Monday, January 11, 2010

Help? Random Question Of The Day.

How much can you do to make shoes fit better? These are adorable but totally lack any arch support. The last pair of Clarks I ordered was the same - adorable but I sent them back due to lack of support. Can I get some sort of insoles put in? I tried just sticking in the regular insoles I use and there just wasn't enough room for them in the shoe. Is it worth trying something like these or can I actually take them to a cobbler or something?

I'd just return them but they are actually wide enough and exactly what I have been looking for in every other way. And the only other pairs of dress shoes I have are both black and between 2-4 years old. So I need something. Does anyone have tips for making almost-perfect shoes fit just right? I could sure use 'em, especially since "just buy other shoes" hasn't been working out so far.

6 comments:

Mella DP said...

I add arch supports to most of my shoes too, and sometimes just have to experiment with a few different products to find something that works with a particular shoe. I've found that pumps and the like frequently don't have room in the toe for a full insole, but usually a partial (that stops somewhere under the ball of the foot) works, and I'd definitely say the others you found are worth trying. I've never tried getting a cobbler to do something like that, so I don't know, but it seems like something that would come up more often if it were a common service.

scb said...

A specialty shoe store (if there's one around) could do a special orthoyic for you, but trying out arch supports of the sort Mella mentioned would likely be a better first step. Pun not intended!

Word verification: ifearew

I don't, actually...

scb said...

I really should proofread when I'm eating with one hand and typing with the other... of course, what I meant to say was "custom orthotic" with a T. A custom-made insert thingy for your shoes, that can be moved from shoe to shoe, theoretically.

Anonymous said...

I second SCB--my mom has been so happy since she started with the custom orthotics. Since I have inherited all of my mother's ailments, I am keeping this in mind.

But Mella is right, too. I use the pump/heel gel pads in a lot of my shoes and they're really much better than I expected. They stop before the toe, but provide a little bit of support on the arch. And a lot of comfort. I haven't really tried too many different brands or styles, though-YMMV.

thefarmersdaughter said...

I get arch supports for some of my shoes. Some just need ones that they sell in stores, but I also have a pair that I had made at the Hush puppy/ Merrell store. They were kinda of expensive, but they work.

Anne At Large said...

Thanks all, they got their first test-drive with some Dr. Scholls action and are a qualified success (still not that great when it's icy). I found a partial that has good arch support and stops under the ball of the foot and so far it is the ticket. Thanks again for the tips and encouragement!