You don’t have to stop wearing gorgeous shoes that make you feel empowered just because you have bad feet or foot issues like bunions. You can wear heels and boots with bad feet!

Once I was entering a party when an acquaintance of mine said to me, “Oh, your boots are so beautiful. I wish I could wear boots like yours. But, I have bunions.”

“I have bunions, too,” I replied as I looked down at the flat shoes she was wearing and my satin boots with diamond stones on the heels.

Her reply, “I wish I had asked you years ago.” Well, darlings, I’m not going to make you wait years. Here’s how to wear stylish boots while having bad feet.

How to Choose the Right Shoe Salesperson

 

I’m just a girl who can’t say no to fabulous boots—even with bad feet. Determined to wear all types of boots with heels, I invite the advice of shoe salesmen who, of course, want to sell me the boots of the season.

Remember darlings, not all salesman have learned the skills to work with women with bad feet.

After you explain your foot situation ask your salesperson if he or she is knowledgeable. Don’t be bashful. Put him or her on the spot in a ladylike manner. Look into his or her eyes as they answer your question. When in doubt be very matter-of-fact. “I have bunions. Please introduce me to a salesperson who understands that my five toes have to get along with my one bunion.”  I am smiling.

Early on when my bunions began to bother me, I decided I was not going to let my bunions rule my style. Darlings, we all have “our look.” Some of us love flats, some of us love heels. And there are some of you reading my musings that love heels and wear flats because your feet hurt. Cease and desist. I have awful bunions and I wear them.

Your Boots Are an Extension of the Woman You Are

Our style of dress is an extension of our personality. And, boots and shoes are no exception. They are as important as the jeans we wear, the dress we wear, or the slacks and sweaters we wear. My friend who mentioned my boots did not comment on my dress, darlings. It was my dazzling boots.

Nothing is easy but most things are attainable. If you miss seeing a closet full of boots and shoes with heels, put on your determination hat and search until you find the right salesperson who knows the right brand for your foot problem.

How I Buy My Boots With Heels

When I walk into a shoe department, as an older and visible woman over 50, my eyes immediately dart to brands that I know will fit my feet. I learned from a knowledgeable salesperson, I have to wear a boot with a wide toe box. Those brands are Prada, Easy Spirit, Saint Laurent, Gucci and  Chanel.

I also wear platforms and never leave a store without having the right shoe stretched where my bunion rests.

Naturally, I leave my mind open to other brands that have respect for older women with older feet. When I was a younger woman, under 55, my eyes darted here, there and everywhere to all the brands. I could wear every shoe out there. It is easier now as I hone in on brands that I know will accomplish two things: My boots will show my personality and my bunions will get along with them.

So, darlings, for you who miss your boots with a heel, find that knowledgeable salesperson who knows the best brands wherever you shop. Pointed shoes are out if you have bunions. Look for brands that have a wide toe box. 

When the salesperson asks your size—this is my advice: Always buy your boots and shoes a size or two larger. You will not feel the difference. Your foot will not slide, and if by chance it does, a  good salesman or shoemaker can make an adjustment.

Every gal with bad feet needs a good shoemaker. Find one who cares. Make a relationship.

They will learn the shape of your foot. They or he will have product in his arsenal to make your feet feel comfy. Very importantly, they can stretch your boot. And they can stop your foot from sliding. They can even cut the heel down a tad, and they can keep your boots looking like new for years. A good shoemaker is practically a podiatrist. And speaking of podiatrists, find one to take care of your feet and a good pedicurist, too. You only have one set of feet, darlings.

Platforms Boots Are Good for Bad Feet

I am veering off message but I have to mention high-heeled shoes. I love high heels so I found a style just right for my look and my bunions…platforms, darlings, platforms. Platforms keep your foot level, no matter the height of the heel, so your big toe doesn’t bend or feel pinched.

So here are the takeaway tips on buying boots for bad feet:

1. Find a knowledgeable salesperson to teach you about your needy feet. Fleet Feet is a wonderful place to go. They take special measurements of your feet and walking patterns.
2. Find a brand(s) that your bunion or other foot problem will love and stick with it (I love Chanel!).
3. Buy your boots with a wide toe box.
4. Buy your boots a size or two larger.
5. Find a good shoemaker so if the shoe isn’t perfectly comfy it can be perfected.
6. Visit your podiatrist.
7. Wear platforms.
8. Have your shoe or shoes stretched at the site of the bunion either at the store or at your shoemaker’s.
9. Pamper your feet with pedicures. You only have one set of feet so take care of them.
10. REMEMBER: YOUR SHOES TELEGRAPH MANY MESSAGES ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY.

Is It Time to Empty Your Closet and Make Way for New Boots for Bad Feet?

In a woman’s closet shoes seem to rule the day. It is a statistic. Women have more shoes than any other item in their wardrobe. Of course, she dreams, as her eyes scan her shoe stash, of still wearing her full salon of shoes.

This is a problem I had after I healed from my broken ankle — I could no longer wear some of my shoes. I had a resale shop come over and go through my closet. They packed up what they thought would sell. Darlings, I was shocked at how many shoes were bought by other women!

Of course, customers want certain brands and shoes must be in very good shape, but for many of you if there are shoes you can no longer wear that may prove to be an option. Then…you can replace the old with the new. How fun.

Get Honey’s Look: Chanel Boots

One of the reasons I love Chanel boots so much is because they have a wide toe box, which makes them a good choice for older/bad feet.

 

Honey’s Boots for Bad Feet: Looks (& Look-Alikes)

 

Shoes Beyond Boots for Bad Feet

Charleston Shoe Company: A 25-year tradition of handcrafted quality, Charleston Shoe Co. has garnered celebrity acclaim. Featured in FORBES and New York Magazine, these shoes have graced the feet of powerhouses like Katie Couric, Joy Behar, and Kathie Lee Gifford. Now, you can find Charleston Shoe Company’s exquisite footwear in over 800 boutiques nationwide and their own retail stores.

Cariuma: Another popular shoe company worn by celebs, including Helen Mirren. I bought a green pair about a year ago and I adore them. They are very comfortable and very stylish for a tennis style shoe!

Skechers: Of course we all know Skechers to be a shoe company known for comfort. Their slip-ons are, of course, comfortable but shockingly so are their boots!

Easy Spirit: Last year I did a full review of Easy Spirit shoes and I cannot tell you how comfortable they are. And they come in a range of styles and are very reasonable.

Do you have a favorite style or designer of shoes that you’ve found work for older/bad feet? Please share, darling!