27 May 2009

The Taming of the Shoe

The last few months I have really been on the look out for shoes that fit the following criteria:

1. Comfort - Last summer I blew out my feet when we were in England. I estimate I walked close to 219 520 km while we were there (okay, maybe not quite that many km, but it was definitely a lot!) and since then I can't wear the crazy high heels I could in the past. So, I am having to replace many of the shoes in my wardrobe with more comfy options. I have found that as long as the shoe is well-cushioned, I can usually wear up to a 3" heel without discomfort.

2. Style - In the past, it was often necessary to sacrifice style for comfort. These days, designers are realizing that their clientele want the best of both worlds. Thank goodness because I refuse to run around in ugly shoes - it's nice not to have to sacrifice vanity for practicality!

3. Affordability - I cannot in all good conscience pay $500 and up for a pair of shoes (although you know if I ever win the lottery, I will be building a massive shoe closet and filling it with Louboutins, Choos, Blahniks and everything else that catches my eye). I try my best to keep my shoe purchases under $150 per pair. Admittedly this is still a decent chunk of change but I have learned that discount prices usually equals cheap, ill-fitting shoes.

So, when I was on the hunt for some new sandals, I made a stop at the Naturalizer store. Back in the day, Naturalizer was the brand that only grandmas would wear (and not the stylish kind of grandmas, rather the support hose, house dress wearing kind). Things have changed; Naturalizer now carries a fabulous selection of fashionable shoes. I am particularly enamoured of their N5 line, which works well for my foot. I tried on a bunch of shoes and I managed to snag four new pairs, as well as a great handbag. So far, I have worn the flat Mary Janes and both pairs of flat sandals all day long and they are heavenly!

8 comments:

NancyDaQ said...

Nice shoes! Naturalizer sure has de-frumped its line. You might like Sofft--very comfortable, yet there are heels. I've also heard that Cole-Haan is good, although I've yet to buy any.

Summerset said...

I have to agree with your sentiments. I have a rule that if I try them on and they are not comfortable right out of the box, I'm not buying them. I just can not bear to deal with straps and heels that rub the wrong way and the breaking in period. Not fun, no thanks, not worth my discomfort no matter how cute or great of a deal. Must be getting old . . .

I do love those last pair of sandals before the MJ's, and the purse is awesome! I can see that it would work well for your color palette.

Anonymous said...

I agree on comfort and style points. I have worn flats or low heeled shoes for a long time and I do not have foot problems or surgery like my friends who have gone the high heel/pointy shoe route. Aerosoles are another brand that's pretty good, too.

angie.a said...

I really love a Mary Jane...I may never outgrow it in fact. I got so aggravated this weekend trying to buy a mule like your #1 shoe on the JCPenney website (I had a gift card left from Christmas!) Every stinking color in that style was "in stock" until I got it in my bag! Then it was "unavailable". I had to give up finally and get a good walking shoe (not exacty pretty, but functional) for my trip. So I still need a cute mule. I'm going to shop around for yours!

Uta said...

Cute shoes! I blew out my feet in London as well - lived there for four months and walked for hours every day. It was worth it, though! Also, thanks for giving me hope for my 20-year school reunion that's coming up soon. Yours didn't sound half bad!

Toby Wollin said...

One of the reasons I like Naturalizer is that I can actually find shoes that I can put my orthotics in and still get my foot in. Very awesome. Another brand you might like to take a look at is Aravon, which is New Balance's dress shoe line. Best prices (but you can't find all the styles) can be found at Joe's New Balance Outlet.

Tany said...

Very nice!! They look stylish and confortable!
I spend most of my time sitting at my desk so I have the luxury of wearing high heels at the office, lol. I don't remember wearing flats during the week for a long time, unless I'm on vacation.

Anonymous said...

I love your purse!