“I have terrible feet. I had bunion surgery when I was 21. I am 42 now and the bunion has returned. I have never been able to wear heels, even like 1" heels, because the ball of my foot starts burning within minutes. I had to stop running because I tore the plantar plate on the bottom of my foot.
But I also love clothes and looking cool. My inability to wear heels has meant that my shoe game is often weak. Most flats don't have enough support or cushion, so while they're not as painful as heels, they're not exactly comfortable. I have mostly relied on loafers and flat boots, but I have wanted a dressy, feminine shoe for AGES. I have tried Vionic, but they don't carry 10.5s in most things, which is my size. They also tend toward looking matronly (my mom loves them).
For comfortable, versatile shoes, I have an unlimited budget. I'm not rich, but I make enough that I would gladly spend thousands of dollars on a pair of shoes if I thought I would get a lot of wear out of them and they'd be comfortable. Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes. People always say that expensive, designer shoes are worth it and more comfortable. I've tried on all the attractive flats I can find at my local Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. I bought a pair of Valentino Rockstud flats a few years back and Gucci Jordaans last year. The Rockstuds were so pretty, but they felt like walking on paper. They were tight and cut my feet to ribbons (and yes, they were the right size). I like the Jordaans better, but I ended up selling both to a thrift store. All that is to say, I've tried doing all the things they say to do to find comfortable shoes. The problem is, those shoes aren't made to be comfortable.
THANK YOU, BARED FOOTWEAR. I got the Grackle because they have a little edge, and I need a black shoe for the office and after-work events. They are completely different from any other women's dress shoe I've ever worn. You know how you walk normally in a shoe that is supportive and secure to your foot, like an Oxford or a well-fitting boot? But in a flat or heel, it always feels like you have to check your steps a little.
I walk in these like they're Oxfords or boots. I walk normally, without thinking about it. Sure, on stairs I remember that there's a longer toe that I don't want to catch on a tread, but other than that? Totally normally.
I had a work meeting where I was walking around for about three hours. No pain. No rubbing. It's a damned miracle. I wear these with trousers, jeans, skirts, and dresses. They look great.
My only critique is teensy. I know the leather footbed is more durable long term, but I have sweaty feet (my feet really are the worst) so unless I use a fabric insole or the anti-sweat stuff, my feet make a sucking sound when I walk. If there is a way to ever offer a fabric insole option, or some sort of add on, I would be very, very interested.”
“Beautiful shoes which are perfect for work. I own a few pairs of shoes from Bared and had to size down with this style. There is still plenty of room for my toes and I can wear these all day comfortably.”
