Shoes--not even sure what I am looking for. UPDATE 35

[crl]

UPDATE 35--the Cole Haans did not work



I could use a new pair of everyday shoes. I am a SAHM and typically wear jeans and a t-shirt. But I do not wear tennis shoes (my dog walking shoes are trail runners, but I only wear them to walk the dog ). It is cold in San Francisco in the summer and I already own black, red and grey pairs of sandals so I don't really need more sandals. Ideally, I'd like closed toe shoes with just a small heel, maybe wedges, and I'd like to be able to slip them on without socks. And my new summer bag (courtesy of my boys :D) is an aquamarine Kate Spade satchel type bag. I wear a lot of grey and black so I am thinking grey shoes might be good.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Catherine

[LMPC]

What about a pair of Toms? They have become my go-to-instead-of-sneakers.

[crl]

What about a pair of Toms? They have become my go-to-instead-of-sneakers.

They are fabric, right? How does that hold up? I'm kind of hard on shoes because I walk a lot (in addition to the dog walking) and because I end up chasing kids into grass and mud and such.

Thanks!
Catherine

[LMPC]

I have a pair of the basic (original style) Toms in brown. I wear them everywhere and haven't had a problem...they just keep looking better. I will say that there's no real support in them, so I wouldn't take them to NYC (for example) and walk around all day, but my feet have never been tired from wearing them all day in my suburban life. I've had them for about a year. I just got a new pair of the burlap ones...so cute! I wear them to work with dresses/skirts because they are comfy and really neutral.

[tarnator]

Some type of clog?

Or how about a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins? I just bought a pair of the short double fringe boots and they are the cutest thing ever. Not sure if they would hold up to your rough lifestyle, but then they are so cheap who cares if they fall apart after one season?:wink2:

[cvanbrunt]

These are my current go-to neutral comfy wedge:
http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=383986&productGroup=383813

[meggie t]

I, too, am in SF and wear ballet flats of some sort year round. I don't wear socks or sneakers unless going to the gym! I need support, which is hard to find in flats, so while pricey, the following shoes have been wonderful and have stood the test of time:

Vera Wang Lavender, Lillian style - they have a wedge heel on the inside for great support. I don't think they are available this season though.

Cole Haan - any flat with Nike Air, which is most of them, I think.

Attilio Giusti Leombruni - sold at Nordstrom, Neiman's. Like walking on air. Not kidding.

Now, you mention walking in mud. Not sure I would do that in any leather shoe, so the above mentioned ballet flats might not be what you are looking for!

[crl]

Thank you all! I think leather holds up best to mud, etc. I don't really look for mud, but between a two year old and a dog, it happens sometimes. I will check out the suggestions.

Catherine

[roobee]

I am pretty loyal to my Dansko clogs -but I can't really wear those in the summer, so I just got some Merrell barefoot ballet flats http://www.zappos.com/merrell-barefoot-wonder-glove-black there is zero support and no heel, but I'm really digging them.

[elektra]

These are my current go-to neutral comfy wedge:
http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=383986&productGroup=383813

I was at first thinking some kind of clog but these might be exactly what you are looking for. And I know toms has heeled wedges now but I'm not sure if they have closed toe ones ( I only remember seeing open toed).

And if you wear a lot of gray and black, what about a brighter colored shoe? I can see how the right red color would look complementary to your new turquoise bag.

[crl]

I realy like the Cole Haan wedges. How do these hold up? The price is a bit high for me--I usually try to pay a hundred or less for shoes. But it looks like there is a thirty percent off code on the Cole Haan website? CHFF30 for thirty percent off? I am also a little unsure abut color. The silver metallic is pretty. Is it too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt? I like red shoes, but for my go to everyday shoe, I thnk I'd be better off with something more neutral.

Thanks!
Catherine

[lyt202]

I realy like the Cole Haan wedges. How do these hold up? The price is a bit high for me--I usually try to pay a hundred or less for shoes. But it looks like there is a thirty percent off code on the Cole Haan website? CHFF30 for thirty percent off? I am also a little unsure abut color. The silver metallic is pretty. Is it too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt? I like red shoes, but for my go to everyday shoe, I thnk I'd be better off with something more neutral.

Thanks!
Catherine

The air tali wedges are great. I bought grey suede pair this winter and have been wearing them several times a week. I'm thinking of getting another pair so I can wear them into spring and summer. The dark silver metallic would be a great neutral color and would be a good everyday casual shoe.

