Yes, I had a shoe problem this week. I have wonky feet. Have had three operations on them and lots of steroid injections. They don’t look particularly wonky, no lumpy bits or bunions or anything, just practically invisible scars. But there is quite a lot of pain.As a result, I don’t do pretty shoes. Almost all my shoes are Birkenstocks, which are comfy, but not terribly elegant. Normally I don’t care about elegant, but this year I thought I’d try something different.

So I bought a pair of flat leather ballet-type pumps from Marks & Spencer. Inside I have put orthotic support things and heel grips. The plan was to wear them if it’s raining or cold outside in the summer, as my summer Birkies are open-toed sandals and look a bit odd in the wet weather. Otherwise I just wear winter-type shoes, which also look a bit odd in the summer.

But the ballet pumps are not comfortable. Really not. So popping out to somebody’s house for a meeting, in the car, would have been ok. However, the day turned out to be somewhat more fraught than just a UNISON meeting. I ended up having to walk what felt like miles in my uncomfortable shoes. To add another little dimension to the whole shebang, I only had a t-shirt on and it was cold and wet outside.

So. New plan. Keep a pair of comfy shoes in the car, for just such occasions. Comfy shoes duly delegated, and will go in the car when my new Birkenstocks arrive. Two pairs – one is a pair of felt type slippers, one is a slightly prettier version (Florida) of the ones I already have (Arizona). We shall see. And the flat ballet pumps will be worn, but only for short periods, and not for any serious walking.

Will also delegate warm jacket to live in the car. Haven’t quite made that decision yet, but hubby is talking about sorting out his wardrobe, so may be able to liberate one of his throw-outs.

Fascinating, isn’t it. Not. Only if you have wonky feet too, I guess.