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2022 year in review - shoes

Irina

Veteran

My 2022 purchases were a mixed bag. Some planned replacements, some “wants” and a panic buy.

For the last few years I bought on average 8 pairs of shoes as I was rebuilding my shoe wardrobe. I’m mostly done and I should’ve bought considerably less this year, 6 pairs is too many, not happy about it.

Rag & Bone suede sneakers - NAS purchase, a replacement for my old Ecco pair.

Cream Club Monaco flats - a replacement for worn out light color flats (although I still have them and hope to squeeze a few more wears out of it). These flats I have in two more colors from previous years and the style fits me well.
New Balance beige and Nike black knitted sneakers - impulse buys. Both became instant workhorses and I will rely on them this winter as I still struggle with boots due to an injury earlier this year.

Vince black sandals - I went back to work this summer and could not wear most of my footwear, my foot was too swollen post injury and an operation. I panic bought these sandals. They are now too loose and I will have to deal with it next year.
Cole Haan suede loafer sling backs - my last purchase and I’m still within the return window. They are exactly the loafers I’ve been looking for and they fit me since they are sling backs and they stay on my feet plus they don’t hurt my bunions. But they are sling backs and might not as versatile as loafers. Leaning keep, though.

How was you shoe shopping this year? Any wins and/or regrets?

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Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Shoes are my weakness too. Moving from Florida to a place with actual winters, I’ve bought quite a few. Your injury (isn’t it a pain how much more slowly we recover as we age?) is a perfectly good reason to need a couple bigger pairs. It sounds like you like the skingbacks, even though they break a “rule”. I vote for keeping them

Joy

Veteran

I had a nice collection of flats that need replacing, especially loafers and booties. I can’t find comfortable fits now. I think I am a smaller size. I will keep looking but keep the old until I find a replacement. Colors are very hard to find. Maybe spring will bring more choices.

Star

Veteran

A 'regret' pair of lug sole red loafers. So uncomfortable :(. And no more slip ons with small heels. I twisted my ankle in one pair really badly and then as it was healing proceeded to do it again in another pair. I seem to need more ankle support for the uneven roads and paving in my town. The 2nd pair was new from this year only worn once or twice.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I love those cream flats. Perfect for you.

I bought four pairs of shoes this year.,

The yoga sling sandals are my perfect beach shoe. The stretchy straps even happily hang on my arm when I inevitably slip them off to walk in the water. 13 wears since April.
I'm not convinced I love the taller Bed Stu combat boots as much as I did the shorter cousins they replaced. I felt like I wanted something a little different to move my style forward, but did I really? 19 wears since October.
I haven't really wrapped my head around the olive suede booties. They are less comfortable barefoot than I would like and I haven't really tried them much with socks. I love the look of them, though, and hopefully, they'll continue to break in. 4 wears since August.
The Birdies flats came this week and I ADORE them. They might be the most comfortable flats I've ever owned. It's been raining since they arrived, though, so they're indoor shoes for now.

Sanuk Sling Soft Top

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Bed Stu Anne Bootie

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Sisi

Veteran

Nice shoes! I like your cream ballets, the funny suede sling backs and the black sandals. Maybe a cobbler will be able to fix them?
My 2022 shoe shopping went very well. I bought 4 pairs of much needed closed shoes: silver oxfords, 2 ballet flats (1 white, 1 fuchsia), black suede moccasins. They are all workhorses! (it seems I am doing better with shopping lately ... ).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Irina, give yourself a break! After a foot injury, you NEED good footwear. And if some of it doesn't work post-recovery, so be it.

I love the cream flat and the sling back loafer for you -- fun additions! I envy you for being able to keep a slingback on your foot. They are hard for me although I love the style and always have. A loafer might work better on me than a slingback pump due to the higher vamp.

I am hard on my footwear and when I wear it a lot, I wear it out. Plus, I happen to love shoes. So I buy what many people would consider too many every single year. When you walk as much as I do, maybe it should be factored as a transportation cost vs. a fashion cost.

I made 7 footwear purchases this year. (I also retired 7 pairs -- so this is a "one-in-one-out" situation.)

