When my feet aren’t happy I’m not happy, I’m miserable. Fashionable shoes are a bit of an obsession for me. I’m always looking for the Holy Grail of shoes, something that is stylish and comfortable. They are so rare! Just because I’m over forty, okay, fifty, doesn’t mean I want to wear nursing shoes. Why does practical and comfortable equate to ugly and frumpy when it comes to women’s shoes?
We can put a man on the moon but we cannot make stylish comfortable shoes?
I’ve been on a quest for my top ten comfortable stylish shoes for mature feet and I’ve found some that are both fashionable and functional that I’m excited to share with you.
#1 Clarks
Let’s go to my standby just because I happen to own three pairs of their shoes that I love, Clarks.
Yes, I know that many people will say that these aren’t fashionable enough but I really love mine. They seem to go with everything I own and do not look like Granny shoes. Their wedges are my favourites.
Most often these are the shoes I take when I travel and know that I need to be walking day in and day out. I can do a full eight hours in these shoes without fear of blisters or searing pain.
#2 Spring Step Shoes
I haven’t tried these out yet, but I’m dying to. They all look like they would be very comfortable and they are quirky and fun. Right up my ally. They have a very large selection with bright bold colours and designs. I’ve bookmarked this site for future online spending.
#3 Antelope
Sylvia from 40+style loves these shoes and I loved them on her. They have wonderful creative designs that tempt me and my toes.
#4 Remix Vintage
Whenever you see shoes that are made for dancing you know they are comfortable. These are vintage reproductions that are made for swing dancers. Almost all of the shoes on this website make me drool. As a vintage lover these would go with so many pieces in my wardrobe.
#5 Miz Mooz
I do find that Miz Mooz can be hit and miss as far as extreme comfort goes, but I’m including them because their style is always dead on. I have one pair of Miz Mooz that I can dance in for hours without any worry. Another pair of Miz Mooz make my toes scream after about twenty minutes. One thing I can tell you for sure, if the shoe pinches a bit in store, or the clerk tries to tell you they will stretch out, DON’T BUY THEM! 99% of the time this doesn’t work. Pain in the store means pain a hundredfold when you wear them.
The ones I’m wearing here are the shoes I can dance in all night long by Miz Mooz.
#6 Fly
I bought my first pair of Fly shoes this year but I’ve had my eyes on them for years. Loads of mature bloggers swear by them. Their style is a bit more avant guard and clunky. So far, mine have been very comfortable.
#7 Aravon
I hadn’t heard of these but see that quite a few people love them. One would assume that a company such as New Balance should know a thing or two about making a comfortable shoe.
#8 Jose Saenz
I found a pair of these while thrift shopping and fell in head over heels in love. They don’t pinch, they have loads of room in the toe bed and they are fun, bold and colourful. I adore them. I cannot wait to wear them more this fall.
#9 Thierry Rabotin
I’ve seen these in some swanky stores. They look amazing. They are out of my price range, but can one really put a price on pain free footware?
#10 Fidji
I bought a pair of these when we were in Seattle ages ago. They fit like gloves. The heel is only 2″. I find that anywhere between a one or two inch heel is just perfect for me. I was attracted to the unique designs and high quality of workmanship.
That’s it for my top ten comfortable stylish shoes for mature feet.
What are your favourite comfortable stylish shoes? Please share! Everyone deserves stylish comfortable shoes, no matter their age.
Linking up with Your Whims Wednesdays, What I Wore, Throw Back Thursdays
comfy and stylish! xxx
stylentonic.com
So pleased to see good old Clarks at the top of your list! Having grown up in Britain Clarks were the only shoes I ever wore as a child and my own children’s shoes were always Clarks. Such a good old faithful company. These days they are a lot more stylish and still are available to fit my very wide feet.
You are right about comfortable shoes being ugly and frumpy. Haven’t tried most of your other suggestions but will investigate as I’m always looking for that perfect sandal.
I’m in my fifties so comfort is vital. Also living in a warm climate sandals are a must. This summer I am wearing the Cassiopeia dress sandals by Seychelles purchased from Anthropologie. I first bought them in black and then in tan as they really are comfortable and have a low heal so look good with dresses.
Thanks for the info Suzanne. Looking good in all your pics and Happy Shoe Hunting!
Thanks for the recommendation Sarah!
I did notice those sandals from Anthro. They are a great classic style and I can see how they would go with everything. I like the low block heel.
I’ll be keeping my eyes open if I can spot those on super sale somewhere at the beginning of August, my ideal time to buy new sandals.
What a wonderfully informative posting. I like Clarks (traditional but finding their funk). Really love the unique colors and stylings of Spring Step.
You look so gorgeous in the shoes/outfits you chose to feature. Your hats are so fun as well Suzanne!
I just don’t know if I can ever give up wearing heels. I have found that if I wear different pairs each day that my feet does not get tired. It doesn’t hurt that I have a desk job that I can kick off my shoes most of the day.
These are some cute options you have featured.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Yay for Clarks! My first pair of truly comfortable shoes were Clarks. I’ve dabbled in Dansko but something about their shoes doesn’t fit quite right with my feet – I tend to walk out of them, so they are a bit too wide in the back for my foot. I haven’t tried the other brands, so it was fun to see how many comfortable and cute shoes are out there, waiting to be tried on and discovered.
