Help Me Find Flats for Fall through Spring

[lizzywednesday]

I would like very much to get a pair of ballet flats or a similar classic, neutral kind of non-sneaker shoe, but not what Lands End is calling "Venetian" flats because I just canNOT get over how dorky they'll look in my size, but I don't know where to start.

Firstly, I have picky feet.

Brick-and-mortar stores are COMPLETELY out because they very rarely stock my size (9.5 to 10) and width (D).

I positively cannot wear a standard medium/B width.

Going up a half-size (or a full size) doesn't work - my forefoot and toes still end up squished and I've got extra length slipping up and down my heel. Ouch!

The last pair of dress shoes I bought were by SoftStyle and they are almost perfect (ran a tad bit long, to be honest, but I needed them so I didn't return.)

So ... help?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Surely there are local shoe stores in your area worth looking at- saying that as you ruled out b&m stores. We have several stores that carry brands like Dansko, Earth, Clarks and lots of brands plus a variety of hard to fit sizes. I know because my mom often frequents them with her wide, hard to fit feet. :). But, just looking online, try some Clarks or Naturalizer. If I get a sec, I'll pull up some specific ideas.

[etwahl]

My favorite ballet flats are these - my feet are crazy picky as well!
http://www.zappos.com/french-sole-sloop-black-nappa-leather

I also just bought these shoes (they are 25% off right now at Bloomingdales) and while I haven't worn them outside the house yet, I honestly love them (and they are so pretty and different). Normally I can't wear pointed shoes because of my finicky feet, but these seem perfect because they are a bit wider in the toe box, where my issues often lie!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/vince-pointed-toe-dorsay-flats-nina?ID=1051629&CategoryID=16961#fn=spp%3D1%26ppp%3D180%26sp%3D1%2 6rid%3D%26spc%3D6%26cm_kws%3Dvince%20d%27orsay%20% 26pn%3D1

And finally, I love Soludos shoes, but I live in Southern California, so I can totally wear these in the fall/winter/spring no problem. Might not be the case where you are from?
http://www.soludos.com/women

[mikala]

I'd start by looking more closely for a local specialty store that does extended sizes. They tend to cater to an older crowd but there are often some younger styles mixed in and things like ballet flats cross over well.

If that doesn't pan out I'd either do a search on Zappos or Nordstrom filtering on your size. I can often find cheaper prices on Amazon with free returns so I sometimes double check to see if they have the style I'm considering.

The Barking Dogs blog is also a useful reference for common brands for wide or cranky feet. My feet are fussy and lean wide so I've also struggled with fit.

[lizzywednesday]

Surely there are local shoe stores in your area worth looking at- saying that as you ruled out b&m stores. We have several stores that carry brands like Dansko, Earth, Clarks and lots of brands plus a variety of hard to fit sizes. I know because my mom often frequents them with her wide, hard to fit feet. :). But, just looking online, try some Clarks or Naturalizer. If I get a sec, I'll pull up some specific ideas.

There's a total of one shoe store I haven't tried yet, mostly because parking there is a nightmare. (And I think it may be closing; I'm rarely headed to that part of town.)

I prefer to shoe shop late in the afternoon, and that's simply not possible with DD in tow.

[lizzywednesday]

My favorite ballet flats are these - my feet are crazy picky as well!
http://www.zappos.com/french-sole-sloop-black-nappa-leather

Those are cute, but they're a "B" width and that's just not going to work for me.


I also just bought these shoes (they are 25% off right now at Bloomingdales) and while I haven't worn them outside the house yet, I honestly love them (and they are so pretty and different). Normally I can't wear pointed shoes because of my finicky feet, but these seem perfect because they are a bit wider in the toe box, where my issues often lie!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/vince-pointed-toe-dorsay-flats-nina?ID=1051629&CategoryID=16961#fn=spp%3D1%26ppp%3D180%26sp%3D1%2 6rid%3D%26spc%3D6%26cm_kws%3Dvince%20d%27orsay%20% 26pn%3D1

I don't look at anything that's made in Italy. Italian shoes tend to have quite narrow lasts. I need a "D" width.