White higher shaft booties --- instant workhorse. Why did I wait so long for these? Light coloured waterproof footwear in winter -- brilliant for my style.

Blundstone lug soles -- these are semi-gear, worn for my neighbourhood and local trail walks and gardening and other chores, also on my bike. Not a fashion purchase.

Ecco Corksphere sandals -- these are "at home" summer shoes for me. Easy on and off.

Ecco sandal -- again, a gear purchase, gear that can do casual crossover if required. It's a repeat of a style I retired, in a different colour.

Ecco sneaker -- more gear. For walks and short runs.

Franco Sarto loafer -- my indoor shoes for winter, and I love them! Have never had a loafer that stays on my foot before! I will wear them outdoors later in the year, perhaps.

Eileen Fisher sandal -- a replacement for the exact same item, worn out.

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BLUNDSTONE FOOTWEAR Chelsea Boot

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SARTO By Franco Sarto Balinna Platform Loafer

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Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal

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Irina

Veteran

Suz, I’m interested in white Ecco sandals. They are actually on my list for the next year. Would they work for a low volume foot?

Val

Nice shoes, I love the color palette of black + pale neutrals.
My big shoe thing in 2022 has been a sudden desire for slip-ons since having a baby in January. Even though lace-ups fit me better, it’s just too hard to get in and out the door while wrangling a baby and also fiddling with laces. My one successful purchase so far has been a pair of slip-on sneakers from Birkenstock that stay on my feet perfectly. Otherwise I switched out the regular laces for elastic laces on another shoe, and found that my ankle-high hikers could become slip-ons by permanently tying the laces in a loose position. Now I’m looking at my winter boots, wondering about getting something with zippers.

slim cat

Veteran

Pretty collection - some loose fitting shoes were necessity for you
( would call it "transitional" shoes ). I've had special loose fitting boots from Rack when I had ankle injury - it was donated later.
I've got a few pairs of sandals for our long summer - all from Walking Company by ABEO. Couple of them were not a perfect fit but I'm very hard on my summer shoes and probably will go through most of them in the next 2 summers.
I duplicated my ECCO sneakers since I could not find anything else that works for my long shifts as SA. No boots but I'm looking at Vionic combat boots at Nordstrom - might get myself a Christmas present .

Sal

Veteran

Nice footwear Irina....and with a move back to the office and an injury - you have done well.

I like the slingback loafers - for me they would work for six -eight months a year but our climate is milder.

I have made three footwear purchases - the lace up boots and yellow mules, and some Asics running sneakers. The boots were really well worn - about 45 wears. The mules have become my go to for functions- I don't have much bright footwear.

Next on my list is probably replacement birkenstocks - mine are getting a bit worn after a LOT of wear.

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Minaminu

Veteran

Good footwear is indeed priceless and you got some fab finds

I'll need to review my current collection in 2023 - footwear is a challenge to get it right so very well done for finding so many nice pieces!

LJP

Veteran

Love those sling backs ! Where did you find them ? As if I need more summer shoes .

I’ve probably purchased the least number of shoes/ sandals/boots in late 2021 / 2022 than ever . I have a LOT , and with a seriously reduced budget now and fewer “reasons” to buy , I’m trying to “ wear out “ what I have .

I made 3 “mistakes “ this past year - 2 of which were costly enough to really rub it in :
1. A pair of Taos high shaft combat type boots in black suede . They are too casual for how I dress , and I never ever wear them . I have no idea how to style them to make them look current or intentional with my style . UGH!

2. A pair of lined olive green leather Converse hi tops . I don’t know why I persist with Converse ! They look silly on me , aren’t comfortable and don’t work with my style . Every time I put them on I feel self conscious with the big white toe caps and like I’m in costume or something . UGH again . Picture not identical . Mine have a traditional thicker sole .
3 . At least these were not $$. But they are so missy looking on my foot I cannot for the life of me remember why I thought I should have them . Navy blue knitted side zip high top Cloudsteppers sneakers . The pic here is low-top. I refuse to continue giving away things I don’t wear so I’m determined to figure out how to wear these .

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Jonesy

Veteran

Footwear threads are the best threads :)! Irina, your collection looks so cohesive and lovely. The new slingback loafers look fab!

