The Bony Bane of My Existence

As a kid, my mom always bought me shoe insoles, heel padding, and tongue padding. I never through anything of it. As I got older and had to buy my own shoes, I found that everything felt loose. When I picked up a pair of Nike Flyknit shoes with a sock-like fit from TJ Maxx, I was impressed. The pair that would replace them two years later didn’t live up to its predecessor.

In 2016, I bought hiking boots. My foot slid around inside the stiff encasement, but I didn’t realize that was abnormal. When I asked an REI employee how to tighten the laces further, he insisted the shoe did not fit. He informed me that I had “low volume” feet. Basically, my feet are skin and bones without much flesh to fill the shoe.

If you’re disgusted by feet, look away!

Knowledge is power! But that power is fruitless if it entail ownership of particularly bony feet, to which no shoe manufactures cater. With each step in each shoe, my heel lifts up off the sole. When I wear books, I sound like a Clydesdale. When I wear sneakers, the laces are so taught that the opposite lace loops are kissing.

A few years ago, when I had enough energy to try getting out of the house and walking, I went to REI in search of a solution. The employee recommended the Brooks PureFlow 7. For the first time in my life, the shoe fit. No special insoles or extra padding. The shoe was perfect, and felt like a godsend. It must have been designed for feet just like mine.

I wear shoes longer than is recommended, and often until they start hurting my feet. Last year, I decided it was time to retire the PureFlows. I went back to REI for the newest iteration and was mortified to discover they had been discontinued! I emailed Brooks and they confirmed, much to my dismay.

I looked at outdoor gear outlets for any remaining one-offs, but I couldn’t find a single one. My perfect shoe was no more.

As I pursued reviews for the shoes looking for a recommended alternative, I found that I was not alone. Biz R. went as far as to claim that, “In today’s polarized world the discontinuation of these shoes is an issue which is UNITING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.” I’m not sure whether to laugh or nod my head in agreement.

Our go-to shoe is gone.

For the last year, I’ve been on the hunt for my new “perfect shoe” and I’m coming up at a loss. I’ve taken advantage of REI’s generous return policy, wearing a pair of this-or-that for a week or a month before sighing heavily and taking it back. I’ve tried maybe ten pairs of sneakers, all to no avail.

Last night, after returning the latest pair and leaving REI empty-handed, my boyfriend started teasing me about being overly picky about shoes. Maybe I am spoiled. But after 30 years of ill-fitting shoes, the PureFlow sneakers felt like a miracle. Once you’ve tasted filet minion, do you really want to go back to the gruel? I mean, I guess, if I have to.

The next stage of my research is into barefoot shoes. I know nothing about them other than our former senator spent an hour explaining why they were the best, before going on stage in a three-piece suit and Vibram FiveFingers to talk about politics. Looking at them makes me so uncomfortable. Why!?

My preliminary search seems promising. Barefoot shoes seem to be low-profile with lots of customization and adjustable straps. Perhaps that’s what I’ve needed all along. I mean, look how flat the Vivobarefoot Opanka sneakers are and how many adjustable straps the Shamma Sandals Warrior has. They might work…

Damn my bony feet! Shoe shopping shouldn’t be this hard. And damn Brooks for discontinuing the shoe that is “UNITING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.” Okay, I’ve gotta laugh at that!

Has a company ever discontinued you favorite product? I’ve had it happen three times now. In addition to the Brooks PureFlow, Timpa discontinued their Natacha Demi bra (the best for itty bitty breasts), and Cabiniste down booties are no more.

Do you have any challenging fitting issues with your body? In addition to bony feet, I have broad shoulder and a flat chest which makes women’s sleeved tops an issue. I’m a big fan of the “shapeless” drop sleeves, batwing, dolman sleeves, sleeveless mock necks, and unisex graphic shirts. I guess we acclimate, huh?

By the way, if any readers happen to have low-volume feet or experience with barefoot style shoes, I’d love your recommendations! I’m admittedly getting a little frustrated with the whole ordeal.