“Guess what?” I said. ”I did an inventory of my shoes and guess what I found.”
He leaned back in the patio chair and gave me the look. “That you have too many shoes?”
I returned the look. Can a woman ever have too many shoes?
“No,” I said, “I found that most of them are the same brand.”
I paused for emphasis. I wanted what I said next to sink in.
“I’ve been buying comfort and I had no idea I was buying the same line of shoes.”
He studied me as if actually digesting what I’d just said. I knew better.
But no matter. Since I picked the profession that I did and hit hospital floors running many moons ago, I have been after comfortable shoes. Walking, running, 12 to 14 hours straight on those hard, unforgiving floors was not exactly a recipe for foot pampering. Now adding, ahem, a certain amount of years, plus RA/RD, comfortable, supportive shoes have moved from a want to a definite must have.
On this particular day, I’d been to see the optometrist. I’d decided my eyes needed some TLC after the bad news I’d received at the ophthalmologist. I ended up spending the equivalent of a month’s grocery money on two pairs of glasses, reading and distance. I didn’t want to deal with the whole learning curve thing required with bifocals, and why put that up-and-down-bobbing strain on my neck?
We’d met at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner after my appointment. I had a two-hour wait before the glasses would be ready so we hit Macy’s. He wanted a shirt and I headed for the shoe dept. Because I have two upcoming trips to cold weather country, I wanted a closed shoe with a heel, a shoe that was a cross between a low boot and a clog. And of course it wouldn’t hurt if the shoes looked good and made me feel like I looked good
But the main criteria the shoes had to meet was that they be out-of-the-box comfortable. When I found the cushiony softness I sought, I was not surprised to find that they were Clarks®. I was, after all, wearing buttery-soft (or as they call it: “marshmallow-soft”) leather sandals of the same brand. I kept them on, placed my sandals in the box and went to give the man some money.
This “coincidence” prompted me to investigate my shoe collection when I got home. I was curious as to what was left in the closet after I’d given away several pairs of shoes that were still fairly new. And the reason they were only slightly worn is because they’d failed to provide the comfort level I craved and needed.
Halfway through my nursing career I’d given up the white shoes and wore black. And even though those were more stylish, they were still work shoes. My feet have taken a beating over the years and today, when comfort is even more of a priority, I don’t want to have to resort to wearing “work” shoes again.
I want/demand style. Style reminiscent of my twenties when I sailed through life in clogs and jeans. That reminds me, I need more jeans. For the trips, you know.
and have some fun!
Ready to kick up my heels
Beating Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Clarks are definitely my favorite brand. I love them. I also recently turned Mr. Phat50chick onto their loafers and he loved them so much he ordered another pair in a different color. He’s far more stylish than I am so I was happy. Comfort is far more important when you have RA and I’m only happy that athletic style shoes are more mainstreamed. I’m a sales professional and this is what I wear every day.
I didn’t want to sound like a sales ad, but it’s true I came to owning these shoes by virtue of the comfort they provide. I was shocked to see that almost all my shoes say: Clarks. Shocked and pleasantly surprised. Glad you like them too!
I hear you! I’ve had to choose shoes for comfort over style ever since I was diagnosed, Irma. It’s been 27 years, now. Those Clarks are really nice! Hmmmmm… 😉
Try the Bendables, Wren. So soft and cushiony. And stylish as well. Why should we give that up? No reason! Happy hunting!
Aren’t Clarks just the best? I kind of went through what you did, discovered my “go to” shoes were the same brand. I actually looked at those same pair, so I agree they are just darling. You deserve a nice (comfortable) treat!
I wrote a post about my exercise shoes a while back. They were Clarks, of course. I’d worn out my nursing SAS shoes working out and these were even more comfortable. I hate having to take my shoes off at the airport and I refuse to deal with tying shoelaces on top of that. These well get me there just fine.
Those remind me a lot of the shoes I used to wear, when I actually got dressed up for work 🙂 I have no idea what brand they were, but they were soft in the sole and comfortable, and best of all, I didn’t break my neck with the heel. I have since traded in all of my dress shoes (except one pair of flats) for good sneakers and boots. I have finally found cute boots that I can wear that do not hurt my feet or affect my back. Yes, comfort first, but if they look good and make us feel good, it’s a double win for us 🙂
I love boots, but in South Florida there’s not much opportunity to wear them. And I like heels, but only if I’m going to be sitting around most of the time. That’s why I prefer a clog, it can be dressy but without the hassle. But yes, comfort first, always.