Searching for: Comfy Flats

Since discovering that all of my flats are almost totally useless in a walking city, I've been keeping an eye out for a more comfortable pair. The comments on my previous post were so helpful and inspired me to search for foot-friendly brands like Clarks and Naturalizers. My search turned up the following options, which I think I'll try out, given Zappos' free shipping and easy returns:

Indigo by Clarks Plush Bea ($84.99):

 

Fitzwel Shontel Flat ($74.99):

  

Crocs Adrina Flat ($40.00):

Ok, the last one is a bit crazy for a few reasons. Firtly, Crocs. Never thought I'd consider a pair, but this flat is so much more chic than the clunky slip-on's they're known for. Secondly, they remind me of the jelly shoes I wore constantly throughout elementary school! One commenter actually suggested a pair of jellies for comfy summer flats and I think she might have been on to something...

As for the first two, I like them because they're both classic, versatile styles with a bit of a twist (the cutouts on the Clarks and the sequins on the Fitzwels). They would replace a pair I've had for over 2 years that are truly and completely worn to the ground.

What do you think of the classic black? Or would you take the leap and buy a pair of jelly Crocs? :)

Shoe Woes

 Top: Gap (similar, and similar for $9.49!) / Skirt: H&M / Bag: Vintage Coach, via eBay / Sunglasses: Target / Bracelet: gift

 

I've quickly figured out what one of the main differences between my style in LA and my style in Boston is going to have to be: shoes. By which I mean, I went (almost) everywhere in LA by car. I'd drive somewhere, perhaps walk for a short while, and drive back home. Thus, I lived the first 22 years of my life with what I am now realizing are some damn impractical shoes. I've never been a heels-in-the-daytime kind of a girl, but I do have a shoe collection that is 90% paper-thin flats, sandals, and a few pairs of (pretty decent) boots.

Now that I live in a walking/public transportation city, I'm realizing just how impractical most of my shoes are. I bought my first pair of sneakers in years the other day, but I REALLY don't want to have to wear those every day. So, blogging community, help! What are some cute, comfortable, and preferably not too expensive sandals, flats, and/or waterproof shoes that I could wear in a walking city?

My feet will thank you. :)

Target Leopard Print Flats

I have run holes into the bottoms of my favorite black flats. :( The boyfriend advises (and rightly so) that I should really stop wearing them, so I've recently been on the lookout for their replacement. I've tried on a ton of flats from a ton of stores, but nothing has been quite right. My top complaints are: a) too much toe-cleavage (am I the only one who hates it?), b) too wide, and c) not comfortable enough to walk all day in. Boo.

The next pair I'm hoping will be the big winner are these leopard print flats from Target. They are a fantastic $12.99 (but I ordered them for free with a Target gift card!).

A bit different than my old basic black, no? But, hopefully they'll fit my wardrobe (and my feet!) Just as well.

For cute shoes on a budget, I cannot recommend Target enough! I've gotten some great shoes from there including my favorite Elliana Wedges ($24.99):

 and Pearce Pumps ($29.99):

(Ok, I can deal with a bit of toe cleavage. But only a bit!)

 Any recommendations on comfy, cute flats that you can wear all day?

Review: Target Pumps

I don't know about you, but I have no shame when it comes to shopping at Target! For the girl on a budget, Target offers a cheaper--and yet not always cheaper-looking--alternative to department stores. I get dresses, shirts, jackets, workout clothes, tights, and accessories such as scarves, sunglasses, some jewelry, and recently, shoes!

I realized that there was a large, gaping, pump-shaped hole in my wardrobe recently. I have a pair of very low black suede heels that I wear to work, but those are my one and only pair of always-comfortable work shoes.

Me Too Heels / DSW / Old / Similar here

Yes, they may not be the epitome of style, but damn are they comfy! And I do like the little girly detail of the fabric flower at the toe.

So, I set out on a mission to find a comfortable, simple, shiny, high-heeled, black pump. For cheap. (Because, though I WANT WANT WANT a pair--or 10--of the Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps, not to mention any number of designer beauties, I can't spend that much on shoes right now.) My search led me quickly to Target, where I found both the Versie and Pearce pumps.

Target Versie Pump / Black Patent / $29.99

Target Pearce Pump / Black Patent / $29.99

My local store had neither shoe in black in my size, but I tried on the nude versions in-store and saw that the 7.5 fit me well. (If you're between two sizes, I'd recommend going for the larger one with these shoes. I'm a 7 or a 7.5 and the 7 was decidedly too small and pinchy.) I wanted to get a pair of nude heels so badly, but I restrained myself and went home to order the black online.

I put in an order for both the Versie and the Pearce, each in size 7.5, and decided to see which I preferred and then return the other.

Here is the Versie:

Target Versie Pump / Black Patent / $29.99
Ouch! Too much pinching at the toe and heel!

And here is the Pearce:

Target Pearce Pump / Black Patent / $29.99
Round toe + flexible sole + right heel height.

For me, the decision came down to three things: heel height, comfort, and then the ever-ambiguous "this-just-feels-right" feeling.

The Versie has a bit of a higher heel, measuring a little over 4 inches (even though the Target website says 3.75), has an almond-shaped toe and an exposed platform in the front. The toe pinched a little bit on me, and the heel seemed a bit too high for me for work.

L: Versie Pump / R: Pearce Pump

The Pearce has a bit of a lower heel, measuring about 3.75 inches (even thought the Target website says 3.25, which I probably would have even preferred!), has a round toe, and no platform. Something about the round toe just felt more "me," and taking into account the heel height and comfort factors (this shoe also has a flexible sole, which I really liked), this seemed like the right shoe for me.

I think I'll be wearing these to work tomorrow, with pictures to follow!