Autumn/winter skirts and dresses with trainers, guidance needed pls

[LoveBeingAMum555]

I need advice. After an old ankle injury flared up I have been to a podiatrist and now have corrective orthotics which pretty much means that I am limited to trainers. I like to be quite smart at work and have got through the summer in 7/8 length trousers, smart tops, and a part of smart white leather trainers that I bought years ago. Occasionally I have worn the same trainers with dresses and bare legs which has been fine.

I am now thinking ahead to autumn and winter. I feel the cold so bare ankles is definitely out. What sort of skirts and dresses are going to work with opaque tights and trainers, and what options are out there for leather trainers in black or navy that will work for the office?

I am early fifties and petite if that helps. I am not a slave to fashion but some pointers would be good as I am going to have to rethink my wardrobe.

Would these navy Next ones work? They come in all black too and black with white soles.

www.next.co.uk/style/st690640/T88477#T88477

@Rina66 Yes I like those, and they are smart enough for the office. I suppose this is what I am looking for, trainers that dont look like trainers. So long as those feel secure on my feet and dont slip when I walk they would be good.

Long or midi skirts and dresses with tights and flat shoes can look nice with a heavier top or knitwear on top

Similar to this

Does it have to be skirts/dresses? I’d go for wider leg trousers with smart trainers (something like this in the navy which the model is wearing with simple white trainers).

No gaps around the ankles so nice and warm!

I don’t see why it has to be trainers.

Surely any shoe that fits the orthotic

What kind of trainers are they that you are wearing currently? There are lots of shoe brands making trainer-like shoes now so perhaps they would have something that would work but they might be not have as much of the actual aspect of trainers that make them to most suitable footwear for you.

Here’s what Birkenstock have under their “sneakers” category www.birkenstock.com/gb/women/shoes/sneakers/?page=3

If you're wearing orthotics then trainers are probably most comfortable for you during the working day. I wear them and they are for me due to various foot issues.

Camper have some v soft boots

Not really what you asked but these shoes fit various type of orthoses. They have a decent toe box, good ankle support and a removable inner toe accommodate an insert.

www.startriteshoes.com/isaac-black-leather-boys-lace-up-school-shoes

They may not be your cup of tea but someone else might find it useful.

Good luck.

It depends on the orthotic-I’ve and some that have fitted in existing shoes but others that I’ve had to buy shoes the next size up for

Thanks all. Some shoes just wont work with my orthotics - I have a couple of pairs of Clarks brogues for example that have quite padded non-removable insoles and there is no way you could get the orthotics in them.

I hadnt thought about soft boots, so will research those. And yes I like wide leg trousers, so that's another option.

Have you looked at Vionics? As they have the orthotic footbed. I have some of their slippers and they are great.

Can you wear Converse?

@LoveBeingAMum555 I have half orthotics in my shoes. For work I wear either a pair of black reeboks or Dr Marten shoes. They also fit well in fly 3/4 boots which I have previously worn for work.
ive also just done a shop from fat face who have some nice autumn /winter tunics and dresses in to wear with trousers / leggings

Thanks all. Converse are tricky because the orthotics raise my heel ever so slightly and because Converse are low at the back not enough of my foot is in the trainer, if that makes sense. Converse boots might work but they might be a bit too casual.

Fly boots would be worth a look, thanks. And I looked at Vionics but my orthotics are made to be fit me so not sure how that works. All good suggestions though.

Today I have been wearing a Boden dress and Nike runners. I was planning on changing into smarter shoes at work but my ankle was hurting a bit so I decided that I didnt care! I think I need a shopping trip with my orthotics to try some footwear out.

What about DMs? Or a similar style?
Birkenstock do a sort of Chelsea boot style, I've got these: www.birkenstock.com/gb/stalon--nubuck-leather/stalon-waxynubuck-nubuckleather-0-thermorubber-u_650.html
which are very comfortable.

Thanks @DelphiniumBlue I didnt realise Birkenstock did such a wide range, there are definitely some options on there. I need to try DMs on, I am petite with size 6 feet so I always worry they will look massive on me!