Need ideas for slim dress shoes that accept orthotics

[longskate88]

Time to buy my first pair of office dress shoes, and I need some recommendations. I wear a hard plastic, half length orthotic that goes underneath the removable insole usually. I'm also 5"7" and slim, so I'm looking for a slim black lace shoe for no more than $300. Any ideas? Something with heavy arch support would also be acceptable, since I probably won't spend a ton of time on my feet in them

Thanks!

 

[boo]

I've found Ferragamo shoes in E width to still keep a relatively slim appearance, with the idea being that you go up a width to accomodate your orthotic. I find mainline Santoni's to be relatively roomy and can accomodate a half-length orthotic. My experience with Santoni FAMs is that they already have heavy arch support. I recall trying out some shoes at a Barneys warehouse sale with heavy arch support...Caruso I think? Unfortunately, these three options maybe tough with your $300 constraint, but just throwing it out there.

 

[academe]

I've found that English-made shoes generally fit my orthotics better than Italian ones. I think the lasts on English shoes are generally a wee bit wider than Italian shoes, with a bit more height around the top of the foot - both factors giving more allowance for orthotics. For your price range, I'd suggest trying some of the better quality Loakes or the Goodyear-welted Barkers. Loakes typically run GBP 100-140, possibly GBP 80. If you're willing to spend a bit more, Crockett & Jones and Alfred Sargeant are likely to fit them, too. If you're in America, I would try the Brooks Brothers English-made Peal shoes, which are typically re-branded C&J or AS shoes. Use the search function, and you'll be able to find out more about the Peal shoes. Typically, I have to size-up by about 1/2 size from my normal shoe size. I'd strongly recommend going the "non-iGent route" and going to a brick-and-mortar store, rather than buying online. Even if this means paying full retail, I think it's well worth the effort, given how frustrating it can be to try and get a good fit with a virtual shoe buy. Good luck!