From kitten heels to Crocs???? Is there any hope??

[sunnyfeet]

I’ve name-changed for this, as I’m about to reveal something shameful ……

Following minor foot surgery before Christmas, I found myself In the Twilight Zone of footwear; it had to be flat shoes, and something comfortable. So I had trainers in my wardrobe, but in the first few weeks I couldn’t wear anything “enclosed” so I bought a pair of mules from Pavers, they did the job and were actually far nicer than I expected. Once I got back to work, trainers weren’t really appropriate, so I discovered Skechers – if you buy a black pair with a black sole (rather than a white sole that makes them look like trainers) they’re quite discreet and soooo comfy. So then I migrated towards something a little lighter and to my amazement found these on the Crocs website:

www.crocs.co.uk/crocs-womens-crocs-retro-slingback-flat/14126,en_GB,pd.html?cid=085&cgid=women-footwear-flats

I ordered them, and they’re amazing. However I’ve recently been discharged by my surgeon; he declared I’m officially “fixed”, he discharged me and I can now wear heels (carefully) and generally re-join the human race as far as footwear is concerned. My collection of Dune kitten heels and wedges is calling to me, but (and please help me Lord) now I’ve discovered comfy shoes I don’t know if there’s any going back ……..

So unless anyone can help me with my plight, I’ll probably keep wearing my Pavers/Skechers/Crocs when I’m out and about, and keep my more elegant styles for office wear and social occasions. What’s happened to me??? Should I seek further medical advice????? Or has anyone else found themselves in this situation????? I feel shame ……..

[Forgettable]

Are the Fashion Polis going to come and arrest you? Naw!

Ye'll be grand in your comfies with heels for work/going out.

(Remembers a Croc thread from years ago that went v badly, eeek)

[sunnyfeet]

I feel like there ought to be a support group where I can discuss my shameful secret. I'll stand up, and say "my name is Sunny and I wear Skechers ...." and everyone will shake my hand and congratulate me. I'll be leaving the office soon, I'll slip into my Crocs, will stride comfortably and confidently across the car park, no risk of breaking my ankles (or neck) with high heels. And I love it. Sorry. Will I burn in hell?

[blueberryupsidedown]

Sunny feet, you will be fine. I've had a revelation too when I hurt my heal (something mysterious called Plantar fasciiatis and now I only wear Clarks, crocs, and the occasional m&s. I am still waiting to be stuck down by lightning but it's been years now so I guess I'm fine.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

I used to wear heels all the time in my 20's. Stopped in my 30's when I had kids, pregnancy made my feet grow I swear and now I am a size 9 or even 10 depending on the shoe maker, so v v v difficult to find good heels. Bu to be honest I love my comfy shoes and flats. Birks, crocs like yours, Fit Flops in the summer, brogues and loafers and flat pumps... In my 40s now and really CBA to care about looking anything more than presentable

Tis a sure sign of getting older OP

[sunnyfeet]

Blueberry, plantar fasciatis is supposed to be really painful, I hope the doctors get you sorted out. Are you "out of the closet" with your comfort shoes, or do you only wear them when people aren't looking??

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Heels on shoes are really really bad for your body as a whole, not just your feet. Stick with flats.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

Blueberry plantars fasciitis is so hugely painful isn't it!

[sunnyfeet]

Hearts - I must be getting old too!

[Aquelven]

I'll join your support group
I too am recovering from foot surgery, had one op five months ago but had to have another one just before Christmas. I haven't yet been signed off, have to see the surgeon in another three months to check progress & hopefully get the all clear.
Oh, the bliss of comfy shoes though! Now I can actually get some on as my foot was doing a good impersonation of a rugby ball till a couple of weeks ago.
I'm currently wearing a mix of Birkenstocks & some cheapo M&S Ugg knock offs. I did buy some Skechers a couple of weeks before the first op. Got them a size too big, thought " these are so comfy...sorted! Can't get them on yet, can I?? . In fact went a bit mad in Sports Direct & also got some Gelert walking boots, soft ones, & some Karrimor trainers for the bad weather .... Having a knackered foot obviously doesn't curb a dedicated shoe shopper

