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Original poster

Anyone else never wear heels? What kind of shoes do you go for?

78 replies

Lottapianos · 02/02/2015 09:40

I don't own a single pair of heels. Cant' take the pain any more. I don't drive and walk everywhere, even on a night out I need to walk to the station so can't be doing with heels any more. I am the Queen of Comfy Shoes!

However, this queen is in need of some new shoes for Spring/Summer and am all out of inspiration. Please share your recent flat shoe/boot/sandal etc purchases!

OP posts:
Butterpuff · 02/02/2015 12:22

I used to wear heels all the time. Then I married a man 16 inches taller than me and decided I couldn't be bothered to even try and bridge that gap. Now its flats for me all the time.

Winter I have lived in a pair on Hush Puppy knee high boots my Mum bought me (or walking trainers as I do a lot of walking). Summer it is flip flops and ballet pumps all the way. I do have a couple of pairs of kitten heels left and some really low funky wedges that I like. But those only come out on high days and holidays.

KissyBoo · 02/02/2015 12:51

I loathe high heels. I think aesthetically they look absolutely grim and they feel nasty to wear.

I am either in boots if it's cold or Birkenstock/Fly London low wedges/thong sandals as soon as it's warm enough.

Boots wise I like multi-buckle ones/biker/Fly Mes or more casually Clarks Originals flat pull on boots/Conkers Pobs/Camper beetle.

Thisishowyoudisappear · 02/02/2015 12:51

The Lotta clogs are comfy, but I don't know if they'd be good for walking 2-4 miles. One of my pairs has sort of rubber soles instead of wood, and they are more forgiving on the joints I think.

I always wear Birkenstocks in the summer. They are mega comfortable and I can walk miles in them.

Can't wear totally flat shoes and look awful in brogues as I have chunky ankles!

MixenLane · 02/02/2015 13:04

I hurt my knee a while ago and have been unable to wear heels since.
I'm finding the transition difficult. It's easy in summer, but what do you wear for a smart evening out in autumn/winter?

christinarossetti · 02/02/2015 13:09

I have a number of pairs of El Naturalista shoes and boots.

www.elnaturalista.com/en/

They're not cheap, but you can get them in the sales/ebay. They're extremely comfortable and last years.

TheFairyCaravan · 02/02/2015 13:39

Clarks flat shoes can be great. Most of them have some sort of cushioning in the sole. I've got a gorgeous pair of pony skin grey leopard print flats from there that only come out for special occasions.

You can't go wrong with the Hamble Oak brogues either. I've got a nude patent and suede pair from a couple of Springs ago. My favourite brogues are a pair of navy patent and suede that I got in Dune sale for £15 from £85.

I'm loving these for the Summer, but need to try them on because I have got really skinny legs!

Bue · 02/02/2015 13:53

I never wear heels. I am mostly in brogues, Chelsea boots, biker boots and slip ons. Clarks are very good. I currently have both of these:

www.clarks.co.uk/p/26108353
www.clarks.co.uk/p/26109122

Original poster
Lottapianos · 02/02/2015 13:59

I love Clarks too. Are the Hamble Oak brogues really comfortable? They look like they might be a bit hard

Fairy, I love those navy ones too, need to try them on

Bue, loving both of those. Am seriously considering the brogues in the yellow 'Honey' colour Smile

OP posts:
Ihateparties · 02/02/2015 14:03

I wear almost all vivobarefoot now, although they are killing me with the Jing Jing/Lydia styles not having a leather option. Camper peu and merrell barefoot are also on my list to try. Love brogues on other people, just can't get them worked out on me.

TheFairyCaravan · 02/02/2015 14:07

The Hamble Oak brogues are really comfy, they've got cushioning in the sole. Mine have never given me blisters even when they were brand new.

Original poster
Lottapianos · 02/02/2015 14:08

That's what I like to hear Fairy Grin

OP posts:
Tisiphone · 02/02/2015 14:14

I never wear heels because I cannot fathom why anyone would essentially wilfully disable their own ability to move around quickly and easily for long distances. In the summer, I live in Birkenstocks and Converse, in winter knee boots, biker boots and flat ankle boots from Fly or the Natural Shoe Store.

The only snag I hit - and will hit again this summer - is finding dressy-enough looking flats to wear with a dress for wedding-type occasions. Any thoughts? (I wear lots of dresses in winter, with woollen tights and boots, but so many comparatively formal summer dresses that would be suitable for a wedding seem to imply being worn with heels.)

ItIsntJustAPhase · 02/02/2015 14:19

Never wear heels. Marking place to read later. Grin

Original poster
Lottapianos · 02/02/2015 15:15

Tisiphone, check out the EnBrogue blog mentioned upthread - its fab. She shows a huge range of styles, hopefully you can find something suitable for a more formal dress

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 02/02/2015 16:17

Can any of you lovely folk find me something flat to wear with a knee length posh frock ? My feet are an 8 and wiiiide. Frock is pinky red, and I'd love silver shoes.

MrsBertMacklin · 02/02/2015 16:59

Esska
Charles & Keith

Pricey, but Nicholas Kirkwood loafers are lovely: I saved up for a pair 2 years ago, still going strong, haven't gone baggy like some cheaper flats can.

Tisiphone · 02/02/2015 19:28

Thanks, Lotta and Dots. Very helpful.

Petal02 · 02/02/2015 19:32

I have a strange relationship with heels - I love wearing them, but lost my confidence/ability to balance in heels following a minor foot op 18 months ago. I didn't dare wear heels during convalescence and somehow lost the knack.

So I wear heels in the office, and bars/restaurants (ie indoors, as I daren't tackle kerbs and cobbles) and always pack a pair of foldable ballet flats in case I end up somewhere unexpected.

Hopefully one day I will regain my poise and be able to walk down the street in heels - just about everyone else seems to manage!!

BikeRunSki · 02/02/2015 19:43

Wow dots! Unfortunately the ones I can afford are sold out in my size. The ones I can't afford don't even go up to my size anyway. But many thanks for looking. I suspect that New Look should be my new best friend.

BestIsWest · 02/02/2015 20:10

I can't do heels due having broken both my ankes, one twice. However I can't do anything too flat(eg ballet flats) due to Achilles tendon problems so I need shoes with about an inch or an inch and a half of heel? It is a pain. Great in the winter, I have a dozen pairs of ankle boots but I struggle in spring and summer.

VegasIsBest · 02/02/2015 20:10

Clarkes have some lovely silver shoes. Don't know how to link I'm afraid, but easy to find in their website.

herecomesthsun · 02/02/2015 20:12

Boden - clearance

and I have new range tassel points, which were very comfy as evening shoes. Mind you, I find a small heel both more comfortable and more flattering.

addictedtosugar · 02/02/2015 20:32

Bike

silver wide fit

transparent sides

Both in an 8??

IdaBlankenship · 02/02/2015 20:36

Bestiswest I am in the same boat, major ankle issues means that this will be my first spring/summer not being able to wear flat or heeled shoes - not quite sure what that leaves Confused.... except fugly orthapaedic shoes Sad