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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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Earthymama · 22/03/2013 11:10

I tottered around in agony for many years, wearing Bally 4in stillettos to push the pram, go to work etcetc. My feet are wrecked.It's one thing I really regret about the past
At my CP last year I wore El Naturalista red shoes, they were so comfortable. I wear DMs, Oxygen, Art, there are lots of fab flat shoes and sandals around.

I wear coloured tights and go for the hippy academic look iyswim Grin so might not be the person to advise your mother.
I'm sure she will look lovely on the day, and no pain will help to make sure she does!!

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Curtsey · 22/03/2013 10:11

yes, Sherbert, I have almost talked self into buying them now Blush

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SherbetVodka · 21/03/2013 16:56

curtsey those t.bar shoes are lovely :)

OP, if budget's not an issue for your mum then these sparkly flats from Melissa could look very pretty with a floaty dress.

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starfishmummy · 21/03/2013 12:36

I am a flat shoe wearer with broad feet and recently wore these for a wedding - they are black though which was ok with my outfit and on a wet march day

www.clarks.co.uk/p/20349090

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7to25 · 21/03/2013 12:16

Artigiano have sandals with a 4.5cm heel in white,nude,gold and black
They are shown with a floaty mid calf outfit

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armagh · 20/03/2013 21:38

Pretty Ballerinas or French Sole have lovely ballerinas, some with a slight heel

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armagh · 20/03/2013 21:36

Caprice shoes are lovely and soft. Don't know who stocks them in U.K. Check online/ google

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Curtsey · 20/03/2013 20:03

Oh and to avoid pain on the day - because flat shoes can be painful too - I'd suggest that your mum applies a layer of thick body cream - shea butter or similar - before putting on her shoes. It will minimise any friction from stiff straps or backs and may mean she's not bracing her foot as much.

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Curtsey · 20/03/2013 19:59

Hm, OP I'm just wondering if the dress is mid-calf and floaty - how about a pair of flat T-bars to 1920s things up? I love these Topshop flats. I'm not sure if the colour would work, but I love T-bar shoes - flat or high - for any kind of event dressing. They're prettier and more nostalgic than Mary Janes (which can sometimes feel a bit frumpville) and are special even when totally flat.

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soaccidentprone · 20/03/2013 19:44

since breaking my leg and dislocating my foot I just can't get on with heels. I keep trying with the 3 pairs of wedges I have, but I can barely walk in them.

so I wear flats. all the time. I really don't see why women are 'expected' to wear heels for formal occasions anyway.

it's so much easier for a bloke. jeans, T-shirt and boots or suit, shirt, tie and shoes.

I used to love fashion too (omg I'm starting to make myself feel really oldSad )

and it obviously matters to your mum, but there are plenty of lovely flats around atm. unless your DM is a 'standard' size I think she'd be better heading to John lewis or house of Frazer and trying a few pairs on. try to get there early before it gets busy though. and maybe phone ahead to find out when they have their deliveries.

good luckGrin

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7to25 · 20/03/2013 19:36

How about the Gabor Aroma leather sandals?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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soaccidentprone · 20/03/2013 18:40
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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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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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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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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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birdies · 20/03/2013 18:28

No worries Grin

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