[Charlie]

Those wedges are adorable and I think the metallic would work as an everyday shoe. They are like a fun neutral.

[lyt202]

Thanks for the Cole Haan code! Just ordered another pair of the Air Tali wedges in black and the open toe wedges in silver for summer. I've been waiting for a code to justify another order.

[BayGirl2]

Catherine - I am kind of in the same boat. I need some more comfy shoes because I do a lot of walking, especially in the summer, but I find sandals are often too cool here. I don't feel like ballet flats have enough support and every pair I've worn have cause blisters.

I'm thinking I need something along the lines of these http://www.teva.com/womens-mush-frio-ballerina-canvas-foot-conforming-ballet-flats/1000086,default,pd.html?dwvar_1000086_color=TAN&start=3&cgid=women-shoes-casual (I have the Makena's but they are too big so don't work right for me). Or maybe these http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/naot-matai-grecian-gold-cocoa/21754 or these http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/keen-prescott-ballerina-brown-green/24622 I just don't know if I can find comfort and the look that I want.

And although I hate to do Crocs, some of their new non-croc styles like these are not so bad http://www.crocs.com/womens-mary-janes-and-flats/women-footwear-flats,default,sc.html?sz=36

Are there any more comfy options than these that actually look like cute shoes? I think I need to go try a bunch on in person but not sure where to go, and it will pain me to pay full price in a store.

[elektra]

I realy like the Cole Haan wedges. How do these hold up? The price is a bit high for me--I usually try to pay a hundred or less for shoes. But it looks like there is a thirty percent off code on the Cole Haan website? CHFF30 for thirty percent off? I am also a little unsure abut color. The silver metallic is pretty. Is it too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt? I like red shoes, but for my go to everyday shoe, I thnk I'd be better off with something more neutral.

Thanks!
Catherine

I have metallic silver ballet flats and I wear them with simple jeans and T's a lot. Dresses them up, but doesn't look out of place IMO.
I have to recommend the Cole Haan Nike Air feel too. I don't have those particular wedges but I have another pair of Cole Haans and they are so comfy.

[crl]

Catherine - I am kind of in the same boat. I need some more comfy shoes because I do a lot of walking, especially in the summer, but I find sandals are often too cool here. I don't feel like ballet flats have enough support and every pair I've worn have cause blisters.

I'm thinking I need something along the lines of these http://www.teva.com/womens-mush-frio-ballerina-canvas-foot-conforming-ballet-flats/1000086,default,pd.html?dwvar_1000086_color=TAN&start=3&cgid=women-shoes-casual (I have the Makena's but they are too big so don't work right for me). Or maybe these http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/naot-matai-grecian-gold-cocoa/21754 or these http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/keen-prescott-ballerina-brown-green/24622 I just don't know if I can find comfort and the look that I want.

And although I hate to do Crocs, some of their new non-croc styles like these are not so bad http://www.crocs.com/womens-mary-janes-and-flats/women-footwear-flats,default,sc.html?sz=36

Are there any more comfy options than these that actually look like cute shoes? I think I need to go try a bunch on in person but not sure where to go, and it will pain me to pay full price in a store.

I know exactly how you feel! I like the keen prescotts.

I like these aerosoles too (and the price is certainly right!)

http://www.endless.com/dp/B005MDU5YQ/ref=asc_df_B005MDU5YQ1979924?tag=googlecom09c9_end less-20&creative=395033&linkCode=asn&creativeASIN=B005MDU5YQ

But no silver or grey that I can find.

Catherine

[crl]

I have metallic silver ballet flats and I wear them with simple jeans and T's a lot. Dresses them up, but doesn't look out of place IMO.
I have to recommend the Cole Haan Nike Air feel too. I don't have those particular wedges but I have another pair of Cole Haans and they are so comfy.

How have your Cole Hann's held up? I would feel better about paying so much if I was fairly sure they would last two or three years with steady use. I bought a pair of Franco Sarto mules at the last Nordy's sale, so less than six months ago, and they are already looking trashed. I paid $80 on sale so they must of been $100 shoes to start with. I'd hate to pay $120ish for shoes that won't last a year.

And how do they fit? I have slightly wide feet, but not wide enough to need actual wide sizes usually and am pretty solidly a seven though my trail runners are seven and a halfs.

Thanks!
Catherine

[marylovesbennyhill]

I like the idea of ballet flats. FYI those style shoes are on sale at Target this week.

