Another round of "cute or ugly"? **More options in post #15!

[WitMom]

Someone had a post recently about some red shoes they had bought, and now I really want some, too. I need a decent shoe with arch support because of foot problems (at the ripe old age of 38). Are either of these cute? Do you have some that you like and recommend? AND the age old question, can I wear them with socks?

http://www.zappos.com/dansko-marcelle-claret-patent

http://www.zappos.com/klogs-usa-lajolla-red-print

[let73]

I think I like the second pair better...

I like Clarks Unstructured line of shoes. This brand was recommended to me at the Walking Store. I have very high arches and now have to wear insoles with my shoes which have helped a lot. I don't have these particular shoes but again I like the brand. What about these?
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-unparody-burgundy-leather

As far as the socks question I really don't know. I thought trouser socks were ok with certain shoes but got feedback on a thread saying otherwise. I guess I'm not the one to ask. :p

[cvanbrunt]

I wouldn't wear either of them. But, I think any and all clogs/comfort shoe brands are fugly. Aside from not painful, what kind of shoe are you looking for? Dress, casual, heel, flat?

ETA: How about these?
http://www.zappos.com/geox-d-stefany-05-dark-red-patent
http://www.zappos.com/ros-hommerson-puff-red-calf
http://www.zappos.com/via-spiga-veronia-peony-nappy-platinum-nappa
http://www.zappos.com/circa-joan-david-marvel-medium-red-patent
http://www.zappos.com/cole-haan-air-maggy-ballet-lacquer-red-suede

[MontrealMum]

Those are not necessarily my style either, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get them :) Carrie asks a good question: what style are you looking for? And I'd add, what do you want to do with them: stand, sit, walk far, chase your kids etc. ? Also, if I did own those, I would certainly wear them with socks (but not white ones!) - it's going to be 1C tomorrow!!! I would go with darker socks/tights with those particular shoes.

If you really need arch support, I'd urge you to get custom-made orthotics. I've had a pair for over 10 years now (actually maybe 15 - I am the same *ripe* old age that you are!), which I wear in everything from my ski boots, to heels. They don't fit in everything, and you need to be clear that you'll want to wear them in dress shoes if that's what you want to do (some styles are bulkier than others) but they have made an amazing difference in my life. I also had knee problems which were made worse by my feet (I also have high arches), and they were much better w/the orthotics. I have no idea what's going on with US insurance these days, but when I got mine, they were nearly entirely paid for by my insurance. (they run $350-$500 IIRC) If your insurance won't cover a scrip for custom-made orthotics, there are also cheaper options that they do at sporting goods/running stores which run around $100-$200, but they won't be as effective and won't fit in all of your shoes the way the specialty ones do.

I am a shoe-aholic, and having orthotics has truly not limited my shoe options. Sure, there are some things I can't wear, but really, I have a LOT of choices.

[elektra]

I am not a big fan of either. If I had to choose a clog I would get the straight up classic kind that chef and medical people wear. Like this:
http://www.zappos.com/dansko-professional-cabrio

I also like some of those links that cvanbrunt posted.

[mnosky1]

I have the first style - Marcelle. I think the second style is too much red. The ones I have are a reddish brown glaze. I wear them to work with khakis or black pants (I work in a hospital so on my feet all day) and on weekends with jeans - especially good for all day shopping. They are not as comfy as my other danskos with that strap but have lots of good support.

[elliput]

I'm not much of a red shoe person, but I am definitely a clog/mule/slides person and both of the styles you linked to get a big thumbs up on the cute factor. To answer the socks question, if you are wearing the shoes with long pants/jeans go ahead and wear socks. If with a dress, tights.

[Globetrotter]

I like the second pair better.

I have Dansko clogs in red. My friend has dark red Cabrios (cordovan) that I really like even more than mine, but I think they are both alright (hers are cuter, though!). They are so incredibly comfortable.

Dansko has a ton of cute shoes (doesn't have to be clogs). Check out www.6pm.com (http://www.6pm.com) for great prices! I have some CUTE Dansko sandals that are as comfy as my clogs!

