I know exactly what I love when it comes to shoes. I am very very picky about them, probably because I prefer not wearing anything on my feet at all.
Shoes need to be well made, comfortable, and flat or very close to flat.
Clarks is my favorite brand because they inevitably meet my comfortable criteria and are affordable.
I'm building up from my shoe collection.
My shoes:
knee high pr of boater yellow natural rubber boots. They have a flat sneaker sole, very comfortable. I wear them 4 seasons in the barnyard and walking the dogs. I live in the maritimes so good waterproof boots are important. I've had these 3 going on 4 years.
pull on brown Blundstone ankle boots. Low heeled, extremely comfortable, never wear out, weatherproof walking boots. I wear them 4 seasons whenever I'm not actively intending on stepping ion manure. They stand up to manure well though. I love these so much I've been stymied to find a pr of warmer winter boots that meet my new Blundstone standard for comfort. Been wearing these for 3 years.
red oiled leather Dr Marten lug sole mary janes. My best beloved pair of shoes. These are wide, round toed, fit beautifully and it would take a disaster fort me to stop wearing them. Their one weak spot in the elastic that holds on the clasp. It has needed replacing 2 times so far. I've had them 17 years.
brown low wedge heeled strappy Clark sandals. I got these for Deb's wedding. I like them a lot but they aren't as sturdy and utilitarian looking as I usually go for. They are very comfortable. I tend to slip around in sandals, but these are quite supportive. I've had them 4 going on 5 years?
black Lands End flat mary janes. I got these at the thrift store. They're actually a little too wide unless I'm wearing thick socks. Which I'm fine with as I tend to go barefoot in other weather. These are great comfy shoes. I've had them 2 years.
tapestry flat mary janes. Thrift store find. These LOOK amazing. They fit great with socks BUT the soles are slippery and I tend to pick my more neutral shoes just because of that. I need to find a solution to the slippery soles, or put them in the yard sale bin.. I've had these a year or so.
brown polished leather Clark dress loafers. Very comfortable, and dressy looking (to me anyway!) These look great with pants and skirts. I got these as "professional" shoes and I am really glad I stuck with my comfort level regarding heels and comfort. I've had them 8 months or so.
brown distressed leather Clark casual loafers. Very comfortable and very me. They have a coconut button detail. I got them because I was feeling kinda pouty about having to buy the more dressy polished loafers for a court date. So glad I splurged and got them as well. They have become a favorite to go with pants. I've had them 8 months.
and finally, bright red Crocs. I wear them in the river, at the beach, and in the garden when its too muddy to go barefoot.
What I need to find is a pair of warm tall winter boots I love. I also want a pair of brown mary janes. I know the pair I want - they're by Clarks too. A couple of years ago my 20 year old Birkenstock sandals gave up the ghost. I'd like to replace them - same style and everything, brown, two straps across the top, one around the heel.
I have the same requirements for shoes that you do: well-made, comfortable, and flat or very close to it. I'm beyond impressed that you've managed to get 17 years out of a pair of shoes! That's amazing! Especially since you actually wear them a lot.
ReplyDeleteIts those dr marten soles! They just don't wear out!
ReplyDeleteI bought a pair of purple doc martins once at the great glebe garage sale. But they were a size too big, and eventually I let go of them.
ReplyDeleteI want to be buried in my purple Docs. I bought them at The Hub in Almonte close to a decade ago for $1.75 at the giant half off shoe sale. I think someone's grandkid may have worn them for all of 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteAll my shoes are flat less one pair of kitten heels purchased nearly 4 years ago when I was mother of the bride. I don't do heels. Who would I be kidding? A three inch heel would put me at just under 5'2". And did I mention that my feet are nearly as wide as they are long. They are not fashionable feet.