This is really my first post on shoes since I brought back the blog, so will try to give you a good overview first before delving into some specifics.
Almost everyone I know is looking for more comfortable shoe options that are fashion forward. Fortunately, it gets easier every year. Those women who can wear any style, heel height don’t need much help. My shoe posts will typically focus on comfort.
Women with wide feet and narrow feet have the most challenges. When I talk about shoes, I tend to note if it runs wide or narrow.
I’ve been plagued with a lot of foot issues. I have high arches which can result in plantar fasciitis. I learned how to keep that under control, but it still can be tough to find good arch support especially in a flat. I have bunions– a not so flattering attribute I inherited from my mother. The natural cushioning in the ball of the foot breaks down as we age, and if I wear too high of a heel (over 2.5 -3 inches) I will be in pain.
I thought I had it all under control with my comfortable options when I started retail (at age 50) I was sadly mistaken. Without going into a lot of detail, suffice to say the bunions got worse, my foot widened and three years ago I developed nerve damage in one foot a.k.a: Morton’s Neuroma
It is challenging for me to find shoes. I REFUSE to wear matronly looking shoes, thus I persist. Oh, don’t get me wrong. There were retail days I would refer to my “grandma shoes” and laugh with my customers. I’m the first to say a shoe makes the outfit. I didn’t ALWAYS have the right shoe. But there were times being fashion forward was not worth the pain. I only wish I had stood up for myself earlier and worn my Nikes at the end of every day and for every big sale event.
That’s my story, but I know from all the women I meet, there are many of you with similar problems. I have devoted much time and effort in researching dozens of brands! I can help.
We are not seeing any distinct trends that really stand out as new this year. It’s a little bit of everything.
Last year the mule became more popular–both dressy and casual versions. It made me realize I could have held onto a pair from 20 years ago and been fine (I typically do NOT think that–even when I hear other women say it. There is always enough change in a recurring trend that causes me to think what I would hang on to would look out of style )
The slip on sneakers is everywhere: just about every brand and color has a version. Below I’m wearing Munro from last year, but they have a similar style (photo is linked) They got me through thousands of steps in Europe. I have to put in an insert. Certainly there are dozens of options of this style. When this is the case, I’ll try to give ideas in a couple price points.
What are my favorite comfort brands? Pikolinos, Earth, Munro (some styles) Dansko (has much more beyond the clog now) Rockport Cobb Hill, Josef Seibel, Eric Michael, Sofft, Clarks have all worked well for me over the years.
Vionic has been recommended on other blogs I read. When I ordered, they were way too narrow, although the foot beds were cushioned and supportive. I’ll have to try the flip flops next time. I’d say if you have an average to narrow foot, give them a try!
ARKTANA is a great little shoe boutique in Camas, Washington. Their tagline “styles you can wear all day” epitomizes their mission. Comfort and Style can go together. If you are anywhere in the Portland Metro area, it’s worth a visit. They also have a great website and all the shoes below are linked.
Contact me before you visit or if you need help and I will have a special deal for you.
Sofft is a brand I’ve worn for years!
It’s rare for me to find brands I don’t know but Arktana managed. Bussells and Toni Pons. I really liked them both.
Be sure and send your shoe questions/comments my way!
