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Every teacher knows that your shoe choice for the day can not only make or break your outfit but may actually break your foot…
Case in point: me. I wore the cutest Sam Edelman flats pretty much every single day one spring. This included caf duty, after school duty, and walking around my classroom. I had always worn flats to teach. They matched with everything and were simply adorable. However, I did not account for them to pretty much ruin my feet for all shoes in the future. I slowly started to get pain in my feet, and before I knew it I had developed plantar fasciitis.
When I stood up, it felt like there were razor blades digging into my heels at every moment and with every step. I desperately made appointments with doctors and podiatrists to see what I could do to stop the constant pain. I bought every crazy looking gadget ( and there are a TON) off Amazon and did all the stretches and exercises. And still, my feet were killing me in every pair of shoes I wore. But I was determined to find a pair that worked. By chance, my mom also developed this annoying condition and she too was on the hunt for footwear that would provide relief. She stumbled upon the holy grail of foot comfort: The FitFlop. I had seen people wearing these shoes and being the shoe snob I was I couldn't understand why anyone would wear a platform sandal outside of the 90’s ( the humor is not lost on me by the fact that 90s style is so back in right now…) But my pain overtook my snobbishness, and I bought every pair of fitflop Nordstrom rack had on sale! They were expensive, but oh so worth it. I could walk and stand without being in constant pain, and I finally did not dread every time I had to walk somewhere.
But as my summer ended and the school year drew closer and closer I realized I couldn’t wear flipflops into the winter and keep my toes. (I live in Boston…) I also needed more professional looking footwear to make it through the more dressy days as a teacher. And, as my feet started to feel a little more comfortable, my inner footwear snob returned. I again went out on the hunt for shoes that not only made my feet feel heavenly, but that fit my need to keep the style quality of my shoe collection on point.
After months of shopping sales, deals, and online retailers I found my go-to shoes that I know are worth the splurge, have helped to heal my feet, and still help me feel like all the other pinterest and insta stylish teachers under the #teacherstyle hashtag! I can say I am now back to getting excited to feature my feeties on #teacherfeetupfriday. And I want to help other teachers out there looking for comfy and stylish footwear!
Here are my top finds for shoes that make you forget you have plantar fasciitis, and allow you to stand tall ( without pain!) each day!
These styles can be expensive, but I have been able to find them on sale at places like DSW, Nordstrom Rack, and Amazon.
Happy Shopping!
First up: Vionic
These are a bit pricey, but I have been able to find them on sale at Lord and Taylor ( coupon city!) and at Nordstrom Rack. I bought this pair at Nordstrom recently when they were having a sale. It is the perfect black flat for any outfit but has amazing arch and heel support.
First up: Vionic
These are a bit pricey, but I have been able to find them on sale at Lord and Taylor ( coupon city!) and at Nordstrom Rack. I bought this pair at Nordstrom recently when they were having a sale. It is the perfect black flat for any outfit but has amazing arch and heel support.
Next pick: Some classic Birks
Thank goodness these babies are back in style. I remember when the clogs were in when I was in high school and then I never wore them again... These are the most comfortable shoes I own, and I wear them every.single.day. Again, these can be found on sale at different stores. I like to shop Amazon and Nordstrom. I would stay away from the knockoff of these shoes because the magic really is in the patented cork insoles. They are very much worth the price. The best part is that any licensed Birkenstock seller can replace the cork insoles for you for about $40 when they wear down. The leather stays amazing and you can get a basically brand new shoe for way less than full price! Here are both my sandals picks, and my winter boot look!
Next up: Comfy Clarks
A girl is always in need of a classic pair of black pumps. The low heel on these makes them just formal enough for meetings, and still doable for standing for long periods of time. Plus, I adore the feminine little bow and the fact that they can go with any outfit!
Final pick: The Famous Fit Flop
These are the shoes that I so callously overlooked because of my inner fashionista. I did some searching and found myself a pair that is comfy and stylish and doesn't offend my inner shoe collector. I am obsessed with this simple black pair and love that it comes in other colors as well. They pair great with skirts, dresses, and pants. The best part? Your feet will thank you!
What are your lifesavers in the classroom? Let me know what I should add to my closet to support my poor aching feet!
