Dressy shoe help-- arthritis issues

[momhappy]

Gypsy, I came across this blog last night: http://theenthusiasticlife.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/shopping-with-arthritis-my-favorite-pain-reducing-shoes/

That's an entire post from a young lady with RA who loves to dance. Maybe there is a brand or particular pair in there that will spark your interest. I was intrigued by the glitter Toms--depending on the wedding crowd, those could be really freaking cool.

I can send you my bedazzler. The last project I did was an abaya for my Arabian horse breeder friend. Never bedazzled shoes before!

Momhappy, I had no idea strassing CL's was a thing. Several years ago here on PS people were blinging out their phones and sometimes their wedding shoes, but I thought it had gone out of vogue. Apparently I was wrong, after a quick Google. I thought CL made shoes that were already strassed? I guess DIY is money-saving, but I just read a blog post that said it took the author 30 hours??? That is some bling dedication!

Yes, strassing is a thing I'm not sure how much of a money-saver it is though - I suppose, if you're comparing it to purchasing a brand new pair of stressed CL's which can run between about $3000-$5000+), then I guess it's more cost effective. You're still spending a large amount of money not just for the shoes, but also for the materials (not to mention the time involved).
Here's some examples of my work:

 

[monarch64]

Those are amazing, Momhappy!

 

[Gypsy]

So first, thank you Lorelei, Missy, Monnie, EVERYONE for the empathy. And I'm so sorry to hear so many others have this problem too. I do love shoes, like all women. And the fact that these: http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/morse_tour/26065323 are pretty much the shoes I am stuck wearing everyday is what it is. But ... if you are looking for comfort, I do highly recommend them.

I totally agree that putting orthotics into flats is a great way to go. That's pretty much what I do for any work function that I can't wear the sexy Clarks above to.

Second: WOW Momhappy. I cannot imagine doing that. The slingback sandals (not the platform ones) are to die for.

Third, ... about the shoes. Lots of great options. You guys rock. I would prefer to stick to brands or stores that I know of/have worked with before.


slc, those are lovely. I just wish I could wear heels that high!

Missy, I might prefer these over the talbots pair: http://www.easyspirit.com/Piatta-Peep-Toe-Flats/56920506,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJ3UZH7&cgid=2881133&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=easyspirit-catalog&ep_tag=AF2010 They'd look great with a fancy shoe clip! I could totally put an insert in them!
And I also like these: http://www.bornshoes.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=9308

Kathley, I love these: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2014-Silver-Round-Toe-Wedding-Bridal-Dress-Shoes-for-Mom-Rhinestone-bridesmaid-Shoes-Party-Ball-Dancing/2019423861.html?PID=6147496&src=ale&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aliexpress.com%2Fitem%2F2014-Silver-Round-Toe-Wedding-Bridal-Dress-Shoes-for-Mom-Rhinestone-bridesmaid-Shoes-Party-Ball-Dancing%2F2019423861.html&cv=11032041&cn=null&tp1=wrhc9y80heo3&tracelog=null&af=cj_6147496&vd=30 But have you ordered them before?

 

[momhappy]

Thanks Monarch and Gypsy (sorry for hi-jacking your thread)
I actually find the process of strassing to be quite relaxing.
Anyway, please keep us updated, gypsy and I hope that you find the perfect pair

 

[Gypsy]

VR_Beauty. Those are Betsey Johnson beautiful. They are right at the top of the list!

Randy-- I will check that out, thanks!

CJ- I really like these: http://ninashoes.com/felixa-platino-laminato--17478?c=213 I wonder if there is a way to get an insert by gluing it down.

Monnie, I will check that out! Great resource.

Snowdrop, I don't know. But I can do a search!

slc, jewelfreak, VR-beauty, Missy... everyone else who has foot problems. I'm so sorry, it just stinks! There should be cuter shoes out there for people with foot problems!

Thank you MomHappy. Hey, if it relaxes you and gets you a lovely pair of shoes... why not?

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Gypsy, It looks like you have many good suggestions for shoes to wear to a wedding. I like the ballet flats with Talbot clips. I think that may be your most comfortable option. I'm sorry you have to deal with RA and the pain it causes. Hugs

 

[CJ2008]

Good, Gypsy, glad one of my picks is in the running! haha

Hope you find the perfect pair of shoes so that you always have something pretty to wear.

