Help my DM for me - Flat shoes that aren’t a trainer

[WiseFinch]

My DM (56) wants flat shoes but is completely opposed to Veja/Adidas gazelle/ any sort of trainer I’ve suggested. This may be because I am in my early 20s and have no idea what ladies this age wear! 🥲
She wants a shoe that goes with her skinny jeans so high top style, she’s got converse but doesn’t like putting them on and off… For context she had a catastrophic leg injury about 18 years ago which resulted in plates and pins in her ankle and she’s feeling the effects of that badly now. So something she can walk in!
Shes gutted she can’t walk in heels anymore at 56. Not sure if she wants wearable to the office but literally any suggestions are welcome!! Thanks MN ❤️

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/styleandbeauty/5303901-summer-shoes-to-replace-white-trainers?page=5&reply=143203940

Have a look at this thread. Lots of lovely non-trainer ideas, as well as trainer suggestions, and ladies of that age do wear Sambas, gazelles etc (speaking from experience).

Thank you!

Yes I know - everyone is wearing them especially me!! She just won’t wear trainers she says her legs are too skinny; I think this is a load of rubbish but I’m not going to argue with her, or start trying to dress her (yet!!) 😂😂

Have a look at the Skechers (www.skechers.com) website. They've got a variety of styles, and are very comfortable. I've also heard good things about Vivaia (www.vivaia.com).

Nothing on that thread is hugely appealing, most suggestions are a bit expensive or not quite what we’re looking for so bump. But maybe a ballerina style or loafer style.. she doesn’t want to spend more than about £50.

Well I’m 54, have very skinny legs and wear Vejas, Gazelles and Sambas. I do wear ballet flats too. I recently bought these which are really comfortable and I got a lot of compliments when I wore them. I too, can’t wear heels any more so it does make life a bit difficult at times.

Yes we are looking at ballet flats at the moment “but they can’t be too flat or they’ll hurt my leg” - thanks for the link those are nice but she doesn’t like leather.. I’m starting to think she is just impossible! 😂

For high tops these are extremely comfortable and get compliments:

Women`s Leather Shoes LAGOS 901-7312 | Pikolinos

She might find something she likes here:

Ecofriendly Shoes for Women

These are supremely comfortable, though not summery:

Legero Tanaro Hi Gtx Tan Suede Womens Hi Tops 2000268-3010

There's always Hotter and Ecco where just occasionally you can find something not too 'old lady'ish.

I realise these are mostly above your budget, but if she likes any of these in principle there may be sales or similar styles available.

DMs for DM

Could be worth taking her to a Pavers shoe store if you have one near you. Loads of different styles available to try on.

I'm a lady a little older than your mum.

I'm currently wearing Saucony trainers. My other flat shoes include suede Pumas, Ecco lace ups, KSwiss white leather sneakers, Sperry canvas sneakers, Eileen Fisher suede platform sneakers, and three pairs of Allbirds (hi top and normal in wool, and a pair of mesh ones too). Also a pair of Josef Siebel laced shoes in a metallic colour.

I’m over sixty. ‘Ladies’ of this age who are me currently wear boots and brogues and loafers and t bar shoes from:

Grenson

Marsell

Hereu Studio

(And if they wanted anything trainer-like (but not for sportswear) would probably get them from Cecilie Bahnsen or some other ridiculously expensive but cute designer source.)

I’m not interested in ballet flats and haven’t worn heels for a decade, though I almost certainly will in the future.

Presumably your mother can’t or won’t wear Birkenstocks?

And presumably she knows she’ll struggle to find any really decent footwear for less than £50 new?

I have skinny legs and don't find trainers at all bad looking.

Your mum isn't going to find much for £50 unless she wants to buy second hand from eBay.

Im a similar age and I really like Rocket Dog trainers, along with Converse. Plenty of colour and pattern options to choose from.
I don't think skinny legs means you can't wear trainers though, esp not the old school style which are much less chunky.

Yes - by 'old ladyish' I certainly wasn't intending any disrespect to the over-60s, not least because I'm well into my sixties myself. But shoe shops often feature really gruesome offerings, as though once we're over that threshold style goes out of the window.

(No worries, I was actually addressing my comments to the OP!)

I really don't like trainers and most of my shoes these days come from moshulu who have a good line in flat but not too flat

Suave shoes are so comfortable and there’s new pairs on Vinted…

I’m only 5 years her junior.

I wear a combination of trainers, merrell walking shoes, black loafers for work, brown leather sandals, tall zip up boots and doc marten traditional boots.

if bending over to do up shoes is an issue then sketchers are ideal along with loafers when smarter is needed.

I'm older than your mother but not by much.

I can't see the appeal of converse as they are too flat.

A pp has recommended Pikolinos and Legero. i'll add:
Gabor Ladies Footwear | Womens Designer Shoes | Gabor Shoes,
Hotter Hotter Shoes & Footwear | Specialising in Wide and Extra Wide Fitment
Josef Seibel Shoes - Buy Josef Seibel Shoes – JOSEF SEIBEL
Rieker Spring/Summer Ladies - Shoes
Women's Trainers at M&S
Some of those sell shoes that aren't to my taste, but should have some that are comfortable and not hideous.
The Adidas ones that are fashionable don't offer enough arch support for me.

Goodness me, all this talk of old ladies. I'm 65. I've never worn trainers. In winter I have flat lace up boots from Lanx and Joseph Cheaney.

Non winter almost everything is ballet flats and Mary Janes from Pretty Ballerina - from very flat to 2.5cm heel , a couple of pairs from Dune and fisherman's sandals from Paraboot.

I wear Gabor, Merrell, Hotter, Adidas, and Sketchers. Josef Siebel and Reiner I find uncomfortable.

Skechers are fabulous. Like walking on cushions.

Sketchers are comfortable and supportive
I’m 60 and disabled

If she likes her converse but finds the laces a struggle, perhaps these would help? You can open the boot up completely to insert your foot.