Have you ever tried Born shoes? On a whim I bought a pair of Born metallic gladiator sandals on clearance at Ross a year or two ago. I thought they were fun but likely to not get much use, since my feet don’t do well in a flat shoe. I just planned to wear them on weekends. However, they were so comfortable that I ended up wearing them to work. As a teacher, I was constantly standing and walking, and they were the first pair of flat shoes I’ve had that I could wear for a whole day comfortably. They are just about worn out, but they were perfect for adding a little pep to a basic work outfit.
Never mind the shoes Suzanne, don’t you have fab legs in those shorts! Baby you’re rocking those shorts. But, hey it’s a good point about finding comfy shoes. I’m such a sucker for fancy shoes that I only remember the comfort factor about 3pm when I’ve been running about at work for hours and my feet start to hurt. Fashion and comfort rarely go together, but I have noticed that Clarke’s shoes are really improving their styles. Thanks for pointing me in the direction of lots of new brands, the question is – will I find these in my local charity shops…?
Have a great week x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Thanks for this post, Suzanne and you look wonderful in all the photos as you have great legs!
My favorite brand is Think! – they are Austrian and have some quirky designs that are also comfortable.
What a helpful idea for a post. Whilst my feet are fine my joints aren’t and I really struggle with anything that isn’t a boot or a flat sandal.
I’m glad you included Clarks’ – like your other commenters, being a Brit I grew up wearing them. I love their Orla Kielly range, sadly way out of my price range – even worn ones on eBay cost loads. Loads of my friends swear by Fly – they do some fabulous stuff.
I’m currently lusting over Saltwater sandals – I’m serious tempted but there’s too many colours/metallic finishes I want! xxxx
Thanks for introducing me to some brands I hadn’t heard of. I am always seeking the perfect blend of comfort and style in my shoes, and it gets more difficult to find both as my feet get fussier and fussier (and my bunions get larger and larger…sigh). I have four pairs of Fly London sandals, and I can wear them all day without pain, and find the wedge heels easy to walk in. I have a pair of black FitFlops that I wear all the time and are the most comfortable shoes I own, but they only work with very casual outfits.
This is a great post and I need to tell you, Suzanne, that I will be linking back to this when I am finished writing my latest piece…(I need to pause and make the dinner now)….hungry mouths!!
This post is perfect because you have taken the time to find some funky and (very importantly) comfortable shoes, proving that there really is NO EXCUSE for ugly footwear.
Also, I have to tell you that I replied to your comment about replying! Hahaha :o*
I am a fan of clarks, they occasionally nail it trend wise as well.
Have you tried Swedish Hasbeens?
Those red boots you thrifted look amazing (I can’t wait to see them styled)
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
I’m a lucky girl not to have foot problems…so I can wear the cheap ones and high ones and be fine! Of course for lots of walking, I do throw my orthodics in my shoes!
But I agree with the “why can’t they make stylish & comfortable” thought—since that’s the complaint I hear over & over!
I think there can be some stylish ones of many brands (even the Clarks—although there are some non stylish ones I’ve seen).
Nancy has a pair of those Spring Steps that she’s worn on the blog a couple times. She says they are fine for around, but hers are not great for long walking trips!
And just like everything, you have to take the time to find what works for you & your body, right?
I’ve decided that one of my goals of getting older is to keep on truckin in my heels—I realize goals should be a little loftier—but hey, a girl’s got to have fun, too!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Clarks is the only brand I know here. I find most of theirs very comfy and stylish too! I like Rieker shoes for comfort. They have some that are a bit more stylish!
oh yes, please!. I always enjoy a comfy&cool shoes post!, even more if it’s so useful than yours is!
Lovely selection of shoes and booties, love particularly Clarks (they’re stylish enough for me!) and FlyLondon, and I’m ready to give a look to whatever you recommend!
And I agree about shoes that pinch in the store, never buy them!!
besos
Woo-hoo, most-saveable post of the year! Cute, comfortable shoes, nothing better. I can testify to Spring Step – my new sandals were wearable immediately for a whole comfortable day. I haven’t tried Fly yet but I intend to. And btw, you look smokin’ fabulous in shorts. xox
Those Spring Steps are pretty fabulous all around. I never thought that comfort would be one of my primary concerns in regard to shoes, but my right foot tells me otherwise. I always have flats with me just in case…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
You do know that you look fantastic in those shorts, right? I agree whole heartedly with you comfort and feet. Happy feet=happy me?. I keep thinking about your comment a few posts back about “bedroom” shoes and I determined to clear those out. When I’m traveling, clarks are the #1 choice as well as converse (but they have no heels). This is an excellent post!
So much yes to 98% of these.
I agree with you, comfy shoes are really important. I always think of my prom, when I had the worst shoes ever! They were stunning, but hurt like hell. Ruined my night.
So yes, comfy shoes – definitely a must!
There’s a Scandinavian brand called Ecco that make very comfy shoes, and they are pretty also.
Great post and thanks for sharing!
Much love,
Mona
curlsncakes.blogspot.com
I missed this post as we were on vacation. Just saw Jodie mentioning it and came over as I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for stylish and comfortable shoes! So many brands to check out! The Spring Step shoes look so cool – I’ll have to look for them!