[Twoboos]

Y'know, based on that thread I also fell into the Red Shoe Trap!! I had talked myself off the ledge after finding a great pair at Marshall's, then DD1 need to go to the Dr and the nurse practitioner had cute little red ballet flats on... on the way to get the prescription we had an accidental stop at Marshall's and those little cuties came home with me and I LOVE them!!

OK, back on topic. I am not loving either of those, but I know Dansko has a red patent pair that I would be all over. Somehow I really like the professional style but am not a fan of other backless styles from Dansko. Strange, I know.

http://www.zappos.com/dansko-professional-patent-claret-patent

or if patent isn't your thing
http://www.zappos.com/dansko-professional-pull-up-crimson-pull-up-leather

and off topic again, these are the ones I'm asking for for Christmas - can't wait!!
http://www.zappos.com/dansko-professional-leopard-patent-brown-leopard

[KathyN115]

Of the two you posted, I like the first better. However, I like these even better:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3028933?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=dansko+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

I am trying to decide between these, and the patent leopard ones that a pp posted. Ugh, decisions!!! And, I would wear socks with any of them. Probably a dark grey color, with the red. It is really cold here in the winter, so no socks is not an option!

[Twoboos]

I am trying to decide between these, and the patent leopard ones that a pp posted. Ugh, decisions!!! And, I would wear socks with any of them. Probably a dark grey color, with the red. It is really cold here in the winter, so no socks is not an option!

I am going to be an enabler and say the leopard patent leather (of course I am biased!) b/c they have both black & brown so match everything and are so fun!!! And definitely I wear socks with these in winter (also in MA) and everyone I know w/these types of Danskos also wears socks.

[newg]

I have something similar to this.....and I wear them with dark colored trouser socks..

http://www.zappos.com/born-codder-cherry-leather

[Piglet]

Don't flame me - I despise the look of Danskos. They just look too old-lady librarian for me. I like your 2nd pair a lot better! I used to wear red Merrell MJs and I wore funky socks with them when I wore pants. I never wore them with skirts though, since they seemed too clunky for dresses.

These were my fave shoes of all time - http://cgi.ebay.com/MERRELL-TETRA-EMJAY-MARY-JANES-SIZE-US-6-5-RED-LEATHER_W0QQitemZ360171443810QQihZ023QQcategoryZ63 889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[KathyN115]

I can't believe that someone doesn't like the look of Danskos!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!:D They are not my favorite look of all time, but they are so darn comfy, look decent with jeans, wear like iron, and just slip on (no bending required).

As for the patent leopard ones, I saw them at Nordstrom this past weekend. The shoe saleslady had them on with tan pants, and they looked so cute! I was *this* close to getting them, but I already have a pair of black patent. Are two pairs of patent Danskos too much?? ( I just need a little more enabling, then I am sure I will buy them.)

[WitMom]

Okay, so the opinions seem to be mixed on the first round of choices. What about any of these? I plan to wear them with jeans, maybe khakis/cords and I just want them for running errands, preschool dropoff, mall shopping, etc. And for whatever reason, I seem to be stuck on mary janes.

http://www.zappos.com/born-codder-cherry-leather

http://www.zappos.com/hush-puppies-trope-red-patent

http://www.zappos.com/josef-seibel-cora-mirage-como-hibiscus-black

[infomama]

Mmmm..I like these better

http://www.zappos.com/ariat-merritt-ruby
http://www.zappos.com/keen-sienna-mary-jane-rust

[MontrealMum]

Out of that selection, I prefer the Born shoes. The HP aren't *really* red (I LOVE red shoes) and the Josef Seibels are really odd looking to me w/that black stripe down the back. And this is coming from someone that wore 2 pair of JS clogs (one after the other) until they were completely destroyed. I love mary jane-style shoes because they are "cute" but stay on with my orthotics. I also really like the loafers that Cvanbrunt listed (I have several that are similar). Have you considered a short boot with a substantial heel? I mean non-stiletto, not high :) I find that they give me tons of ankle support. Something like this with a low heel: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3061287/0~2376778~2372808~6007659~6007676?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007676&P=2 or with a heel...great, I can't find what I'm looking for!

OK, I mean a heel like this: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EF-245793&page=1&cgname=OSSHUBOOANK&rfnbr=6512 although these are obviously not red.

