Flat shoes with soft/non-rigid backs

[PinkEasterbunny]

I have got ridiculously delicate heels and practically any shoe with a rigid back will rub dreadfully. I have got 2 pairs of really soft loafers, which are great but they won’t last forever, so I’m seeking alternatives. The front of the shoe has to come a fair way up my foot, so that I’m not walking out of them.

Something like this:

https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/5084921927

Any ideas?

What's your budget? I saw these in John Lewis at the weekend and liked how they looked, but don't know what they're like to wear:
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/allegro-crush-back-leather-loafers

Up to approx £150, but hoping to spend a bit less! They look comfy @WrinklesShminkles

I have these for work. Honestly the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned, I feel like in wearing slippers. Absolutely love them.

I really like the pale pink colour!

I have the same issue and find Camper are pretty good for my princessy heels.

I have those Fit Flops and they ripped the top of my heels really bad, the top of the back was quite 'tight' tried socks etc to stretch them no joy, may of been a one off.

I wear Skechers. Never had sore heels with them.

I feel your heel pain. I get on very well with Clarks Funny Dream in black and also VIBAE shoes
https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/funny-dream/20306639-p
https://vibae.com/en-gb/products/zuma-leather-preto-black-black

I would recommend the fit flop Allegro flats as well.

Have you got what I can only describe as lumpy heels? You may have a condition called Haglund's Deformity: fairly common and causes inflammation and pain if the heel is trapped in a stiff, hard shoe.

I have it and when it's bad I have to wear Crocs so that my heel doesn't come into contact with anything.

I have this problem too and also really like fit flops.

I have never heard of Haglund's deformity but I have it - I am certain - I didn't know it was a thing!

On the back of this thread I've ordered a very much used and v cheap pair of Fitflop leather loafer type shoes. If they fit I'll get a better pair!

Josef Seibel - their leather is fairly soft and very good quality.

Rosalie 13 is my favourite style (some are a bit frumpy, but others are fine).

I would avoid any shoes with elastication at the back. They really dig into the back of your ankle and cause blisters or bleeding.

Or is it heel spurs? I managed to get rid of mine through stretches. Which sounds bonkers, as they’re boney.

Top of your budget but Sam Edelman loafers are the softest leather and very easy to wear from day one.

I don't know how to link it but try Vivaia.
Ballet flats are so comfortable & you can put them in the washing machine at 30 degrees.
Very stylish,lots of colours & come in almond toe or square toe.

If you're in the market for something more casual, Adidas Samba 'Decon' have no heel counter so the heel is just pliable soft leather.

Neither did I until I started running about 6 years ago and my heel blew up like a tennis ball and I was limping and on cocodemol to try and relieve the pain. Stand on one leg (balance against a kitchen counter or table if necessary) and then push yourself up onto your toes. If you try to push and get nothing it's quite likely to be Haglund's. You lose the spring in your step — and it's amazing how often in a day you rely on that spring to get you up and down steps, push you into position after kneeling down etc. It took me 18 months and a lot of physio (some of it really bad and poorly informed) before it righted itself. Then a year later as I was puttering around a park with an elderly dog the other one 'went'. I've always had lumpy heels. Other women have tidy tendons running into neat ankles and I have something like half a potato growing out of my heel. It's a real pita. I can't wear a shoe with any kind of band around the upper edge. Trainers are bad because of way they're made and their firm heel box.

Unstructured heels in samba decon.

I had surgery for Haglunds on my right foot (surgery was the only way to remove the piece of bone that was protruding). So that heel is now normally shaped, but still very sensitive.

My other heel has a tiny bump, not enough for surgery, but sometimes it catches on shoes. However even prior to Haglunds, I always had really sensitive heels.

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/-iris/26171043-p?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA84CvBhCaARIsAMkAvkIP_0i5MEHv8JiSzwsbKYpYq3Ii9M5ArRCaw1DByPyAOdyj-0TtP5oaAo85EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I have these and they are super soft !!

Thanks for that. I'll order and try. No idea if the band around the heel and the stand-up bit to protect the tendon will irritate, but it they're that deconstructed I can wear them as mules like you. Sadly my running and sometimes even my serious walking days are over.

I went down the NHS pathway towards surgery, but because I'm older they were clearly not interested in doing anything. I had a really bad limp that put my back and pelvis out and was paying for private physio to try and help with that. Then Covid came along and eventually it began to ease and my limp improved. I've heard it's a major operation in many cases — severing the tendon or detaching it from the foot. Glad it worked for you.