If you don't wear trainers, what do you wear?

[CoffeeMum]

When it's too cold/wet for sandals, but too warm for boots, and you don't wear trainers/converse, what on earth are you meant to wear on your feet? - ie. with jeans, etc. Is there another option? I only seem to manage to find v.boring, mumsy shoes as they are practical for walking, but is there a more stylish option?

Any ideas? Thanks

[CherryDrops]

Ballet flats. I wear boots in the winter, sandals in the summer and ballet flats in between. Simple.

[CoffeeMum]

Well, yes, ballet flats used to be my solution but i got scared off by a pair from M&S that just weren't comfy and I had to do the whole toe-clench to keep them on my feet thing - not fun. Having said that, i had an ace pair from Dorothy Perkins before that.

Where do you get yours from? Thanks

[RedBlanket]

Trainers and converse are very different though. trainers are for only for running so I wouldn't wear them with jeans ever.
I usually wear converse or ballet flats depending on how much walking I'm planning to do.

[CoffeeMum]

RedBlanket - true, true, i guess i'm thinking of more 'fashiony' trainers than actual 'i'm off to do some sport' trainers. Sadly, though i like both on others, and in shoe shops, they just don't suit me

[otchayaniye]

I wear ballet flats, Bloch ones or French Sole. For French Sole you need to go down a size (37 or 4 is actually a 36 or 3, I find). I also have a few pairs of Robert Clergerie flattish type shoes I can walk and baby carry in.

[bellaisgoingtoHawaii]

I have a soft leather backless leather ballet flat.

[kenobi]

ballet flats are fab but actually quite bad for your back, so don't wear them for a long time if you have any kind of back pain.

Also look out for brogues, which sound very manly and aargh!, but can be fabulous with jeans and the old tunic/leggings combo. I have a shiny silver pair with pointy toes and cut outs that I love, and one of my good friends has a white pair with little metal silver stairs on it which I lust over. The bronze derbys on this page are to die for.

Shall I take a pic of my lovely, lovely shoes and post them on my profile?

[AmongstWomen]

Ballet flats kill my feet. I do wear Converse for the park etc, but mostly I wear flat boots if I want something casual.

[wicketkeeper]

converse, ballet flats (Stradivarius), black court shoes (Clark's I think), mumsy walking shoes (which I really liked until my DSD said 'that's the sort of shoes old ladies wear' - so now I only wear them if I'm actually out walking, and never where I might meet anyone I know. But they are very comfy). And a pair of high shoes/low boots from hogl that have loads of detail and instantly dress up a boring old pair of jeans.

[Sharney]

Love the French Sole ballet flats. Thanks for that.

[MrsMc82]

Another ballet flats wearer - loads of mine are from good old Primark have about 20 pairs (quantity not quality!!) Have to be careful occasionally with them from there though as they can melt in the rain - not good!!!

[InnocentRedhead]

I live in flip flops, my trusty havianas, can't even spell the bloody brand, even in the rain. Skin is waterproof as it is and my feet are always warm at the moment anyway. I blame PG

[notlettingthefearshow]

Skechers do nice closed sandals.

I can't wear ballet flats or heels or most fun shoes (foot condition - plantar fasciitus) so everything needs to be flat with a thick, spongy sole. As you can imagine, I have all of about 4 pairs of shoes.

[CoffeeMum]

Thanks everyone. Sadly, can't wear flip-flops for any length of time either - yes, i'm annoying aren't i?! I shall return to the ballet flats drawing board and assume that my uncomfy pair were a one off - maybe i'll start off with a cheapy pair and move on to something better quality if I get on with them. After all, they do seem to go with everything, look cute AND be comfortable - most of the time. However, i fear I am going to have to get some trainers too, for park trips at least - sometimes you just need to be comfy no matter what! Thank you for your suggestions and replies everybody.

[CoffeeMum]

ruby - i'm just not a very good heels wearer, especially for everyday/needing to be comfy purposes. I like your style though!

[kenobi]

Coffee - don't dismiss my suggestion, seriously, Brogues are lovely and very 'in'. If brogues sounds too scary, check out Geox who do lovely, elegant and comfy flats and have frequent sales.

It is not unusual for ballet flats to be uncomfortable, so beware. (and that's coming from someone with 3 pairs).

[LadyClariceCannockMonty]

Don't all you ballet-flat wearers find, though, that your feet get cold in them if the weather's not that warm? If it's cold enough to wear trainers and socks I always find that it's too cold for bare feet in ballet flats.

[FoofFighters]

Does anywhere do ballet pumps that have a more shaped sole? I think I would on better with them if they weren't completely flat and thin-soled!

[LadyClariceCannockMonty]

Don't know, Foof, but I have those extremely sexy orthopaedic inner-sole things because I've got a dodgy knee, and they make wearing ballet flats a bit more comfortable and supportive.

[FoofFighters]

Ooh I have some from pregnancy when I had a dodgy back! I must try that :)

[LadyClariceCannockMonty]

Only thing is if the flats are very low-cut at the sides, the insoles can make me feel as if I'm stepping out of the shoes a bit because obviously they lift you up slightly.

Must be how Tom Cruise feels all the time.