I used to wear Danskos but they changed the “last profile” about 8 years ago and suddenly they felt funny and would hurt after a few hours. I love Tods styling, but that’s yet another shoe that kills my feet. My H was given several pairs in my size by a Tods rep and I had to give them away.
SIGH
I do well with Cole-Haan. The Tory Burch Revas with the elasticized heel hurt, but I have other Tory Burch flats that are super comfortable and have worn for years and gotten resoled. I have a high instep but otherwise i must be pretty easy to fit - 7 or 7.5. My D has a size 5 narrow heel and it’s very difficult to find shoes. She wears a lot of slingbacks as a result.
When the rage took off, I got Danskos but could never wear them very long at one time. Though the last feels great, they are too hard for my tender feet when at work. Or were. Perhaps should give them another try.
Someone gave me some Pinkolino heels. Between the beautiful leather work and the comfort, I have kept them, though only wear heels every few years to weddings and such.
High instep here as well, and supporting that high instep is sometimes a project.
Sigh.
Why are you sighing?
GMTspouse says I’m not allowed to buy another pair of shoes until I give away a pair I already have.
I have very high arches and a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable. Because of this I am very wary of shoe shopping and have shoes WAY longer than I should. The cushioning/padding does wear downband shoes really should be replaced.
