(ETA) Which flats for taking on trip? - YouLookFab Forum

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(ETA) Which flats for taking on trip?

K.M.

Veteran

I'm already planning for an upcoming trip where I'll be doing lots and lots of walking in late Spring, at a place that will be likely warm and humid then. I hope to find a pair of flats that is:

- Comfortable

- Versatile

To be worn with pants, dresses, skirts, dressed up and down etc.

Considering the two below. I don't have any experience with these brands (El Naturalista and Spring Step).

Wondering if anyone has input on the comfort of these brands, and also your thoughts on the style of these two. Also debating on color (the El Naturalista comes in the light red below, also brighter red, dusty blue, brown, black, and B&W). And other recs are welcome!

UPDATE: I ordered the Spring Step ones because I found an amazing deal on their website. They are so nice! Prettier in person, less chunky than I thought they would be. They have a delicate almond toe and fit close to the foot all around. Striking without looking weird. Very comfortable out of the box. Once I try them out with different outfits and, most importantly, once I walk around with them out of the house, I'll post a full review.

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El Naturalista Stella ND54

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Top Pick

2

Spring Step Haiku Sandal | Color Black | Leather Closed Toe Sandal

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Top Pick

3

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

rachylou

Veteran

Those are both cute. I don’t know the brands, but I imagine the first pair would be more versatile, could be dressed up more for a nice dinner or show.

Joha

I don't have any experience of the brands either but two thoughts come to my mind. If I would be after an elongated legline I would probably choose the pink ones as the color blends better with the skintone. On the other hand I find that small straps are usually to constricting and they tend to cut into my ankle. The black ones look more comfortable from that perspective. Also - the Velcro helps with an easy taking on and off of the shoes in case this would be necessary during your trip.

In any case - have fun preparing and enjoy warm spring days

Sal

Veteran

From the photos I think 2 looks more comfortable and I do agree easy on and off is really helpful for travelling. I like the pink but agree with Joha that thin straps can cut in.

I like to take two pairs of day walking sandals/shoes with me in summer - I would take one pair of sneakers, one pair walking sandals, one pair of evening sandals (still good for walking but not as far)....I then swap them over and if I have a day with very little walking I might wear the evening sandals.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I assume the closed toes are intentional, to be dressy/formal? Because if not, open toes can be a little cooler.

How attached are you to these specific models? They look good, but I’m confused as to why the variable of an unknown brand when comfort & walkability are important and similar styles are available from brands known for their comfort
https://www.clarksusa.com/c/Grace-Sofia/p/26135638
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.....ad97aa66bb
http://www.rockport.com/rockpo.....38;start=1
http://www.rockport.com/rockpo.....38;start=1
https://www.josefseibel.com/sh.....-19-cream/

I pulled those up hastily, so they aren’t the best examples, but I just feel like I’ve seen a lot of shoes similar to what you’re looking for.

K.M.

Veteran

rachylou, interesting, at first I thought the second pair would be the dressier one, but perhaps the open back makes it less versatile?

Joha, yes, I'd love to elongate my leg line--I'm short and short-legged as it is!

Joha and Sal, I see your point about the straps and velcro. I have thin, low-volume feet (though finicky with a bunion and wide toe box), so this usually isn't a problem for me, but I do have issues with shoes rubbing the back of my ankle.

Sal, I'm hoping to take only two pairs of shoes for two weeks. This would require sneakers that can be worn in rain.

FashIntern, these are all beautiful--the Clarks especially! I'm not super familiar with comfort brands in general, so perhaps this is why they are all kind of the same to me (I thought Spring Step was a comfort brand; El Naturalista I hadn't heard of, but fell in love with the look and color of the shoes).

I know sometimes we have to order a bunch and return most, but I really don't like dealing with returns... (especially after reading on the Forum that you can be nixed from a retailer for returning beyond a certain limit).

