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Frumpy or Trendy?

118 replies

shouldistop · 10/03/2021 20:48

Cast your votes on these trainers ?

https://www.gaborshoes.co.uk/womens-c1/shoes-c2/gabor-amulet-womens-wide-fit-sneakers-p4184?attributes[1]=24472

OP posts:
PasteisdeNata · 14/03/2021 20:01

I didn’t need to click the link: Gabor said it all.

A dear friend (when I was in my 20’s) who had hideous bunions tried to convince me of their confort and stylishness.

25 years on, I still wouldn’t inflict them on YOUR grandmother...

Walkingtheplank · 14/03/2021 21:42

Well how nice that you can wear what you want.

torquewench · 14/03/2021 21:55

I love Gabor shoes Blush Ive about 12 pairs, including a pair of grey suede Amulet and loads of people have asked where theyre from. So comfortable too.

LordGrantham · 14/03/2021 21:59

Try Ecco instead; they are sometimes a bit more on trend but very comfy.

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 14/03/2021 22:05

I can't wear 90% of the Hotter range, frumpy or not (too narrow, not enough support, has a heel, has rough edges or seams, etc). Or Skechers (too squishy and not enough lateral support). Ran out of money before trying Ecco (although the pairs I have seen wouldn't take my orthotics in them and aren't supportive enough on the sides) and Gabor and there are definitely no Fitflops on Earth that will solve the issues I have, as they are constructed in a way that automatically worsens things, even if you could get any wide enough to actually fit, as my issues aren't just limited to the joints in the feet, they're affecting the bursae, tendons, skin, hip, back and my neck, too.

Having disabilities makes aesthetics a nice idea that that people aren't really in the position to think about for themselves - can think about it for others, but comments like not wishing a pair of shoes on somebody's grandmother, whilst meant to be funny, is actually pretty unkind. If the shoes you hate so much meant I wasn't in pain, I'd wear them happily - just knowing that you'd be metaphorically turning your nose up at them or thinking I had no excuse for wearing something so ugly does hurt.

I thought you might have some helpful examples, which is why I asked - not that you'd say to just look for the ones that aren't fugly.

marchduck · 14/03/2021 22:23

I think, although runners etc will disagree, is that trainers should be comfortable ,and the day time equivalent of wearing slippers.
So just go for what you like the look of OP, land don't be worrying about frumpiness,
I am a heels girl , but I have bought myself two pairs of the Skechers during lock down and I love them. Don't know how il go back to heels when I'm back in the office.

KittoKatto · 14/03/2021 23:18

[quote shouldistop]www.clarks.co.uk/c/Un-Maui-Lace/p/26140168[/quote]
I’ve got a previous season’s version of these. They are a completely inoffensive, plain white trainer. Very comfortable (I have a Morton’s neuroma in one foot so a squidgy sole is important) although the leather does squeak!

You can usually get Clark’s cheaper on Amazon, e.g:
www.amazon.co.uk/Clarks-Womens-Derbys-White-Leather/dp/B07FQZ3BT6/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&psc=1&crid=K0D502944Y5R&keywords=un%2Bmaui%2Blace%2Bclarks&sprefix=Un%2BMaui%2Blace%2Caps%2C151&th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1615763711&sr=8-22

1forAll74 · 15/03/2021 01:56

Frumpy, but if the are very comfortable, I might well pay a fiver for them.

LunaNorth · 15/03/2021 02:05

Air and Grace trainers are the comfiest I’ve ever worn.

Not cheap, but they feel like my feet are in bed.

evilharpy · 15/03/2021 06:37

@NeverDropYourMoonCup several people I know who have foot issues swear by Vionics, have you tried those at all?

www.vionicshoes.co.uk/women/casual-sneakers.html

torquewench · 15/03/2021 08:13

Ive just counted the boxes in my wardrobe and I actually have 17 pairs - various trainers, boots, shoes and sandals. I think "frumpy" is in the eye of the beholder - and I wouldn't be caught dead in Boden or some of the other brands venerated on this site

Yuddiesorno · 15/03/2021 11:06

@NeverDropYourMoonCup - couldn't agree more!! As someone with a disability which means I struggle to walk far, even in comfortable shoes (and have done since I was a teenager) - it makes my heart sing to know that I have been judged by others solely on my footwear (no pun intended). I have come to terms with it, to some degree, as well as having to use a walking stick and a mobility scooter when needed, but I'm only human, and yes, sometimes these comments do hurt. If you are fit and healthy, you probably don't give a second thought to these barbed comments about how some people wear shoes that they wouldn't give their grandmother. Well, Bully for you - perhaps give a thought to all those of us who don't have a choice but to buy from Fitflop, Hotter etc - and even then the best I can hope for is "tolerable" in terms of comfort.

Solidarity to all those who have little choice over footwear, and have to embrace all those brands that the S&B brigade deem fugly, frumpy and hideous etc etc. May the rest of you never be in a position to need them.Flowers

Pasteisdenata · 16/03/2021 14:27

The question was whether the shoes were frumpy or not, my vote was frumpy. For me, Gabor normally is.

If you have problems with your feet, I suggest you find a good running shop and ask for advice on confortable shoes, you are likely to find a pair of trainers that will be fashionable and go with trousers and dresses, suits and be quite fashionable but Ecco, Hotter, Sketchers, Vionics have a look that is not for me.

Walkingtheplank · 16/03/2021 21:08

Yes, the question was whether the shoes were frumpy or trendy. It wasn't a request for a nasty comment.

The OP explained that she had a physical reason for needing this kind of shoe.

And running shoes aren't necessarily what the OP needs or wants.

MarmaladeBumpkin · 16/03/2021 21:20

I agree that frumpy is in the eye of the beholder, and dependent on local culture etc. The more European style of the rose gold Gabor ones is, to me, much more appealing than the Superga / Vega styles and wouldn't look frumpy here at all- but I'm not in the UK.

MarmaladeBumpkin · 16/03/2021 21:22

*Veja. My autocorrect is frumpy like me!

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