F-List: I need your help!

[sonjajade]

You guys know I'm working now, and as such I'm on my feet for my whole shift (a whopping 4 hours a day).  I need to find better shoes to work in because I'm over 300 pounds and these flat ass flip flop sandals I've been wearing are killing me.  I can't wear gym shoes/sneakers because it's Lane Bryant and oh god no one wears shoes like that and can still be high fashion (whatever...)

And because I have a very tight budget, I can't just go out and buy a bunch of shoes and see which ones make the cut.  Can anyone recommend a brand I might try?  I wear like an 11 W-WW and I'm desperate for something close toe and heel because my skin is so rough on my feet and looks horrible.  Also I can add my special insoles and they won't be seen and will be even more comfy.  I saw a pair of sketchers I like but in the past I haven't had much luck with that brand being comfy.  And crocs are comfy but UGLY (and the ones that aren't are expensive).

Any suggestions?  I'd be so grateful for any words of wisdom here.

Comments

[luxquintessence.livejournal.com]

I may not be any help: I have a very high arch and am one of those weirdos that are more comfortable in heels/wedges. You may want to look for something that is made with cork, which acts to dampen the stress when you walk.

In terms of flats, I own a pair of these (addidas makes flats with athletic insoles) and they are rather comfortable, but run slightly big:

[sonjajade.livejournal.com]

if they came in all black I'd be all over those! That's exactly what I'm looking for! At least I know shoes like that really DO exist now! Thank you for your help.

[luxquintessence.livejournal.com]

Also, FYI: "Fit Flops" are hella comfortable.

I don't believe a single thing about them toning my legs, but the padding is fantastic.

[sonjajade.livejournal.com]

those are adorable but I can't afford them XD

[luxquintessence.livejournal.com]

End of summer they usually are at least half-off. That's when I bought mine.

[enemytosleep]

Personally all my sneakers are Skechers (D'Lights) with a Dr. Scholl's insert. I wear them for work and for running. Well, now that it's hot I wear flip-flops all day for work, but I'm up and down on and off my feet so it's not as bad as straight standing (and I'm not as heavy, so less strain). Can you try them on in store and walk around the aisles a bit?

Also, zappos.com is really good about returns and exchanges with shoes. My friend is addicted and will order 5-6 pairs and then only keep 1 (and she does this often). Best of luck.

[sonjajade.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who works for Zappos and he said the same thing about the returns and exchanges. Might do that, gonna google those D'Lights.

[nochick-fics.livejournal.com]

What kind of height are you looking for in a heel? Prefer pointy or wedge?

I stand all day at work too (by choice, burns more calories but yeah, it can get painful with the wrong shoe :\) I found a really good pair at Wal-Mart of all places, with a kick ass insole. The George brand.

Skechers also makes some really good stand-all-day shoes. Not sure what your company dress code is in that regard but some are suitable for office while being SUPER comfortable.

[sonjajade.livejournal.com]

All the dress code says is "No athletic shoes or casual shoes with laces." I found some croc flats online but I want to try them on without spending money if I don't like them. Found a store that carries them here in town so when Joey wakes up we're gonna go there.
I've never stood in heels for any longer than like an hour, but if I had a comfy one to wear I wouldn't mind. I do better with wedges though, and I like round toes.

See, if I had better shoes I could work longer hours and possibly be considered for the full time management position :D