I've got boxes of heels stuffed away, thought I'd be aching to get back into something glam. Think I must have had a brain storm under the anaesthetic cos I'm dreaming of flat comfy sandals & things like these while shuffling around in my Tesco flat slipper boots

[BitOutOfPractice]

Shame on you OP. Shame on you and your filthy croc links

[TollgateDebs]

Having flat feet, torn tendons, wide feet, I have never been able to wear some of the more fashionable styles I might have wanted to wear. Having said that, it makes me look further afield, try different makes and styles and has given me an interesting collection of footwear. My Granny always said that women with tired and poorly treated feet always wear the pain on their face, so I figure comfortable footwear gives you a happier face!

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Same club as me, no surgery but wide feet, high insteps and a bad back. I have a pair each of Croc ballet pumps and Croc lace-ups (Converse type but with lovely thick Croc soles). Comfort first every time, I only wear heels for very special occasions now.

[AnUnearthlyChild]

I wear hiking boots to work now - the kind of on your feet job where it's OK and my back is loads better. At home it's Birkenstocks in summer and uggs in winter.

Obviously, I'm on the run from the style police, but I can run faster than them in my ugly shoes:)

[sunnyfeet]

Ladies, you have liberated me! I now feel free to run through the fields in my crocs/Skechers/pavers. Thank you all so much.

I shall still totter round the office in my Dune heels though .....

[IDugUpADiamond]

Same here, no surgery but wide feet and perhaps something else because sometimes I'm in pain. To complicate matters I'm short, so flats are a no no for me. Wedges all the way. Sometimes I have seen shoes I wear called an abomination in here .

For me it is Fly London, Flitflops and I'm about to try Skechers.

[sunnyfeet]

Not sure why there's no much stigma about comfy shoes. Worn under the correct conditions, they're wonderful!

[everythingsgoingsouth]

I've just been on the crocs website

there are some really nice ballet pumps and sneakers and wedges on there!

what have you done???

[sunnyfeet]

I apologise wholly and unreservedly for any distress my actions may have caused you and your family.

And if I've ruined your life, well, I didn't mean to.

[TripTrapTripTrapOverTheBridge]

I need to top myself.Just looked at the site and like the A-Leigh wedges!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[indignatio]

Embrace the inner croc lover. This does not stop you wearing ridiculous heels when you want. I am a devotee of both and happy to admit it. Trust me my heels have made other women weep, so I can appreciate both sides of the footwear oxymoron.

[aylesburyduck]

thank you for the laughs on this thread. I am a ballet flats, occasional Birkenstock wearer but I have expressly forbidden Mr Duck from even looking at crocs - he has been warned that should he EVER put them on his feet then he shall never again experience the pleasures of the flesh - but now.....I WANT SOME!!!!

[Buttercup27]

I started wearing cross when I was pregnant in the summer. Lo is now 4 months old and there hasn't been a day since I bought them that I haven't worn them!

[Buttercup27]

I started wearing cross when I was pregnant in the summer. Lo is now 4 months old and there hasn't been a day since I bought them that I haven't worn them!

[hazchem]

I love flats! I like the look of high heels but they hurt.
I've just rediscovered a pair of Doc Martin lace ups. Black with a steel cap toe so loads and loads of room for toes to wiggle and the air soles! Bliss.
If you want to embrace flat shoes for comfort check some of the spanish designers www.elnaturalista.com/en/ or www.camper.com/en_AU

[Angeleno]

There are lots of gorgeous flat shoes out there! Totally don't blame you OP, not shameful at all.

Was really impressed by the flats in Clark's last season - hadn't been there since I was about 12 and couldn't believe how nice their shoes are nowadays. Have you seen the En Brogue blog, though? A shoes/style blog for those who hate heels! Perfection.