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Can the style mavens help me find shoes and/or boots with these requirements please?

5 replies

IamEarthymama · 12/09/2025 17:29

I believe have the most awkward feet! They are certainly very uncomfortable and painful. I dread rainy and cold days when I can’t wear my Crocs.
I will describe my feet.
Size 7/41
The widest part is Very wide indeed with bunions forming.
Toes rest on top of one another
Top of foot is very arched (I can’t wear slip on boots!
Heel is very narrow.
Over the years my feet have become very bony, little fat.
Admittedly I abused the poor things dreadfully in the 70s and 80s by wearing 4in black stilettos as my day to day footwear; I think they are getting their revenge now.

My Health.
I have chronic arthritis throughout my body which affects my gait. I injured a knee about 7 years ago which has certainly impacted my feet.
My feet cause me real pain and as my mother always said, pain in your feet shows on your face.

I love clothes and see them as a form of expression, in fact, I’m probably a little eccentric.
My shoes and boots of choice in the past have been Dr Martens, Fly, Rocket Dog, El Naturalista.
I have DMs from 20 years ago that still fit but they are no longer waterproof and the lining is fraying.
Newer DMs make my feet sore and uncomfortable.
If shoes fit me across the width then the heel is loose and the friction causes discomfort and blisters.
I have tried DB shoes, Fitville 😳, any brand that promises wide fitting.
At the moment I have a lovely pair of Hotter boots that are fine. They will look good with jeans, thick tights etc but I need something for a couple of parties over the next few months.
I am happy to style chunky boots with dresses but the ones that fit just don’t look right, they are the wrong sort of chunky!
I finally found a pair of burgundy loafers that fit and wore them to go shopping. I looked down to see two feet that look like pasties!
Please help before I am reduced to Velcro slipper bootees with holes cut out for my bunions, like my Great Aunt Elsie!

OP posts:
RealCrab · 12/09/2025 17:55

With your foot shape I would suggest lace up ankle boots in real leather.

I have a number of foot issues and found Ecco and Calla good.

These boots look good with tights or jeans, the don't have any seams around the toes that could rub and irritate your toes and the leather stretches with wear around your feet
https://gb.ecco.com/en-GB/product/5643831510/ECCO-METROPOLE-VIENNA-W

https://callashoes.co.uk/collections/boots

Might the cobblers be able to salvage your DM's and make them waterproof again?

I like 3/4 insoles to make shoes more comfortable without taking up precious toebox space and use silicon pads or sheepskin stickers from boots or superdrug to customise the shoes further.

IamEarthymama · 17/09/2025 15:33

Thank you all!
I bought some leather softener and used shoe stretchers and my newer DMs are more comfortable width wise.
I have also bought cushioned insoles so fingers crossed for less pain.
in addiction, I have always found the toe seam in tights really uncomfortable. I saw a tip online suggesting that those little trainer socks worn underneath would help so I’m going to try that out today!

OP posts:
mummawales · 28/10/2025 08:11

Have you tried sheepskin boots? They're really comfy. They might not be what you want for a party but great to wear everyday. Xanthe Anna can make bespoke fit and extra wide for you: xantheanna.uk

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