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Original poster

Can you solve this summer shoe conundrum?

74 replies

MerylSqueak · 15/05/2022 20:02

If you can, you are nothing short of a style and beauty genius.

I'm trying to balance my work dress code with a variety of foot problems I have and also wanting to look at least reasonably good.

I need summer shoes to wear with dresses.

The requirements are:
Flat.
No sandals.
No trainers.
No open toes.
No open sides or backs.
Must be covered across the top of the foot, preferably with some give like elastic or laces.
Wide fitting.
Stylish.

I think this problem cannot be solved.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
HelenHywater · 16/05/2022 06:03

What about loafers? Clarks?

I think Other Stories has similar.

I find LK Bennett shoes are always comfortable for me if you can pay more

gunnersgold · 16/05/2022 06:19

What does everyone else wear ?
Sounds tricky , I have painful feet too and work trainers are tricky !

Dontfuckingsaycheese · 16/05/2022 06:27

I am wearing these for their second summer. Completely fitting with your and my dress code, comfy, cheap and go with trousers, skirts and all sorts!

Dontfuckingsaycheese · 16/05/2022 06:32

Oh I’m sorry OP I just read all your posts - my only go up to a 5.

Appleblum · 16/05/2022 06:37

Mary Janes. They're back!

jeaux90 · 16/05/2022 06:39

I have some white flatform loafers that work really well from last year. They were from John Lewis who also have flatform white/ecru brogues in at the moment.

They go with dresses and trousers. For some reason the flatform looks better with skirts etc than the flat version

FriendofDorothy · 29/05/2022 19:46

Goosey3 · 16/05/2022 05:54

@MerylSqueak I work in a shoe shop that specialises in foot problems. Please ignore any recommendations for Sketchers - I know people love them but they’re horrendous for your feet 😬
I second the suggestions of Gabor (Comfort Fit/G Fit styles would probably work best for you!) and Ecco. You’ll get lots of underfoot cushioning and support in those and they have the added benefit of most styles having removable insoles which can be very helpful depending on the type of orthotic you need to fit 😊

Just out of interest why are Skechers so bad for feet?

Crystal8559 · 29/05/2022 20:02

I have these (photo attached) I work in a hospital environment and have similar restrictions, on my feet most of the day and these are very comfortable. Currently on sale at QVC.U.K & I’ve ordered a couple more pairs. You can return within 60 days even if you have worn them if they aren’t right for you so nothing to lose really. Hope that helps 😊

Can you solve this summer shoe conundrum?
190190tnt · 29/05/2022 20:35

I have bunions, Morton's neuroma and arthritis Skechers have given me my feet back, pure bliss and like walking on air, can't manage without them! Why are they so bad...😮

Springspringhurrah · 29/05/2022 20:42

Hello, I'm an occupational therapist- if you have to wear orthotics for health needs- back pain, foot pain, whatever it is, doesn't really matter, your employer should by law make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs. And wear trainers and not suffer. Comfort over style every time for me I'm afraid. Discuss with your line manager how this is difficult for you and could end up costing you a lot of money, I'm sure they will be flexible. If it's s new job ( which I suspect as first time you've had this issue) it's good practice for asking for other more difficult things in future ( flexible working, pay rise etc) start from a position of confidence 😸👍

I am also long standing orthotics wearer, I totally love what they do for my body, totally hate how they limit footwear.. as mine have become more substantial over the years my choice becomes ever more limited,! Luckily white trainers ( as long as they are clean, or silver/ gold) with summer dresses are fashionable.
Try these brands for trainers, ECCO, Merrell, new balance, hoka ( my favourite) vionic ( some fairly smart, but less comfy for all day unfortunately) Brooks and ASICS are what podiatrists like- but very 'runner'-y

My last smart clothing job, I found I was more comfortable wearing 3/4 length trousers and a sleeveless top - but my summer dresses are not that smart. And then I also had pockets!

jaffacakesareepic · 29/05/2022 20:50

Is the no trainers for comfort or dress code? I have issues with bones in my feet plus arthritis and i have been allowed to wear trainers at two different companies so far with agreement from HR that its a reasonable adjustment

I do buy plain black ones to look as unobtrusive as possible but worth it for not being in agony at the end of each day

Mummyoflittledragon · 29/05/2022 21:00

New look are really good for wide fit. A lot of lines are oos atm. Probably a little late in the season. They have these in your size but running low on stock. www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/wide-fit-white-woven-pointed-ballet-pumps/p/819538710

TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 29/05/2022 21:28

I've just bought these from clarks outlet and they are super comfy....

Can you solve this summer shoe conundrum?
Arenanewbie · 29/05/2022 21:33

Google Hotter. Good quality and it does wide fitting as well.

meysey · 29/05/2022 22:28

Huge sympathy for your quest. I’ve got two kinds of orthotics, insoles and a small between the toes thing. Luckily I don’t have to look too smart and can wear DMs
most of the time (they also work with skirts). Have you considered a light ankle boot eg in fabric or suede? They can work really well with dresses and are fine for Summer. I found a nice pair at Superdry, that I wore to a wedding, but they’re probably a bit too pointy for you. Worth thinking about as a concept. Also take a look at Fly London for comfy but attractive shoes.

Pippielk · 29/05/2022 22:54

I also wear orthotics OP and know your struggles to find comfortable smart shoes that take orthotics and work with dresses.
i never buy a pair of shoes for less than £80/£100 but I find it’s worth it if I get a pair that works.
i think all the Think shoes have removable footbed….
These are probably too expensive but maybe keep an eye for a sale…
www.think-shoes-online.co.uk/women/flats/38177/ballerina-guad-2-salvia

Original poster
MerylSqueak · 29/05/2022 23:27

Thank you for reviving this thread. It went out of my mind because I fell and damaged the ligaments on my better foot so my footwear at the moment is a moon boot on that door and a plimsoll on the other.

The trainer thing is the work dress code.

I have spoken to my line manager and she's given some leeway. It's still a tough search though!

Before I did though, I tried on the some Tom's in a 7 and they looked perfect but we're very narrow. I could barely get my foot in. I wasn't able to try a larger size.

OP posts:
jaffacakesareepic · 30/05/2022 01:18

MerylSqueak · 29/05/2022 23:27

Thank you for reviving this thread. It went out of my mind because I fell and damaged the ligaments on my better foot so my footwear at the moment is a moon boot on that door and a plimsoll on the other.

The trainer thing is the work dress code.

I have spoken to my line manager and she's given some leeway. It's still a tough search though!

Before I did though, I tried on the some Tom's in a 7 and they looked perfect but we're very narrow. I could barely get my foot in. I wasn't able to try a larger size.

If the footwear issue is purely dress code and not for example safety related then I would seriously consider taking it up with HR as a reasonable adjustment to be able to wear trainers/the shoes that you are comfortable in. Your dress code should not cause you avoidable pain

Greatoutdoors · 30/05/2022 01:30

I’d go for a flat Mary Jane style - something like this: www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/elisabetta-leather-mary-jane-shoes-elisabetta-322-289

TomBradysLeftKneecap · 30/05/2022 01:33

Rothy's?

Ifeelsuchafool · 30/05/2022 06:44

solebliss.com/collections/flats/products/tamara-camel-leather

What about these?

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