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Fashion sneakers

AntjeH

Are Converse fashion sneakers? And/or what are some examples of fashion sneakers? I'm looking for some comfortable but still stylish shoes for wearing on walks, on the playground, or to the local coffee shop.
I tried on some Converse, but somehow they make my feet look really long. I do have rather big feet (size 9, and I'm just 5'3'') but they don't usually look enormous... Anyway, so Converse are out. Anyone have other suggestions for non-athletic sneakers or other super comfy shoes that don't break the bank in bright colors?

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Eva

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Where do I start! Yes Converse are fashion sneakers and I'm sorry that they didn't work for you Antje. Have you searched on zappos yet? There are SO many styles and price points to choose from. You could even do more of a ballet flat style fashion sneaker. What are your preferences?

Becky

Veteran

Great topic! I, too, am shopping for some comfortable casual shoes for everyday use. I have shopped Zappos, but since my feet are WW, my choices are limited. I kind of liked these I saw on 6pm.com (though I doubt they're considered "fashion":

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7347343/c/59291.html

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3.....M_768.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2.....M_768.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/1.....M_768.html

I realize how hard it is to shop for WW shoes. I have a few clients like that. But you can get great shoes if you persevere. I don't prefer the shoes you have chosen Becky because they still look like Keens and Tivos which is what I call “ gear”. I've done a quick search and come up with "prettier" alternatives. Also, Converse does an extra wide style if you're interested. Aerosoles make good shoes for wider feet as well.

Munequita

Puma has a lot of choices too. I don't like a lot of color in my fashion sneakers so don't panic with all the wild color combinations they have if you are like me. You can find basic colors in some of their styles. I've been able to find the most comfortable brown ballet type sneakers from them. Super comfy, cushy, lined and of course cute! No breaking in required at all and they were leather. I always tend to grab those over my converse sneakers because they are so great to walk in. Check Nordstrom online for some puma styles, that is where I found my sneakers a couple of months ago.

Becky

Veteran

Angie, your recommendations *are* prettier! I actually have the Sketchers on my Zappos favorites list, but I was worried about the straps over the top. Because my feet are relatively small but very wide (6WW) and my legs are short and athletic, I was concerned that the strap across the top might have a shortening and/or widening effect. What to you think? Does that only apply to ankle straps?

Nicole

Veteran

I also like the fashion sneakers that are open in the back, sort of like a mule.

I didn't care for the second ones in Angie's link--they remind me of orthopedic shoes .

Sketchers has quite a nice selection:

http://search.famousfootwear.c.....search.htm

AntjeH

What I was hoping to find is something more like the Converse in terms of a closed shoe that you lace up (or a velcro buckle), which I can wear in spring and even when it's a bit rainy, with socks.
I like some of the Skechers, like the ones that are more ballerina like with a strap, but find them a bit summery to wear right now with socks.
I'm looking for something in bright colors (e.g. bright red, cobalt blue, grassy green; can be one bright color or multi-colored) and a bit funky/hip. Shouldn't look clunky or athletic. A couple of the ones linked in posts above are too brown and muted for what I'm looking for.
Basically, love the Converse style but they just didn't work out on my feet for some reason, really lenghtening them. Any ideas??

mayapple

If you're willing to shell out the megabucks, I really like Coach's sneakers. I had a pair that were quite comfortable and were, to my eyes, a lot more sophisticated and low profile than most fashion sneakers. Unfortunately my feet have since grown about half a size bigger, but I would love to get another pair eventually. They even have a style that has a similar look to Converses, as I recall. PF Flyers might also work. I remember seeing some that looked almost identical to Converse.

Nicole

Veteran

Keds have a lot of colorful sneakers:

http://www.6pm.com/n/search.cgi?q=keds

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I should have started with this point but I’ll bring it up now. Fashion sneakers tend to come in two different moods: the “sporty” look , and the “retro” look. Puma, Adidas, Nike. Merril and Sketchers trend to make “sporty” fashion sneakers; while fashion houses like Diesel, Coach, Michael Kors, DKNY, Converse and Mary K go for more of a “retro” looking fashion sneaker. It’s up to you which look tickles your fancy. I personally prefer a retro looking fashion sneaker because they’re versatile, lady-like and funky. I also happen to be VERY non-sporty which makes a sporty looking fashion sneaker a poor choice for my style.

I feel that you need to be very careful with a mule sneaker because they can look a little like "gear". The rubber soles on shoes like this are often not quite refined enough. A fun casual clog is a little different though. Does that make sense?

The “orthopedic fashion sneaker” looks better in off white and I’ve seen it in the flesh worn with jeans. It’s really not a bad option for a WW foot. But I totally understand if it’s not your preference.

Becky, I have a client who is 5ft with a size 6WW shoe and she can wear shoes with straps across the top with jeans and pants without it being remotely unflattering. This might work for you too.

Coach makes beautiful retro fashion sneakers and they are well worth the expense. I love the ones that Michael Kors has brought out this season. They are perfect for travelling, walking, errands and casual evenings out.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....in=related

AntjeH

Ok, now we're talking. These Michael Kors ones are great! I found them in red, too: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/33411485/c/585.html
The price is steep; I had hoped for something about half that price... but I might not be able to resist.
And I found these adorable Coach sneakers: http://www.amazon.com/Coach-De.....038;sr=1-7
Thanks everyone, now I have some good ideas and will have to see what I'm willing to spend

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like the retro fashion sneaker mood is what you're after Antje. You will not look back with this type of shoe and it’s absolutely worth the expense if you can afford it. Casual chic at its peak!

Eva

Do you consider the ballarina version fashion sneakers? I think of them as casual flats. I will wear these with shorts in the summer. I personally prefer the sporty version to the retro because I am more athletic. But I will not wear these with shorts.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes! Fsahion sneakers can be in a ballerina style, but they're not what I call ballet flats.

Becky

Veteran

This one probably falls into the gear category, but I LOVE the color:

http://www.shoetrader.com/page.....;CATEGORY=

Nicole

Veteran

Oooh Becky I like those too! I like all three colors!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The colour is fab! It's definitely still a fashion sneaker Becky, just the sporty kind instead of the retro kind. IMO the style would have been even sweeter if the rubber sole was purple instead of black.

Eva

Becky, I love it. Those are the ones that I think of as the ballarina version. I agree a purple heel would be more fab.