Staying Fit
Got bunions? Corns? Hammertoes? How about flat, bony feet? Probably. By age 50 a woman's tootsies have spent decades jammed, crammed and crimped into shoes that are too high, narrow, tight or just plain lacking in support.While we love the freedom of summer sandals, slides, slingbacks and open shoes, too often they look great but ignore our foot-friendly needs. So, I did my fashion editor thing and pre-shopped for you ... and me. Here are 28 dishy pairs, each for $100 or less.
Prices listed are MSRP.
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Clarks Step Cali Bay in Black Textile Knit; Ryka Nanette in Black
Zappos (2)
1. Knit platform mules. The slip-on minimalism, extra height and open feeling of platform mules makes them super appealing. Unfortunately, a stiff strap or several wrongly placed bands can be tough on bulging bunions and put pressure on midfoot metatarsal bones across the top of your feet. Mules with an extra-wide soft-knit band, a low- to medium-height contoured wedge sole and padded footbed solves all. The comfy band hugs feet to shoes but doesn't dig in or force toes to work harder for grip as you walk. A black knit band and white wedge sole combo, like the Ryka Nanette in black ($65, zappos.com) or the Clarks Step Cali Bay in black textile knit ($85, zappos.com), always looks sporty, edgy and modern.
Bandolino Faudoa Flat; Aerosoles Outrun; MICHAEL Michael Kors Melody Cap Toe
Zappos (3)
2. Ballet flats with substance. The next-to-nothing elegance of ballet flats makes us feel like Audrey Hepburn, even with size 11 feet. However, when the sole is too thin and bendy, there's no support for our arches and mature bony feet. (The latter is normal and caused by diminished natural fat pads.) It's time to upgrade to ballet flats with some structure, padding and a mini heel. They shouldn't collapse and curl up when you take them off. Look for an almond toe (yeah pointy is “in” — but not for us) and rubber pads on the sole for traction. A cap-toe — such as the Michael Kors Melody Cap Toe ($69, zappos.com) and Aerosoles Outrun ($89, zappos.com) — or a bow at the vamp — like the Bandolino Faudoa Flat ($69, zappos.com) — deliver chic style with everything you wear, from cargos to shift dresses.
Me Too Nissa in Black Canvas; Bandolino Hullen in Black Lycra/ Sleek Elastic
Zappos (2)
3. Wedge espadrilles with elastic straps. We love the sexy South-of-France vibe of jute soled wedges and canvas, but those ankle ties are killer for any woman prone to puffiness or circulation issues or those with heavy legs. Look for styles that swap crisscross elastic bands at the bridge instead of ankle ties, with open sides and a sloping wedge and a maximum height at the heel of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. Your feet will breathe, and the updated proportions provide better stability. There are many variations, but the slingback-like Me Too Nissa ($90, zappos.com) and peep-toe Bandolino Hullen in black ($59, zappos.com) do look equally magnificent with midi skirts and white jeans.
Clockwise: Sam Edelman Keelyn in Saddle; Matisse St. Tropez Slip On Mule in Tan; Comfortiva Trinidad- Soft Spots in Natural Leather; Naturalizer Whistle in Saddle Tan Leather
Zappos (4)
4. Woven leather flats. Suddenly huarache-style mules and flats in brown or tan leather that's braided and woven are must-haves. The combination of sturdiness and basketlike weave is practical and cool, from NYC to Des Moines. Choose a backless mule like the Matisse St. Tropez Slip-On Mule in tan ($85, zappos.com) if you have “pump bump” — a bony protrusion at the heel — for a summer break. Huaraches with a rounded or open toe and more loosely woven matte leather strips — like the Sam Edelman Keelyn in saddle ($90, zappos.com), Comfortiva Trinidad-Soft Spots in natural leather ($70, zappos.com) and the Naturalizer Whistle in saddle tan leather ($69, zappos.com) — are airier and let sweat evaporate, which is a boon if you're prone to blisters and irritation on your soles.
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