YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoes epiphanies!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoes epiphanies! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:10:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Staysfit on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891325 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:00:59 +0000 Staysfit 1891325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Returning to what LisaP said, but with a twist. Many running shoes come in a water proof gortex lined model. I have one pair that I reserve for those slushy wet runs when I really don’t want wet feet. They have lasted several years. I also use them for mud slogging on hikes after it’s been raining, and for gardening, etc. WitchyD on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891289 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:24:34 +0000 WitchyD 1891289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Christina F.  I think you're absolutely right about men being shoe minimalists... but they can GET AWAY WITH IT.  Men just generally don't need as many shoes.  For my hub, it's brown and black dress shoes, 2 pair sneakers (running and casual), slippers, boat shoes, 1 pair flip flops, work boots.   So that's like no more than 10 pairs total.   It's hard for females to have so few, especially if you go into an office daily. We need heels, flats, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers in dress and casual varieties. Rarely could we get away with only brown and black colors the way most men seem to do.  I love shoes, but I admit my collection has been getting out of hand. Plus, I no longer need so many heels and dress shoes, though I hate to get rid of them as good ones are expensive (and you need something for interviews and funerals and weddings).  I just wish sometimes there was more of a do-it-all shoe for women or a magic convertible shoe. Angie on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891231 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:25:42 +0000 Angie 1891231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Then you're back to a fun regular sneaker, Smittie. I wear these in white all Summer long when I walk with Sam.  Anonymous on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891204 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 15:31:54 +0000 Anonymous 1891204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @molly Mac: I know I can’t have one shoe to do it all! I do have some rainboots and I run around in flip flops a lot in the summer. Would like something more polished. Toms are a good idea. Must think on that. @greyscale: yes, I had some idea I’d like to try some adidas or pumas. Some sort of slim-line sneaker. In a dark colour. @gryffin: I’ll check out the ariat and keen. Have avoided looking at keens but my daughter has some simple winter boots from them that are rather nice. @krish: I live in a walking neighbourhood so do a lot on foot (or bike) like groceries, library runs, some clothes shopping, coffee shops, beach. I drive into work though. I do like multipurpose shoes. Like for example, I will bike to the beach and on the way back, will stop in at the vegetable market where people are fairly well-dressed. So I kind of don’t want to be all geared up in that situation (although it’s not that bad). I fee pretty strongly about snow boots, and wanting boots that will work on sidewalks but still look “towny” and somewhat sophisticated. krishnidoux on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891185 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:55:50 +0000 krishnidoux 1891185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got these Italian made leather tennis shoes, and they are by far the most comfortable. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.shoesthatfitme.com/store/11830%21IMAC/IMAC+LADY%27S+%7C+11830">http://www.shoesthatfitme.com/.....+%7C+11830</a> I also got a cute pair of bright orange Ecco (faux-suede like fabric, not leather) and they are not nearly as comfortable, in fact they created blisters. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mayrhofer.co.at/ecco-arizona-sneakers-billig-orange-dsf8383-p-7717.html">http://www.mayrhofer.co.at/ecc.....-7717.html</a> krishnidoux on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891182 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:50:37 +0000 krishnidoux 1891182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, Suz, you've nailed it so well about rural/urban views on footwear. I remember realizing this as a Montrealer having lived in Tokyo and suddenly landing in a small town in BC. One key factor: transportation. When you live in a small town as opposed to a big city, suddenly when you walk out the door there is a new consideration that didn't used to be there: What transportation am I using to go where I'm going? And By foot is rarely what you reply (whereas it answers the question about 80% of the time or more when you live in the downtown area of a big city).  gryffin on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies/page/2#post-1891178 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:41:54 +0000 gryffin 1891178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ smittie - what amazing insights!!  