Old Lady Shoes... Comfortable Shoes... Diabetic Shoes

I have been wearing old lady/old man shoes for the past few years to work. No one really said anything to me because I made the joke before they could. But, I am going into a larger school district with a more strict dress code, and my old lady shoes probably will not go over. I have been wearing Apex Ambulator Diabetic Shoes, SAS shoes, and PW Minor shoes. I am not diabetic, but they make wider shoes with tons of padding, so I can make it thru the day without ending up with foot/back/hip pain.

I am on my feet all day, going around in circles helping every kid in the room.

Do you have a suggestion on a more fashionable alternative? Or should I stick with my "clown shoes" and go with the jokes as I have before? Honestly, I would rather them think of me as an unfashionable goof than to hurt all day. Any and all help would be appreciated, as I am not too into fashion.

Me,too.....schoolmarm shoes for many years. Love being retired....now I go barefoot all the time!

My favorite for years was SAS but it got to the point where I couldn't stand a closed-in toe. I was soooo happy when I discovered Propet shoes.....they are very sturdy sandels but pretty cute, too. They have many styles but my favorite is the ones that have the velcro straps.
(It's been fun tightening the straps as I lose weight!!) I buy them on-line for about $20 less than they sell for in the stores (about the same or a little less than SAS).

BTW.....I see you got your first fill....hope you are doing great!!

I'm right there with you and I hate it! I have very flat, wide-ish feet and I have a horrible time finding shoes that are 'fashionable' AND don't hurt. :( Occasionally, I can find something like a Naturalizer or Aerosole that I can wear, but most often, if I venture away from SAS or Airwalks, etc , I regret within the 1st hour.

Just call me.. flintsone feet..

I don't know about width and such - but once you find a 'good' shoe that fits well - it is worth going to a foot and ankle specialist in your area - they will make personally formed 'inserts' that cut down and cushion your foot and help with ALL kinds of problems....I strongly recommend them! No - you don't have to be diabetic to get them.

What about those "Crocs" everyone seems to be wearing, in style and comfy!! Come in all colors!!

My principals have always encouraged comfort over style. They would much rather I be up on my feet teaching in my old lady shoes than sitting behind my desk in the most fashionable pair of sandals. I would wear what's comfortable and if anybody has a problem with it, then let them know that they are welcome to pay the doctor bills for any foot problems that may arise from wearing the "cute but less comfortable" shoes.

I wear shoes with lots of padding as well but if by chance I decide to wear the "cute" shoes to work, you can bet that by the time the first class is over I have on my extra pair of Ryka's that I keep at school. I look really cute going down the hall in my skirts, tights, and athletic shoes. :biggrin1: But my feet don't hurt and I'm up all day!

Dansko clogs! Wolkie shoes are good too. I think just about every ER that I've ever been in, all the docs are wearing Danskos... And for good reason.

To hell with style, because when your feet hurt, everything hurts! http://www.dansko.com/Home.aspx
http://www.comfortshoeshop.com/catal...acturers_id=81


You might be able to get a good orthotic shoe insert that will help too.

I HATE those things!!

Have you tried Birkenstock insoles? They are hella expensive, but they work! And my dad, who taught for 30+ years swore by his Birkenstock clog/sandals. He said that he never hurt again after he changed to them. I mean, I know you look like a hippie, but they have recently come out with some very cute sandles, that don't kill your back and legs.

Born (Danish "O" that I can't make here) are VERY comfortable. I've always found Dr. Marten to be comfortable too, but I've worn them for 15+ years so I'm biased. Crocs are comfortable, but ugly as hell. THey make a thong style shoe that isn't too horrible (I still only wear them in the yard though). Clarks of England makes very comfortable shoes and you can get some cute styles.

Oh, I've never tried them but I hear a LOT of people raving about Rockport shoes.

I have a pair of diabetic shoes (I am diabetic) and they are extremely comfortable. I also "swear" by Birkenstocks. They are pretty expensive but well worth the cost. They have quite a nice selection of fairly fashionable shoes.

I can vouch for Birkenstocks. I wore them in high school, even in the dead of winter (with wool socks, of course). They're really comfortable.

:biggrin1:One thing I forgot to say about Birks though. The first 2-3 days you wear them, they hurt. I have heard so many people say "oh, i tried them, but man my feet hurt, so I gave them away". NONONONO (unless you wear my size and send them to me:biggrin1: ). They have to form to your feet, and then they are the most comfortable shoes ever.

You are sooooo right. Once you have a pair of "broken in" Birks, they'll feel like heaven if you slip a pair of tired sore puppies into them. AAAAAAH!