I bought a pair of sleek, higher shaft black Chelsea boots in the early fall, and loved them so much that I duplicated them in a warm greenish-brown suede (the color is "moss" though they look like a straightforward warm brown in the pic).

I also found a pair of sneakers that I can wear out and about (I am super late in jumping on the fashion sneakers train--I've just never found a pair I liked); these are men's and bookend my hair.

Finally, I bought a pair of felted wool clogs that sort of look like house shoes, but I wear them out of the house with socks and skirts/pants.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have bought 4 and returned 2. I bought studded Oxfords and bronze lace-ups before my winter, have worn the former 33 times and the latter 15 times.
I bought 2 pairs of fuchsia sandals which I have looked for since early September but neither fit properly and I had to return both. I normally do really well on shoe orders online but this was a big disappointment and has put me off

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Irina

Veteran

LJP, the loafer sling backs are from Nordstrom. I looked at them during NAS and passed, hoping to find the regular loafers. Also, I skipped the whole lug sole shoe trend so far but like it here, probably because it’s not black and hence less heavy looking for my frame.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Irina, soooo glad you found fab shoes that worked with your foot injury. It's a mare, and I applaud you! Especially since the impulse buys became instant workhorses! KILLER AMAZING And do NOT beat yourself up about getting many pairs and an interim panic pair too. That's the way it goes with foot injuries and fussy feet. At least you found shoes that worked!

The cream flats are my type of shoe. Sooooo pretty! I wish that elasticated back worked for me though. It cuts into me heels no matter what, so I will enjoy the shoes on you!

I also do better with fewer pairs of shoes. Just not a shoe person who seeks and needs lots of variety in that wardrobe item. I latch onto a few pairs for the season and keep on wearing them! It's kind of a relief...

I'll be back later....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I’m interested in white Ecco sandals. They are actually on my list for the next year. Would they work for a low volume foot?

Hi, Irina -- do you mean these ones? (They also come in white, so I'm assuming so.) Here's my take: The Yucatan 2 is a slightly less gear-ish version of the Yucatan sport sandal, which is a real hiking sandal and made with very sturdy materials and lots of padding. The Yucatan 2 has less padding and comes in funkier colours and is also a little less clunky, if that makes sense. (I own both sandals -- one is pure gear for me, one is gear-ish).

I think it could work for a lower volume foot, yes, because the straps are all velcro. And you can tighten it in 3 places. My foot, for reference, is medium volume with a fairly high instep/ arch. Wider but not truly wide at the front, narrow in midfoot and heel.

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ECCO Sport ECCO SportYucatan Sandal

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Runcarla

Veteran

Great shoes Irina! (Love Suz’s new acquisitions as well as Jonesy’s high shaft Chelsea’s.)

Boots were a big need early in the year, and sandals (the fishermen’s) were a HEWI. The MMM sandals (thrifted) and lilac Comverse were impulse purchases - but no regrets.

I still have some footwear needs nd hope to fill the gaps for dressier footwear in 2023.

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Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

My entire shoe collection totals about 15 (admittedly because I don't have storage space for more, lol!)

I rebought the blush sandals this year because, whilst the original pair technically still *work*, the straps have become lose.

The only pairs I bought outright this year were the Blondos (brown combat boots), the burgundy/brown FitFlop Lena loafers (3rd from left in photo #2) & Cariumas (more below). But technically both boots in photo #1 (FitFlop Signey Mixte) & the Clarks Pure Tone bronze loafers are new because I could only access them this summer (bought in 2019 thinking I'd go home to retrieve them - lol guess COVID had other plans...)

It's technically enough footwear for my needs but I would prefer to rely on *dark* neutrals (chocolate) so would like to replace the FitFlop Gold D'orsay flatforms & Hush Puppies gold velcro sandals (4th from top left & 3rd from bottom left in photo #2, respectively). I bought the Cariuma OCA Low dark brown trainers to replace the former but I'm still in the process of doctoring them for fit (one foot rubs a little at the base of my big toe & they don't feel quite as dressy as the gold... https://int.cariuma.com/collec.....aker-women

Formal & dressy is always a struggle, isn't it??