I have two pairs of red ankle boots and I love them! They add a bit of color and style but are still perfectly comfortable and easy to walk in.

[graciebellesmomma]

Ooooh!
I love those Cole Haan boots!

If anyone finds something similar for under 100.00 please
post them. They are glorious!~

[StantonHyde]

Are two pairs of Danskos too much???? I have 4 pairs of professionals (black, brown, navy, and black patent) and I am eyeing the red patent ones. I work in a hospital so I wear them with my pantsuits all the time. As well on weekends. They have been a blessing to my feet. (even my orthotics don't feel as good)

[newg]

I like the first two choices

[citymama]

I like the Borns. Not just b/c they look the nicest, but I have a pair of deep red Born MJs and love them. Born makes great shoes!

[bubbaray]

Out of that selection, I prefer the Born shoes.


:yeahthat:

[jent]

I like the Borns.

[SammyeGail]

The Borns!!!

I. AM. IN. LOVE......

I don't need anymore shoes, how do I come up with an excuse for these!?!

Why did I have to read this thread??????



Samantha

[natness]

I am obsessed with these-- click through the multiview cause they don't read as cute on the first angle

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7189716/c/24979.html

for another view/review scroll down to Oct 17th here

http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/newshoe/page/2/

the above blog devoted to not ugly, comfortable shoes!

[kozachka]

I like Clark shoes posted in the BarkingDogsShoes blog the best. The rest are just too clunky for my taste. Of the shoes that OP posted I like Hush Puppies the best. I also like shoes in the Nordstrom link.

[citymama]

I am obsessed with these-- click through the multiview cause they don't read as cute on the first angle

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7189716/c/24979.html

for another view/review scroll down to Oct 17th here

http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/newshoe/page/2/

the above blog devoted to not ugly, comfortable shoes!

The NAOTs are cute! I don't much care for those Clarks. Kinda ugly IMO considering the theme of the blog. Knowing how great the Borns are, I still think they win but I think the Naots give them a run for the money!

[MommyofAmaya]

I vote for the Josef Seibels b/c I recently got a pair and they feel so luxurious on my feet. Born was my previous fave, but I will have a hard time going back now.

[MommyofAmaya]

I vote for the Josef Seibels b/c I recently got a pair (different style) and they feel so luxurious on my feet. Born was my previous fave, but I will have a hard time going back now.

Those Naots are gorgeous though.

[katydid1971]

I haven't read other posts, just your two. Hands down my favorites are the Born shoes. They are very cute all of the others IMHO are pretty ugly. I'm sure they are comfortible and they look it ;)

[WitMom]

I haven't checked back here until tonight....wow! I thought this had died out, but it's going strong. I'm leaning toward the Born right now, and trying to justify spending money on a somewhat frivolous purchase. Maybe Santa will read this?

And I do like the Naot, but I think they are out of my price range. I actually think the Josef Seibel are out of the range, too, so I'm not sure why I even offered those up as a suggestion. It's a good thing they didn't get many votes.

Thanks for the opinions everyone.

[ciw]

For those of you drooling over the Born maryjanes, I saw tons of them at the Nordstrom sale today for $46.xx. They were even cheaper at the Rack -- $36.9x but the sizes at the rack were pretty limited.

[AnnieW625]

FWIW if you are still looking at shoes I like the first pair of Danskos from your first post. I also love my professional clogs in black. I have had them for 8 years and they are still going strong. They go with every color and I mainly wear mine with jeans, or khakis. I wouldn't dare wear them with dress pants, skirts or shorts like I have seen before. I don't know why by Born shoes don't work for me. I also like the pair of classic Geox flats. I have a similar pair from Jessica Simpson and love them.

[SammyeGail]

The Borns are at endless.com which has the bing.com 30% cash back still as of today, I don't know how much longer it will be going on.

http://www.endless.com/Clarks%20Artisan%20Dynamic%20Maryjane%20Leather/dp/B001W02M26/ref=ord_crt_shr/176-3640601-8635661?fromPage=cart&asins=B001W01Y7K,B001EO7AVS,B001EO7K3Q,B001W02M26

I sure don't need them, but they are in my cart ;)