Super comfortable shoes to wear with a cocktail dress?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone found cute, comfortable pumps or sandals to wear with orthotics and a cocktail dress? I have pretty bad arthritis in my feet but I'm not ready to give up on cute heels completely! I have found some wedge sandals that work pretty well in the summer without orthotics (think Papillo, Spring Step), and I've tried tennis shoes and boots with more casual dresses, but I have no shoe options for true cocktail attire when I can't get away with tennis shoes. I'm short and in my 50's. I can't be the only one! Any specific leads? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone found cute, comfortable pumps or sandals to wear with orthotics and a cocktail dress? I have pretty bad arthritis in my feet but I'm not ready to give up on cute heels completely! I have found some wedge sandals that work pretty well in the summer without orthotics (think Papillo, Spring Step), and I've tried tennis shoes and boots with more casual dresses, but I have no shoe options for true cocktail attire when I can't get away with tennis shoes. I'm short and in my 50's. I can't be the only one! Any specific leads? Thank you!

Before the pandemic I had two pairs of naturalizer pumps similar (the same?) to these:
https://www.naturalizer.com/product/womens-michelle-pump-3014069/tender-taupe-leather-ec0218999

I could make it through a full work day and picking up my kids so maybe would work for you? Could try with an insert.

This pair is cuter if you can stand a pointed toe

https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/naturalizer-anna-pump/505984?activeColor=001&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Pumps-_-New_Pumps&cadevice=m&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCFRCY596oYe9VD2V2Il7ZLxCTimy-ZyT7CL3m8hBS1Be9vtauHpmTxoClZ0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Anonymous]

I have bad feet and did well at a wedding this summer with Ivy by Naturalizer. The heel height was reasonable, the box toe worked for me, and the nude color was the neutral I needed. Naturalizer Women's Ivy Ankle Strap Heels https://a.co/d/2aTA2wm

[Anonymous]

Agree with the 2nd poster - anything with a chunky heel, although a wedge will work too

[Anonymous]

How about trying a platform instead of a straight heel?

Like the closed toe equivalent of these: https://www.zappos.com/p/aerosoles-cosmos-rose-gold-leather/product/9708384/color/146434?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_g&utm_campaign=170854531&utm_term=pla-__iv_p_1_g_59696888791_c_280355972374_w_pla-1794389785573_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_15872_f_online_o_54223761_z_US_i_en_j_1794389785573_s__e__h_9012124_ii__vi__&utm_content=54223761&zap_placement=&_ivgu=b2d6ca91-2bb3-4c41-a92f-37b270c9e874

[Anonymous]

Honestly, none of these are comfortable if you really have difficult feet. Comfort One Shoes or the Walking Company may have some options for dressier comfort shoes. I haven't found an option yet that doesn't sacrifice some style for comfort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, none of these are comfortable if you really have difficult feet. Comfort One Shoes or the Walking Company may have some options for dressier comfort shoes. I haven't found an option yet that doesn't sacrifice some style for comfort.

DP. Sort of agree. Chunky heels, or wedges are needed but these tend to look less dressy because they don’t look delicate.

But how about these?! They look solid but still kind of fancy.
https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/l-artiste-by-spring-step-shelly-black?variant=41332861403313

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, none of these are comfortable if you really have difficult feet. Comfort One Shoes or the Walking Company may have some options for dressier comfort shoes. I haven't found an option yet that doesn't sacrifice some style for comfort.

DP. Sort of agree. Chunky heels, or wedges are needed but these tend to look less dressy because they don’t look delicate.

But how about these?! They look solid but still kind of fancy.
https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/l-artiste-by-spring-step-shelly-black?variant=41332861403313

I struggle with heels so I get, but damn those are ugly. There is NOTHING fancy or delicate about these shoes.

[Anonymous]

The SAS Isabel will worth with orthotics.

[Anonymous]

Lifestride has worked pretty well for my busted feet, as well as Naturalizer.

[Anonymous]

https://www.naturalizer.com/product/womens-kamela-dress-sandal-3021849/jet-black-synthetic-ec0234218

Naturalizer platforms shoes - comfortable!

[Anonymous]

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-nudistcurve-75-block-heel-sandal-women/6779067

[Anonymous]

OP back to say THANK YOU for all of the thoughtful suggestions so far--this is really helpful! I'll update after I try some of these styles--and please know you are giving me hope. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-nudistcurve-75-block-heel-sandal-women/6779067

OP, these are on sale at NOrdstrom right now in a silver color and on Amazon in the gold color. IF you go with these get nordstrom to price match Amazon.

[Anonymous]

I dont’ wear orthotics, but I have extremely hard to fit feet (need wide toe box but not wide width shoes and most heels cause pain) and have had the most success with David Tate dress shoes. Life Stride are a close second.