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 wasn't sure whether trainers/Converse with a dress or midi skirt was a bit Lady In The Van at my age (55), but decided not to care and wear them anyway.

Cova these are comfy

My young, v trendy, fashion student NDN has just started wearing Wallabees and was stunned when middle aged me told her I used to wear them back in the day and had lots in different colors. Looks like they are making a comeback. I remember my mum being so pleased when I started wearing sensible shoes at last.

I wear Birkenstocks all the time-I find them stupidly comfortable

I’ve yet to find a trainer that works for me with a dress. White leather brogues are where it’s at when I wear a frock. I love brogues with most things. And Ash hi-tops in the winter.

I've been struggling to find similar and have to rely on mail order because I live at the far end of the country. I thought, after some painful mistakes, I had adjusted to an age-related need to move from 41 to 42 but even these are too short now. Is it my ever lengthening feet or have the sizes been recalculated? Anyway, make sure you're wearing the right size and might help.

I think how you put your foot to the ground affects how shoes fit and feel much more than we realise. I did a Pilates class this week where the teacher asked us to move the weight onto the inner (arch) edge of the foot to work the outer edge of the gluteus media harder. I noticed a subtle but significant improvement to my leg shape instantly.

Ballet shoes are far less fashionable than clumpy trainers these days!
If you have the cash, I'd spend on getting a slim orthotic, they make really flat shoes so much more comfortable. Then you can also try trendier flats, without having to go the full Ecco route...

Good idea about the Reebok classics @goose1964. I used to love those shoes.

I bought these recently to wear on a city break with a shirt dress. I thought they’d be comfortable as they are Fitflops but by the end of 9 miles I was in agony. No blisters or rubbing, just not enough support or bounce. They would be fine for a shorter day and they looked lovely but still not quite what I need.

I bought some M&S loafers last year - incredibly comfortable. Loafers tend to offer more support than ballet pumps, and are much cooler now anyway.