AIBU to want trainers in dark, plain colours even if I AM a woman?

[Allergictoironing]

I need to wear either trainers or similar shoes for much of the time; I have issues with my foot/leg which means I have to wear an orthopaedic insole in one shoe. Ideally and depending on what job I'm in at any time, I'd like to wear them in the office (with trousers of course) whenever possible. I can't wear just any trainers, foot is very fussy.

But trying to buy them, especially lightweight/non bulky ones (which means "women's" styles), in a dark plain colour is virtually impossible, they all seem to come in bright and contrasting colours. I did find a pair of Nikes in anthracite colour which are perfect, but when I try to find more the same they now only seem available in bright colours like orange, lime green & light blue. A while back I was lucky enough to find that HiTec Silver Shadows do fit me fine (and are quite cheap - bonus) and they used to do those in black but now they make white/silver/grey only.

Surely I can't be the only woman who wants lightweight but plain trainer type shoes, that are dark and subdued in colour?

[YouTheCat]

Have you tried Karrimor ones?

[MissHobart]

Have you tried skate trainers? Have a look at the Route One website, I wear kids ones!

[steff13]

Have you tried zappos.com? You can shop by color on there.

[dexter73]

I just buy the mens ones if they are a colour I like.

[HappyAgainOneDay]

Have you tried outdoor shops eg Millet's? If it's just flat shoes, I found some at Primark.

[Allergictoironing]

Tried all the local outdoor shops and sports type shops - took me & 2 assistants over an hour of trying anything & everything close in the shop last time I went in. A couple of times I've gone into shops & explained what I needed, only to be told that they didn't think they could help me at all the cowards.

I don't dare buy anything on line unless I've tried them on in a shop first, this foot is stupidly fussy about what I wear and hurts enough even in perfect footwear let alone if I'm wearing anything less than perfect (for it). Needs higher back than most normal shoes because of the build up of the heel, needs more arch space because of the other build up for that part of my foot, needs to be able to expand at times over the main part of the foot for when it swells up, but go back again when it's not swollen (hence trainer types, which have laces or Velcro straps).

I think part of my frustration is that I've found TWO really comfortable styles that are no longer available in the colour I want .

Dexter I may well end up doing that - it's what I did with the Silver Shadows. But I will need to try them on first of course, because they can have subtle differences between the men's & women's versions of even the same style which would be enough to upset this bloody useless foot of mine.

[ToAvoidConversation]

I've just seen some in Schuh, are dunlops any good?

[SelectAUserName]

Regatta do some which are brown and purple (not much purple) so there is a contrast but they're dark and subdued colours.

[WowOoo]

I've bought black, dark grey and navy from VivoBarefoot.

hope you find something.

When I was looking for a new pair last time I was swearing at the computer at all the colour options for women's.

I've bought children's in the past as I am a size 5. Always worth a look as they are usually cheaper too.

[Allergictoironing]

Hmm may have to look in Schuh next time I'm in Bluewater, they do seem to have some on the on line store that are at least worth trying on. Last time I was there, there was absolutely nothing except leery bright colours but they seem to have black now .

Regatta tend to be a bit too inflexible in the sole sadly, plus a bit too bulky. I LOVE my Nike Free 4.0, just want another pair in the colour I already have before these ones die on me .

[Allergictoironing]

Size 7 I'm afraid WowOoo. Which at least has the advantage of being able to get men's IF I can find ones that are lightweight enough & suit The Foot.

[Jellykat]

I know exactly where you're coming from, as i've got exactly the same foot problem due to Osteoarthritus, Tendonitus and Hypermobility, so i know what you mean about the insoles (plus i have to wear mid or high tops)

I've bought a lot of trainers (mens) from all the online skate shops, but it's very hit and miss, usually miss.. Try Topman, i'm currently wearing black suede baseball boots from there, you can order from a huge range online and try on in your local shop.

[AlpacaPicnic]

I tend to stick with Skechers as they do a couple of styles that are all black, even the sole. Although I wasn't over impressed with the last pair I bought...

[Allergictoironing]

Ah can't do most high tops - the problem was initiated by a rather bad break when I was young, just above the ankle which left me with lumpy bones & scar tissue just above the ankle. Can only have tops above the ankle if they are thickly padded, like very good walking boots (which are no use for offices ofc).

[Allergictoironing]

Tried both Sketchers & Hotter in the past - neither were much use for the insole. But keep the ideas coming please, already have one shop visit planned thanks to this thread .

[Shewhomustobeyed]

I found Ecco and Clarks very good for orthopedic support whilst looking smart enough to wear to work.

[LIZS]

Debenhams have several in black online or try M & M direct

[Greenandcabbagelooking]

When you find your perfect shoe, buy two or more pairs. Then you prolong the agony of having to find a new pair!

I feel your pain, I wear ortho insoles, have wide feet and pronate. I hate shoe shopping.

[southeastastra]

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[Allergictoironing]

One leg 3/4 of an inch shorter than the other, toes fall in, leg being not quite straight means weight on the outside of the heel, deformation of the big toe, and nerve damage under the ball due to operation for Morton's Neuroma (which may be re-forming).

[zeno]

Have you looked at Camper shoes? They have, or used to have, styles in smart sleek leather trainer groove, both men's and women's sections. All well made and very long lasting.

[AwfulMaureen]

YANBU. I have learned that whenever I see a trainer I like in a shop I can guarantee it's a men's shoe. I just buy those. For everyone's info...I am a feminine woman...I just like plain styles.

[HolidayCriminal]

I used to have all black Nike trainers. When I was about 22. Really that rare now?

[CalloftheHaunted]

www.salomon.com/uk/range/mountain-life-footwear.html

[DisappointedHorse]

Is this any good?

www.prodirectrunning.com/Products/Nike-Womens-Free-40-V3-Womens-Running-Shoes-AnthraciteBlack-62841.aspx