Need comfy shoes - Dr Marten or Fly London?

[MrsDrThorne]

I normally wear boots in autumn but am due to soon have an operation on my ankle that will make wearing boots at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible for a while.
So I need comfortable shoes that I can wear in rainy weather (it rains a lot where I live). I usually walk a lot and will still to do the school run, once my ankle starts recovering.
Two other awkward things - I have wide, quite big feet and one of my heels blisters really easily. Which is what always makes me very cautious about buying any shoes, but especially Dr Marten ones, as I have heard they hurt. I had Dpc boots years and years ago and they killed me until they wore in but I don't have time for that now.
I like the brogue/clumpy look. I want to avoid having to wear Sketchers or the like.
Can anyone tell me how comfy these styles are - do they rub? Do they keep water out?
Dr Marten ones
www.rubyshoesdayhebdenbridge.co.uk/womens-shoes-c4/womens-flat-shoes-c10/dr-martens-1461-classic-lace-up-shoe-p3203
Fly London 1
www.flylondonshop.co.uk/womens/all-shoes/ruda538fly
Fly London 2
www.jakeshoes.co.uk/item/fly-london/ladies-simb-lace-shoes-in-red/2GY1C?gclid=CjwKCAjwzdLrBRBiEiwAEHrAYh7QGlZVXs2UwONVrZ3Gl3JWJjMi0dJsYZGeD5HN_xD4otCxtCdaIhoC5AYQAvD_BwE#.XXY9wi5KiUl
I don't have to dress super smart for work and wear a lot of dresses/wide trousers/skirts that they will go with.
Many thanks!

Fly boots.

Soft leather dr martens

I would say no to the DMs as I just know they will tear your heels to ribbons until they’re broken in. The leather is just so stiff. I’d love some cherry red 1460s but I can’t face the agony of breaking them in.

Do they do any shoes in a softer leather? I have some DM boots in a soft tan leather (think the style was called Hadley) and they were a dream to wear from day one.

Can’t comment on the Fly London’s I’m afraid!

i have both brands, although neither of those styles, but whilst my fly london boots are probably most comfortable, neither pair ive had has been waterproof. Dr martens are also comfortable if you get the right pair, and also suitable for all weathers, rain or snow, and I wear them a lot more.

Have you considered Goretex waterproof walking boots? I have the same predicament as you and I may have a look at the men's range as there are more Goretex options than women's shoes.

Docs do a range of soft leather that don't rub or need breaking in. Love my docs.

Have 8 pairs of Fly between sandals shoes and boots and while I don’t have your specified ones my experience is there is no breaking in with Fly - just ultra comfy soft leather. My boots are fairly waterproof but not totally - hard to get a fully waterproof boot

Clark's brogues?

These are one example of soft leather Dr Martens. You have to look for “Virginia” in the name.

I love vionic’s. I wore sketchers a lot but I have a terrible back so have several pairs of the casual style now and they’re super comfortable.

Thanks so much everyone. gingersausage I didn't know about the soft leather Docs thank you have also now seen these which also look good

www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/p/22526001

Am also tempted by the Clarks brogues but even Clarks trainers give me blisters my feet are an awkward shape.

I have some Dr Marten biker boots which are much softer than the classic boots but I just know I won't be able to wear boots after this op; I have been warned the scar will be large and will take a while to heal.

Dora26 I have some Fly boots too and they are very comfy. When all this over I might treat myself to some more mid calf ones. I think Fly shoes might be my best bet.

Thanks again everyone, much appreciated

I've had really good experiences with Fly London but only with wedges, not with heavy boots like that.

Have you seen El Naturalista shoes? I live in my soft leather DM's and blister in most formal style shoes. These are not formal but vaguely in the style of a brogue and I've never blistered in any of their shoes...

www.elnaturalista.com/en/woman/natu-n5461t-vegan-black-angkor.html

Those Polly DMs are gorgeous

Have you tried the wide fit brogues from Clarks?

Definitely Doc Martens, especially if you want them to last. The quality is streets ahead if Fly (which I have found distinctly iffy for the price)

Fly London definitely. Dr Martens are difficult to break in and not particularly comfortable.The MES 2 ones have a different footbed and are much more waterproof.

However if you can stretch your budget the most comfortable boots I have ever had are my Conker pull on ones. You get them made to order and with the right width fitting -they last for years despite the initial outlay. The popper ones I have work with as many of the poppers done up allowing you flexibility re your ankle.

@MrsDrThorne do you live anywhere near Northamptonshire, as it’s worth the the trek to the DM outlet in Wollaston. Stock turns over very quickly, but they are really helpful and if you phone them first they will give you an idea of what they have in your size.

I have two pairs of Fly Mol boots. I love them, but they're not the slightest bit waterproof, so I'd check reviews of their shoes online before buying.

Fly London, 100%.
Dr Martens might be good once they're worn in but they do take a lot of breaking in. Fly boots and shoes don't, they're amazingly comfy from day one.

gingersausage sadly not I am a lot further north than that.

Malfoof I agree with you re Fly Mol boots I have a pair of those and find they leak around the stitching.

Sadly this is now going to be a moot point for a while at least - after a first minor operation yesterday and another chat with the surgeon it has become clear that the incision during my next operation will be a lot bigger and a lot lower than I had reckoned on.

I don't think I will be able to wear any sort of shoe after it for some time - (one of the nurses suggested I might need to wear Crocs! I'm no fashionplate but I have my limits) - so it will have to be my trusty Birkenstocks and wet feet. I think I will also get some super soft trainers and wear my heel over the back of one of them.

Then when it is improving I shall treat myself to some lovely soft leather trainers or Fly brogues.

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions

Ps have decided to get some leather clogs so as to keep my ankle untouched my shoe or boot and after finding an old thread on here am hunting for some FitFlop ones.