Clarks' Springers in their various styles were brilliant until about 5 years ago, then they changed the 'last' shapes and cheapened the way they made them, so became fairly unwearable for me. I am desperately trying to replace mine with something else before they fall apart completely. Saw some Moshulu shoes in a shop on our last day in Sidmouth in the summer, which looked good, but it was shut and we had to go home. Although I've found them on the internet, that isn't the same as trying them out. Has anyone else tried these?

And, I agree with the people who find Birkenstocks uncomfortable. If the arch isn't the same as your natural foot shape then they won't be right for you.

Richard - I used to be puzzled about shoes with arch supports etc. and always wore sandels made by Sundaes, which were completely flat. These then tended to mould to my own foot shape and be wonderfully comfortable. I'd still recommend thm to anyone who still has "normal" feet. However, time, age and injury can take their toll. If your foot muscles are not strong then it can be a good idea to wear shoes/sandals with supports to prevent overstretching of ligaments that support the longitudinal and transverse arches. Once the ligaments have been overstretched they will never tighten up again, though it may be possible to strengthen the support muscles, with exercise. But while you exercise to tone up these muscles you have to support the arches or it can be very painful!

Sorry about the foot lecture!

Susan B