The question today is: how to find, and wear, comfortable walking shoes that don’t make you feel
a)like an old lady
b) as if you’ve just come from the podiatrist
c) so out of style you might as well go on home
Is this you?
I am of an age where we wore cute, narrow, good looking, expensive shoes no matter what. Oh, my poor feet. I lived in New York for years and those were the years that sneakers (yikes!) were only for weekends and bike riding. I bought the gorgeous narrow Italian shoes (albeit low heeled..) that eventually would ruin my feet. But oh, they looked gooooood!
Fast forward many, many years both in my life and the fashion cycle. Now, everyone…I mean
EVERYONE
wears some sort of soft soled, stretchable, slip-on/sneaker/trainer with even the “best” outfit. They are what we do these days. Well, it has taken me quite a while to feel I can wear these and still feel dressed. Do I long for my cute, slim ballet flats? Yes indeed. But can I wear them for any amount of walking or standing? No. So I have opted for slip-ons instead of tie-ups. They just feel a little bit better for me and now, there are so many options.
Here is the latest I just ordered and will be arriving any day:

From KURU Footwear and come in many colors. I actually opted for the pink! These will be cute with grey pants or jeans.
Let’s take a look at some other great options. I have scoured, and I mean SCOURED, all sorts of on-line sources. And, not surprisingly, many of these were targeted advertising appearing in my Instagram or Facebook feed. When they say “targeted” they mean it.

From Greats: the Royale Knit in Ash Gray

From M.Gemi: The Cherchio This had better be very comfortable: at $248 it is luxury for sure.
I was introduced to this brand, OOfos, just yesterday. They showed me a new flip flop (see further below) and then I saw this one: it looks very comfy with all the newest technology to reduce stress on the foot and arch.
And….here is the flip flop. Well, let me tell you: this is one VERY comfortable sandal. Because of my myriad recent foot problems (six weeks in a tall boot, intensive PT, splint every night for who knows how long, and almost constant low pain) I thought I would not be able to wear this kind of open sandal. Well, this is fabulous. Supportive and soft/gel in all the right places.
Let’s not forget the hours spent in the garden. But in the garden is really a misnomer: think of all the walking you do on bricks, driveways, roadways, stone paths, garage. I have been wearing Crocs for years but noticed last summer that they were not doing anything good for my foot problems.
Enter these clogs:

It’s the OOcloog Luxe Clog in Graphite Gray “you get the superior impact absorption, arch support and biomechanically designed footbed you need”
Let me know what you think. Are you comfortable wearing these kind of shoes or do you long for a slimmer look? Do you have any brands to recommend to all of us?
Great post, Libby! My entire wardrobe now revolves around what shoes I can wear. I’m particularly fond of Steve Madden “sneakers”. In general, true sneakers have a totally flat sole and that’s not good for the back or feet. Even with an orthotic I’ll have issues if I wear them for too long. But Madden – and many designers now – have seen the light and offer many fun choices with good arch support and cushioned soles. His seem to be the most reasonably prices with the most pizazz.
Thanks Jo! The more I looked into all the brands, of course, the more there were. But I do think it is interesting, and wonderful, how so many companies have really focussed on this comfort issue. Good news for those of us with aging feet!!
Hi Libby— In the summer I wear OOFOS all the time. Extremely comfortable, but supportive also. They’re not for a Vermont winter, though, unless you get the high-topped ones. I can’t wear Kurus because they don’t come in size 5.
I heartily recommend OOFOS. Wish I had had them during our most recent trip to Paris.
Adore those pink Kuru shoes again sadly can’t seem to find them in the UK>
I’ll wear them..is it next week? and you can see for yourself!
Except for a bothersome bunion on my left foot, I’m fortunate that I haven’t had many problems – yet! I still wear several pairs of ballet flats that I’ve saved from years past, guess they’re well broken in. I do have to admit that I am f’m transitioning to Aerosoles and Naturalizer loafers for a more classic look with jeans. I live in my boots & booties during the winter, flip-flops and sandals in the summer. I have a pair of gel-bed trainers (Adida’s) that I swear by for Zumba. I took them on our latest trip and sailed through the airport. I really like that pink pair – I’d rock those in a heartbeat. You’re going to be styling in Britain.
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Oh I just love ballet flats and yes, still wear them. or did, until the latest “boot” event. They make you feel so elegant, right? But I’m getting used to these trainers! As for flip flops: I used to live in them. But those new ones really felt SO good that there is hope I can once again wear them. Then there is going bare foot, my favorite of all. But that is definitely out for all time (sad face here…)
There are women in my Zumba class that dance & hop around barefoot. I can’t imagine. I sometimes have issues in the summer walking on our tile floors. I don’t wear shoes in the house, but I can get away with padded athletic socks.
Cute! I’m always looking for comfortable shoes.