Casual Shoes

[dictionarydiva]

Hello all

Even in my short time here, I know that you MNers are brilliant for advice of all kinds and recommending things.

I am on the hunt for a casual shoe and wonder if anyone has any suggestions.

I am a size 16, 5 ft 7" lady who more or less always wears tea dresses/dresses of some kind, with a cardie and with long leggings or black opaque tights (bare legs in summer). I nearly always wear a heel or a mid heel Mary Jane type shoe- things like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=kkm7awBAZnVOFM:&imgrefurl=www.intrigueboutique.com/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dindex%26manufacturers_id%3D81%26sort%3D3a%26page%3D3&docid=-MBEsvfgz-mFeM&imgurl=www.intrigueboutique.com/images/schoolgirl-50-r.jpg&w=500&h=500&ei=XcqrT8qaHMit0QWgt42IAg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=399&sig=103278019497649995422&page=2&tbnh=148&tbnw=179&start=18&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:18,i:113&tx=104&ty=78" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this or <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=h7Zk1tiAUOVqBM:&imgrefurl=jengrantmorris.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-shoe-collection-aka-my-preciouses.html&docid=eLtR8a2yzlJLqM&imgurl=img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/jengrantmorris/BLOG/heels10.jpg&w=500&h=354&ei=icqrT4vwKOXb0QX4ypDPDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=289&vpy=409&dur=45&hovh=189&hovw=267&tx=66&ty=154&sig=103278019497649995422&page=2&tbnh=143&tbnw=184&start=17&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:17,i:124" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this or <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=WdIVzqH_0I48bM:&imgrefurl=www.shoewawa.com/2007/11/purple_and_blac.html&docid=vJGnm83IfKSrZM&imgurl=www.shoewawa.com/matalan-heels.jpg&w=430&h=187&ei=3MqrT7OQCcnJ0QXC_MD7Aw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=906&vpy=367&dur=500&hovh=85&hovw=196&tx=207&ty=38&sig=103278019497649995422&page=1&tbnh=85&tbnw=196&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:93" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this

However these kind of shoes sometimes feel a bit formal, especially for just popping to the shops or whatever. In fact, I worry the whole look doesn't lend itself to casualness in general, but I am a weird shape with big boobs, long legs and look lumpen in jeans, so that's a whole other issue for a whole other thread!!!

To add to the problem I am really flat-footed, not a bit flat footed but actually walk full-on ten-to-two if there isn't some elevation in the heel. For this reason Ugg Boots, flip-flops, Converse, ballet pumps and the like do not work. They make me look demented and make my feet and ankles ache.

I quite like the look of this type of thing, but am concerned that they will be too flat and maybe still too formal. At the other end of the scale I like these but are they still too flat and also, will I look like I think it's 1986 and I am in Wham? Also, no good for winter.

I do love and am comfortable in Crocs, btw, but I am concerned that this is a step too far into informal, and besides- Crocs add nothing to any outfit!!! Equally trainers are okay and supportive, but not a look that works for a dress-wearer.

I will be grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks!

Im a similar size to you but can't wear heals (well I can, I just don't want to) so live in flat Mary Jane type shoes with dresses (I also never wear jeans). I have just bought these and I can honestly say they are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have EVER worn (am prepared for people to say 'bleurgh' as I have an odd taste in shoes)

www.amazon.co.uk/Blowfish-Santion-Black-Man-Made/dp/B004MNCRMU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1336661624&sr=8-14

In fact I loved them so much I have them in black and red. They look great with a dress and with 7/8 trousers, they are smart enough for me to wear to work (though admitedly that is in a school) and casual enough for weekend.

I really like those Squitch but they are way too flat for my monstrously flat feet. If they had a bit more elevation in the arch they'd be lovely, but alas I would be walking like a duck in those!!!!

As I suspected- there are no other shoes for a flat-footed dress wearer.

Anyone got any ideas? Please. Am desperate! My ankles will thank you!

So, is it heel height or arch support you need? Or both? It sounds to me like you need to start off with some damn good (orthopedic?) insoles and take it from there. Would give you a lot more freedom of choice.

How about some wedges?

That's a really good idea, MrsLettuce... Why the hell have I never thought of that?! Do you have any experience in this area?

I have massively wide, flipper shaped and totally flat duck feet - if that counts as experience then, yes, I do!

Not in the UK though so I've no idea how / where to get such insoles. Here they come on subsidised prescription...

Damn! Maybe I will bring this up with my GP!! Thanks for the idea though, I am definitely going to do some googling.

Yes, you should definitely have a pair of orthotics that you slip into every shoe you wear. GP might be able to sort you out, or more likely will send you to a podiatrist.

I have this problem, too. I've got some pretty good orthotics from BUPA's website - about £20. Makes it possible to wear all sorts of flat shoes. Still can't do heels, however, due to collapsed metatarsal arches, but not much I can do about that...