Too old to be prepared to put up with uncomfortable shoes but not yet ready to give up completely

[Runmoreorless]

I made the liberating decision about 18months ago that I'm never wearing shoes that hurt for the sake of style ever again. It has quite literally been life changing.

However as I am old enough to remember the days when MN style and beauty boards really hated trainers, except for exercising and when you'd be refused entry anywhere "nice" if wearing trainers I struggle with sports shoes for anything other than the most casual occasion.

So what to wear for a days' sightseeing followed by dinner and theatre? I thought I'd cracked it yesterday in skinny trousers and well padded ballet pumps with a small heel and I was comfortable enough while out, but today my feet really hurt from the the lack of support.

I know the young people would wear trainers with almost anything but does that work for the middle aged?

I've got to a similar stage and decided to invest in several pairs of decent, comfortable, yet not yet 'granny' shoes.
I need more support than a ballet pump, so I need proper fastenings .
It depends how strict you are on your definition of 'trainers'? I wouldn't wear a pair of Nike running shoes/trainers for non-sport occasions, but I would wear something like this:
www.eccoshoesuk.com/ecco-soft-7-ladies/p5674

There are some nice versions of this kind of style in patterns and bright colours or metallics too.

I absolutely think trainers work for the middle aged folk. Really. Trinny might not be your exact cup of tea but she wears trainers with dresses and looks great. You can get a couple of nicer style sandals from fitflop too that look pretty good and give you lots of support.

I'd wear trainers and carry some ballet shoes, probably.

I've seen these IRL and they're lovely, for example. www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/tia-metallic-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-L36#323

Doc Martens!

Skechers.

I have seriously dodgy ankles and very wide, short feet. I can't wear ballet flats due to no support, but the skechers I tried in desperation a few weeks ago were perfect. I tried on 5 pairs in different styles to make sure it wasn't a fluke and when I get paid on Friday I'm going back for a second pair!

these ones

I love a good brogue! I have a pewter pair which go with everything!

I got to that stage a year ago. Admittedly I don't wear trainers but backless loafers or wedge sandals from Vionic .Fitflop gave me really dodgy knees . I love the trainer with midi skirt look on other people but personally just dont feel right in it .

Hi op, I was thinking of starting a very similar thread asking for a "smart" trainer for the same reasons!

The Germans are very good at this sort of thing! There is a make called Waldlaufer which are extremely comfy.

My late ma used to wear Gabor which are v comfortable if they suit your foot. They used to have very fusty styling but have improved a bit of late. They do a sort of smart "foot rolling" trainer and a soft/sensitive one I think.

Sketchers are too wide for me unfortunately but I did have luck with a similar type of slip on from Esprit last summer.

I currently wear these from Peter Hahn as a "smart" trainer but perhwps not really appropriate for smart theatre/dinner! There might be others on the site that are suitable though!

Vionic also make comfortable shoes for those suffering from plantar fascitis and some are not too drab and might fit the bill.

I hope shoe manufacturers take note because this is a massive gap in the market that needs filling!

For example this sort of thing from Vionic.

Middle aged and have been wearing trainers and docs since the 80s and 90s. How did you miss that era?
I've basically never worn uncomfortable shoes.

A pair of Vejas, or some old school Gazelles?

I do wear trainers but can't stand to wear 'sporty' running type trainers. So superstars or converse. But otherwise A brogue? (Clarks are super comfy) or I tend to just wear Birkenstocks if it's summer/dry my Dr martens and style it out if it's wet

I was just going to say those Tia Fitflops - I have been on a city break this weekend and wore them loads, very comfortable. My thighs ache from all the hills, not my feet!

I wear old school Pumas practically everywhere, my DFriend has a new pair of bright yellow Van flatforms that I'm coveting too. I wear trainers practically anywhere, ankle boots in winter. Though I popped into Hotter today (I'm sure v frowned upon previously on S&B) and got two gorgeous pairs of sandals that are sooooo comfy.

Ooh which Hotter sandals did you get? LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett

I got some gorgeous Chelsea boots from there earlier this year and they’re so comfy. I’m only 39 🙈

I wear Toms most of the time. Gave up on uncomfortable footwear a long time ago.

I don't like Skechers any more due to the memory foam which makes my feet really hot and then they ache. Used to like the Bobs espadrille style until they put memory foam in everything, also has ridges in which are uncomfortable.

I have some ballet style pumps that are a bit more structured too, wear those when it is too wet for Toms.

Surely boots are the answer outside of summer? Lovely aquatalia boots - comfy, and can take you anywhere?

today my feet really hurt from the the lack of support.

It may not be the exactly the lack of support: Ballet flats are known to require your toes to cramp in order to keep them on.

A good test when wearing any shoe, is to pick up your heel and leave your toes on the ground. If the shoe comes with you it is all good. If the shoe stays on the ground, it means that your toes will be working to keep the shoe on and will not be comfortable.

I have the Fitflop Rally in silver and in black. Very comfy and slightly smarter than their trainers.

These are my favourite trainers:
www.jigsaw-online.com/product/margot-leather-trainer/J39385_BL010

@BoswellsBollocks these and these - there's 25% off too... There were loads that I liked though.

That's a good tip about Chelsea boots too @BoswellsBollocks - I practically lived in Clark's Chelsea boots but they've changed the design a tiny bit and I can't get my latest pair broken in at all, they rip my heel open.

I remember back in the day when I would wear my 3-inch heels and be able to dance the night away for hours on end. Years later, my poor feet are really suffering as I stuff my feet into standard fitting stylish shoes and also have diabetes.

I came across a family-run shop in North West London who sell specialist wide shoes and slippers. I literally felt like crying with happiness when I found them as I have found shoes I would never find on the high street!! www.widefitshoes.co.uk/women/wide-slippers-for-women

Their slippers are dreamy too and cannot live without.

I bought a pair of Reebok classics in gold to wear as smart trainers with dresses and skirts.