As the new trends for S/S 14 fill the shoe shops, I ask where do you go for shoes that fit comfortably, are on trend and cater for challenged feet? This is My Quest, My Holy Grail.
I used to walk with a stick and having Dropped Foot I needed shoes I could wear without the fear of them slipping off, so I longed for the ‘Mary Jane’ style to be in fashion.
This season the trends in colour seem to be powder pinks, blues, greens, florals and some metallics. The styles are wide strapped sandals (which often go around the ankle), of varying heights and platforms or casual Monk Shoe flats . Here are some picks but none appear to be in larger fittings, so if anyone can find a slightly bigger Gucci or Prada let me know here.
So on with my quest………now I use a wheelchair my feet tend to swell and wider shoes are needed. I now have to resort to the High Street as Designer shoes are not wide enough. I refuse to compromise and I won’t wear shoes from Van Dahl etc., their ‘fashion lines’ are not really on trend. Clarks were featured in Elle … so they’re now fashion items, but the bigger sizes only have standard width fittings.
Viva la Diva, New Look, M&S also have bigger sizes but they’re usually cheaply made, uncomfortable and not exactly well made designer quality. In the end I resort to no shoes except in the coldest weather when I put on a lovely pair I bought at Whistles last season whch, unusually for them, are wide enough and trendy.
I wondered if men’s shoes had a similar lack of choice. I found that Clarks again have larger and longer sizes but not in their latest ranges. Nordstrom are better with sizes up to 16+ and even some designer brands go to a 16 such as Cole Haan, Ferragamo & Prada. I guess big men are acceptable to the fashion world????
But men’s shoe styles stay relatively static and changes with the season are minimal therefore the manufacturing process is cheaper. However I’m not an expert on men’s shoes so if any of the boys out there knows better I’m always looking for new Lieutenants to advise. Contact me here?????????
The alternative solution is custom made shoes like those from Upper Street, for women at least. They’re “passionate about shoes and believe that not only should they be exquisitely designed and handcrafted, but also perfect for you”…..I’m sold. They use a 3D designer which is great fun and you can create your own shoe on-line. Sizes range from 33-44 and up to an EE width fitting.
They also have a great ‘returns policy’ if the shoes don’t fit……. “we’ll get the problem resolved to your satisfaction” & “If for any other reason you’re not happy with your shoes, then we can either remake them or refund you the full cost of your purchase”. They’re on the expensive side especially if you want something totally bespoke but I used to buy 3 or 4 pairs of shoes a year and now I’m lucky to find one pair that fits. Even then I’m never entirely satisfied and I’ve often bought a pair that take up residence in the wardrobe. So is ‘design your own’ the way ahead, is this the Holy Grail, I hope so…….. The only other solution seems to be a cross between Women’s and Men’s shoes, Transvestite shoes??!!
Hi
I also have a drop foot and am very stubborn about wearing ‘normal’ shoes.
Another brand I like to purchase my shoes from is ECCO. They have some very comfortable Mary Janes and lace up shoes. Also some slip on that wouldnt come off.
At last a n article voicing my and many others’ issues! I love shoes but can’t wear most of them! Clarks can be ok but not well made, some Camper shoes brilliant but not always wide or big enough. I have a tiny independent shop where I live in Tunbridge Wells which does not put a big mark up on shoes and some Josef Soebel (?) are good and affordable there. I am always on the hunt – any other thoughts?
I loved reading this post – at last I have discovered that I am not alone! Good quality, fashionable shoes that can accomodate swollen feet are virtually impossible to find. I love shoes and used to buy lots but haven’t bought any for ages. Still have a few ballerinas that I bought from Kurt Geiger and Russell and Bromley but they don’t make those styles any more….always looking!
It is great to find I am not alone in my constant search for shoes with style. My struggle is for comfortable stylish shoes that have removable footbeds to accommodate my orthotics. I love winter simply because I can wear chunky stylish boots. Wolky, naot are just two of the makes I have found for every day but evenings out are just a real headache. Shoes can make or break an outfit.