Shoes. OMG Shoes. Let's Get Some Shoes.

I have before me ten beautiful shoes.  Shoes with so much style and comfort and potential.  But in my hands, I hold the photos of only the three shoes that will go on to become winners of The Great Shoe Quest.

Category 1: Practical Ballet Flat Finalists

Clarks - Swan in Dark Brown Leather
Pros:  Very comfortable and the brown is quite dark and rich.  The leather is extremely soft, and the insole very well padded.  It seems like it would need little to no breaking in.  A definite front runner.

Cons:  The vamp comes up too high over the top of my foot, and I felt like it made the shoes look a little clunky.  When I take a step, I can feel little puffs of air coming out of the shoe--it's like a humiliating shoe fart just waiting to happen.

Clarks - Arye in Champagne Leather
Pros:  When I put on these shoes, I was impressed by how immediately comfortable they were.  Like the Swan, the insole was so well padded, it really did feel like walking on a cloud (only less damp, I would imagine).  The color is a very light gold, so it can be worn casually or more dressed up, and it's so neutral that it will definitely go with either black or brown.

Cons:  The 8 was a little bit too big, and the 71/2 felt a little cramped around the toe box.  I think since they're leather they would probably stretch after some wearing, and if not they could always be taken into a shoe repair store for some manual stretching.  The ribbon edging, while adorable, might cause a little bit of rubbing on the foot.

Indigo by Clarks - Giana in Cafe Brown Leather

Pros:  Really, the only pro is how cute the shoe is.  The quilting of the leather is really different and adorable, and the darker ribbon edging the brown leather would help it match black and brown.  The leather was very soft and pliable.

Cons:  While it was certainly more comfortable than some of the flimsier ballet flats already in my closet, it didn't stand a chance when compared to the Swan and Arye.  There is very little padding on the insole, and while it would probably be great for normal wear, I don't imagine my feet would feel so great after walking over cobblestones for miles and miles.

Category 2: Sturdy Walking Shoe Finalists

Privo - Comice in Brown Nubuck

Pros:  The shoe fits my foot extremely well, has a great textured and padded insole, and seems like it would be a very sturdy option for all kinds of terrain.  It's tight enough to fit comfortably without socks, but still has enough room that I could get away with a thin sock if it's cool outside.  The brown doesn't seem like it would match so well with black, but this seems to matter a little bit less since it has more of a "tennis shoe" look to it, and I don't generally worry about matching those to my outfits.

Cons:  Not the most elegant style.  They would work great with pants, but are definitely a little too "sporty" for a dressy skirt or dress.

Privo - Float in Brown Nubuck

Pros: I loved the leather detailing on the sides and strap.  The leather has an almost metallic sheen that dresses the shoe up a little bit.  The insole is the same as the Comice, making it a very comfortable option.

Cons: The 8 was far too loose and the 71/2 was far too small.  Since the majority of the shoe is a mesh fabric, it wouldn't take to stretching very well without loosing its shape.  The leather strap could cause some rubbing issues after prolonged wear.

Privo - Step in Chocolate Nubuck

Pros: Such a cute shoe--the leather detailing over the toe is really adorable and gives the shoe a dressier look so that it could easily be worn with a skirt or pants.  Has the same padded insole as the Float and Comice.

Cons:  Unfortunately, the big pro about this shoe is the cause of the major con.  The adorable leather part on the toe of the shoe puts pressure on your toes and was already uncomfortable after just a few minutes on my foot.  There's always the possibility that it would loosen up with repeated wearings, but I don't know for sure.

Skechers - Bikers Locomotion in Toffee

Pros:  The insole didn't have the same textured padding as the Privos, but it was still extremely comfortable.  The style is quite cute, and like the Step and Float, could be easily worn with jeans or skirts.

Cons:  Far too wide for my foot.  The 8 slid off of my foot with almost every step, and the 7.5 was far too small.  Even if the 7.5 had fit, the shoe seemed to add girth to my foot and made it look much wider than it really is.

Category 3: Comfortable Heel

Ecco - Basel T-Strap in Espresso Patent

Pros:  Really, really cute shoe with a vintage vibe, and quite comfortable.  The heel was a great height, not too tall, not too short, so it was very easy to walk in, and the leather was so soft that it really felt great on my foot.

Cons: The vintage 1940s look was certainly part of the appeal, but I felt like I could only wear it with certain dresses, as it may have been a little too dressy or retro for more casual skirts or pants.  The insole could have had a bit more padding, though this could be remedied with a little Dr. Scholls action.

Ecco - Brig Petit T-Strap in Barollo Patent

Pros:  Another cute shoe with a vintage look--this time a little more Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Again, because the heel was low and chunky, it was very easy to walk in, and the leather was very pliable.

Cons: This would probably be a perfect shoe for someone who wants a dressy heel without a lot of height, but for me, the heel wasn't high enough and it was a bit too thick for my taste--I think the heel looks higher in the picture than it does in person.  Also, the brown is a very pretty color, but it does have a distinct reddish tinge to it that would make it difficult to match with a lot of outfits.

Sofft - Regina in Cashmere/Spirit Tan Leather

Pros:  Looked even cuter than in the picture—the heel is a little more slender, and the sole doesn't have such visible tread.  Remember those commercials where the women were playing basketball in their high heels, as though they were wearing tennis shoes?  That's what I felt like when I put these shoes on.  The insole is very well padded, but so are the sides of the shoes.  The whole shoe feels cushiony and soft.  The lighter tan leather has a little bit of a glimmer to it without being overly glittery, giving it a very nice dressy feel.  Oh, and free.  That's always a really lovely pro.