Kudos to you!!  I have shown dogs in the past and this also requires specialized footwear for mud and outdoor shows.  Although I too dislike the majority of hiking boots (who thinks we want neon multicolored ones?) if you can find black leather unembellished ones they are fantastic.  The keen glarus are amazing but discontinued.  Keen makes the revel III which is waterproof which is my back up pair.  You should check out ariat.  My favorite boots for the past 2 yrs the ariat extreme insulated waterproof.  They are super refined out and so comfortable.  The ariat heritage lacers are not not insulated with gortex but hold up well.  ariat has a number of waterproof boots since they are meant for paddock boots and are very elegant on.  Also Uggs makes their cecile, no support but hardy and more refined than a hiking boot with a decent tread.  But I strongly urge you to try on full black leather hiking boots with no embellishment if you can find them.  I actually adore they rate quality with very refined outfits, it's fun.  But regular mesh/color do leave me cold.  I don't sneakers either except for actual sport, they aren't waterproof they make no sense to me although they seem to be the forum choice.  I'd pick a leather waterproof boot over them any day for function and appearance!! Greyscale on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1891144 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 07:51:27 +0000 Greyscale 1891144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Many of my shoes are fine for muddy grassy situations (Dr Martens, for instance, and various edgier versions of Converse) but last year I noticed a niche for regular old casual sneakers like I used to wear in high school. I bought some special edition black suede Pumas. I don't wear them much day to day (they don't quite fit my style) but they're good for picnics, or visiting my family, where my usual shoe wardrobe is way too stylish and not practical enough. I'd suggest something like that for you.  The funny thing is that my boyfriend liked them so much that he bought the same ones. So now we match if we're not careful. Molly Mac on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1891082 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 02:54:43 +0000 Molly Mac 1891082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admit that I love shoes and own over a hundred pair (and yes, I do wear all of them), but I think that you may need more than one pair of shoes to meet your casual "running around in the grass and mud" request. I have low Hunter rain boots for rainy Saturdays standing on a soccer field, navy and black sneakers for chasing kids around a park, and Toms slip ones for just easy throw on shoes (they are cheap enough to replace every summer). It may be difficult for one shoe to do it all. cindysmith on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890900 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 16:33:20 +0000 cindysmith 1890900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having learned Spanish grammar rather thoroughly, I came to dislike how English treats double negatives as "incorrect". Spanish allows for double, even triple, negatives; it adds emphasis, rather than cancelling each other out or whatever. So the sentence full of negatives actually didn't really register as tricky to me, I actually rather liked it :-D As for dirty/grassy/outdoorsy shoes: Combat style boot Chelsea boot with lug or grip type sole Sneakers "Work" type boots/shoes (they're not all ugly, my Chippewa snake boots are very functional AND get lots of compliments). The finds are the kind of thing i wear to do yardwork and such: my rainboots, my tactical boots, my Chippewa. Once a pair of slip-ons sneakers gets worn out & inappropriate for wearing in public, they become yard work shoes. Suz on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890692 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 03:35:28 +0000 Suz 1890692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, I think you should go for dark (maybe black) Eccos on sale. (Some are on sale on the CAD Ecco site, I believe -- and if you look elsewhere they will also turn up.) Totally totally worth it for you. You know they work, you know you wear and enjoy them. You can also (or alternatively) add an insole for support in a Converse shoe. But I hear you on those -- I can't wear them either. I could wear the wedge version because of the wedge, but any totally flat shoe makes my foot hurt just to look at it. In fact, I can't wear the Soft 7s without an insert, and the insert I can wear does not fully support my arch, so I can't wear them for a full day. (The Soft 8 accommodates a more substantial insert and works a bit better for me but I like the "lightweight" look of the 7 so I have both and just moderate my wears of the white ones.) I think I must feel about total flats the way some women feel about 4 inch heels. I can't wear those comfortably, either, but honestly, I don't know which would be worse for me! You could also consider dye for your old white sneakers...and buy a new white pair! Dye the old ones dark. Sal on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890687 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 02:54:42 +0000 