And finally, I love Soludos shoes, but I live in Southern California, so I can totally wear these in the fall/winter/spring no problem. Might not be the case where you are from?
http://www.soludos.com/women

Perhaps I should edit my original post to include that I live in the northeast?

[lizzywednesday]

...

The Barking Dogs blog is also a useful reference for common brands for wide or cranky feet. My feet are fussy and lean wide so I've also struggled with fit.

I may need to bookmark that blog.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Are you wanting to wear socks with them? Can't see that location matters if you just want something like a ballet flat or something intended to be worn sans socks. But, if you plan to wear through the winter, I can't think of a shoe to do that that you can't wear a sock with. And I wouldn't wear a sock with a ballet flat. What kinds of flats are you thinking?

[lizzywednesday]

I was thinking a thin sock or trouser sock (effectively a knee-high) so I'd have another option to wear with jeans. I need to replace nearly all of my socks anyway, so I figured I'd get some mileage out of them.

I simply can't go barefoot in most shoes; it grosses me out and I blister easily.

I just want something simple and not too too trendy.

And stuff like TOMS and the like are completely out - none of them will hold up during the chillier days, and they don't typically come in wide. (Plus canvas shoes and I don't get along. My pinkie toes always poke out.)

[boolady]

I have wide feet, and in a 9.5W, these are the most comfortable flats I have ever had on my feet. They are not cheap, but I think they're worth it. Free shipping if you want to order a pair online to try. Free returns by mail, as well, if you don't want to go to a store to return or exchange.

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-felicia-flat/3194852?origin=category

[ABO Mama]

I have wide feet, and in a 9.5W, these are the most comfortable flats I have ever had on my feet. They are not cheap, but I think they're worth it. Free shipping if you want to order a pair online to try. Free returns by mail, as well, if you don't want to go to a store to return or exchange.
You forgot the link :)

[boolady]

You forgot the link :)

Yes I did, lol! Thanks. Fixed it. :)

[Kindra178]

I am in a slightly colder climate than you, but for here, you pretty much have to stop wearing flats in November and start again in April. For winter non snowy/wet days alternatives, why don't you get a cute oxford or flat bootie?

http://www.zappos.com/cole-haan-lunargrand-wing-tip-elderberry-silvercloud

[lizzywednesday]

I am in a slightly colder climate than you, but for here, you pretty much have to stop wearing flats in November and start again in April. For winter non snowy/wet days alternatives, why don't you get a cute oxford or flat bootie?

http://www.zappos.com/cole-haan-lunargrand-wing-tip-elderberry-silvercloud


My ankles are too heavy for booties, but I've been drooling over Oxfords forever.

[Percycat]

Its hard to know what you are looking for.... but, I wear Merrell shoes, fall - spring in the midwest with jeans/pants. Something like this:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en/encore-nova-2-wide-width/16998W.html?dwvar_16998W_color=J48510W#cgid=women-footwear-shoes&prefn1=itemStyle&prefv1=Shoes&prefn2=width&prefv2=W&start=1

Some of the 'encore' styles have more detailing. The one listed above comes in W.

[karin4]

For me, ballet flats would be leave my feet too chilly and wet, even with socks. Would something really classic and preppy work for you, like boat shoes or penny loafers? They will come in wide widths.

Oh, and I had to look up the Lands End Venetian flats to see what you didn't like, and I noticed these-- they look nice on the model, should look good with socks, and do come in a wide:
http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-casual-suede-loafer-shoes/id_288458?sku_0=::BLA

Good luck!

[TwinFoxes]

Good luck! I remember how long it took for you to find an interview suit. I was going to suggest a specialty store too, we have one called I think the walking store, which is a chain, maybe they have an online presence.

REI has casual/non-athletic shoes and great customer service.

