Ask Angie: Quality Footwear for Women

Angie and all,

I've been so frustrated shopping for shoes. I never have more than a few pairs at a time, and I run every pair into the ground before replacing. Right now, my in-and-out system has been thrown for a loop because I can't wear anything with heels over an inch without pain, so I can't wear my two best pairs. So I'm wearing two roached pairs and need to replace now, so not the time to be PPP. At the same time, I don't want to waste money on shoes that won't go the distance for me.

I have some sparkly black Cons on order to cover ultra-casual situations, but I still need something to cover slightly dressier occasions, like Sundays. (I have no need for truly formal shoes at the moment.)

I've been considering the Bass Enfields (pictured below) kindly suggested by Inge. They fit my style well, and I really like their looks. Unfortunately, reviews suggest that the soles crack and wear down after 3-4 wears. I need to wear these shoes several days a week, so these may not fit the bill.

Finally getting to my question - excuse all the backstory:
My husband wears Aldens every day to work and changes into casual loafers at home. He takes care of his shoes (shoe trees, polishing, re-soling when necessary), and they still look great after years of wear. I'd love to find shoes like that, but made for women. I'd love something made in the USA or Europe, resole-able, classic but quirky. Does such a thing exist? What brands might be good?

Thanks!
Becky

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13 years ago

lynne

Veteran

Check out http://www.barkingdogshoes.com for some wonderful reviews, photos and recommendations. She pointed the way to some of my favorite comfortable shoes.

Ingunn

(website)

I live in Europe, so I can only speak of European brands. If you find Ecco shoes to your liking, or Clarks, I think the quality of these are very satisfying. Both brands produce shoes in a wide range of styles, comfortable and durable.

Suz

I was going to suggest Ecco or Clark's, too. It might depend a bit on the shape of your feet, though. Also, those shoes would be comfortable, but they are not leather soled, so resoling as you've described might not be worth it or easy.

Not Angie, obviously, but she often recommends Stuart Weitzman. I think most are made in the U.S. or Europe.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I think the more important point here is that you *will* wear out shoes more quickly despite their level of quality if you only have a few pairs. Ideally, you need to spread the wear. I hope that makes sense.

I walk a lot and at a fast pace. I wear my shoes out quite fast - and hold onto comfy pairs forever until I can replace them.

Bass is not a quality shoe - although the styling is fun

Docs are indestructible. Stuart Weitzman and Donald Pliner never let me down. Aquatlaia, Ecco, Clarks, Paul Green, Anyi Lu, AGL, Cole Haan, Chie Mihara, Joseph Seibel - are to name but a few brands that generally make comfy and well made shoes.

cobaltblue

I lost the reply I wrote, so I'll recap quickly.

Thank you all for your suggestions! The list I've taken down should be very helpful. I know that wearing frequently will ultimately result in shoes wearing out, but I can only afford a pair or two now. Maybe I can find a super cheap TJMaxx pair or two to bridge the gaps? I'd love to have a small collection of quality footwear, but it will take some time. I guess if I wear them out quickly, I'll never reach the optimal number because I'll be replacing instead of adding. Good food for thought. How many shoes are an acceptable minimum?

Becky

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