For those who have been laid off or left a difficult work situation, how have you handled reference checks when you don't feel comfortable using your former direct supervisor?

In my case, given the circumstances surrounding my layoff and my former manager's limited understanding of my actual responsibilities and accomplishments, I don't feel he would be an appropriate person to provide a reference.

I have former colleagues and more senior-level peers who know my work and could speak to my abilities, but they weren't my direct or indirect supervisors.

Have you successfully used colleagues or senior peers instead? How did you explain not providing your former manager as a reference, particularly when applying for director-level or senior management positions? Did employers accept alternative references, or did the absence of a former supervisor raise concerns?

I'd appreciate hearing about others' experiences and how they navigated this.