Mid 50’s bad feet - spring summer footwear suggestions please

[Wordlewobble]

I am mid fifties, plus sized and would like some good supportive, comfortable, neutral spring and summer footwear recommendations please (ideally a capsule collection of 3 or possibly 4).

I was thinking maybe 1 x trainers (or are they too last year) even for oldies? What brand/styles, white or multi colour? 1 x mule type back less sandals not too strappy or too flat 1 x small heel maybe an inch or inch and a half but what style and what sort of heel please? Anything else I need or anyone would recommend for a comfortable, versatile shoe capsule go anywhere wardrobe?

I occasionally get plantar fasciitis so require good arch support and I am tall and out of practice so don’t need skyscraper heels. Comfort is key without being too granny. Colour wise I prefer tan, beige or gold or a bright coral or green to black if that helps.

I also have some tan wedge sandals from pre covid times are they totally out?

Im mid 40s. Hotters style are mostly okay. Bloody comfy. I check out styles in next and buy similar from hotters. Best boots ive worn in years and no blisters.

Thanks I am ok for boots but was thinking more footwear for warmer weather and maybe a couple of versatile bags.

I have been in the house for what seems like forever with lockdown. I love those bags with contrasting strap maybe a coral, tan or green with a leopard print or stripe strap but tried one on in a small boutique near me but the strap is too short/isn’t really long enough.

Fly are the only footware I can comfortably wear

Have a look at Fitflops. I'm in my 60s and have various foot problems, I first bought Fitflops about three years ago when I had PF, they were brilliant and I have several different pairs now, boots sandals and trainers. I got a very good discount code on my first purchase, I don't know if they still offer that.

E.g. trainers

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/vitaminff

Sandals

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-new-arrivals-sandals-uk

Strive footwear (UK firm) are expensive (they do have an online outlet section on their website) but oh my good God are they worth every penny. Incredible support and comfort.

Go and try some on in Pavers if you've got one near you. God they are comfy shoes. Some are granny, but many not plus some stores have Skechers trainers which are super comfy.

Thanks I like FitFlop sandals mule/wedges but haven’t tried the trainers just looked at white leather trainers (photo 1) there but unsure whether to size up or down from reviews?

I am aware of Strive and like the look of the capri sandals (2nd photo I think) like nougat or snakeskin?

Also quite like the tan sliders on Fitflop (last photo).

Much more pricey (maybe too pricey) and maybe far too young for me and more fashion rather than comfort but has anyone tried Air & Grace and if so what did you think and what do you think of these styles?

It still leaves me without a pair of sandals with a tiny heel for smarter but this type of footwear is possibly the least likely to be worn by me.

I’ve just bought these and they are very comfortable
I also recommend fit flop and timberland
www.shoezone.com/Products/Rieker-Womens-Gold-Lace-Up-Casual-Shoe-12452?ad=uk.redbrain.shop&af=176013&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=aw&utm_campaign=awSale&awc=4253_1648486703_b5202ac8b5f867d0460d362585d47cf9

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Un-Haywood/p/26133307 I bought these last year, they're not exactly trendy, but they are comfy. I like quite a lot of the Clarks sandles range

I have the plain white cru a&g trainers, they are really comfy. I have the black a&g sandles and I don't actually wear them that much.

I like sporty sandals and usually wear Tevas
They have a good range of ones that you can comfortably wear while swimming at the seaside and then still have the comfort and traction to go on an amble along coast foot paths.

www.gomarking.com/products/comfortable-elegant-low-chunky-heel-shoes
Saw these advertised. They are orthopaedic and it mentions they are good for people with plantar fasciitis. They also come in a range of colours.

I think Teva, Hotters, Fitflops, ClaRks etc are all comfy but not exactly in any way stylish or fashionable

Yes, pity we couldn’t have both.

I’m not a fan of Hotter, every pair of anything I’ve got from there has been uncomfortable I’m not sure where I’m going wrong as everyone else seems to think they’re comfy!

I vote Ecco. I know some people think they’re not stylish, but when we’re talking Hotter, they’re definitely competing and have some great styles. I have a pair of Ecco boots I often get complimented on. I need stability and orthotics in my shoes, and am in my 30s (orthotics since my 20s), so I have been on a long journey with footwear that hopefully looks alright Ecco is my most reliable brand.

I also have some other ones but it depends on the specifics of what you need. I’ve had Mephisto sandals (as I could actually put orthotics in, amazing) and Timberlands as they also work well with orthotics. All supportive and comfortable. I wear Birkenstocks without supports around the house, which I’ve been doing rather a lot of with lockdowns etc, and haven’t had any issues as the arch support on them is pretty good. New Balance is supposed to be good, although I haven’t tried so can’t vouch for them.

Just realised I think they’re called orthoses? either way, hopefully that makes sense!

@Wordlewobble

Thanks I like FitFlop sandals mule/wedges but haven’t tried the trainers just looked at white leather trainers (photo 1) there but unsure whether to size up or down from reviews?

I am aware of Strive and like the look of the capri sandals (2nd photo I think) like nougat or snakeskin?

Also quite like the tan sliders on Fitflop (last photo).

The white leather trainers are Rally - I don't like them! I don't much like the look of them, but I decided to ignore that because I thought they would be comfy so bought a pair (in black) and they are the only Fitflops which stay in the cupboard. I find them stiff and clunky, which isn't what I want in a trainer. All the Fitflops I've had are true to size, I bought my usual size, 38.

I bought the Vitamin FF trainers (in white) and I find them comfy - light and flexible.

I agree I like those tan sliders.

Thanks for your honesty it doesn’t sound like the leather Rally ones would be for me then.

The only colour I like in the vitamin ff ones is white and it days they are knit. What colour do you have? Are these hard to keep clean and do you or would you wear these with a dress to walk into town or go out to the pub for a low key taps type/pizza meal with friends? This is what I am after something comfy that also doubles up and also looks ok to dress up.

I think I will order those sliders and possibly the vitamin FF’s depending on your response.

@Wordlewobble

Thanks for your honesty it doesn’t sound like the leather Rally ones would be for me then.

The only colour I like in the vitamin ff ones is white and it days they are knit. What colour do you have? Are these hard to keep clean and do you or would you wear these with a dress to walk into town or go out to the pub for a low key taps type/pizza meal with friends? This is what I am after something comfy that also doubles up and also looks ok to dress up.

I think I will order those sliders and possibly the vitamin FF’s depending on your response.

I have the white Vitamin FF.

I've only had them a couple of weeks so can't really help with keeping them clean - I have assumed I can wash them if necessary but don't know.

I would wear them with the right dress, but I haven't yet worn a dress since I've had them! White trainers with dresses seem to be a 'thing' so would think it'd be fine.

It's worth ordering them and seeing what you think. Returns are free. I hope you like them!

@L0stinCyberspace

Strive footwear (UK firm) are expensive (they do have an online outlet section on their website) but oh my good God are they worth every penny. Incredible support and comfort.

I have loads of strive sandals and shoes, they are the only sandals I can wear as apart from fab arch support they usually have leather insoles which don't go all smelly. You can also buy the insoles to put in your own shoes

I'd also say that people love fit flops for plantar fasciitis, but they aren't so good for posterior tibial tendonitis (age related flat feet 😬) as they don't have enough arch support

Yes I have found fitflops to work well for me. I really like the tan sandals but not sure how practical the white trainers in knit would be for me to keep clean.