Nice looking trainers with decent cushioning

[INeedNewShoes]

Please help! I haven't got a clue where to start.

I'm flat footed, have narrow feet and have unusually thin padding on the soles of my feet (if only I could transfer some from my thighs...).

After a few years of slumming it a little I'm digging some of my day dresses out of the wardrobe. I used to wear these to work (casual office) with proper shoes but now I want to wear them just for pottering around so I'd like comfy, practical footwear.

I've got a pair of converse that almost look the part and are almost comfortable enough but really they're not good enough for walking more than a couple of miles and are a bit underwhelming style wise.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful! Budget £60ish.

[uncomfortablydumb53]

I've been looking for the same thing, supportive and cushioned
Converse are too flat, as are Stan Smith's
I had a pair of vans style 106 major, years ago which were perfect Not sure if they still do them and can't afford to waste money!
The vans would fit your budget

[uncomfortablydumb53]

Just checked and they're available on lots of websites and I can vouch for them being narrow fit
Afraid I'm not tech savvy enough to link

[chunkyrun]

Flat feet you need fitflops. They don't just do fitflops. Most comfortable shoes ever. I don't want to wear anything else now

[YogiMatte]

Nike do children's sizes up to an adult size 6, in some cases same trainer but charging a lot less.
They generally are very cushioned.

May work if you have narrow Feet?

[pawpawpawpaw]

I'm in the same boat, plus recently developed plantar fasciitis. Have worn Superstars for years and years, love the way they look and they're warm/dry in all weather but now they're too flat.

I wondered if a chunky trainer might be an alternative with a little height in the heel but turns out the heel is just deeper, so they rub on my ankle. Bought these and I like them - lots of arch support and a bit trendy - but so deep I'm not sure an insole will help. I'm trying to work it out.

[beguilingeyes]

Fitflops FTW, is you want something a bit more basic, Keds are really comfortable.

[HuaShan]

Another vote for Fitflop trainers. They have sone funky colours at the moment. Your feet will thank you!

[bluefoxmug]

rocket dog?

[MikeUniformMike]

Fitflops for plantar fascitis. They have different styles.
Skechers are always recommended on here. Memory foam I think, and some of the styles are ok.

You could always try a running shop for something sportier and to have your gait analysed.

Converse provide no support.

[FrogOfFrogHall]

I've just bought some Dr Scholls freestep from Amazon. They are brilliant, so supportive. I think they had to come from the US but arrived about 2 weeks earlier than they said they would!

[pawpawpawpaw]

OP how do you feel about Birks, do the soles have enough give for you or do you find them too hard? I see they now do a leather trainer.

[Anthilda]

Reebok are always comfortable

[INeedNewShoes]

Thank you everyone!

I've got a few leads to follow here. I might order a couple of alternatives and see how I get on. Think I'll start with Vans and Skechers.

There are a couple of brands mentioned here that I've tried in the past and haven't found a good fit:
Fitflops sizing just doesn't suit me. In order to get a shoe long enough for my foot they are like boats - far too gappy around the top and sides of my foot.

Its difficult buying shoes online but I don't feel like going into a shoe shop and trying on is the right thing to do just now!

You could always try a running shop for something sportier and to have your gait analysed.

I have done this for running shoes with great success. Not that I run, but I use them for walking. New Balance are my favourite for comfort but the over-pronation trainers look crap with dressier outfits. I had to completely change the kind of footwear I was wearing a few years ago after developing stress fractures just from walking on pavements in ballet shoes so had my gait analysed then at a local shop and have been very sensible for a while. I'm hoping I can get away with something slightly less structured than a running trainer just for pottering around.

[LickYouLikeACrispPacket]

Air and grace trainers! Extremely comfortable and really lovely styles.

[karmasic]

I use a padded insole, then I can wear most fashion trainers. I also alternate footwear from one day to the next, that seems to help with foot ache.

[Justtryingtobehelpful]

Check out Dr. Martins sale section as they do trainers now too, super comfy

[BornInAThunderstorm]

My skechers are so comfy I even use an old pair around the house as slippers

[notasgreenasiamcabbagelooking]

I'd stay away from Van's if it's cushioning you're after - they're skater shoes so are actually pretty flat. Nike Air force 1 are the best I've found for my flat feet and they're a lot more stylish than sketchers (imho of course).

[beguilingeyes]

If you develop a thing for Skechers, they're often to be found in TK Maxx

[happylittletree]

@Anthilda I recently got some Reeboks and they had little to no arch support! Proceed with caution, OP!

[megletthesecond]

Vans are flat, I don't think they'll help.

Nike Internationalist have decent support.

[Imtoooldforallthis]

I've just bought some Adidas sleek trainers, fairly narrow, with cushioning.

[XiCi]

I've just bought a pair of platform converse. They have very cushioned insoles. Was very pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are

[stealthbanana]

OP I also have narrow and flat feet. And am a size uk8 so long feet too. It’s an annoying combination.

Would also recommend reebok. The classic leathers are v comfortable and cushioned but look nice with dresses etc. (And on sale at jd sports right now!)

Would also recommend getting some orthotics - ideally custom made, but inserts if that’s beyond your budget/you can’t access them on the nhs. You will find with an orthotic you don’t need so much cushioning in the shoe and while you need to wear closed shoes (no sandals etc) you can wear lovely brogues etc (a couple of pics attached) which opens up loads more possibilities with dresses.