Paying for past sins with dreadfully painful feet, current dilemma!

[IamEarthymama]

My long post disappeared!
Here goes!
I love style, clothes, it's one of my favourite things. In the 80s I abused my feet by constantly wearing 4in stilettos and I'm paying the price now! My feet are arthritic and so, so painful.
Ive just returned from a 4 hr shopping trip, wearing really nice Heavenly Feet ankle boots and I'm in agony.
Im going away for a week tomorrow.
Crocs don't cause me any pain so I wore them all summer. Now I need warm and waterproof footwear!
Am I totally unreasonable to wear my Crocs/SahleBembrey boots with skirts and dresses for public lunches etc? I will wear Heavenly Feet to posh restaurant!
I don't want be thrown out for unforgivable transgressions. Echo boots are for yomping on dog walks.
(Please don't be too horrible!)

I feel you (and my feet)
Years of abuse and arthirtis and PF have screwed my feet, plus they swelled to giant proportions due to pre eclampsia in pregnancy and never recovered from that
I buy a lot of Sketchers, if you find a Sketchers shop you will find loads of different styles BUT I can't get on with this new "slip in" thing they seem to like now
I also have lots of lovely trainers in different colours but I do need some biker style boots as well so I need to go shopping - can't do it online with shoes as I have to try them on

I saw your other post op so I don't think it disappeared.

I can't be much help really. I have PF and increasingly achy big toe bones. But my pain disappears once I start walking so I don't really pay it much attention.

I've tried shockwave etc which gives some relief. But that wouldn't help you if you are about to go away.

Can you get through with ibuprofen etc?

Can't you see a specialist to see if there's any treatments which would help your feet in general? The ableist (and sometimes ageist) idea you should just put with things is upsetting, and maybe there are some treatments they could advise?
I was going to say Fitlops-mine was plantar fasciitis so maybe that's not appropriate, but worth trying if you want ideas.

Spending my mid 20s commuting into London and running to client sites in 4 inch heels means that now, in my 40s, I can only wear flat shoes/trainers without being in agony, so I sympathise!
I wear trainers with pretty much everything in the winter, very flat boots from Penelope Chilvers that are ok for a mostly sitting day and a couple of pairs of French Sole ballet flats which don’t cause me pain that get worn in the summer.
The last time I worn a heel was last xmas and I couldn’t walk the next day I was in so much pain

I didn’t even abuse my feet that much and have arthritis in my feet, but seeing a podiatrist for proper custom insoles after biomechanics analysis and hydrogel injections in my big toe joints has made soo much difference. I kick myself for not getting treatment earlier.
Those croc boots are hideous though imo. Fine for doing lots of walking, but out for lunch even my low standards would reject them. Sole Bliss do amazingly comfortable shoes which look nice too for future reference

Have you tried Geox, Gabor, Ecco? I think crocs can be great, but not for all year round and every occasion. I’d go for hyaluronic injections, à topical hemp cream and some very comfy trainers.

What can't we have a laugh emoji! 😉😂

I know they are hideous but you would not believe the number of people who stop me to say they love them!
Luckily I'm going to Glastonbury for a week so my footwear won't get a second look!
I might take a pair of DM boots to wear if a bit more dressing up is required.
Im going to book a podiatrist when I get home but it's a bit complicated as I really cannot abesr anyone touching my feet!
I don't want to have to start a thread, AIBU to kick a podiatrist in the face!

Thank you all for your responses. 👣🦶🏻ouch!

Get some Hoka trainers.

If attending a smart event, take a pair of the most comfortable shoes you can find to change into - I have Clarks loafers which seem to suit my arthritic & scarred feet.

I wear trainers (white) or flip flops in summer. I loved heels but no can do now which makes me sad. The agony of arthritis in one toe put paid to them. I’ve been operated in so no pain but no more heels either.

Fitflop. Seriously. Kinda cool if you pick well. Delicious all day for me.

Custom orthotics, larger size and width shoes to accommodate them and consider men's shoes and boots if necessary.

A dress shoe or boot with orthotics is far superior aesthetically to purely functional, but functional always outweighs looks when you're talking about female fashion footwear.

@IamEarthymama Would some Tracey Neuls DOT trainers work for you? They have lots of support and are super-comfy but are a bit less “climbing a mountain” than your current ones. I’ve worn them to work (Financial Services) and a variety of bars and restaurants in London etc and the only time people bat an eye is to compliment me on them.

https://traceyneuls.com/collections/handcrafted-leather-sneakers-trainers