Looking for shoe advice

[TwirlyTresses]

So I'm trying to find shoes to wear with skirts and dresses this Fall when I'm teaching again.

Most of my skirts/dresses are around knee length and A-line shaped. I don't have a car, so I take the bus and walk a lot, and I live in Boston, so rain/snow is always a possibility. I have loafer-type shoes I wear with slacks a lot, but I think they're a little too clunky with my skirts. I'm trying to find something a bit nicer, maybe with a small heel (1-2 inches), but still comfortable for walking.

I don't do a lot of shoe shopping, so whenever I look someplace like Zappos for ideas I get a bit overwhelmed.

Any thoughts or styles you particularly like?

Thank you!

[feisty redhead]

What about just wearing sneakers (or some other weather appropraite shoes in Winter) to walk to and from the shcool in, and carry your other dressier shoes with you to change into for the day?

As for the dressier shoes... I honestly don't know. Shoes aren't really my thing (*gasp* I know!) but the only thing I can think of is maybe some nice kitten heel shoes... that way they have a bit of a heel but not so much that they're uncomfortable for a long day on your feet.

[Angellen]

I'm actually in the opposite position--I have shoes but no skirts!

I really like zappos because it's free shipping, they are fast and customer service is usually very good. :) That said, it is quite a hefty site and can get pretty overwhelming. I'm moving somewhere much colder/wetter soon, and have been looking at boots on zappos. The brand I'm really liking right now is Aquatalia. They are weatherproof and quite stylish. I have two pairs and love them, though I haven't tried them in truly awful weather. They are a bit on the pricier side, but are so comfortable. They do tend to run a bit small, though (usually 1/2 size). Anyway, that might be a good place to look. :) Also, Zappos has free shipping both ways and a 365-day return policy, so they'll gladly take back shoes that don't fit or don't look right or whatever the problem may be, so long as they are still in the condition you received them in.

Would you by any chance be able to point me in the direction of some good cold-weather appropriate (ish) mid-length (knee or calf) skirts? I've been looking what seems like everywhere with absolutely no luck.

[device]

Boots would be good for the rain/snow issues, and they can be more supportive than shoes... if you like the look of boots with skirts.

[Peggy E.]

Why not pop into a shoe department at a department store, or a shoe store, and try some on? This way you can see what you like, what's going to be comfortable, and not have to contend with as huge a selection as you find at zappos.

Then, once you've found something you like, go online and find it, or the closest proximity, at zappo's. You'll have a much better idea what it is you like and don't like and can wade through the piles of shoes more quickly and know you've done your research.

I've always had good luck with Rockport and Naturalizers, myself.

Just a thought....

[kimberlily]

I'm a big fan of Mary Janes. They're cute with skirts, and look good with pants. I'm in love with SoftSpots shoes. They're really comfortable, and are reasonably priced.

[Darl_in1]

I love Mary Janes to. They are pretty and go with just about anything (well...ok maybe not sports wear...)

[TwirlyTresses]

Thank you everyone for the advice!

I just got a pair of Mary-Janes with a slight heel at a local store the other day--they were 1/2 price and are still the most expensive shoes I own. But they were also the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever had. I think I'll look around for a pair of good boots, too (I have snow boots that are ok with pants, but not so much with skirts). Just wearing comfortable shoes and carrying nice ones is a good idea, but I'm trying not to have anything else to carry--I walk a lot and am already carrying a bag of books and often lunch. And I teach at a college, so am always walking around campus from my office to classes, also, so I'm trying to find just one pair I can wear all day.

Angellen--I've actually been having good luck recently at Sears. They have a variety of pretty basic skirts reasonably priced. I often buy them on-line when they're on sale; I find skirts much easier to fit than pants, which I can never buy without trying on.

[levelek]

There was a good thread on LHC about comfortable but cute looking shoes a while ago. I absolutely love a pair of Ecco shoes that I own (a Danish brand) - some of their designs are clunkier but the one I got is elegant, and the most comfortable pair I have ever worn in my life. I can walk miles in them and not notice (and I have very sensitive feet!)
Another brand I love is El Naturalista, which is Spanish, and I'm not sure you can get it in the US.
I also found a great pair of Born shoes but by that point I'd blown my shoe budget :) they might fit your criteria though.

[Angellen]

Thanks!

I second Born. I got a pair for a costume I was making, and I wear them at least a couple times a week, now. Some of the more comfy flats I've found, and I'm glad I took a risk getting them. :)

I also have a pair of shoes I really, really like from Sofft, so you might look into those. I'd try them on first if you can, though, because while I love my pair, I've heard sometimes it's hit-or-miss with that brand. :shrug:

[joanne]

Basic black pumps is something I prefer, certain boot styles are timeless; they're easy to wear year in and year out, and they go with nearly everything in your cool weather wardrobe.

And the styles and cuts are very classic and retro for this fall boots (http://www.istorez.com/shop/fall-boots) trend. Pointy toed shoes and gladiator boots are a rage with fashion magazines showcasing celebrities sporting them.

[OhioSKy]

Basic black pumps is something I prefer, certain boot styles are timeless; they're easy to wear year in and year out, and they go with nearly everything in your cool weather wardrobe.

And the styles and cuts are very classic and retro for this fall boots (http://www.istorez.com/shop/fall-boots) trend. Pointy toed shoes and gladiator boots are a rage with fashion magazines showcasing celebrities sporting them.

Ok, am I just dense or... what was the question? I don't see where you are asking for advice...

[funnybunny668]

I've got 2 pair of mid-calf boots with low heels that I like that came from JCPenney. They're Liz Baker brand, and the style is called "Jamie". They're just a good comfortable basic boot, and I have a pair in brown and a pair in black. They go well with skirts or pants.