Barking Dog Shoes

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Reader Question: Semi-Formal Shoes

I love hearing from readers and feel a special connection to those with chronic illness like I have. Theresa has rheumatoid arthritis (girlfriend, I feel your pain) and is in search of a special occasion shoe that won't aggravate her sensitive feet.

Hi!  I'm so grateful for your website!  I have RA complete with hammertoes on my last two toes on each foot.  Now, I have a baker's cyst.  Help... I need dressy shoes for a semi-formal event.  I have some Indigo Clarks (sandals 2 inches high) that I used to like to wear but ever since I got the Baker's Cyst, it seems to make my knee hurt after a while.  I think I can handle a one inch heel.  My dress is white, so I guess I can do any color but definitely a white or black/black patent.  My main thing is to make sure my ugly hammers are at least partially covered, besides comfort.  Do you have any suggestions? Thank you,  Theresa

Theresa,

I was thinking this over today and perhaps these shoes will work for you. I own a pair of French Sole ballet flats and love them. While they lack arch support,  they feel like your favorite house slippers--flexible and soft. You can always add an insert such as Dr. Rosenberg's Instant Arches.  What I love most about the Sloop is the soft, forgiving leather.  My hammertoes are covered nicely and not crushed in these comfortable shoes.

The Sloop style comes in so many colors and patterns like leopard, croc, patent and suede. I highly recommend ordering a whole size up as the Sloop (and other French Sole styles) run very small. The Zeppa is a fairly new style by FS  that looks exactly like the Sloop except for a 3/4" wedge heel (if you don't care for shoes that are completely flat).

If you like Naot, take a look at the Artiste style in patent with little rhinestones on the buckles or the Trendy which has a 1.5" heel.

I have a friend with bad RA in her feet and she swears by Helle Comfort for dress shoes--very lightweight and cushioned. Again, the heel might be too high and personally, I think the styles are bit odd.

I've heard Me Too shoes are quiet comfy and the Limit style is very pretty. Not many reviews, but I believe these run a bit small, so order up a half size. 

I hope you find the perfect shoe,

Kirsten

Comfortable Women's Shoes | 8 Comfortable Shoes on a Budget

Over the past month, I've received a few emails of a common theme.  "Find us comfortable shoes that won't break the bank!" you shout. While I can't guarantee these won't pinch the bunion or hammertoes,  I present you with 8 fairly foot-friendly shoes under $50 that received at least a 4 star average for comfort from customers:

• Lifestride Debut: Classic mary jane with lightly padded footbed. Comes in four widths. $48.99
• Minnetonka Suede Skimmer: No arch support, but flexible and padded insole like a slipper. $47.95
• Annie Fresca: Darling velvet skimmer with rhinestone accents. Great holiday shoe. Padded insole, comes in B, C and E widths. $49.90
• Rocket Dog Tickle: Cute slip-on sneaks that *might* accommodate an insert or thin orthotic? $48.95
• Lifestride Dorian: Very pretty flats, especially in shiny ruby red. Narrow and medium widths.  $48.99
• Franco Sarto Relic: Unsure how comfortable, but LOOK at these gorgeous patent kitten-heel for $48.95--this seems like an error. Franco Sarto shoes for under $50?  Available in medium and wide widths.
• Birkenstock Madrid sandals: I wore mine all summer! $49.90. Keep in mind the "regular" width means WIDE.
• Aerosoles Gram Central: I owned this style five years ago and found it quite comfortable. Not much arch support, but cushioned insole with flexible outsole. $39.99

Another budget-friendly brand that is picking up good reviews for comfort is Spring Step--many shoes are under $75.

Oh, before I forget! Head over to RueLaLa.com for their private sale on Keen footwear today. Sign up for free. When YOU invite others and they purchase their first pair, you get $10 credit!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Naot Admire Wedge

Admire THESE. Not your run-of-the-mill Naots, eh? I'm waiting for more customer reviews to come in at Zappos and OnlineShoes, but the first returns look promising. Naot continues to update their look with the new Naot Admire wedge. It's got all the comfort goodies like cork and latex shock-absorbing footbed, anatomical contouring and arch support, ultra-light platform wedge and adjustable velcro closure.

While the black nubuck is gorgeous, the violet is INCREDIBLE. I'm hoping more online stores stock the violet nubuck as it's currently sold out at Zappos. The Naot Admire best fits the narrow to medium width foot. I have read the fit is a little snug, so you might fare better ordering up if you're a half-size.

Do you own a pair of Naots? Leave a comment and tell us which style you have and how it fits. Better yet, submit a photo! I'm always on the hunt for terrific pix of comfortable shoes.

Where to buy the Naot Admire:

• OnlineShoes.com: $170.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Shoemall: $179.95, free shipping.
• Zappos (2 reviews): $183.95, virtually sold out but we can hope for new shipment!
• PlanetShoes: $180, free shipping and returns.
• ShoeParlor: $171, free shipping--search on "Admire."

See more Naot styles buy clicking the logo.

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Pg Lite Alegria Revisited

In memory of my beloved kitty Mike, I wear my "big cat" shoes.

I love my Pg Lite Alegrias more and more every time I wear them. I had some much needed mom-time last night and instead of getting  a massage or a pedicure, I ate Taco Fresco in the car and visited my local Goodwill. This, to me, is a good time. But as anyone knows who shops thrift stores, it takes patience, determination and a pair of comfortable shoes. All that standing around on tiled floors can take its toll on the footsies. Since these Alegria shoes are in my top three for comfort, support and cuteness, they receive the indubitable honor of #1 thrift-store shopping shoes. And although I didn't find a darn thing, I did pick up quite a few compliments while perusing the racks.

For a complete review of fit and feel, read my review from last month. If you have a pair of Alegria shoes, would you be so kind as to leave a comment and let other readers know how they have worked out for you.

Where to buy Pg Lite Alegria:

• OnlineShoes.com: $109.95
• Shoebuy: $109.95, but site often has 20% off promotions.
• PlanetShoes: $104

Missing Cat: No Shoe Post

I can't find it in me to blog about comfortable shoes when Mike the Cat is missing. He's been gone since Sunday when he stayed out overnight. He missed his 10 pm curfew and wasn't waiting at the door when I got up the next morning. We've had coyotes in our neighborhood this week. I'm trying not to let my mind go there...

I will continue to put up signs and make calls to local shelters. I'm brokenhearted. My ever-resilient son has moved on to asking for a lizard.