Today’s mailbag was full of questions on one topic: shoes. Fancy shoes. Summer shoes. Wedding shoes. Work shoes. Nothing but shoes. Let’s answer your questions
Dear Abra:
You recently shared a pair of men’s sneakers with gold wings on them. I went to Europe and suffered from walking 17K steps a day in the footwear I took. Only wish I had seen that post before our trip! I have wide feet and would love more suggestions for men’s sneakers with metallic details, that a woman could wear esp. anything in silver (I don’t wear a lot of gold).
Thanks so much! C.Lee
For those who are wondering, these are the men’s sneakers I own and love.
If you need options in silver, Veja makes a silver accented sneaker. These Dolce Vita sneakers have Golden Goose vibes. But for my money, I would by these Gola sneakers that come in your choice of gold or silver.
Need a no-show sock to wear with your shoes? Try this one from Amazon.
Hi!
I am 39, working mother (attorney). I used to be able to wear cute sandals on the weekends, but now I need more arch support or my feet hurt. I keep looking for flipflops/sandals that I can run errands on a summer Saturday and still look cute. Everything I am finding looks like my grandmother would wear. Have you found anything that is cute with arch support?Sincerely, Amanda
Arch support is a real concern for those of us over 35. I have a theory that Vogue brought Birkenstock’s back into fashion because some of their editors got to an age where supportive footwear was not optional. Sadly, cute sandals are hard to find if you need real support.
For a standard pool flip-flop, I see a lot of my friends wearing Archies, which offer arch support in a pool-ready style.
For fashion sandals, this Vionic sandal has a bit more arch support that your standard sandal. Their Adley sandal also looks great, a little chunky, but chic.
Need more suggestions? Nordstrom claims these styles have more arch support, but your mileage may vary.
And if all else fails, there’s Birkenstocks.
Abra,
Can you help me find a navy heel for work? 2-3 inches and simple. The ones I found at Macy’s weren’t navy so much as they were a chalky black and I was not impressed. My wardrobe of navy suits needs the help!
Stella
For a block heel sandal, try these Trotters heels. Very simple, very easy to wear. Want more of a traditional heel? These Bandolino heels with a d’Orsay style are stylish and affordable. These Vandam slingbacks are also a cute option.
If you wear navy pumps a lot, you may want to consider buying a higher quality pair. These Aquatalia suede pumps are worth a look. Marion Park is also a great brand that makes a sleek navy kitten heel.
Hi Belle,
My family has a tradition that my grandmother buys our wedding shoes. Mine is coming up and I don’t know what to choose. I want something pretty, maybe white/maybe not, and under $500. My dress is a very feminine tulle, so I’d like something that fits.
Love your blog! Kay
Best wishes on your wedding. I hope you have an incredible day.
For a pair of shoes in white, this Marissa Collection pleat front sandal is a great option. I also adore these ruffle front sandals from Loeffler Randall. Also, these leather bow-front sandals from Loeffler might be more wearable post-wedding, even in white.
If white isn’t your look, I would try a soft pastel. These Badgley Mischka shoes have a gorgeous crystal accent. These pale lilac shoes are lovely too. Or go for a metallic and try these Flamenco heels, which would also be great for a wedding guest.
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For arch support my husband swears by OluKai sandals. They have some non flip flop options.
For supportive sandals, also try Naot. Expensive but they last and have good support.
Has anyone tried the Nisolo sandals that are all over my Insta feed? Are they actually supportive / comfortable?
Has anyone tried the Sarah Flint sandals? I’ve heard mixed reviews on the pumps (they seem to be rather polarizing), but the promise a pair of low block heel sandals with arch support and a comfier toe strap that don’t look geriatric is almost enticing enough to justify the price tag…
https://www.sarahflint.com/products/perfect-block-sandal-30-sand-calf
For Birkenstocks, they also have a few different top styles so that you don’t have to do the quintessential Birkenstock look. Sam’s Club has the criss-cross dupe if you just want to give it a spin and see if it fits your style.
I recommend the Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Sandals! https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/birkenstock-gizeh-big-buckle-sandal—womens/547706?activeColor=200 I got a pair about a month ago and they are very cute and comfortable. I’ve gotten several compliments on them. They are much more stylish than regular old Birkenstocks.
For stylish, chic sneakers for wide feet, I cannot recommend Frankie4 enough. https://us.frankie4.com/
They were designed by orthopedists, and come with different inserts based on foot width. I just wore mine all over London and Paris (20k+ steps/day) and they were great and so comfortable. They’re leather, so I broke them in before my trip, and by the time I got there, they were perfect. And I got the white leather so I can just spiff up with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser if they get a little grungy. I’ve recommended them to everyone since my trip. I’m an evangelist!