 

[caf]

Hey Gypsy - me too with the RA! Got dx'd about 4 years ago. Have run through MTX, Humira, Remicade, Symponia Aria and now am on Actemra - and of course that awful drug Prednisone. I feel your pain on the foot and shoe thing. I feel your pain on the whole thing. RA is a sucky disease.

As to shoes, I would say try Softt, Tsubo, Beautifeel.

Nordstroms and Neiman's (I think) also carries a brand - Taryn Rose - that are fairly comfortable - though pretty pricey. They are made for women by a doctor or something and are pretty comfortable.

Cindy

 

[Gypsy]

As to shoes, I would say try Softt, Tsubo, Beautifeel.

Nordstroms and Neiman's (I think) also carries a brand - Taryn Rose - that are fairly comfortable - though pretty pricey. They are made for women by a doctor or something and are pretty comfortable.

Cindy

Thanks Cindy. I've tried Softt and some of them do work. Beautifeel, I think was really expensive last time I looked. I haven't tried Tsubo, so I will look into it.

I'll see if I can find Taryn Rose to try on locally.

I'm sorry for you pain. RA does suck. I was only diagnosed 2-3 years ago (don't remember which right now).

 

[missy]

Gypsy, you have a lot of potentially good choices so hopefully you can find that perfect match of form and function.

I know you probably already go by this but it is worth repeating. Number one is comfort because if your feet are not comfortable nothing will matter. As long as you make sure they are comfie you can dance the night away and have fun!

and if you are having fun no one cares about the shoes you are wearing anyway...no one that matters that is.

 

[caf]

As to shoes, I would say try Softt, Tsubo, Beautifeel.

Nordstroms and Neiman's (I think) also carries a brand - Taryn Rose - that are fairly comfortable - though pretty pricey. They are made for women by a doctor or something and are pretty comfortable.

Cindy

Thanks Cindy. I've tried Softt and some of them do work. Beautifeel, I think was really expensive last time I looked. I haven't tried Tsubo, so I will look into it.

I'll see if I can find Taryn Rose to try on locally.

I'm sorry for you pain. RA does suck. I was only diagnosed 2-3 years ago (don't remember which right now).

Good luck with the shoes. You could always wear a pair of "jeweled" flip flops while traveling to the ceremony. Switch to dressy shoes for walking in and sitting through the ceremony - or take them off during ceremony. Then go to reception - and put on your jeweled flip flops or other low shoes that are blingy. I am not a terribly blingy shoe girl but I have worn blingy flat sandals to weddings and felt just fine. (As long as my feet were not incredibly swollen - not just the normal RA swollen -

As for RA - good luck. The keys to good RA management - a good rheumy, good infusion nurses and a good attitude. And good jewelry. Always good jewelry.

 

[TC1987]

I think you could get an insert like a 3/4 insert into this type pretty easily:
http://ninashoes.com/rio-silver-glitterati--17689?c=487

or the d'orsay version
http://ninashoes.com/rivka-metal-dust-crystal-satin--17785?c=487

http://fashionableetsy.blogspot.com/2010/11/no-to-ugly-arthritis-shoes.html


Terrago shoe dyes to change the color, just to throw something else in the mix, lol. They have metallics. Roller Derby skaters use these on their skates. I thin it must hold up pretty well on smooth leathers, if you do the deglossing thoroughly so that you get good adhesion.
http://www.shoecaresupplies.com/Leather_Shoe_Dyes_s/26.htm?gclid=CMfEnaLgkMACFQUuaQod8DoAlA

 

[FrekeChild]

Now that you mention it... I seem to recall some seriously self-blinged out shoes shown here on PS! Didn't Freke bling her own wedding shoes>

Sorry for the diversion!

Yes, I did, VR, although not all over, as is en vogue currently. Unfortunately I twisted my ankle a week before the wedding, and had to wear some shorter heels, so they are still completely unworn. Perhaps for a vow renewal one day...

 

[Gypsy]

I think you could get an insert like a 3/4 insert into this type pretty easily:
http://ninashoes.com/rio-silver-glitterati--17689?c=487

or the d'orsay version
http://ninashoes.com/rivka-metal-dust-crystal-satin--17785?c=487

http://fashionableetsy.blogspot.com/2010/11/no-to-ugly-arthritis-shoes.html


Terrago shoe dyes to change the color, just to throw something else in the mix, lol. They have metallics. Roller Derby skaters use these on their skates. I thin it must hold up pretty well on smooth leathers, if you do the deglossing thoroughly so that you get good adhesion.
http://www.shoecaresupplies.com/Leather_Shoe_Dyes_s/26.htm?gclid=CMfEnaLgkMACFQUuaQod8DoAlA

I love the D'Orsay. But I tried those on PRE-RA for my wedding and they were painful (just not made for my feet). So I'm pretty sure now it would be impossible.