Sal 1890687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good thinking!! For rugby or soccer I wear either rain boots (of a sturdy quality), black Moto boots ( that I am no longer in love with style wise but that are sturdy and warm) or pewter high tops ( beaten up now after two seasons of intensive wear). Mainelady on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890674 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 02:33:18 +0000 Mainelady 1890674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YLF has helped me to think a lot more about my wardrobe, choices, dressing and shopping with intention. When I read epiphanies on the forum, I do even more thinking. This is a good thing! The basic questions are: - Do you have a shoe for every activity in your life? I do: four season wear, Work, weekend, outdoor activities (hiking, gardening, dog walking, fitness, boating, errands, beach) special events. - For each activity, do you have enough variety of shoes for that activity? I do. I probably have too much variety. - With respect to the shoes you do have, do you enjoy them? If not, why not? Again, I do! I have an active job and lifestyle. I am on my feet most of every day. My feet need to be happy and my footwear needs to hold up to the job, season and elements. anne on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890669 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 02:19:44 +0000 anne 1890669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to say that I agree with you on the black shoe thing. I have tall black boots, black booties and now feel the need to add black Mary Jane low heels (for work). For watching kids sport on cold wet days I like wearing my old flat, cognac riding boots. I keep them only for the purpose as the zip is  abit broken and they are a pain to put on. However I wouldn't suggest buying a new pair just for that. I got lots of milege last year from a pair of silvery sneakers I picked up in the kids department of Kmart for $15! Anonymous on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890649 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 01:40:10 +0000 Anonymous 1890649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Jenn @Emily re: chucks— They don’t fit me! They’re just a bit too narrow and unforgiving and the support is just not there. @Angie: I have gone off high tops :-( @style fan: oh goodie. Some epiphanies to look forward to Blundstones seem like a no-brainer for spring but I am looking more for summer. Summer shoes that you can kick a soccer ball in. So I think some sneakers would work but they need to be really comfortable and dark in colour. I like the idea of picking up some dark slip-ons or some Eccos on sale. Also need to looking sketchers, as mentioned by @sarahd8 I think the reality is that I’ll demote my white Eccos to this activity. LaPed on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890613 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 00:08:36 +0000 LaPed 1890613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, heck, if the shoes are mostly for city parks you certainly shouldn't need hiking boots! I'd say you have free rein to choose any flattish ultra comfy shoe that strikes your fancy, be it sneaker, oxford, casual ankle boot, whatever!  Angie on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890582 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 22:58:57 +0000 Angie 1890582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YOU DID GREAT, and are very good at this, Smittie. I'm impressed.  You discovered a wardrobe hole - the black essential across a couple of seasons. Good job.  I couldn't wear hiking boots either - (as you know, me and gear are not the best of friends). I wear these hi-tops is a VERY wet and muddy Seattle. They are fleece lined, warm, and with grippy soles. They are perfect for the woods and trails too. Tried and tested, and go the distance.  Anonymous on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890504 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:49:16 +0000 Anonymous 1890504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Quickly: @lisap and @sarahd8: knits don’t work as they get wet or get dirt in them too easily (thru the mesh). @aurore: I really like those angles. Will take a closer look. @laped: these have a great look. I especially like the Iowa’s in the blackberry colour—dark sole and upper will stay looking good. @unfrumped. You’re right that somethinginexpensive would fit the bill. And dark. @cardiff: the “hiking” shoes don’t have to be black, no. And the basic loafers, booties and tall boots could also be chocolate brown, but that colour doesn’t seem very available. I don’t really want burgundy, and I’m not that keen on navy (weirdly). @suz @emily and others who suggested regular sneakers: yes. That is what I need. But I think I don’t really want to spend that much money...although those Suggestions from LaPed are pretty tempting...:-) Sales on Eccos: good idea. Sandals that you can do outsmdoor activities in: yes, this is a hole too, that I am completely ignoring for now :-) @bonnie: those are the type of hiking boot that I have a hard time wearing (they are just not my style in the same way that wearing leggings is not my style.) @lisap again: let us know