Great advice from everyone--you give me lots to think about as I continue to search for the perfect pair! Still have many months to do it, though perhaps now summer sales would be my friend for these kinds of shoes.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You might be right—those could be great comfort brands that I’ve never heard of before. Stranger things have happened. Good point about summer sales.

I’d take 2 pairs of shoes on a 2 week trip, but a lot of people would want more. Do you have the sneakers yet? I got good advice a couple weeks ago on a thread looking for do-it-all tennies—something I could wear for actual, not terribly high impact, exercise that would also be cute with casual dresses.

LaPed

Veteran

Can't speak to these particular models, but I have a wide forefoot and narrow heel and I've had good luck with two pairs of El Naturalista shoes. Solid comfort plus fun designs.

Joy

Veteran

I am not familiar with either brand but both look comfortable. For my own travel shoes, they must be light weight. Imagine walking all day in heavy shoes. They can wear you down, let alone make your luggage heavier to lift. my own favorite are ECCOs and a pair of very light weight black waterproof Aquatalia ballet flats ( actually a low slight wedge heel). You will also want a shoe with enough support to take uneven pavement like cobblestones or rocky, gravel paths.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I would recommend you take a look at your current shoes to gather some information. Take out your MOST comfy shoes and try to figure out: what is it that makes them so comfy? (Soft leather, heel or toe shape, footbed material, etc). Then do the same with a couple pairs of your most uncomfortable shoes.

I had a lightbulb moment this summer when I realized that my heel always rubs painfully on any shoe worn without socks. So in the future I won’t buy summer shoes or sandals that have a back- only straps for me.

Sal

Veteran

What good advice Jessi - I might do the same thing!!

I know a skinny heel puts me off entirely even if low - and sling backs tend to slip down on my back heel.

rachylou

Veteran

That’s a good point about colour - the pink being leg lengthening... I think the Velcro and wide straps make the black pair more casual... and the ankle strap could be irritating, although I myself like them because I feel the shoe is secured to my feet...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Is your trip in 8 months, K.M?

Both shoes are super cute. It boils down to comfort and that you need figure out after a road test. Must take ROAD TESTED comfy shoes on holiday.

K.M.

Veteran

Fashintern, I'll check out your thread for sneaker recs. I am not sure if my current ones are the best for this trip.

La Pedestrienne, yes, that's also my foot: narrow heel and wide toe area! So that's great to know about El Naturalista, because I also find the designs very appealing.

Joy, good point about weight, and I'll check out ECCO and Aquatalia too.

Jessikams, when I think of shoe wardrobe I realize I don't own a single shoe that is 100% comfy I have shoes that are comfortable enough, even very comfortable, but there is always one or two things that are not perfect. Maybe I find my snow boots very comfortable but they wouldn't be a good model for this trip!

Sal, just the thought of walking miles on a skinny heel makes my ankles twist already!

rachylou, I don't know why, but every time I look at them I find the red ones more casual than the black ones. Not just the color, but the style. That's part of what's tripping me up. All things equal I think I'd rather have both my toes and ankles covered for protection.

Angie, yes, the trip is in about 8 months... I don't usually plan this far ahead, but I'm so excited about this--it's a dream trip (don't want to jinx it before everything is in place, so not revealing location just yet... I can be superstitious). I'm already planning travel capsule, shoes, bag, and airplane accessories :O

Thanks everyone for your feedback! And Angie, I'll get the shoes ahead of time and wear them well before the trip--that's great advice. If only I could keep them looking brand new...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds good, K.M. I like your enthusiasm and excitement.

Chris987

Veteran

Agree with Angie, make sure to wear the shoes you select for several hours at a time, on multiple days, and do it now so you have time to go with something different if they fail the test. Better they look a tiny bit worn than are not comfy. Good luck!

K.M.

Veteran

Thanks, Angie and Chris!

And the sales have decided... I did another "Google Shopping" search and caught a great price on the Spring Step Haikus that I hadn't seen elsewhere--less than half the original price I'll see what it looks and feels like when it gets here.

(Now of course I'm wishing I had both. Would be fun to have a pair of red shoes.)