Serious Shoes

Like many women my age, I spent decades of my life wearing high heels to work in an office. All day. It was the professional uniform, and anything less than a 2″ heel were considered “flats”, only acceptable for people who REALLY stood all day, like bank tellers. I once worked at a bank where there were no stools behind the teller line – it was considered “rude” to sit while you waited on a customer who stood (sounded insane to me…)! Really? Flats were like ballet slippers with cardboard soles – not one bit of support, and you’d be in tears before noon.

Partly from those years mincing around in heels between desks, and partly from over-tight hamstrings, I have feet like a Barbie doll. When I lie down, my toes naturally point like a ballerina (the only resemblance, trust me).

So I have arrived at the point in life where I need “serious shoes” – shoes with support. Yet I refuse to give in to “ugly shoes” – they MUST have style! The brands that used to come the closest to this were Aerosoles (which still appear to make lovely pumps) and Easy Spirit (which seems do only do very casual shoes).

In the last year I have discovered several new brands which I’d like to brag on. There are no ads or sponsored links that benefit me here – I’ve paid for all these with my own moolah.

Jambu is a brand I heard about from my friend Jodie Filogamo at jtouchofstyle.com I bought two pairs of short black boots from them last fall (one smooth leather with tiny silver studs, and one suede), as well as a pair of “duck shoes” – with navy rubber soles, leather uppers a la L.L. Bean, and a fluffy lining. I splurged on 3 pairs at once as I used Jodie’s super 20% discount. Here’s the link https://jambu.com/women/category/boots-booties. Use code JODIES20 for 20% off until April 1.

I have worn each pair at least once a week since December, and they are incredible. I can walk miles, or stand on my feet ALL day, without pain or fatigue. They were also this way straight out of the box – no break-in required. I love the way the look. They are the Roma in smooth leather ($160) and the Emery in suede ($79)

The other brand Jodie introduced me to is Walking Cradles. I got two pairs of pumps, one black patent leather (Matisse) and the other (Marley) in navy suede – my new most favorite pair of pumps EVER. I haven’t gotten to wear them much because it’s just been too cold and/or rainy. Here’s a link for them http://walkingcradles.com?p=BJOPy4VUH. Use code JODIE15 for 15% off your first purchase.

Last summer, I took a dream trip to Italy, which I’m looking forward to writing about in the future. I injured my back 3 weeks before the trip and had to do intense physical therapy to be able to pick my left foot up, and there would be LOTS of walking (think cobblestones and stone steps built by the Romans). I got two pairs of sandals, one VERY utilitarian and one that made me feel like a Gypsy princess WITH great bones underneath. The star sandal was the Genie by Taos, with silver studs and a ring my big toe fit in, along with a soft suede footbed. What do you think? I got them in pewter for $119, and can’t wait until it’s warm enough to wear them again. https://taosfootwear.com/genie?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6sHzBRCbARIsAF8FMpWDbcqd_jMB6aJGdn-ZddqVZ2KO4fwPcCtiF5mHVbIK6cK_siqakDYaAkCwEALw_wcB#color=Pewter

My other workhorse was by Ecco, a brand I wasn’t familiar with, but highly recommended at the “Serious Shoe Store” I went to, the legendary John’s Run Walk Shop in Lexington KY. It feels a little edgy with the pointed toe, and I can wear with jeans, trousers, skirts, leggings and shorts. These are last year’s model (no longer available), a lace-up cross between an oxford and a tennis shoes.

After Christmas, I splurged on a pair of Taos boots I’d been stalking online for year and a half: the Crave boot. I wanted them in teal, but could not force myself to pay the $199 for them from The Walking Company, although all the reviews raved about them. I loved the fact they laced up, but had a sneaky zipper up the inside of the ankle (I HATE lacing and unlacing boots. I always seem to have to go in and out of the house a dozen extra times if I’m wearing them). I also loved the strap around the heel. So imagine my delight when I saw the price FINALLY drop to $139 after Christmas! 2 clicks and they were mine, and have been worn weekly with jeans or leggings ever since. They’re back to $199 now, but here’s the link https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/taos-crave-teal

Here’s the thing about Serious Shoes: they’re not cheap. If you’re used to $35 shoes at Shoe Carnival or Payless, the prices will make your eyes water. Nothing against Shoe Carnival or Payless, but I can’t wear their shoes for more than 30 minutes now without a blister, and I don’t even have bunions (and God bless those of y’all who do!)

I also realize prices that may seem like a steal to me might seem ridiculous to you, and vice versa. We all have different circumstances, and hopefully we have a love of great style in common, regardless of the price, right?

And for dessert, we’ll end with Shoes That Are Serious because they are gorgeous, and made from quality materials that also don’t require a second mortgage: Vince Camuto from the stellar Sole Society. https://www.solesociety.com/ishani-high-cut-pump.html?color=glamour-red Here are the red LEATHER pumps I’ve wanted for years, with flared heel and high-cut vamp – originally $99 and flown to my front door as soon as I saw they dropped to $39.60. Yes, THIRTY-NINE DOLLARS AMERICAN. Come to Mama – we’ll be seeing a LOT of these next Christmas, Valentines and whenever else the mood strikes.

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