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My mum's going to end up in flat comfy shoes for wedding, can someone help?

36 replies

birdies · 20/03/2013 18:02

My mum has arthritis in her big toe and really struggles with any heels as she has to bend her toe more. She's bought a gorgeous brown and cream coloured dress for my sisters wedding - she has an amazing figure and looks a lot younger than her age and I really don't want her shoes to spoil the look of it for her.

Trouble is she can't find any shoes that are comfy enough to wear that aren't flat. Can anyone suggest some she could try that have a small heel and might still be really comfy whilst looking nice?

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Selks · 20/03/2013 18:10

I think you should support her wish to wear flat shoes not suggest a small heel to her really. I have foot problems similar to your Mums and I can attest that it is agony not to be in flat shoes.

There are nice flat shoes and sandals out there. She will know what her feet feel comfortable in.

Sorry if that is not the answer that you were looking for.

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pizzaqueen · 20/03/2013 18:11

Can't she get a nice pair of flats? Next do some lovely dresser ones. Better she's comfortable and enjoys the day rather than in pain with I'll fitting shoes.

Or try foot glove at m&s.

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Selks · 20/03/2013 18:14

How about something like this?

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RevoltingPeasant · 20/03/2013 18:14

Personally I wear Hush Puppy flats to work all the time as I have to look smart but stand up a lot. They are fairly cheap and don't wear that well but for one day, they are v v comfy.

I also find both Gabor and Moda in Pelle do decent flats.

I wouldn't push her to wear a heel. One thing about getting older is, you learn what works for your body and what doesn't. Heels hurt my feet. I'd rather enjoy the day and not think about my shoes, than be sitting there waiting for it all to be over so I could finally kick the damn things off.

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Selks · 20/03/2013 18:15

Or these

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birdies · 20/03/2013 18:19

She does really want to wear a heel though and I can see her ending up with something that's going to cause pain on the day. Or, she'll wear flats but will feel frumpy (maybe shes just not looking in the right places but i do know what she means). Surely there are super comfy heels out there somewhere??

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birdies · 20/03/2013 18:21

They're pretty and would go with the dress. Maybe she could at least change into flats like that later in the day

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FauxFox · 20/03/2013 18:24
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NameThatTuna · 20/03/2013 18:24

Why the drama about a pair of shoes?

I'm planning our wedding, non traditional as I can't stand all this fuss about what should/shouldn't be done or should/shouldn't be worn.

I went to a friends big wedding last year, I wore heels because it was in a big posh hotel etc. I was in agony after 2 hours standing around. Most of the women were. Most were sat on the steps because they couldn't bear it all day. By 5pm most were walking around bare footed.

I was smart enough to take a pair of lovely flats for the evening do. Had agreat time dancing around, in comfort.

Come on OP, surely her comfort and enjoyment is worth more than a pair of shoes?

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NameThatTuna · 20/03/2013 18:24

Oooops sorry OP X post Blush Grin

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DisappointedHorse · 20/03/2013 18:27

How about something like this? Maybe open toes would be better for her?

www.clarks.co.uk/p/20356436

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birdies · 20/03/2013 18:28

No worries Grin

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octopal · 20/03/2013 18:30

Anything here?

www.hottershoes.com/en/Women/Heels?DisplayProductList=true

My MIL swears by this brand for comfort.

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armagh · 20/03/2013 18:30

Try Gabor or Clarks/ K shoes as they are wide fitting.
Van Dal can be good too. They don't just do frumpy shoes.

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DontmindifIdo · 20/03/2013 18:37

I would suggest getting something with a maximum kitten heel, then change into something like ballet pumps after the photos?

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MissEleanorLavish · 20/03/2013 18:38

What's the style of dress ? But agree she'd be better finding a non frumpy pair of flats. Due to back problems, I've not worn heels in years and never miss them now:)

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soaccidentprone · 20/03/2013 18:40
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notjustamummythankyou · 20/03/2013 18:40

I know this sounds a bit weird, but have you thought about bridal shoes?

I am terrible at wearing heels - I just don't find them comfortable at all. However, I did find my wedding shoes from Rainbow Club very comfortable and wore them right to the end of the evening. A miracle for me!

The Rainbow Bliss range are designed to be as comfortable as possible and can also be dyed to match / complement an outfit.

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TheRealFellatio · 20/03/2013 18:41

Could she cope with any of these? She could always take something flatter and more practical to change into once the day wears on a bit.

here

here

these give the illusion of height but the platform flattens the angle out

here

here

helpful platform again - I have some very similar to this and they are very comfy

here

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AgentProvocateur · 20/03/2013 18:42

Have you seen the shop Hotter Shoes? It's a bit ironic, because they are anything but! But they do look comfy.

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notjustamummythankyou · 20/03/2013 18:43

Oh and, yes, I second Gabor and Van Dal. My mum has problems with her feet too and often turns to these brands when she wants something dressy. Smile

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faustina · 20/03/2013 18:45

shoon specialise in comfy shoes. Might be worth a visit. My other suggestion is something like a mule wedge - cork perhaps? - that she could slip off easily whenever she felt like it - that could minimise the discomfort a little. (that's why I like mules). Obv. last tip won't count if it's not warm enough! Hope you find something nice!

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birdies · 20/03/2013 18:46

Thanks everyone. The dress is a calf length brown/cream delicate floaty number. So I think something strappy ideally but it would have to be low heeled as i cant see her managing with anything high. I will send her all the links :)

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7to25 · 20/03/2013 19:06

I have to wear flats and think all the links are too high.....for me anyway.
Saw nude courts in M&S today with a low heel, but can't link.
I think her problem is the dress! Wearing flats/low heels means that a dress only looks good if it is slightly below the knee and you said that hers is mid calf.
My daughter's wedding is in May and I sympathise with your mother and think that the poster who says it doesn't matter is being cruel. I have found shoes that have a 1" heel and I am waiting for them to come from Austria.
I second the many suggestions of Gabor. They are very comfortable shoes with the proper support we need, unlike the many ballet flats available more cheaply
Is there any possibility of getting the joint injected before the wedding?
I hope the day goes well and your Mum looks great.

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Chewbecca · 20/03/2013 19:22

Probably not very conventional with a floaty dress but I've just bought these Dune sandals from John Lewis and they're comfy and quite forgiving on the toes.
Alternatively, third/fourth the Gabor suggestion, filter for Gabor on the JL website. I find I can wear Gabor small heels even with problems feet/knees/hips etc!

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