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Original poster

Shoes for 40+?

23 replies

ShimmeringIce · 30/04/2018 07:53

I know, you should wear whatever shoes you want no matter your age, but I’m feeling old Sad My knees and hips hurt and I think I need to step away from the ballet flats, but I’m not quite ready for Hotter!
What brands do I need to look for, for supportive shoes? Not Skechers please, I’m sure they’re comfortable but a bit too casual and I seem to be between sizes. Also nothing clumpy, I want something that looks flat and quite delicate as well as being kind to my joints - should be easy, right? Grin
I need shoes I can wear with dresses, sandals, ankle boots, everything! Please throw some suggestions at me...

OP posts:
Mulberrysilk · 30/04/2018 08:20

Try Clarks

chezbot · 30/04/2018 08:29

No specific shoe recommendations but scholl orthaheel insoles inside a pretty delicate shoe is a combo worth investigating

PoshPenny · 30/04/2018 08:53

I'm wondering if you need something with a thicker sole to give your feet more cushioning? I agree with you about Hotter, I went in one of their shops last week and came straight out again, but personally I've found some nice (and comfy) shoes/boots in Clarks that have turned out to be really good.

CrieffBobsledTeam · 30/04/2018 09:55

Since I started having trouble with arthritis in my foot I've discovered M&S shoes with Insolia. It was originally designed for heeled shoes but there's a version for flats now (I have one of each, mine are both boots but there are plenty of shoes too). It does something to redistribute the weight on your feet to ease pressure - I don't really understand it but it does seem to help. I wouldn't say they're as comfy as my trainers or walking shoes but they're definitely better than other shoes I've had.

Original poster
ShimmeringIce · 30/04/2018 09:56

Great, thanks all, I’m going to have a look at these today Flowers

OP posts:
thedevilinablackdress · 30/04/2018 11:10

Clarks and Ecco

LadyOfTheCanyon · 30/04/2018 11:33

I had the same problem as you OP and discovered all I needed to do was start buying shoes with a heel - anywhere between and inch or an inch and a half like on a brogue and all my problems disappeared.
I keep ballet flats just for kicking around at home now.

Gottokondo · 30/04/2018 13:30

I've stopped wearing ballet flats around my 30th. They hurt my legs. Anything with a slight heel will do (or trainers).

thedevilinablackdress · 30/04/2018 14:04

Podiatrists always advise against ballet flats. Terrible for your feet.

chocolateavocado99 · 30/04/2018 14:47

I bought a pair of Clarks wedges last year and I live in them. So comfy.

CMOTDibbler · 30/04/2018 14:49

My fave shoes are Clarks wedges - I need the cushioning under the balls of my feet

puffermunkin · 30/04/2018 14:56

Moshulu are very very comfortable and worth a try. Their sales are very good.

fiorentina · 30/04/2018 17:51

Wedge sandals or similar ‘flatforms’ which can be a bit more ugly, I find comfortable, total flats are the worst, or sandals with a thin sole. I agree though Clark’s and M&S have some quite stylish but comfy shoes.

KellyMarieTunstall2 · 30/04/2018 17:57

Geox

anniemagoo · 30/04/2018 18:23

Vionics. They're not cheap but oh so comfy and decent styles as well.

www.vionicshoes.co.uk/

Chewbecca · 30/04/2018 19:23

I like Gabor (work) and Fly (casual) for comfort.

Original poster
ShimmeringIce · 30/04/2018 20:42

Hmm well no real success today. The Clarks shoes I liked weren’t cushiony enough and the cushiony ones weren’t pretty enough. These M&S sandals felt surprisingly good considering how flat they look, but don’t really fit my —impossible— brief.
I think I’ll try the insoles with some of my current sandals. It’s hard to imagine how they’ll work when trying new shoes though.
I don’t suit heels or wedges, even the low Fly option looks all wrong Sad I’ll have a look at Gabor and Moshulu though. I had some amazing Gabor boots that fell apart this winter (tried to replace them with Moshulu but they fit like wellies!)
I can only see 5 options for flat shoes from Vionics? I tried Geox a couple of years ago and they were the nastiest plasticky shoes I’ve ever worn - breathable my arse! Off to look at Ecco too...

OP posts:
pamplemoussed · 30/04/2018 21:05

As some for whom comfort is paramount but do like to be a bit stylish - I go for Gabor too.

MNscum · 30/04/2018 21:14

these are nice

SpeckledyHen · 30/04/2018 21:49

Another vote for Gabor for comfort .

Stillblundering · 30/04/2018 21:53

I bought the most comfortable Ecco kitten heels a few years ago and they have lasted longer than any shoes I've owned before or since then!

ZenZeeZoo · 30/04/2018 21:57

You don't have to go for horrible shoes! Just try anything that's got a slight bit of lift in it. Fully flat shoes are bad for everyone at any age.

Original poster
ShimmeringIce · 30/04/2018 22:22

Maybe I just want the impossible Sad pretty shoes that I can walk a few miles in. There are some in the running from the Gabor website but I can’t think of any shoes I’ve bought online and been completely happy with, must have wasted £100s over the years!

OP posts:
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