Random thought - my Birkenstocks!

I can also suggest Birkies for those with foot arthritis.  I have severe arthritis in my feet (almost can't walk in the a.m. due to the pain).  I bought a pair of Birkie sandals on ebay and they have been my Godsend!  I have lost so much weight at this point that they are toooo big, but will be buying a new pair as soon as I can afford it.  I have bad arches as well.  Best shoe overall ( I am going to have to try sketchers for the arches, I have a heck of a time finding tennies!).  So if anyone would like a pair of size 10 1/2 Birkinstocks.....I have one.  LOL 

I had a pair of the faux-birks from Target, and I wore the hell out of them.  However, once I got to a weight where I could wear heels?  I binned those Birks faster than you can say "Manolo."  Baby, I LIVE in my stilettos now.  I walk, teach, and mother in those things.  They make me feel outrageously sexy, and after years of feeling like a lump, that's a nice change.

I can't wear flats anymore - I'd have to hem my pants!  I'd rather wear heels than sew, I'm afraid...

Really?  I still have the "elephant in the china store" syndrome.  I'm terrified I'll go ass over teacup in stilettos.  I can't begin to tell you why -- they just still frighten me.

Me too!  When I am going for a walk and put on tennis shoes I feel so short, I love the high high heels now.  I used to not be able to wear them for more than 30 minutes and now I live in them.

I have bone spurs, so Birk's hurt my feet because the sole is hard, even when it forms to your foot.  What helps me more than anything are the flip flops by Yellow Shoe Box, I believe it's called.  They have the thick black sponge soles and are great for sore areas of  your feet.  I also have arthritis, so it helps that, also.  Of  course, you can't wear flip flops in the winter! 

I don't have the foot problems you speak of, I've never bought Birks (heard of them, but never got).  BUT.........I LOVE Sketchers!!!!!!!!!!  I have Sketcher Mules and regular sneakers!!!  I love the high arch, because I have a high arch!  It is hard to find sneakers with such a high arch.  They hurt the top of my foot and they are too loose!!  My son has the same problem with the arch, New Balance seem to fit him fine, as do Avida (got them for him at Kohl's this year, not familiar with them).

BUT, I do agree with your SKETCHERS!!!!!!

I put up with the pain in my foot for so long and finally went to the doctor about 2months before surgery.  He gave me inserts to put in my shoes and it was like heaven. 

I don't know what happened but it all seems to have gone away since surgery.  Maybe it was resting for several days but the pain is gone.  I have only lost 30lbs at this point which I am sure helped but I am still careful and wear good supportive shoes.  Just wait though another 30lbs and I too will be back in spike heels.  I love them.  They make my legs feel 10 feet long.  You should try a little thicker heel and a well made shoe.  They really can be comfortable.

Jeanie