That's Not My Age has problem feet. And this means that ballet pumps and super flat sandals are out of the question. So when summer comes, I'm always on the look out for a shoe with a comfy rubber sole or low wedge heel. Sadly, said footwear is often high in frump factor and low in style. Last year whilst visiting the brother in NYC, I was delighted to find a pair of APC wedge sandals that weren't too steep - well, the gradient of the wedge was fine but the price was a bit on the high side. So delighted in fact, that I wore them out of the store, and walked all the way back to brother's apartment, only to be told as I stepped through the door that, 'They look like something mum would wear.'
Now I realise that ironic footwear doesn't work so well as you get older, I spent most of last summer trying not to look like a pensioner on a coach trip. Teaming my comfy sandals with rolled up skinny jeans and a boyfriend jacket seemed to work, and this year I'm going to try them with a shirtdress. The shoes may be a tad Mrs That's Not My Age Senior, but I'm not ready for Crimplene slacks just yet.
And, yay! Good news has arrived via The Sunday Times Style Magazine. Mum shoes are in vogue! As seen on the S/S 2010 catwalk at Stella McCartney:
Mum shoes are also available from Margaret Howell (top black & white picture), and in descending order below; Clarks Originals, Camper (with hidden mini heel) and Land's End. Just be careful how you wear them.
Don't you love it when something easy to wear slips onto the fashion radar? Or am I showing my age?
Photos:
Stella McCartney: Mitchell Sams from Marie Claire
Ohhh, I'm madly in love with those Clarks Originals sandals! Hrm, don't know about age. I'm 33 and I think for at least the last 3 years I have scanned Clarks' latest offerings. So comfortable! But they usually have a few gems, too.
ReplyDeleteI will still wear shoes that I know are going to hurt me, though, in blind optimism.
Oh thank goodness because I have mushy mom feet. It's terrible but I just can't wear the heel. I'm so thankful to Michelle Obama for bringing the sensible heel back to us. I plan on doing a post in it soon.
ReplyDeleteHurrah. I'm with you on the mum shoes. It's impossible to be glorious in any other aspect of life when your feet hurt.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm the owner of some mum shoes too, can't wait to wear them this summer though!!
ReplyDeleteThat Camper multi-colored pair is quite cute! I too do best with a mid-heel. Other brands that are high on comfort but have some styles with enough whimsy or edge to keep from being Total Mum are Think!, Fluevog, Arche and Stuart Weitzman. Unfortunately, none of these are inexpensive, but one can find them marked down occasionally on zappos.com.
ReplyDeleteWith those black and white ads of hers, Margaret Howell could persuade me to wear tissue boxes as shoes. The Clarks desert boots do wonder for my own granny feet.
ReplyDeleteCaroline - don't resist the mum shoe!
ReplyDeleteKwana - hooray for Michelle O. You have to write that post.
Ellen - wise words.
SR - I think everyone has a secret pair of mum shoes!
DP - thanks for the tip. I'll check out the website. I've found that it really is worth spending more on better quality shoes - my feet prefer it!
LCDS - yes, the Margaret Howell photography is gorgeous and I'm with you on the desert boots.
Can't wait to try some of the sandals mentioned here! With the flatest feet & largest orthotics in the world, I have trouble finding any shoes into which both will fit. After much trial & expensive error, my usual footwear is now with built in arch support:
ReplyDeleteBirkenstock clogs (the medical looking ones, not the pretty or fashionable ones)
Crocs, which are the only shoes which keep my feet pain free!
Earth shoes/trainers/boots
Oh & Emu boots in cold weather, which can accommodate the dreaded orthotics.
Yes love it! Just cannot 'do' heels and love a flat shoe - admire (and wonder at) those who can wear heels all day (a la Mary P) - will have to check these out!
ReplyDeleteDon't think my Mum would be seen dead in Clark's originals, but I have to confess to buying a pair of comfy flat boots for traipsing around trade fairs ... curiously cool ones of course.
ReplyDeleteCoz - thanks for the recommendations. I do have a couple of pairs of Birkis for schlepping about in and I wear orthotics too. Watch out for another post, coming soon!
ReplyDeleteS-E - mmm I bet Mary Portas does have a pair of mum shoes hidden away, I'll have to investigate.
Susan - of course!
I love them in the Catwalk pictures. I think when worn by the young and trendy, they look young and trendy. In your forties, not so sure....although your sandals look fine but if I saw the pictures of the shoes alone, I wouldn't be tempted.
ReplyDeleteI think you can always get away with fashionable footwear, clothes not so much.
I've just visited Clarkes for the first time in search of comfort, I'm 52, so not done too bad! I liked lots of their designs. Sadly I'm looking at elasticated waists also....aaarrrh. It's the menopause, it will pass!???!
ReplyDeleteI love those Clarks Original sandals - shit I wore them as a kid!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a complete mums shoe person - I think high heels are stupid but adorable, so I try to keep grounded by preserving my feet and occasionally go sky high. All things in moderation xx
I have a pair of sandals known as the 'granny shoes' that I only wear in Cornwall on holiday, never to be seen in London, but they are so comfy. I love the original Clarks sandals, but they remind me of the ones I wore at primary school.
ReplyDeleteI too love comfy feet - feast your eyes at www.espadrillesetc.com and if the prices are not too steep you could have a pair to match every outfit in your wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteVerrrrry, cute all of your choices this year. My feeling is: If your toenails are painted, as I can see yours are, the rest is sans importance.
ReplyDelete"Frump Factor" hehe, I must remember that. I love it when my shoes are both comfy and in style. I hate having uncomfortable feet.
ReplyDeleteBubbles - move away from the elasticated pants!
ReplyDeleteTedsmum - thanks for tip, I'll take a look.
Tish - so pleased you noticed the toe nails. I painted them especially for the photo!
jesus boots! just like my then boyfriend Julius used to wear when we were 7. amazing. they actually sell them in the rugged country clothing shop up the road, probably much cheaper than they'll be in W1
ReplyDeleteI can so relate, this post made me laugh! My daughters call them my 'Nana' shoes. Am I wrong to want comfort when hitting the streets? I was looking at all these pretty Bloch ballet shoes the other day thinking will I or won't I? I just think legs look better with a bit of a heel...is that an age thing? Some people can pull it off beautifully and I bet Sara at Semi-Expat looks perfect in her gorgeous Chanel flats. I wish!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne - glad I'm not the only one who used to call them Jesus boots/sandals!
ReplyDeleteJeanne - yes, I'd love to wear Chanel ballet flats or Tod's loafers but the feet won't let me!
Shit! I was just thinking how cool those blue shoes were! I guess I should stick with men's shoes and trainers.
ReplyDeleteReduces foot fatigue Clarks Wallabee Boot. Enhances natural walking motion and promotes foot health. Its stylish moccasin design allows a natural toe spread for an enjoyable walking experience. Clarks England
ReplyDeleteOh blimey, they are not my cup of tea I'm afraid. The one thing I firmly believe is that you can get away with sexy shoes far longer than you can sexy clothes as you get older. I think I will be sticking with strappy gladiators this summer! The catwalk pictures look good though.
ReplyDeleteI too have problem feet, "dropped metatarsil heads" or something. I cannot wear heels, even lowish ones.
ReplyDeleteBut since I've discovered Naots, my feet have been so happy. Do have a look. I'm in Canada and luckily live right near a Naot shop. Their website here is NaotCanada [dot] com
PS: I just found your blog today - it is great!