new job/commuting shoes « YouLookFab Forum

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new job/commuting shoes

I received an offer a university job last week! (big sigh of relief!) I've been very excited to start at this new university, which is located in downtown Portland. (And after moving *again* and getting my internet hooked up I should be able to contribute more often now. :) I missed reading everyone's posts!)

I walk to work each day, which takes about twenty minutes. I also need to visit different campus properties each day, regardless of weather. Sometimes I can take a streetcar or bus for part of my route, but I'll usually walk at least three miles a day in my rounds. It's a big change from my previous job, where the campus was a little smaller! :)

I've looked at past threads and posts on commuting, but I've wondered if anyone had suggestions for commuting shoes. I don't mind changing shoes when I get to work, but since I commute throughout the day I might stick to flat shoes I can wear all day. My dress code is fairly business-like, so non-athletic flats, shoes, and boots are acceptable in the office. Smart denim is only acceptable on Friday.

Thank you for any ideas or suggestions!

My list of shoes to try so far:
Me Too Swaans (they were out of my size at DSW)
Ecco Bouillon
Me Too Nadia
Wellies or waterproof boots that will come up to my knee area (about a 17" shaft)

Edit: I'll also need to prepare for the dominant rainy season! Will the best option be to wear wellies for my walks, and change into flats in the buildings? Since I might be wearing skirts with tights, dress pants, or smart denim I thought I could tuck whatever wasn't a skirt into them to keep my legs dry.

The latest reply was from yublocka . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.

14 Replies

Posted 6 months ago

Michelle

Congratulations on the new job, Laura!! Very impressive to find something so quickly, especially in this economy. Will you stay on at J-Crew, too?
I just bought these flats the other day, and while they're a knotch higher on the price scale than Me Toos, I can vouch for their comfort. They're the Ediths by DKNY:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7569258/color/3
I know Zappos only seems to have them in black and bronze, but I got a pair in pewter.

Good luck with the new position!

Posted 6 months ago

merry77

In Kristen's now and later challenge post, she had a great pair of waterproof boots that I would definitely look into if I were in your shoes (he he).

What about a low-heeled riding boot also? Would be great for the cooler months and comfy too.

I'll be checking out other people's recommendations on this list also since I need new shoes appropriate for lots of walking.

Posted 6 months ago

merry77

The shoes Michelle posted about are available in gunmetal (pewter) at Endless:
http://www.endless.com/DKNY-Ac.....B002DR38F2

Posted 6 months ago

rute

Congratulations on the new job! I'm so happy for you!

Posted 6 months ago

KristenKP

Heh, thanks Merry! The boots I have are La Canadiennes, and I agree, they will be great for you on rainy days. I got mine on mega-clearance last year but they're pretty pricey (normally $250 and I paid $69 on final sale). Many YLF people have them and love 'em, though, myself included! If you are thinking that you will be wearing the wellies as part of your outfit and you won't change out of them, then getting a solid colored pair or an upscale one like the LCs or Aquatellas might be your best bet. I also have a fun pair of wellies with black-and-white daisy patterns, but those are for outside only; I carry shoes in my tote for once I am at my desk.

Posted 6 months ago

medusa

Laura, congratulations on your job! (I don't have shoe suggestions other than those already mentioned.)

Posted 6 months ago

Dawn (website)

Congrats on the new job!

Posted 6 months ago

Angie (website)

Fabulous news, LE! Well done :0)

You need boots, darling. Boots, boots, and more boots.

Posted 6 months ago

Chris

Congratulations on the job!

In my years in Pacific NW I learned to avoid suede. It's just so hard to refurbish once it gets wet (and it will!). I'd plan on changing shoes at office.
Also start searching for a very good, water repellant raincoat/trench.

Posted 6 months ago

Kari (website)

Congratulations, that is wonderful!

Wow, I was *just* in downtown Portland earlier this week! I am very envious of your transportation system. Getting around downtown must be such a breeze.

I personally like the Me Too Nini flats a little bit better comfort-wise than I do the Swanns - they are a little bit more flexible around the edges, and I find the leather softer.

Posted 6 months ago

RoseandJoan

I think you will need two types of boot, a knee high, flat heeled riding style to wear with skirts and an ankle length flat boot to wear with pants. This will save you having to change footwear once you get inside.

As already stated avoid suede as it sort of disolves in very heavy rain.

Oh and I nearly forgot to say congratulations on the job.

Posted 6 months ago

laura65

How about a sturdy pair of riding boots? A lot of people liked the Aerosole Ridelines last year, and San and I got the Born Thickets. Born also has a Frye harness boot knock-off this year that looks great.

Most of all, congrats on your new job!!

Posted 6 months ago

LauraElizabeth

Thanks for the input and congratulations! I'll be looking into your suggestions!

Posted 6 months ago

yublocka (website)