[cvanbrunt]

I realy like the Cole Haan wedges. How do these hold up? The price is a bit high for me--I usually try to pay a hundred or less for shoes. But it looks like there is a thirty percent off code on the Cole Haan website? CHFF30 for thirty percent off? I am also a little unsure abut color. The silver metallic is pretty. Is it too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt? I like red shoes, but for my go to everyday shoe, I thnk I'd be better off with something more neutral.

Thanks!
Catherine

I bought these for walking around Boston for a long weekend of house hunting. I'm still wearing them regularly. I only wear them with jeans and the color is not too much for an everyday shoe. Metallics are neutral.

[meggie t]

How have your Cole Hann's held up? I would feel better about paying so much if I was fairly sure they would last two or three years with steady use. I bought a pair of Franco Sarto mules at the last Nordy's sale, so less than six months ago, and they are already looking trashed. I paid $80 on sale so they must of been $100 shoes to start with. I'd hate to pay $120ish for shoes that won't last a year.

And how do they fit? I have slightly wide feet, but not wide enough to need actual wide sizes usually and am pretty solidly a seven though my trail runners are seven and a halfs.

Thanks!
Catherine

I think it depends on how hard you are on your shoes. I have had CH shoes that I wear daily around SF - lots of walking - and they barely lasted a year. But others lasted longer. I think it also depends on the sole. If it has a leather sole, you should get it rubberized right away at the cobbler so they will last longer.

[mackmama]

I have several Merrell slip-ons, and they are great. Very supportive, comfy, and cute. They have leather or fabric options.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Women-Footwear-Shoes-SlipOns

ETA: I wear the Encore style the most.

[crl]

I think it depends on how hard you are on your shoes. I have had CH shoes that I wear daily around SF - lots of walking - and they barely lasted a year. But others lasted longer. I think it also depends on the sole. If it has a leather sole, you should get it rubberized right away at the cobbler so they will last longer.

Thanks!

For anyone else who is looking, this brand seems to get rave reviews for comfort and durability. I have been looking at a couple of styles. But they are pricey. . . .

http://www.zappos.com/arcopedico-womens-shoes~8?zfcTest=gs:0

Catherine

[new_mommy25]

Born Dublin flats in black are my go to shoes. They are super comfy and easy to slip on and off. I bought at Nordstroms.

[lyt202]

I have this pair of Tevas and they are super comfortable. I think they have other color options too. They fit wide feet well.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/teva-koral-mary-jane-shoes-slip-ons-for-women~p~3993h/?filterString=s~teva%2F&colorFamily=01

Or maybe something like this?

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/teva-alana-shoes-slip-ons-for-women~p~3993j/?filterString=s~teva%2F&colorFamily=03

The Born Liddy flat in pewter is also a good option. Comfortable and a good color.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/born-liddy-flat/3202284?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=328

[crl]

Well, the silver Cole Haan wedge came back into stock at Zappos in my size at $118.xx so I grabbed it before it disappeared again. Fingers crossed.

Still considering another pair. . . . Probably flats and more casual.

Thank you!
Catherine

[cono0507]

I got these last month and am in love with them. Super comfy. http://www.zappos.com/ahnu-karma

[Babymakes3]

What about a pair of Sperry's?

I just bought the Sperry Angelfish in the linen oat color and they are super cute and comfy! I rec sizing down or going to try them on in person if ordering online! The Piperlime codes will bring them to under $60 if they are still working!

[BayGirl2]

I know exactly how you feel! I like the keen prescotts.

I like these aerosoles too (and the price is certainly right!)

http://www.endless.com/dp/B005MDU5YQ/ref=asc_df_B005MDU5YQ1979924?tag=googlecom09c9_end less-20&creative=395033&linkCode=asn&creativeASIN=B005MDU5YQ

But no silver or grey that I can find.

Catherine

Oh, I like those aerosoles for work, I just wore through my black leather loafers last week. But of course they are out of black in my size.

I find I am pretty hard on my shoes living/walking in an urban environment. I really need athletic shoes in terms of support, comfort, and durability. But of course I'm not willing to give up style. Some of the links above made me cringe because I can already feel a blister coming on if I wear them. But maybe I'm just flat-phobic.

Thanks for all the good ideas here. Now I need to go shopping.

[Twoboos]

These Me Too Legend flats are REALLY cute in person, and so comfy!!

