Have you ever checked out Zappos? They have zillions of shoes, pretty much any style imaginable, with free shipping both ways. So you can order several styles/sizes at once, see if any of them work, and send back the ones that don't. The return process is really easy, with no hassles. If you got online right now, you could probably even get shoes in time for your anniversary. When I order, I always pick the standard (free) shipping. But every single time, Zappos has upgraded me to overnight shipping, at no charge. Last Thursday, I ordered a pair of shoes at about 9:30 p.m. They were waiting on my porch for me when I came home from work the next day. In addition to the brands that Megan mentioned, Born, Sofft, Soft Spots and Dansko are very comfortable. Those brands are pricey, though, unfortunately. I have foot problems after breaking my heel in car wreck a few years ago, and I finally figured out that I'm better off spending more money to get fewer pairs of really good, really comfortable shoes.
I have to second the suggestion for Zappos. I just sent back a pair of dress shoes; they weren't quite right. Nice shoes, I just didn't like the way they fit. The return process is ridiculously easy; they even give you a free shipping label. I then ordered a pair of sandals late Tuesday night. They were delievered today at 1:30 PM, and I live way the heck up here in Washington state. I don't know if I like them, so I will probably send them back for the other pair that I do like. Like Continga, I have always been upgraded on shipping and I don't think I've waited longer than 2 working days for my shoes.
Seriously, try Zappos. And sometimes it is worth it to pay a little extra for a good shoe, especially when you have a special situation like a painful bunion. You can even read reviews from others who have purchased the shoe you're looking at.
I feel your pain. I have really wide feet (I think I should just say I have fins in place of feet) so 90% of shoes are out for me. To add insult to injury, now I have plantar fasciitis so it means it will most likely affect what shoes I will be able to wear after the PF goes away (if ever).
Second ... I think I read another post of yours where you mentioned that your Dh was impatient when you shopped. He sould like an old grump to me, but really, why do you go shoppng with him? I understad you have to drive a distance to get to some decent stores, but rather having him spoil my mood I would drop him off somewhere at a patio and he can have some beer while you shop (or whatever ... he can go to Home Depot and drool over drill bits and chain saws).
He needs to understand that you just can't hit a shoe store, grab the first pair of shoes that you see, pay and leave. It's a lot more complicated than that, especially if one is "blessed" with a foot problem like you and I.
Or, preferably, leave him at home to work on the lawn, as Kira said ... if it is an option.
Well, an update...I found shoes! They're peep toe with a heel and the top part, that goes over the toes (and the bunion) is a really, really soft leather. It covers everything I don't want seen, and my feet look nearly normal! Yay!
Mindi - congrats on doing the impossible! FYI in case you're looking for something comfy with coverage - visit the Crocs site. They've added a LOT of new styles this year that use that Croslite stuff, and they actually nailed a couple that are attractive and you wouldn't recognize as Crocs. They all seem to run big and wide - it seems like their trademark is the wiggly room for toes. Freakin' fabulous!
I had bunion surgery back in 2007. Definitely worth it. I have a scar on the top of my foot but it's nothing compared to the previous deformity. I remember the first time I tried on cute shoes after I healed and they fit and didn't hurt! That was so exciting. I was by myself and called my husband to tell him.
I suggest getting someone to look at it. I was embarrassed about it and my husband was trying to get me to go to the doctor forever, but I was so ashamed. As soon as my doctor saw it, he asked "Who in your family has bunions?" because it was so obviously a problem and so huge for someone my age.
I had the surgery on a Friday morning, and they sent me home with something like novacaine injected into my foot, so it was numb most of the first day. They put me in a walking boot so I didn't need to be on crutches, and I got the good drugs. I went back to work on either Tuesday or Wednesday the next week, and it could have been sooner except I didn't realize that the drugs I took the night before were what was making me so drowsy the next day.
So yes, I highly recommend getting it looked at. They're progressive so the sooner you get it looked at, the better.
In the meantime, might I suggest flip flops whenever possible? There are so many cute styles now. I only started wearing them and wished I had worn them when I had the bunion. That would have relieved a lot of pain, at least in the summer.
Mindi - First of all you look amazing! Great job at looking gorgeous! The women in my family all have wider feet. I don't love my 'piggies' but try to still wear cute/fashionable shoes.
I agree sometimes all the cute sandals are either uncomfortable or don't look good on. Have you tried a 'mule' or a little sling back heel? They look really sharp with capris and even skirts...
Sometimes men and shopping aren't always a good mix. But good for you for being patient and understanding
That's awesome!
