I can't wear nice shoes and it ruins all my outfits!

[Firstbornunicorn]

Hi all! I am not a very fashionable person, admittedly, but I'm trying to find my style (comfortable/casual as I am disabled). I have flat feet and a very narrow heel. I also have weak ankles due to hypermobility. I can't wear heels - it's like being tortured. But I also struggle with flat shoes as my calves/hamstrings(don't really know, but SOMETHING in my lower legs) are really tight. I'm also a bit poor, but working on that, at least 😂 don't qualify for PIP, before anyone suggests that.

What shoes/trainers are people wearing to work/meetings with school, etc? And what about if you went out for a meal? Are there suitable flat shoes for weddings and similar events (again, I cannot wear little pumps as my ankle rolls over and it looks ridiculous).

I hope someone can help because my shoes really dictate what outfits I feel like I can wear. I managed in winter because I can wear boots and a knitted dress or skinny jeans/leggings, but struggle when the weather starts to warm up.

Oh, if it's relevant, I am short (approx 5ft3) and a size 12-14.

Since I stopped being able to wear other shoes due to ankle/foot orthotics i swear by Skechers. I have three pairs that I rotate depending on my outfit. I have a pink pair, a black pair and a navy blue pair. I was never a trainer person before but had to become one, I mostly wear dresses so wearing trainers feels a bit odd but it's all I can wear now.

Also hyper mobile, similar feet issues, rheumatologist recommended new balance!

I struggle with smart in between shoes though, something a bit nicer than trainers...

These are very similar to what I have, just a heads uo you have to place the foot plate beneath the insole if he shoe so make sure that the insole is removable and they need to be secure so you have to wear a show with some kind of fastening or fairly tight. My podiatrist sayd Skechers slip-ins are ideal.

I have wide feet but narrow heels and weak ankles, and I wear smart brogues in winter; in summer I wear Mary-jane style flats, I have both leather ones and trainer ones.

I wear skechers, but choose comfort over fashion
Fit flop were advertising nice trainers. Will help having arch support.

Don't go for stuff like converse or addidas all the time. Too flat and bad for feet

I know. Probably a stupid idea, but i tend to wear wide leg trousers with a hem that covers ( more or less) my shoes if i go out anywhere nice. That way you cant really see the shoes, especially if the shoes and trousers are both black. And I get a nice top so that people are looking at that and not my feet. Obviously not such long trousers that you trip over but if you get the length right it works. Black trousers can be dressy with a nice coloured top in a good style and fabric . Works every tome for me. Makes me feel confident.

Wear boots all - or at least most of the - year. Just switch winter boots for beige or tan ankle boots.

Have you tried anything from Birkenstock?

Birkenstocks shred the top of my feet!

I sound very similar to you. I wear 'Lola' from Hotter for nice events. The higher back helps support the ankle and the elastics stop me from walking straight out of the shoes! Other similar variants can be found.

Also, getting some proper orthotics made is a game changer. The NHS might provide some, but the best ones I got from visiting a podiatrist privately and having the orthotics made from casts of my feet.

Hotter shoes typically have removable innersoles to accommodate orthotics, as do Waldlaufer. For the latter, some of their sandals will accommodate orthotics too, which work well for summer events.

Trainers and boots dont. I cant wear the sandals either.

I’ve just discovered Vionics, so stylish and comfy for my flag wide feet x

Not yet. The sandals look quite flat, which is a shame because I'd love to find a nice pair of sandals. I don't think I've worn sandals since childhood, unless the flip flops I wore in the shower after DC were born count 😅