I Must Confess: I’m getting quite fussy about my footwear now that I’ve got some sense hit middle age.
So what does a middle aged woman like me look for in a pair of shoes?
1. Shoes that are not too high.
Thanks to a dodgy knee, sky high heels have not been part of my wardrobe for ever decades. I know I’m not alone; I’ve spoken to many women who’ve given up high heels for their sake of their body/health (we’ve all heard the reports of how they can damage our spine, ligaments, posture etc).
2. Shoes that have a bit of a heel.
But I still love a bit of a heel! Although I own a few “dead flat” flats, I’d really rather have even a centimetre to lift my soul sole …
There’s nothing like a heel – even a tiny one – to make you feel a million bucks. A heel helps to elongate your leg and give it a nice line, and I love it when my shoes make that satisfying “click clack” as I walk along (please tell me I’m not the only one who loves this!).
3. Comfort is key.
I remember wearing a new pair of stylish espadrilles as a young ‘un – and the blister on my heel which eventually turned into an ulcer and took months to heal. No way will I make that mistake again!
So I’m after a shoe that is soft and less likely to need wearing in, or cause blisters in the first place.
At the top end of my budget (as in I’ve only bought one pair in my whole entire life), is the Diana Ferrari “Supersoft” brand – they truly were the most comfortable shoes I’d ever bought – which I picked up in a half price sale.
I’m told Ziera is just as comfortable.
More often (as in every second pair of shoes I buy), I buy my shoes from Rivers – their “Riversoft” range is indeed, quite soft, needs minimal breaking in and doesn’t do too much damage to the bank balance.
4. Easy to get on and off.
I need shoes that are easy to get on and off – get your mind out of the gutter, it’s not what you’re thinking 
!
Alas, as we grow older, our eyesight is not what it once was. These days I find it nearly impossible – or at least, impossibly time-consuming – to do up a fiddly little buckle. I can’t SEE the jolly thing!
I look for shoes and boots that zip up or slip on easily, sandals with elastic in the strap (even if they do have a buckle), or shoes that fasten with velcro (but don’t panic, that doesn’t mean they have to be hopelessly daggy!)
5. Shoes that look good.
Derr! Just because we aren’t teeny boppers doesn’t mean we don’t love beautiful shoes!
Just between you and me, I’m hoping it will be a very long time before I wear anything like these …
What do you look for when you go shoe shopping? Are you practical (like me), or just a sucker for a pretty shoe even if you never wear it (Miss 17 I’m looking at you!)?
Linking up with My Home Truths for my weekly confession; and Kimba Likes for Wardrobe Wednesday.
I wish they would make more kitty heel shoes, so you still feel like you are dressing up and not just going for comfort. Country Road have a charcoal kitty heel out this year. Otherwise for me it is flats all the way xxx Rae
Sadly I live in Birkenstocks then switch to the crazy cat shoes once the weather turns…
I need comfortable shoes and I don’t like a high heel. Must be because I’ve gotten so used to wearing steel caps.
Thongs are my favourite but since that is decidedly bogan I like to wear those Egyptian sandals that are/were all the rage. I have lots of high heels in my cupboard… some only worn once. They only come out on very special occasions. I loved those Diana Ferraris!
I’m a huge fan of Rivers shoes. Picked up several for a vintage inspired photo shoot recently. All great quality, stylish, comfortable and under $20 each.
I’m so in need of a new pair kicks, just have to make time to go Size 11 shopping, harder than you might think!! Great shoes here 🙂
I’m with you on all those points Janet. I’ve never been able to wear sky high heels but I do like a little heel to make me a little taller than my 5ft 1 inches! I keep meaning to go into Rivers to check out their shoes, they always look like they have a good quality range to choose from. BTW, I’d fight you for those black suede mary jane’s!
I LOVE those mary janes from Payless, they look lovely. I always have trouble finding nice flats, or at least just a small heel. I like to be able to actually walk in my shoes as well as look good!
I must agree with these very sensible shoe buying tips for the more mature woman. Skyscraper heels are definitely out! I do love those Brown Boots. Perfect heel height for me.
Love the boot heels and the black Payless shoes, also Starling by Ziera…I tend to wear mostly flat / flatish shoes due to tearing ligaments in my ankle going down steps at the station some years ago…so I try to be really careful now.
Alexa from Sydney, Australia
That’s quite a beautiful selection Janet and not only for middle aged mamma. Love the boots and the red shoes.
Oh I am a bt of both, but like you I am a lover of a shoe that is 50% off!!!! A bargain shoe is a great shoe! Loving the Pippa Court Shoe!