[lizzywednesday]

Its hard to know what you are looking for.... but, I wear Merrell shoes, fall - spring in the midwest with jeans/pants. Something like this:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en/encore-nova-2-wide-width/16998W.html?dwvar_16998W_color=J48510W#cgid=women-footwear-shoes&prefn1=itemStyle&prefv1=Shoes&prefn2=width&prefv2=W&start=1

Some of the 'encore' styles have more detailing. The one listed above comes in W.

That won't suit. I had a pair of shoes from LE like that ages ago - comfy, I loved them, and wore them with jeans everywhere. But DH thought they looked like something his grandmother who'd had 2 strokes would wear.

I'll do better with an Oxford or loafer.

[lizzywednesday]

Good luck! I remember how long it took for you to find an interview suit. I was going to suggest a specialty store too, we have one called I think the walking store, which is a chain, maybe they have an online presence.

REI has casual/non-athletic shoes and great customer service.

The Walking Company, and their website was rather disappointing several years ago. I bought my first two pairs of Danskos from them; there's one in the mall nearby. They do carry a small selection of wides, but their selection of things in the "not completely dorky once you're larger than a size 7" can be disappointing.

REI is a decent option, but I often get annoyed that I can't find the last-length where I'm looking for it. I'm spoiled by the way Road Runner Sports does things.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Op- you just need to make it a one day mission. Drive to the mall, hit the specialty store, go to DSW, try on everything. Sometimes it just boils down to that method.

[JElaineB]

I know the pain of having a large, wide foot. Stores do not stock many styles that fit me, so I shop for shoes online as well. I am a 10 wide usually and just bought (and kept) these:

LifeStride Women's Liza Too Ballet Flat (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HWF6EF6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s03)

I tried a several other styles as well.

I really liked these but they ran big/wide and the smaller size was much more expensive, plus I was afraid they would get scuffed really easily:

Skechers Women's Career-9 to 5 Flat (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I90HC0O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02) (just realized these only come in B width, but they were wider than some of the other shoes in wide width!)

I did not like the following:

LifeStride Women's Abey Slip-on Loafer (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAZPBP0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02) (sides puckered out too much when I wore them, plus I like the look of the classic ballet flat better on my foot)

Hush Puppies Women's Pearl Carlisle Slip-On Loafer (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQTY1WO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02) ran big and I just did not like the style that much. I tried this one in E width, so maybe I should have went with C/D. I ordered them at $32 and they are much more expensive now!

[Kindra178]

Op- you just need to make it a one day mission. Drive to the mall, hit the specialty store, go to DSW, try on everything. Sometimes it just boils down to that method.

This. Or a huge Zappos order.

[gatorsmom]

Ok so these aren't flats and they don't look particularly special on the website. But when i first saw them i thought they looked cute. It's the platform that makes them different. I just got a pair to wear with jeans and I'm convinced they will carry me through our Wisconsin winter. First, they are water resistant. Also, the platforms will keep my feet warmer than thin-soled flats on cold ground. I've been looking for a pair of inexpensive platformed loafers since I've noticed the very expensive versions popping up in designer collections. I have knee high boots for fall but I'm a little tired of them and I can't do booties. I'm a short pear-shape and booties (and shooties) make my legs look short and stumpy. These are really comfortable and come in a lot of different lengths and widths. So far I love them. Got them at Nordstrom. http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/munro-katie-loafer/4021969

Btw, if anyone sees platformed flats, please let me know. I was looking for those when I found the loafers. I'm convinced they'll look good with my new fall midi skirts (instead of heels).

[Katigre]

Have you looked at Naturalizer? They have cute flats that are comfortable and also come in wide width. You can order from amazon with free shipping/free returns usually.

http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Womens/_/_/Dress+Shoes/Width+Extra+Wide_D+or+2W/Products.aspx?icid=TopNav_Womens_DressShoes

These are all D width. They have a 20% off code right now too (can't remember what it is, but a quick look at www.retailmenot.com will bring it up).

[lizzywednesday]

Thanks ladies.

You've actually been really helpful with pointing me to resources and other info.

Some of these brands I've tried before; some I haven't even heard of. That's a good thing.