Stylish and Beautiful casual everyday shoes / trainers for people with completely snookered lower backs who can't wear flats and break ankles in heels?

[Chicinwellies]

Advice appreciated . Have heard a few brands discussed with cushioned/raised soles but have yet to find something that doesn't look best in a retirement complex.

you need en brogue

Oh. You can't wear flats

Ignore me!

Have you tried a pair of MBTs? I've a knackered back also and swear by them. TK Maxx sometimes have cheaper pairs and you can get good deals online but do get into a shop and try a pair as the sizing can be a tad erratic. Fit flop leather trainers also v good

Gabor Haven, walking on puffy clouds. I have 3 pairs in different colours. Def not "retirement complex"

What are MBT's?

Have a look at the fit flop website. They have a large range and some designs are much nicer then you'd expect.

shop.mbt.com/uk/

When you say "can't wear flats"
Is that just ballet flats with no heels whatsoever? Would you be OK with loafers or brogues with a half inch heel?

I love my MBTs but by no standards are they stylish/beautiful

no-one should wear ballet flats unless a ballet dancer. You need about a half to one inch heel for correct support. And not platforms, unneccesary weight.

good luck finding shoes like that though...

Oh come on special. The shops are full of brogues and loafers.

Fwiw my excellent physio says people with bad lower backs should steer clear of MBTs which are very much aimed at 'destabilising' your posture while walking. Thinks Fitflops are OK though.

Thanks all - research to be done!

I've got size 8 feet. No point in brogues or loafers, look like boats, rub feet, heavy, expensive and no more elegant than trainers which do none of those things.

smart shoes without fugly high heels - if you've got a shop full of those, point me at it!

repeat: size 8, Euro 42. Not size 7 and squeeze your toes in, a real size 42. Shoes with a bit of grip on the sole, a normal 1 inch or less heel, no stupid bows on the front, black, not patent, no heel tabs (rub) and able to be re-soled and heeled.

like wot they used to sell. And not £60 a go either.

if you know of some, I'm listening.