how your culling goes. I don’t have much space for shoes, myself. Jenn on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890495 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:37:58 +0000 Jenn 1890495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your questions are simple and reasonable. I have 11 pairs of shoes right now and am mostly satisfied, but I do think I could do with a few more for variety's sake. My Chucks are my go-to shoes for the kinds of outdoor activities you describe, but I also tend to keep my most second-most recent pair of athletic shoes around for things like mowing the lawn or going out in mud. I replace those gear shoes regularly to avoid foot pain, but the old ones are usually still fine to act as my grunge shoes for another 6 or 9 months. Style Fan on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890483 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:21:44 +0000 Style Fan 1890483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am working on some epiphanies.  Mine are all about fantasy life versus reality.  That is why I don't wear 90% of my clothes.  They are in my museum/closet. Enough about that. Hiking type boots are not my favourite either now that I think about it.  I love to go hiking but I don't own hiking boots.  Go figure.  I usually wear walking shoes. What about Blundstones?  Or are they too rugged looking for you?  They have the girlfriend style now.  Very cute.  I am between sizes so I can't wear them.  unfrumped on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890477 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:07:25 +0000 unfrumped 1890477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love epiphanies! I used to post some under Inspiration. What other people said— drill down on your muddy-etc activity. Is it “ dirt lite”? Then a washable fun sneaker that is not expensive, but is replaceable yearly or so- may work. If you don’t need much support, a rugged leather loafer- moccasin might work( all depending on your style, taste, and feet!). If it’s serious rough terrain, you’ll end up need something LIKE a hiking shoe or boots, but you could look for some that are more to your taste, hybrid sneakers, lace up boots. The problem is that if conditions are very rough, you need footwear material that is rigged and cleans up well. This may be its own capsule over a range of activities. JAileen on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890460 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 18:36:01 +0000 JAileen 1890460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Because of birding and dog walking, I have lots of footwear for wet/muddy conditions. You probably wouldn’t like most of them. I have these Timberland boots, though. Mine aren’t black, but my CASA kid complimented me on them. He’s a real shoe aficionado, and likes a more urban style. He loved them, and even bought his own pair of Timberlands. <a href="https://www.timberland.com/shop/womens-nellie-chukka-double-waterproof-boots-black-23398001#hero=5" rel="nofollow">https://www.timberland.com/sho.....001#hero=5</a> Emily K on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890436 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 18:12:48 +0000 Emily K 1890436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd ask, how much walking and how much mud?  When I was wondering about which winter walking/mudding boots to buy, Gryffin suggested I consider Ariat paddock boots.  It was an inspired suggestion and one that, I think, might work out for you. But don't underestimate how much you can get done with a pair of Converse or white leather sneakers.  The Converse are easily washable, so I don't feel bad about getting them all muddy.  The don't last very long, but they are pretty inexpensive and it's fun to look forward to getting a new pair.  I bleach the heck out of my white ones or use Oxyclean.  The white leather sneakers (my favorite are K-Swiss--the all white ones, not the bi-color like I have now) are easy to wash-up and then I slather them with white scuff-cover.   Don't get a bi-colored pair--it's a pain in the butt to keep the scuff-cover off of the colored bits. I also have muck boots, LL Bean duck boots, and waterproof chelsea boots for dealing with other wet and/or muddy activities. ETA;  Oops..I see you clarified your needs a bit while I had this page open....leaving this here anyway... :-) Anonymous on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890425 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 17:58:39 +0000 Anonymous 1890425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And on the shoe inventory trend this past week - I'm planning on a BIG culling of my collection of winter footwear. BIG.  I have too many holdovers from last year or the year before that I don't wear anymore and I find having a big shoe collection embarrassing , to say the least.  Anonymous on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890423 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 17:56:52 +0000 Anonymous 1890423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  For tramping around outside - sports fields, playgrounds, parks etc - why not just wear runners? I save my old athletic shoes once they've passed their prime for just this purpose so I don't care if they get dirty or grass-stained. Or am I misunderstanding the purpose?  