Some people inherit a pair of heirloom sapphire earrings from their grandmothers. I, on the other hand, inherited two extra-wide feet with a side of bunions. Whatever you imagine a foot model’s feet to look like, mine look… the opposite. I won’t subject anyone here to feet pics. Just know that while I was barefoot at a friend’s house the other night, her 3-year-old asked me pointedly, “Why do your feet look like that?” Nothing like a toddler’s honesty to reinforce your bodily insecurities.
Searching for shoes that fit bony bumps online often leads you straight to recommendations for Naturalizer and Skechers. The situation is dire, but it’s not that dire. The girls who share this affliction can take comfort only in the fact that bunions can come for anybody, no matter your fame or fortune — Amal Clooney included. If you’re a reluctant member of the wide-footed club, step inside, kick off your shoes, and let me help you close out a few tabs in your search for spring flats…
I’ve written at length about these hard-wearing M.Gemi ballet flats before — classics that have earned their place on the shelf many times over. I’d categorize these as a bit less modern than the Souer/Le Monde Beryl/Jamie Hallers of the world, but they come with more structure, padding, and therefore pavement-pounding lifespan than softer glove flats. My three-year-old pair is currently at the cobbler for a little resuscitation and repair after many a conference and a week of Taipei thunderstorms.
My eyes lingered longer than was probably appropriate on a chic woman at a bookstore in Carmel-by-the-Sea, air-dried hair tucked into a chunky cable knit sweater, with fringe moccasins on her feet and a chambray bandana scarf hanging around her neck. With the California cool-girl outfit imprinted on my mind, I ordered these as soon as I got home. They’re easy to slip on for a quick grocery run or the nine-minute powerwalk to Solidcore, and the touch of texture and fringe detail make me feel effortlessly pulled together.
My most-worn shoe of the season has to be the glove-like ballerinas I bought after rave reviews from Paris gals Noora Raj Brown and OFELIA. A minimalist, slipper-style flat with soft leather and a high vamp, they’re simple and quietly sophisticated. I tried the Substack-beloved Le Monde Beryls, and while so buttery and comfortable, the leather was soft to the point that you could just see my bunion poking out… like an Adam’s apple of the foot, you guys. Anyway. If you’ve been eyeing the LMBs, this is a good alt for a similar vibe. I have them in burgundy, but this cream is really calling my name.
A stiff loafer will never find its way onto my shoe shelf… but a soft ruched one? Yes, please. I tried these leather loafers on at Peche, a LES boutique that imports pieces from Korea, and found them to be easy on the foot and the wallet. The black is my preference, but this style also comes in a brown sheep suede.
After Joyce Lee made a case for white ballet flats, a creamy pair have been on my wishlist. I have yet to try this brand myself, but I have it on good authority from my fellow wide-foot gals that these ballet flats are supremely comfy and forgiving. Made with softly structured buttery napa leather, they’d be a go-to shoe for the season.
These beautifully crafted woven flats from Freda, a very favorite brand, are comfortable out of the box and friendly to every foot shape. They also come in a square-toe version (several of which are currently on F&F sale) for a more modern feel.
So nice I bought them twice: I left my pair of jelly flats at the lake one weekend, and wanting to wear them to the Backstreet Boys concert at the Sphere, I confess I ordered another pair for next-day delivery. Walkable, danceable, and breathable for warmer days. The clear truly goes with everything, but the red/blue are a fun pop of color for neutral outfits, too. I text everyone who asks about them a link on the spot. Late to the trend as I was, I remain delighted by the longevity of jellies and find myself reaching for them weekly.
Okay, I know most are more hesitant than I to broadcast their foot deformities on the internet, but for our collective good, should you have recommendations on shoes for wide feet, drop them in the comments…
P.S. The best cute sneakers for travel and a long weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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