I wear Merrills, I can wear them all day long and forget I am wearing shoes. My bone doctor recommended them. I have planter facacia in one heel, he has it in both. I never wore bulky shoes like that before because I think they are ugly, but I have had people ask me where I buy them.

I have very specific foot issues--from the basic shape of my feet, to a couple of medical conditions.

I have ALWAYS hated shoes. Hated buying them, wearing them, etc. Mainly, I guess, because most shoes just aren't comfortable for me.

However, a few years back, my podiatrist recommended 3 brands of shoes for me--based on my particular needs. I followed her advice. Now, wearing Clarks, my feet feel wonderful! I can't believe how much difference the right shoes make. They're all I wear--for casual, dressy or working around the house. I simply don't care that they aren't as 'fancy' as most dressy shoes.

If you have foot problems, I'd really recommend you make an appt with a good WOMAN podiatrist. Not only will she be able to address your medical issues, but a good one understands about women and shoes--and will make helpful suggestions about why you might be able to wear for both comfort and style. I never drive by my dr's office without thinking, for a moment, how great her advice was (and I pass the place every time I go from the house in the suburbs to the one in the country).

Azzalea: We have something in common......Clarks shoes. However, mine have to be the Springers due to a leg condition I have. Only problem now is that too many of them are made in China and they don't make them wide enough...... I place my oxfords side by side: made in Brazil, made in China and you can see a very big difference.

Shirley

I detest shoes and wear flip flops as long as I can possibly get away with it. My feet are still in terrible shape from that rash I went through this winter. As soon as I have an extra dime, a pedicure is in order.

Years ago I didn't like shoes either!Because they either hurt my feet, were too big(in order to get them wide enough) or too small. Now I wear Propet sandals and athletic shoes. I also have some clarks too. I used to wear Birkenstock, but then the last few pair I bought did not feel right, the toe bar hurt my feet, etc. Yes, I do have a pair of Easy Spirit and they are comfortable too. But you have to try them on in order to get the right size. I tried ordering them and they were always too big. So I found a store in my town that carries them and got the right size. I got the ones with the back strap and wore them all over Mexico last Sept. along with my propet and clark sandals for dressy wear and my Propet athletic for long steep hills.

Try Dansko. I have a friend whose feet are so bad from arthritis that she literally walks on bone. She also uses Crocs in the house and often Merrils. I have had good luck with some Echos. My problem is plantar fasciitis. Good luck!

Have any of you with plantar fascitis tried massage? My DH had that problem and a physical therapist 'cured' him with foot massage. (His problem never came back, so perhaps it was not as serious as what others have.)

I had plantar fasciitis for about 5 years, it comes & goes. I never tried massage. I have orthotics now and always try to wear supportive shoes. My pod recommended Brooks and I can get them in a 2E, that's what I am wearing now. I did wear New balance & Birk's but they don't do the job anymore. My biggest problem now is corns & a bottom of the foot callous.

In warm weather I wear nothing but flip flops.

Merrill makes lots of very pretty shoes now - not just the big hiker style. I have 4 very different styles. I LOVE my Merrills - they fit and feel good from day one. I also really like KEEN instead of flip flops - cannot stand the thing between my toes!
I just bought a pair of Duck Head that feel pretty good too.

Joann, my favorite brands are Walking Cradles and Softwalk. I think their sandal styles are cuter than the shoes though. Some stores carry these two brands but I usually order from Zappos.com because their shipping is free both ways so no problem if you don't like them.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.zappos.com/

i have couple of pair of easy spirit sandals, but the ones i wear the most arn't made anymore(and mine are horrid, but fit well)...i have one pair of flats for dress (most expensive flats i've ever had, lol, $75) from easy spirit. i wear them about once a year...

all i can suggest is go in the afternoon and try them on...(best time to buy shoes)

Last year I couldn't wear much besides Crocs cause my feet were so swollen from my hypothyroidism. Now I am able to wear my tennis shoes again.

Plantar fasciitis is very common in people with Hypothyroidism. If you have other symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, cloudy thinking, dry skin, etc) - get a full panel thyroid test (not just the tsh) including antibodies.
I didn't have PF, but had back heel pain which is Achilles Tendonitis. When my feet start hurting I am in need of a thyroid med raise.

I have lower back issues would they be good for my back?

I have arthritis and have tons of problems with my feet. I have worn Birks for several years now. I wore Crocs when they first came out and loved them but after time I had to go back to my Birks. My foot doctor says Crocs are bad for the feet if you wear them all the time. They have no support.. The last Birks I ordered were over $200.00 but I saved a long time to get them. They are worth every penny.. It takes a while to get used to them. They are really hard at first but in time they mold to your feet and are great for wearing every day..

Susie

I have short,flat,wide feet and the beginning of bunions.

The only shoes that fit me comfortably are these Onex shoes...Hazel.

I usually wear a 7½ but they run small and an 8 in this brand fits perfectly.
They are so comfy I can walk and stand for hours without any discomfort.

Here is a link that might be useful: Onex Hazel

Chisue, I had plantar fascitis and saw a massage therapist twice. It was a tremendous help, much better even after the first visit.

I've tried Easy Spirit and have only found one style which is good for me.(Cannot remember the name.) The popular "Motion" model just doesn't offer enough cushioning and support. Most of the time I wear Avia athletic shoes which I get from shoebuy.com. They aren't pretty, but the save my feel when I am on them all day on a hard floor. You get to a point where comfort not cute is what's important.

Just to add my two-cents here. Every thing that has been advised, I really agree with. Maybe think about orthodics (those "Good Feet" stores helped my husbands plantar fascits and was less expensive than the orthodics that the Podiatrist provided. (not covered by ins) Then...the good brands of shoes ie: SAS (for him), Easy Spirit (for me), Clarks "springers" (oh, comfy).
The Easy Spirit Walkers really helped me; good support and a woman's last. Good Luck, Nanny

I developed heel spurs and plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago. Very painful. Threw away all my shoes and bought new in consultation with a podiatrist. Ouch$$! Now I wear sneaks with orthotic inserts outdoors in cold weather and for walking, and have a pair of Mephistos that I wear only at the office, but the single best shoe for my problem has turned out to be Orthaheel flip flops. I can't praise them enough--they realign my feet and relieve the pain no matter how much walking or standing I've done. I was not a fan of flip flops prior to developing this condition (didn't like anything between my toes), but the effect of this particular shoe on alleviating my pain has been nearly magical.

Uggg. I slipped and fell April Fool's day and broke the fibula. I can't wait to be able to wear ANY shoe besides this big, black ugly boot.
I had PF and my ortho recomended filling a water bottle 3/4 full and freezing it. Each day roll it back and forth under each foot for 10 min. The cold/massage really did the trick for me.
I also had the custom fitted insoles made for my shoes, I think maybe Sole Supports? I have been wearing them in athletic shoes for 5 years. They made a world of difference with hip/back/leg pain. I even worked 15 hr days with them.
I dream of the peeptoe pumps and cute heels. I have no idea how long it will be before I can even wear a shoe on that foot. I drool online now. Bout all I can do!
Pammiesue