Or buy a great new pair of Nike Flyknit - you can get them pretty inexpensively at Famous Footwear or DHS etc - in a interesting colour, and use those for your outside stuff.   I do have an ancient pair of hiking shoes (not boots - big diff) that I wear for serious trial walking where wearing cute shoes would be silly.   UmmLila (Lisa) on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890392 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:48:40 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1890392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now I want to call them shoepiphanies Aurore on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890391 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:46:59 +0000 Aurore 1890391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are very interesting and straightforward questions. And epiphany posts sound a great thing - I'm too new on the forum to know them, but I hope they're making a come back! Concerning your answer to #1, I second La Pedestrienne for Lowas. I'm personnaly more of a Meindl person, but my husband and a few military colleagues  have various types of Lowas and consider them as sturdy, reliable and comfortable. Their casual collection doesn't look too gear-ish. For summer walks I also like Palladium and Aigle canvas shoes, which IMO look more "adventure" than "gear". Over time I have found Aigle shoes more reliable than Palladiums, though (I still own years-old Aigles, but my Palladiums from the same period got ruined). ETA : after having read the answers that were posted while I wrote mine, I realise my Lowa, Palladium and Aigle ideas don't look like they could suit your need. Maybe a pair of sneakers in an easy-to-care-for material and a good non-grip sole? Or combat boots with similar characteristics? Cardiff girl on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890389 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:45:14 +0000 Cardiff girl 1890389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My thoughts on this are,does it have to be black shoes?would dark brown,burgundy,charcoal or navy give you the variety without compromising on the type of shoe you need.Weather does play a large part unless you are totally office based,no one wants wet feet and the more varied your weather the more shoes you need. Suz on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890385 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:36:06 +0000 Suz 1890385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah -- okay. That is simple. You need a backup pair of white sneakers (I bought myself a second pair because my first ones got too dirty for me). And you need another pair in a darker colour. Assuming they are comfy.  You know already that the style works for you; it's still very stylish right now but also practical and you know the comfort is there. So add to this sneaker capsule. I added silver last year; I'm planning to add a bright this year. Super useful. For you, navy or black, maybe, and maybe a fun colour. See if Ecco has some sales now of last year's!  If you also need a sandal for this type of activity, they exist (believe it or not). Well, maybe not for playing softball. But for all the other stuff... I wear my Fitflops to death for walking...(I needed a certain style that buckles tighter or they were too wide, but once I got the right ones, they're great for the PF). But there are other types out there that have better support/ security yet a bit of style. Casual, yes, but not gearish.  Suz on "Shoes epiphanies!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoes-epiphanies#post-1890384 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:29:52 +0000 Suz 1890384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not speaking for Smittie, but here is what I am going to say, living as I do in a nearby city with some of the same issues.  1. It is a city.  2. But most people walk around in gear all the time as if they were on some rural adventure. Wearing gear gear gear!!  3. If your taste is toward the refined, gear just doesn't cut it. Unless you are doing something like a real hike that demands real gear.  4. It becomes an identity issue. You want to say something with your footwear choices. You want to say, hey, I'm an urbanite, not a gear-head. I like fashion! I wear "outfits".  5. Meanwhile, you don't want your outfits to be so far outside the environmental norm that they make you stand out as a snob or a fool, or make it impossible to do the tasks of your ordinary day.  Ah, the endless contradictions.... I think the difference is urban/ rural.  A rural person needs a hiking (or other sturdy) shoe for going out and doing rural stuff -- hikes, work, etc. They then come back and change for other activities. Makes sense! I do the same if I go for a serious hike or a run.  But urban types get their exercise throughout their day. There is no clear division between "exercise" and other stuff. They need shoes that look good on city streets as well as in a park. They aren't necessarily going home to change between activities. Activities blend into one another. They need the footwear equivalents of the LBD that goes from work to dinner.