Shoes
At the risk of sounding shallow, I have to admit that shoes are among the things in life that make me happy – wedges, sandals, loafers, mules, pumps – I love them all. For the past year and a half, I have been unable to wear most of the shoes in my closet because arthritis in my feet has made that nearly impossible. I can’t fit my swollen tootsies in them, and my damaged MTP joints can’t take the load most shoes put on them. So, there they sit idly on the shelves, waiting for a chance to complete an outfit and hit the streets.
My orthopedist, who specializes in foot and ankle disorders, suggested that I wear shoes that don’t flex at the big toe or have high heels, aren’t wedges, and have a relatively large toe box. My choices were limited and hideous to boot. This was particularly problematic when I was trying to find shoes for my daughters’ weddings. I had to walk down the aisle in front of all the guests and do it gracefully and without grimacing. Even with a carefully timed steroid shot, I was still unable to wear chic shoes. I realized I had to heed my doctor’s advice and find shoes that fit the bill but weren’t horrendously ugly. I avoided my favorite shoe boutique because I knew they wouldn’t have anything that would work, and it would just make me pine for the shoes I couldn’t wear. I searched Google for “dressy orthopedic shoes that aren’t ugly.” Then I tried “comfortable dress shoes for women.” I don’t know who they are kidding, but the hits I got were unattractive, to say the least, and reminded me of the shoes my first-grade teacher, Sister Estelle Marie wore with her habit. I chose the least offensive pair and opted to wear a long dress, hoping to hide my orthopedic beauties.
Given my limited choices, I’m unsure if my idea of cute has changed or if today’s ugly sandal trend has influenced me. I did find some unbelievably cute shoes that are in style. I found them at my favorite shoetique, the one I had been avoiding. Out of desperation, I told the owner what I was looking for, expecting her to say that she didn’t have anything. To my surprise, she pulled out two pairs, a mule and a sandal. They were made by a company I had never heard of – OTBT (Off the Beaten Track). I bought both pairs and ordered some more. They are kind of pricey, but many upscale department stores put them on sale at the end of the season. I have never worn a more comfortable shoe. It gave me hope that I am not doomed to a life of ugly but comfortable shoes.