Cons:  Because the heel is higher than the other shoes I tried, I probably couldn't wear them for as long without getting some fatigue on the ball of my foot.

And the winners are....

Clarks - Arye in Champagne Leather

I'm wearing these today, and I love them.  When I look down, I can see that I'm wearing delicate, beautiful ballet flats, but when I'm walking, I feel like I'm wearing my most comfortable sneakers.  The really were winners in every category, and I haven't had any trouble with the ribbon rubbing uncomfortably so far.  I'm still considering having them stretched, but I'm going to try wearing them for about a week to see if they stretch any on their own.

Privo - Comice in Brown Nubuck

This decision was a little bit more difficult, just because I really did like the idea of a walking shoe that would be sturdy and comfortable, but also easily coordinate with a skirt or a pair of pants.  However, the Comice was just far and away the most comfortable choice, and I don't imagine I'll be doing a lot of hiking in skirts and dresses anyway!

Sofft - Regina in Cashmere/Spirit Tan Leather

This was another really easy decision.  Yes, it was really fantastic that the shoes were sent to me free of charge by Sofft, and I do feel like I should make that very clear, just so that there's no internet scandal about how I'm hiding the fact that I'm reviewing shoes for which I didn't have to pay!  However, even if I had shelled out the ninety-one bucks out of my own pocket (making them, by the way, the most inexpensive of the dressy shoes I tried), I still would have chosen these shoes.  Like the Clark Arye, they were winners in every category--dressy, comfortable, and versatile (can be worn with skirts, dresses, or jeans).

I'm so pleased with all of these shoes, and I just hope it proves that you CAN find comfortable, practical shoes without losing the style factor.  Okay, I'm ready to go to Italy now!

Comments

[shani]

Okay, (1) love your decisions; (2) I just might buy a pair of the Reginas (good investment, Sofft!) and (3) you need to look into consumer reporting as a career. Companies would be wise to note how thorough this girl is!

[blogging barbie]

i am drooling over those last pair of shoes. seriously. drool.

[Erin]

I love the shoes you chose! Now I"m thinking about buying shoes myself...good thing it's payday on Friday!

[katelin]

Love love love all the shoes, especially the flats. I am definitely a ballet flats kind of girl.

[Miriam]

Yay! The shoe quest has ended. Now break those puppies in!

[slynnro]

I would pass out from excitement if I saw that many packages knowing they contained shoes.

[Heather B.]

I put the ballet flats in my favorites but the heels give me pause. Only because of the material and even in the description it said 'fall wardrobe'. I need a heel for the spring/summer months in DC. Blah. So I suppose now I'm on the great shoe hunt.

[La]

Oh, you know how happy shoes make me! I'm so glad you found ones you loved, and hopefully they'll love you back!!

[Curlysue]

I love these shoes! My closet is lacking in the shoe department. It's horrible. I won't even tell you how many pairs I have to include sneakers, flip flops, boots, etc (it's less than 10!). I'm an embarassement to a woman's closet I'm sure. lol But I love your site here and I plan to be back. Oh, did I mention I wear a size 8 1/2-9 in any of the above shoes you selected and you may forward the best choices to Colorado Springs. :)

[The Incubator]

I told you that you would love that Sofft brand -- how come they won't send your dear old Mimsie a free pair? I'm the one who encouraged you!!! Poor me:( But just think, now you're wearing -- oh no -- you're mother's brand of shoe!!!

[sophie]

Thanks so much for all your research. Perhaps I will get some slightly more stylish shoes to add to my collection--after you road test them in Italy, of course.

[Diane]

Thanks for the reviews! I happen to have Step in black, and have found them comfie with both socks and bare feet, and I have worn them with a casual skirt and received compliments.

[TasterSpoon]

You are nothing if not diligent. But time well spent - I spent two hours trying on "walking" shoes the night before my trip to Thailand and got what I thought was a great pair - until I actually wore them around for a day and rubbed my achilles tendon completely raw - putting me in flip flops the rest of the trip. Stupid shoes! Clever you for leaving a week to test drive.

[Girl, Dislocated]

I love how scientific this process was!

[Fraulein N]

Love them. Just looking at all those shoe boxes is making me happy, and they're not even mine! You're very smart to break them in before your trip. Or maybe I'm just very dumb ... I'd probably want to "save" them for the trip, and then end up with hurty feet.

[1218blog]

I have got to get me a pair of those Privo - Comice in Brown Nubuck. I used to have a similar pair and they were the most comfortable shoes on the planet but then they started to tear because I wore them like every minute of the day. Now I need more! Thanks for reminding me.

[Molly]

Emailing you!

[Operation Pink Herring]

I love the shoes you picked, but I love the ANTM tribute even more! Oh, Tyra. How you wish you were Oprah.

[RisibleGirl]

OK- laughing again... "it's like a humiliating shoe fart just waiting to happen." Oh I hate that! I have a pair of shoes that I should just THROW away because I curse them every time I wear them (either that or I walk funny to avoid the shoe fart).

The shoes are divine.

Of course they are.

[janet]

you are going to love the Comices! but yeah, not with a skirt. But they are so comfy, I adore mine. I like your other choices too!

[fussball]

Gute Arbeit hier! Gute Inhalte.