Sensible Shoes
My mother, doctor and chiropodist have been telling for years that I can no longer wear cruel shoes. Not only are my feet too duck-shaped to endure pointy toes, and my arches too high for flat-soles sneakers and ballerinas, while researching the appropriate footwear for folks with hyper mobility issues suggests finding something called “stability shoes” to help keep my ankles from constantly turning.
This week I put my money where my foot is and invested in some expensive but supportive chaussures.
The impetus is work-related. I am going on a work trip next week and part of the agenda is a day at the Royal Henley Regatta. There is a very strict dress code and running shoes are forbidden. At the same time I don’t think I could last more than four hours in heels or fancy sandals. So I scoured the internet for formal orthopedics. One brand that kept coming up was Drew. Imaging my delight when I found a pair of the brand’s patent Mary Janes at the Value Village! They were pricey by thrift shop standards but still about $150 cheaper than in store.
I’m also happy that we live in a time where orthopedic footwear has become kind of cool amongst the street style crowd. Hoka, a walking and running shoe best known for its oversized midsole came highly recommended for providing stability which in turn could help the excruciating pain in my hip caused by over correcting for my shaky gait.
Hoka also happens to be a bit of an “it” shoe at the moment. The only problem with the moment is that I’m broke (such is the life of a freelancer — my clients don’t always pay their bills on time and I have a problem with buying celebrity dolls at the VV). I stopped by Winners to use the bathroom whilst walking home from a press party last Tuesday. One must walk past the shoe section on the way back to the loo and these orangey Hokas practically jumped off the shelf at me. They were 50 percent off the price advertised on the Running Room’s site. Still a little beyond my current budget so I paced around the store trying them on, putting them back on the shelf, walking away and then walking back. Eventually a voice came over the PA announcing that the store was closing in ten minutes so I panicked and bought them.
So far so good although my calves were a little achey the first day after wearing the Drews. I assume it’s because I’m retraining my muscles.