I saw them at DSW (but not online) for either $39.99 or $49.99... of course not in my size. :(

Lighter grey
http://www.amazon.com/Me-Too-Womens-Legend5-Metallic/dp/B002HJ2AGO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334704833&sr=8-3

Darker grey
http://www.amazon.com/Me-Too-Womens-Legend-Ballet/dp/B001T4ZDXU/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_1

ETA: These are really cute too!
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/me+too+leader+flat?prodId=237211&productRef=SEARCH

[Kindra178]

I love the CH Tali wedges. I have gotten two pairs and haven't worn anything else to work. I will probably get them in silver and nude and get the open toe version for the summer as well.

I don't think they are best every day walking shoes for urban SF. I walk almost a mile to the train on both ends of my commute and they are comfy enough for that. But I am not sure they would be what I would pick for my daily walking shoe. For work, perfect. To meet a friend for coffee or volunteer in the classroom, sure. But walking back from Whole Foods with a ton of groceries? I think I would need something a little more supportive.

Also, my griege ones are two weeks old only and I have already scuffed the patent toe. In fact, a little piece of the patent is literally hanging off. It's totally noticeable. I may try to get them fixed because Zappos no longer has my size.

[newg]

I'm really desiring these shoes: http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26426W/0/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Delight-Glove?dimensions=0

I've also seen a few pairs of non-croc crocs that look cute:
http://www.crocs.com/womens-mary-janes-and-flats/women-footwear-flats,default,sc.html
nice thing about crocs is that you can hose the dirt off and they still look great!
Lands End also has some cute shoes right now!

[joules]

For more casual flats.....I'm really interested in these Sanuk's in any of the zebra or giraffe prints: http://www.zappos.com/sanuk-im-game-zebra-grey

But reviews seem to range from "these are the most comfortable shoes ever" to "no support whatsoever"

[crl]

So many cute shoes! I think I'm going to wait and see if I like the Cole Haan's before making any more decisions. But I'm perusing links. . . . :applause:

Catherine

[crl]

UPDATE

Well, the Cole Haan's are going back. They are too narrow/short in the toe box. Otherwise they are cute and seem like they would be comfortable if they fit properly. Not sure if a diffferent size would fix it or if they just don't work for mywide feet. Anyway Zappos is out of them in the next size up and in wide in my usual size and the next size up.

Back to the drawing board.

Catherine

[joules]

Have you tried endless.com? Are these the ones http://www.endless.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_6_10/190-8268824-0479649/?onsale=&showDesigner=&keywords=cole+haan+air+tali&sprefix=Cole+haan+#__ie%3DUTF8%26cAsin%3DB006JJN2A 6%26fromPage%3Dsearch%26sr%3D1-1%26qid%3D1335282504152%26asinTitle%3DCole~~20Haan ~~20Air~~20Tali~~20OT~~2040~~20Wedge~~20Pump%26con textTitle%3Dsearch~~20results%26clientPageSize%3D1 00%26sort%3Drelevance-fs-rank%26keywords%3Dcole%2Bhaan%2Bair%2Btali%26asin% 3DB005HH1HXA%26ref%3Dsr_1_1%26pageCode%3Dd

[crl]

Have you tried endless.com? Are these the ones http://www.endless.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_6_10/190-8268824-0479649/?onsale=&showDesigner=&keywords=cole+haan+air+tali&sprefix=Cole+haan+#__ie%3DUTF8%26cAsin%3DB006JJN2A 6%26fromPage%3Dsearch%26sr%3D1-1%26qid%3D1335282504152%26asinTitle%3DCole~~20Haan ~~20Air~~20Tali~~20OT~~2040~~20Wedge~~20Pump%26con textTitle%3Dsearch~~20results%26clientPageSize%3D1 00%26sort%3Drelevance-fs-rank%26keywords%3Dcole%2Bhaan%2Bair%2Btali%26asin% 3DB005HH1HXA%26ref%3Dsr_1_1%26pageCode%3Dd

Thanks! No, I was looking for closed toe. Plus I am cheap and didn't want to pay full price. Zappos had them for $118. They're actually a tiny bit cheaper now--I'm guessing the color has been discontinued and zappos is selling them off. Nordstrom's still has them in sizes that might work, but at full price.

Catherine

[crl]

Wow, I didn't find them on endless when I searched earlier, but I did now. Wonder what I did wrong before? Anyway, they were $110 on Endless, half a size up. Hopefully these will work!

Catherine