19 March 2009

Shoe Business

As a teacher, I am on my feet several hours a day, whether I'm actively teaching a class, doing lunch duty or on hall supervision. My feet get quite the work out. I used to be able to wear sky high heels and never blink an eye. Well, apparently it's time to pay the piper. As of late, I have found that my feet are getting wider (countless hours of standing + gravity = clown feet) and many of my shoes are becoming tight and unbearable. So, I went on the hunt for some comfy, yet still fashionable shoes and I wanted to share one of my major successes.

Clarks Marilla from the Artisan Collection
* These shoes come in four colours: black, dark brown, vampire red and stone (taupe).
* I purchased my black and brown pairs from Soft Moc and the red pair from Walking on a Cloud (both Canadian retailers).



Originally, I purchased the black and the brown pairs since the colors are such wardrobe staples. I had heard good things about the comfort of Clarks shoes and I figured I'd give them a whirl around the house and if they weren't living up to my expectations, I could return them. Well, I was bowled over - I simply cannot say enough good things about these shoes.

First off, they are very well made - the leather is quite supple and rich looking. I hate paying a decent amount of money for shoes and then they look cheap or like they are ready to fall apart.

Secondly, the style is quite nice. Often, comfort and style don't tend to go together. Admittedly, they are not cutting edge high fashion, but the mary jane is in style right now. The double straps are interesting and add to the flair of the shoe. They have a platform base and a decent size heel (2.5 inches), which I need at school - I hate being the shortest person in the room! I have found these shoes to look great with pants and with skirts.

Lastly, the comfort, oh the comfort! I can wear these shoes all day long - walking around my classroom, up and down stairs, racing after students in the hallways - and I have no discomfort whatsoever. I find these shoes to be far more comfortable than my running shoes (I know that statement sounds like hyperbole, but it's not). The platform and the heel are like mini shock absorbers for my feet. The rounded toe allows ample room for my big ole wide feet, so no squished toes. The straps keep the shoes snug on my foot, so no blisters. I love these shoes!

As a matter of fact, I love them so much that I just bought the red pair and I am thinking about buying the taupe pair as well.


Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I just wanted to share a great find with y'all.

14 comments:

2BSewing: said...

I love Clark's shoes. They are sooo comfy! As I'm gracefully aging, I'm finding my feet are getting wider. I tend to gravitate towards shoes that have a platform base (e.g. clogs and pumps like your Mary Janes). I also like Sofft-brand shoes. Comfort is the key. :)

Sigrid said...

Great find. And they're very nice.

Arlene said...

I love Clark's, and those look TDF!

lsaspacey said...

I love my Clark pumps too. They ARE incredibly comfortable. But not all styles fit all feet. I had one pair where the strap's tightness made them unbearable while still in the store...on carpet.

So if you get a pair that isn't comfortable, don't give up on the brand, just try another style.

Unknown said...

So timely! My feet are killing me today, I'm convinced they're getting wider! Thanks for the heads-up!

Summerset said...

Oh why didn't I know about those when I was teaching?!? I hear you on chasing students and going up and down stairs and standing all day!

Maggie said...

I love the look of these shoes. And your wide hepburn pants need a chunky shoe!

Nancy K said...

I know just how you feel. They look great and comfortable too?

June said...

These look very much like one of my favorite "comfort heels" -

http://www.zappos.com/product/7333174/color/82

Ann Made Studio said...

How nice to find a great looking pair of shoes and they're comfortable too! Thanks for sharing the sites.

gwensews said...

Feet do change every few years. These are very nice looking, stylish shoes.

Jen said...

These are great shoes - i still haven't really broken my feet into wearing heels, they are a sometimes shoe :) I don't really have the perfect job to wear heels, but i so want to.

Marji said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I need some really comfortable shoes and hate the orthopedic look. These are actually cute.

KellysSewing said...

Thank you so much for sharing you shoe find! You sold me. I love to wear a heel, but my wide feet hurt by the end of the day. I ordered the stone ones. I LOVE THEM. Thank you!