Flat Ballerina - flat shoes for Hallux Rigidus & Limitus

19/12/2019

2: I was interested to see these 1996 Christian Lacroix sneakers in a book the other day. 23 years on, I would totally wear these today! The sole appears to have the 'rocker' platform that would make the base thickness a breeze to move with, and you wouldn't need rigid insoles. Laceups of course are our favourite friend for and the tender big toe joint. Embrace the and trends.....

19/12/2019

I window-shopped these Steve Madden boots the other day. The side zips, solid 'p***y' soles and laceable fronts, removable insoles plus roomy toe-box makes them seem a contender for . Utter bliss to wear with lambs fur lining. I'd probably choose a wider-leg jean, or tights and a dress (skinnies look unbalanced with this boot). At almost $500 they remain a dream - goal is to find a similar vibe for a third of the price.

28/07/2019

Hi, I'm an active Sydney-based designer with Hallux Rigidus. Window-shopping for fashionable flats has become something of an obsession for me since developing this condition in 2012. I've made plenty of costly shoe mistakes, but have a much better understanding now and am on a quest to find well-designed flats that are a pleasure to wear.

I'm keen to defy the belief that foot arthritis means horrible frumpy shoes, and invite you to join the shoe journey. Feel free to browse the photo gallery below this post, and follow this page. Please feel free to comment and share - I'd love to hear from you...

28/07/2019

have been reliable for trendy flat streetwear, and good for . These zippered flats are from the Twins range, with electric blue highlights. Stretchy with just enough room for orthotics they are comfortable on the big toe joint. Yet I have to say the flimsy nylon fabric bothers me and for $220 I expect better quality. I'm only window-shopping until sale time...

28/07/2019

I say "yes" to Clark's quirky lace ups with the chunky sports heels, for . Theres a big stockpile of these leather lovelies on sale, my guess is that they didn't fly out the door. But they actually suit my personality. I tried two sizes of this shoe. This size was perfect and floaty. The half-size larger immediately rubbed on my joint, providing instant pain. So do be careful with tab details that might put pressure on sensitive areas! Happy shoe shopping, I hope there are some good sales out your way 🙂

28/07/2019

I'm a huge fan of lace ups for , and I adore these russet suede brogue-style beauties from Hush Puppies. They have a removable flat footbed and no seams on the toe box so are comfortable from the get-go. Lace-ups let you adjust the shoe-box width for your big toe joint. There's something Wizard of Oz about red shoes, with a dusting of magical stockings....

16/05/2019

Hello, none of these shoes look suitable for (nor would I recommend "Crocs with bumbags") but this is an interesting take on shoe fashions - a very welcome turn away from heels :-) and a license to have fun with flats....

The latest trend shows change is afoot in the fashion industry: notions of beauty have shifted and the uglier your footwear, the better

23/04/2019

Decisions, decisions... when you have problem foot issues like and you can afford to be extravagant and obsessed about shoes.... so I'm testing out some new sports leisure sneakers... energised hot pink, or sensible white...?

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12/03/2019

Feeling very chuffed with my five dollar sneakers from the 2nd-hand markets, perfect for and orthotics. The sneakers have fully removable insoles, and the laces come way past the big toe joint, so no pressure there. And $5 did I hear you say? Yes...they were a lot scruffier when I got them on the weekend, however a good soak in NapiSan, a good scrub with some gumption, and a wash in the machine plus drying in the sun has bought them up to as good as new. I couldn’t be happier 😋🤗 thanks Sue·

PS I'd love to hear your thoughts on second-hand shoes.... my opinion is that having fussy feet means we spend more than usual on shoes anyway, and if we can replace the insoles and give them a thorough deep clean, then who is the wiser?
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01/03/2019

My excellent new work boots, which happen to be very comfortable for . I wear them for my job on construction sites as a project manager. Orthotics slip right in. The steel cap gives a wide box toe which means no pressure at all on the big toe joint. They are styled for a woman’s foot being slightly slimmer and they have the purple laces which I don’t mind as a nod to femininity, at least they are not bright pink and styled for Barbie! This is making me think that perhaps I should also investigate walking boots. Apparently alongside the athleisure trend there are some pretty cool walking boots around on the market, stay tuned .....
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28/02/2019

Very versatile leather sandals with insertable orthotics, good summer basics for . My feet are hurting today and I’m feeling drawn to water and the sense of movement.....
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@ Darling Harbour, Sydney

19/01/2019

Flat forms for . Another of the beauties which I ordered on sale the other day, sadly they feel like two bricks strapped to my feet so are being returned. However I can’t fault the style, design and build quality. Hopefully they will learn about comfort. Do you like flat forms? What do you think are the essentials of flatforms comfort? Cheers and have a good week xx Sue ·
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