Keens, Chacos, Tevas, Is this an Austin thing? Flip Flop bad? - YouLookFab Forum

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Keens, Chacos, Tevas, Is this an Austin thing? Flip Flop bad?

Abie

Veteran

I want to hear your opinions on wearing gear type sandals with casual wear. It's very common here. I love them, but I realize my location and how popular they are locally has likely shaped that in some ways.

What do you think? Fashionable, flip flop category, or something in between?

For example, I have these Keen H2s. I wear them at least weekly in the summer. I will often pair them with dresses, usually dresses that have at least some black in them. I get tons of compliments with this combination and I love it, but I have a feeling the look is not universally appealing.

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

sarah

Veteran

I do wear Keens and flip flops, but I wear them when I'm doing outdoor kinds of things, like canoeing, gardening, swimming in rocky, unfamiliar territory, or hanging out at the family cabin. I'm not such a big fan of them paired with my everyday clothes.

kellygirl

Veteran

It's a Bay Area thing too. I see lots of MOTG's wearing these kind of sandals but usually with more gear-ish athletic wear like shorts/dresses. I've definitely adjusted to the look but I don't gravitate to it. I think these kind of sandals are useful for the beach or trail but I wouldn't wear them as regular shoes. To me, they are too much like sneaks. I'd much rather wear a sleek, flat sandal. Just my 2 cents

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I am wondering that myself as I have 3 pairs of Dansko sandals and I am not sure if they are up to YLF standards, and I don't know what kind of walking sandals would look nicer.

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christieanne

Veteran

I think gear is gear - it has a place if one is doing active things (like hiking, beach, sports,etc) but gear doesn't look right unless matched with other gear to my eye. The Danskos are not as gear-y and I could see those for touristy or major walking days.
Of course it is a matter of opinion - they are Totally Popular here in Berkeley for sure.

ironkurtin

Veteran

This look is popular wherever it's outdoorsy. IMO if it makes you happy, go for it.

Anonymous

Not fashionable. I own Keens. I love them. I do wear them everywhere...especially on weekends with casual wear. I also wear them to walk from the parking deck to the office due to comfort. Once in the office, I usually change into something more dressy.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Not fashionable, but certainly practicality and comfort can win over on occasion. I would not wear them to be fashionable, but I do wear them for necessary tasks (running after kids at a park, walking in neighborhood...) But like Ironkurtin says, if they make you happy go for it.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love my Tevas, but to me they're gear. I wear either them or hiking boots with my hiking/photography gear when I'm in down and dirty active mode. Otherwise, I wear comfy casual shoes for comfy casual days when I'll be walking a lot. I don't care to make gear my everyday attire, but I know there are a lot of people who do.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think if your overall style persona is "sporty" then this could (potentially) work as part of an intentional look. But if your overall style is more arty or modern classic or really anything other than sporty, the sandals are going to look a bit out of place with your regular clothing.

Which creates problems when a person needs super comfortable, stable footwear that doesn't look like gear! I know, because I'm on the hunt for such a thing right now!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These types of sporting sandals - like what you linked to in the top of the thread, Abie - are gear (nothing more and nothing less). They are best left worn in sport settings, like when you are engaging in a sport - as Janet mentions in her comment. They are what I would call un-stylish casual wear for any other setting.

I'm not going to beat about the bush at all when it comes to putting gear in it's place, I'm afraid. I am unsupportive of gear worn as normal casual clothing - unless you are engaging in or spectating a sporting activity.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Angie, do you consider the Dansko sandals I posted above gear as well? Are they unstylish, or OK to wear with casual outfits? I am wondering if I need to upgrade my sandals. I have these in black, tan and cognac.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Natalie, those Dansko sandals are 100% to wear as casual wear. Stylish for sure. They don't look like gear. I have many happy clients in those sandals actually.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Angie! That's a relief--I'm glad I don't have to replace them!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm glad that you don't feel that you have to replace them either, Natalie

I also think that Birkenstocks (all sorts of styles) look fine worn as casual wear. Perhaps that's because I'm Euro and grew up with family - both men and women wearing them. Some WITH SOCKS no less. Birkies get a lot flack in the style world, but I am supportive of them (sans socks). Horses for courses, I guess.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Oh Lord, Angie, if you don't like gear your eyes will bleed in Austin!

I will admit to a pair of Keens that look like Mary Janes that I use for travelling. I don't mind Keens that are like deconstructed shoes. And I mind them way less on men, I don't know why.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suburban Seattleites like to wear gear as casual wear too. It's very outdoorsy in that neck of the woods.

I like the way you described that, Dana. I don't mind gear branded sandals worn as casual wear when they look like a proper shoe. (Like Natalie's sandals).

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Random thread hijack Angie--It's funny because my pre-YLF shoes (esp. my red, nude and black low heel pumps) are actually more comfortable than my post-YLF shoes! I've gotten some fab new high heels (Chie Mihara sandals and blue snakeskin MaryJanes) but am thinking I need to stick to mid heel and lower for my future purchases because they are more practical. I bought a pair of Ugg wedge sandals to look more fashionable, but they were chafing a little after walking all day in them and I think it's because of the heel height. These Danskos have a bit of a heel but they're mostly flat because of the platform. I have to remember that high heels are not great for my work or MOTG. You are the champion of flats with skirts and dresses and I should try that more...I just haven't been able to picture myself wearing loafers and oxfords--somehow they seem too masculine for my style.

Back to the thread--I don't have Keens, but (don't look Angie) I do have a pair of orange Crocs!

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christieanne

Veteran

Crocs have their place too I suppose - too me they are rain shoe replacement, garden, hospital (I know all the nurses love them at least) and Mario Batali's kitchen. If Mario was going to cook for me, I'd wear Crocs if that was needed

Crocs does make a ballet shoe - my DD has some for rainy days and they are kind of cute.

Sorry Abbie to take your thread in a new direction. Maybe we should start a thread of low heeled, comfortable summer sandals for all the traveling, touristing and other summer activities?

biscuitsmom

Veteran

SAS has one of the most comfortable lines of shoes and sandals Ive ever tried- been wearing that line for years and they come in a lot of different widths also... these are the most similar to my 'go to' pair- http://sasshoes.com/main/view_.....;prodid=85

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree they seem more like "gear" too - sometimes certain styles of Teva's etc., in brighter colors can be okay though. I have a "regular" looking Teva sandal with a wedge that get's compliments. And I had a red pair of Privo's that were water shoes that everyone loved - never received as many compliments on a single item of clothing as on those darn shoes. I still have them but now they are faded and only for wading in the lake.

Kristin L

Veteran

I feel like it depends on what you do and what you like. If that's the style in your area and you like it, I think its fine.

Aida

Veteran

To me those are gear as well. I have a pair, and only wear them gardening or hiking