July 28, 2008
I have worn the same Franco Sarto shoes for a decade.
Well, not the same shoes, but the same design: loafer, ¾" heel which is like no heel at all which is how I like it, black or brown only, unflattering squarish (comfortable) toe box, and shiny like man shoes that have been spat upon and buffed. I can't wear a dress or a skirt with this style, of course, but other than a broom skirt or two that I wear with boots, I haven't worn anything but slacks for that same decade.
I found out recently that they are discontinuing this style even though I have faithfully purchased these shoes when obviously no one else has. Does my cumulative $2500 over a ten-year period mean nothing to them?
I learned long ago never to waste my time trying to change the minds of corporations (well ... except for that place where I worked until they asked me to leave) so I rarely write letters of protest or concern. But when I heard that these shoes were no longer to be made, I went to the Franco Sarto website and shot them a business-like e-mail:
"Noooooo! Noooooo!" I said. "What am I to do now? What shoes will I wear now? Help me!!!!!" My effort was for naught. Franco didn't respond. No Sarto family member called me.
You see, I have foot issues, and no shoes wrapped me in sturdier comfort than my Franco Sartos. I have a tendency to pronate, and I have bone spurs that make my foot x-rays look like a porcupine. My loafers were durable defenders of my feet. Who will defend my feet now?
I look in catalogs and shop online and in stores, and I see all kinds of shoes with the "ie" sound at the ends of them: "Kicky." "Strappy." But I am not an "ie" kind of woman. In fact the only people who ever called me "Patty" were my father and his father, and they're dead.
And no, I didn't kill them.
So my search goes on: dependable, comfortable, reliable, 9W, in stock, flat, black & brown. Must go well with slacks and jeans. Must have stiff sides for that pronation issue. Must be able to accommodate insoles the size of a boogie board.
Somebody help me ...
Comments
Gree (anonymous) says...
I'm here to help. Go online to www.footsmart.com and scroll through their products for just about every foot malformation or problem that exists. The also carry a fine (though expensive) line of super-comfort shoes, and I'll bet at least one style will suit you. They are a little pricey, but they deliver what they promise. Request a catalog, so you can shop in comfort. (I use their stick-on ball-of-foot (callous) gel pads, which are reusable after a water rinse, and last a very long time).
August 2, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pdetmer (pdetmer) says...
My feet thank you, and I thank you!
August 4, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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