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Irina

Veteran

Suz, thanks!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your collection looks just right and really you cannot regret shoes that you needed when your foot was swollen and don't fit now. You needed shoes then too! The cream flats and loafer slingbacks are gorgeous.
I shamelessly will admit that I cannot even remember how many shoes came home with me this year, but will note that I cannot remember buying any retail, which is unusual. (I usually buy one or two during sales seasons). I will always pick up a second hand shoe in excellent condition for the right price, either to immediately resell or to test and then decide. The right price being $5 in most cases!

Sal

Veteran

Lisa - have you ever tried selling through EBay or whatever is the local choice. I have recouped money on a few things especially things that are really lightly worn and still current. I have also tried Facebook marketplace and consignment. It's hard to get exactly what you paid for them but maybe 50-70%?

Sorry to hijack Irina:)

kkards

Veteran

As Suz said, it’s a must to have comfortable shoes that work for where you are now.

I have 2 shoe regrets - I bought a pair of fisherman sandals from Etsy, because at the time I could not find what I wanted anywhere else. Well that’s not true I really wanted The Row fisherman but would not spend that kind of money on a sandal. Anyway, the Etsy pair as just not right. They fit, they are not uncomfortable, but they close funny and are just “off”. And then weeks later, they 2nd find appears from everlane and on sale, so I bought them. the Nikes where comfortable in the store, and the 1st time I worn them, but after that, nope.

On the other hand I wondered if I was spending to much on the Paul Green sneakers and though about returning them, but they turned out to be my best purchase of 2022. Worn all the time, and so comfortable.

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The Leather Fisherman Sandal

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Nike Daybreak Sneaker

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Paul Green Carly Low Top Sneaker

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Anonymous

I'm enjoying everyone's collections! These were mine this year. I was actively working on my brown complements.

The sandal booties replaced 3 pairs of transitional shoes in poor shape. Will be looking for similar in cognac in spring.

The brown boots I haven't worn that much yet, as they feel too casual for work, and need full length pants to look right. Plus they scratch easily :/

The flat bronze sandals were workhorses this year. They're not 6 milers like my Birks, but not quite as casual.

The wedges are problematic for stair climbing and lots of walking. They felt comfortable in the shop though!

I'm low key looking for tall boots now. Some of mine have damage, and my snowboots are too tight to accommodate any but the thinnest socks.

COMFORTIVA Faye

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COMFORTIVA Cardee

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Eric Michael Lily

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

To Kkards point, I think shoes, because the right fit is so hard to define and so crucial, are the hardest thing to buy by budget. My Sorels were 130, Hees 80, Joseph Seibel 70, Pikolinos 60, Reickers 30, and Oxfords 29. (All off the top of my head, perhaps not 100% accurate). They all fit like a dream. I walk for miles in them and could dance all night. In other words, I buy shoes in a wide range of prices, and expect them to work hard. This is nearly all my last 2 years of shoe purchases.

ETA I kept these & wear them. Can’t recall what they or the white sandals cost. https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ther-shoes

SOREL Lennox Lace-Up Bootie

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by Stagiaire Fash

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cat2

Veteran

I had an extremely restrained shoe year, all I did was replace my Brooks walking shoes and replace 30 year old Dansko clogs with a new pair.

Irina

Veteran

Thank you all for posting pictures of your new shoes and sharing your experience. So much fun and some serious shoe envy here

Style Fan

Veteran

Lots of beautiful footwear to look at here.

After years of experimenting, I have decided to stick to a few brands of footwear that work with my problem feet.

I bought:

Two pairs of Finn Comfort sneakers -- a pale blue pair and a black pair.
One pair of Finn Comfort sandals.
One pair of Birkenstock sandals.

I just bought a pair of Blundstones. I am undecided about these. I have been walking around the house in them. They work for my style, and they seem comfortable.

If I keep the Blundstones, I will have purchased five footwear this year.

Blundstone BL585 Classic 550 Chelsea Boot

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Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Slide Sandal

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rachylou

Veteran

A nice collection!

Shoes get old and worn. I think I’ve bought six pairs of sneakers alone this year. I’m hard on shoes too; on my feet 10 hours a day tbh.

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