I am thinking about going to Michael's and seeing what kind of thing I can put together to bling out a nice pair of flats. I don't really want to pay 40 bucks for shoe clips. Yes... I know I'm cheap. But I just got hit with a 1700 vet bill, and every dollar counts.

 

[Gypsy]

Missy, You are totally right. I am just hoping to avoid wearing the ugly Clarks sandals to the wedding. LOL.


HI caf, I actually had the same idea. I went for coffee with a friend today (mostly sitting) and then stopped by at the vet to pick up one of my cats. Total of less than 20 minutes on my feet. And I wore a pair of flip flops with decent padding to see if they would work. I was limping heavily by the time I pulled into the drive way. I am unfortunately going to have to go back on some predinsone this week.

 

[caf]

Missy, You are totally right. I am just hoping to avoid wearing the ugly Clarks sandals to the wedding. LOL.


HI caf, I actually had the same idea. I went for coffee with a friend today (mostly sitting) and then stopped by at the vet to pick up one of my cats. Total of less than 20 minutes on my feet. And I wore a pair of flip flops with decent padding to see if they would work. I was limping heavily by the time I pulled into the drive way. I am unfortunately going to have to go back on some predinsone this week.

Will your dr give you a shot of kenalog? I do that sometimes when I get a bad flare and need immediate relief. Sorry about your feet. Okay - no flip flops. Feel better.

Cindy

 

[Gypsy]

I will ask today. Seeing him later this afternoon.

 

[arkieb1]

Have you tried pain relief gel inserts into shoes? They are not like the normal full or half shoe inserts they come in different shapes like a disc or a bean shape and you can put them into the shoes in different areas they have a gel that moves or squishes in them and they really do take some of the pressure off your feet and legs as well.

 

[ksinger]

OK, late to the party, and I haven't read all posts, so apologies if I am redundant....

I have a pair of Naots dress shoes and I love them. This line is for people with rotten feet, and while I don't have RA, I do have feet so flat that podiatrists are impressed, and spend 95% of my time in athletic shoes with custom othotics. So I hear ya on the ugly shoes...

Anyway, I'd give their whole line a look, because they don't come across as "sensible" shoes IMO. They are the only heel I can wear.

Here is a silver/pewter pair with low heels. (I checked the link in another window, and it will come up with the black ones first, but it does come in silver) I have one of their classic black "tap shoe" looks with a slightly higher heel than this one, and they will never go out of style. Hope this is helpful! Good luck!

http://www.naot.com/products/ProductDetails/1104?dept=1000&coll_id=3

 

[VRBeauty]

Ksinger - wow, they have some cute shoes (including a some very nice sandals that come in silver). I see there's a store in my area that carries this line - I'll have to check them out!

 

[PintoBean]

HI Gypsy,

I just spotted these on the Nordstrom Rack site. I find earthies to be rather comfy. Would you happen to be a size 6 or 8?

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/962631/earthies-earthies-r-tavolina-pump?color=PEWTER

 

[Gypsy]

OK, late to the party, and I haven't read all posts, so apologies if I am redundant....

I have a pair of Naots dress shoes and I love them. This line is for people with rotten feet, and while I don't have RA, I do have feet so flat that podiatrists are impressed, and spend 95% of my time in athletic shoes with custom othotics. So I hear ya on the ugly shoes...

Anyway, I'd give their whole line a look, because they don't come across as "sensible" shoes IMO. They are the only heel I can wear.

Here is a silver/pewter pair with low heels. (I checked the link in another window, and it will come up with the black ones first, but it does come in silver) I have one of their classic black "tap shoe" looks with a slightly higher heel than this one, and they will never go out of style. Hope this is helpful! Good luck!

http://www.naot.com/products/ProductDetails/1104?dept=1000&coll_id=3

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-naot-cheer-burnt-copp-lthr-brass-lth-p_id138749?source=igodigital& I may just give these a try. They are lovely!

 

[Gypsy]

HI Gypsy,

I just spotted these on the Nordstrom Rack site. I find earthies to be rather comfy. Would you happen to be a size 6 or 8?

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/962631/earthies-earthies-r-tavolina-pump?color=PEWTER

Used to be. But not anymore. I'm an 8.5-9 now. THANK YOU PINTO!