Why can’t I wear trainers?

[Daffodilsinthespring]

I’m late 50s and other than trying the last couple of years, I haven’t work trainers since I was at school.

I quite like the trainers with a dress fashion so so I bought some trainer like shoes. They were so uncomfortable, they went.

I bought some more expensive ones from Clarks but other than in the house or out for something to eat I can’t wear them as they are uncomfortable.

I’ve tried no socks, trainer socks (these just look stupid), the smaller no show sock of numerous brands. The only time they are bearable is with opaque tights and that defeats the object.

I’ve had them on this morning, done some housework, and they have now been swapped for my trusty socks and boots.

Where am I going wrong? I don’t want to wear traditional trainers as I don’t think they look good with a skirt.

When you say trainer style shoes what exactly are you buying? I had to search and search to find comfortable ones. Veja were uncomfortable on my arch & Addidas were too narrow. I found some in All Saints instead.

You want to wear them without socks?

The comfort bit is trial and error. I can't wear trainers that have a high instep, and some I've only realised are too high once I've worn them properly. Otherwise, is it partly because you are unused to seeing yourself in them so you think you look weird? If I started wearing a blazer or red I'd alarm myself in a mirror.

Like any shoes it’s about fit and trial and error.
could you start with one of the outdoor brands that have a more structured walking boot style fit? Innov8 or Hoka or Salomon etc

These are the sort I’m wearing at the moment.

Next do some thick padded no show socks.

I wear mine without socks. I get raynauds which make my toes burn and if I wear socks they give me chilblains.

I put the sock over the insole and then change that sock each day.

Op. Try a different brand. It wouldn't occur to me to buy trainers in clarks! I like soft suede puma trainers.

In what way are they uncomfortable? Do they give you blisters or rub somewhere? I have a pair of sketchers and find them very comfortable, I don’t wear them in the summer though as the soles mean I get constant static shocks!

Also I think the op is really clear, she doesn't want to wear sporty trainers but kind of old school style.

Victoria is a great brand for 'trainers with dresses' but if you want a more traditional look, GEOX do the style you've pictured above.

They don’t give me blisters but I think they would if I wore them long enough. They also get uncomfortable across the top and I think I’m not used to my foot being so flat.

I got slimline trainer shoes from M&S and they work great with a dress and are very comfortable. I’ll load a pic but it might take a while to show.

They look really flat, im the same with shoes like that and converse.

Ones I like are Adidas spezial and samba. Lots of different colours and variations.

https://www.adidas.co.uk/search?q=womens+samba

If you’re feeling like your foot feels really flat and uncomfortable, I am wondering if you have a high instep?

Adidas Gazelle trainers would support this, but I suspect they are too trainer like for you?

Trainers with ankle socks is the fashion now.

I am sorry OP, but I bought those too (an older version) and it is those shoes, not the style generally. I found them really uncomfortable. I’d try on a few pairs elsewhere and see what fees comfiest (m&s and Birkenstock for me)

I won’t wear trainers that aren’t like clouds on your feet as I won’t wear anything that I find ugly if they’re not even comfortable. I also won’t spend a fortune on them - just not worth it for me. I find Skechers - usually purchased at TK Maxx (since local shop shut and their sizing is too inconsistent to rely on online purchase) - good for workouts. And I like Zara’s sneaker/ trainers which are cut neatly and very well padded for casual wear. Not the best quality but very comfy and inexpensive.

You need Skechers.

I have wide feet and have found a comfortable pair of Geox trainers. However I had to wear plasters on my little toes for a few wears then they stretched out. I’d like to wear the Samba/Gazelle ones but find them hard and narrow. I find the little trainer socks a pain. They always slip under for some reason and I’ve tried all sorts of different ones.

I have wide feet and really struggle as lots of trainers are narrow.

Bought these a week ago, comfortable as clouds from the first moment I put them on. I literally don't know I'm wearing them.

I'm not at all fashionable so have no idea if they are massively dated but I do recommend them for comfort.
https://www.fatface.com/style/su809637/h54583

I can't wear them sort of trainers either.. kills my feet. I bought insoles as I have a high arch and it worked wonders. But the more sporty ones feel a lot better for me.

Don’t worry about it. I cannot wear them either. People wear them when it is hot. How I do not know how. Enclosing my feet when it is so hot would be so uncomfortable. Not for me.

Yes, these! I got a dark brown suede pair before xmas and they’re so soft and comfortable - the suede is extremely soft (probably won’t last for years but I don’t care).

https://www.marksandspencer.com/suede-lace-up-side-detail-runner-trainers/p/clp60764871

I find them a bit too flat inside, so I wear them with a half insole with a bit of arch support.

OP although the type of trainers you’re wearing are everywhere, they vary hugely in how comfortable they are. You might have to try loads on before you find a pair that work. I would recommend trying these M&S ones though.

@Daffodilsinthespring , they just don't suit your feet.
There are lots of different trainer-like shoes you could try but try them on in a shop.
Some will have a little bit of a heel to them e.g. Asics GEL-KAYANO 14 - Women Shoes | Foot Locker UK , New Balance 530 - Women Shoes | Foot Locker UK

Some will be flat inside e.g. adidas Gazelle - Women Shoes | Foot Locker UK

I appreciate that none of those are your style but they might show you the different soles.

Hotter are a good bet: White Metallic | Women's Leather Trainers | Marianne Trainers | Hotter UK. You could try Gabor.

Johnny Lew has a good choice IMO: Women's Trainers | Women's Plimsolls | John Lewis & Partners

When you try them on, the should feel really comfortable.
What types of shoes do you normally wear?

You can buy arch supports,you can risk buying them yourself or visit a podiatrist. I do a lot of dog walking, gardening,they have to be comfortable..DH forked out a large sum of money for sketchers, they were hardly worn, falling to bits and anyone who has tried to complain knows the manufacturers aren't interested. I've got trainers from Tesco, Sainsbury's, among others,they are really comfy.

Avoid memory foam ones.

Try some arch supports?

When you say you go back to boots, how high are the heels?