This post has nothing to do with the uneasy New Year transition from settee-ridden sloth to, ahem, mistress of the universe. The combination of sharp tailoring and sporty footwear has always appealed to me. From Mick Jagger's first wedding outfit to Lauren Hutton on the red carpet, tread carefully and a comfy shoe can look trés chic. Christopher Kane was at it last summer, with his rubber soled, sports sandals. Then came the mink-lined version from Céline. I love that slightly orthopaedic, care in the community vibe. So imagine my delight whilst lolling around on the sofa over the holidays, when I noticed that Red magazine has ditched designer and gone for a fully functional sports slide. Make way for the Nike shower mule (above).
 |
| Lauren Hutton in Supergas at the CFDA Awards 2012. |
Back in the nineties, I gave the shower shoe a whirl. Teamed with a black Miu Miu pencil skirt and khaki shirt, for the minimalist-about-town look. I even wore a pair of those grey felt Birkenstock clogs, outdoors. But I can't help wondering, if twenty years down the line, shuffling around in plastic sandals could look less like a serious style statement and more like I've thrown in the towel, or just had my bunions done.
Your thoughts please.
Ha ha love it.. "care in the community vibe".. Have to say, I love a comfortable shoe - can't be dealing with heels really - feel a sort of fake in a heel like I am not myself! Happy New Year to you TNMA. x
ReplyDeleteand we all bought the fitflop......not the most elegant summer footwear simply because it told us it would tone our thighs.....ha!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly a trend I can whole-heartedly embrace! I simply can't walk in heels and never could. Even though I'm still hoping that one day (as if by magic) I will simply be able to slip into a pretty pair of shiny and elegant heels, in the meantime I'll stick to flats and trainers. If somebody can tell me the trick to walking elegantly in a pair of heels (and without the look of excruciating pain on my face) please let me know! xo
ReplyDeleteI love a comfy shoe, in fact, these days, there is no room for one that isn't. I suspect as with all things that are actually nice to wear, it's how you wear them that makes the difference.
ReplyDeleteI am still mourning the demise of a particularly comfortable pair of red, sort of mary-jane-type, flat shoes that my sister forbade me to wear in her presence. I think as long as they're not beige, nor worn with american tan types we can embrace comfort this year!
ReplyDeleteYou see this look alot in San Antonio, Texas where I live...the heat results in more casual styling most of the year.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the look, without feeling like I could pull it off stylishly. Comfort, oh yes, that's a must! But I think I'm too seasoned to convey any irony while wearing the Nike slides -- bunion surgery does come to mind : >
ReplyDeleteHappy New year!!!
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
yes, you can't beat the comfy shoe, but being on the short side i suffer in this area by eitehr looking dumpy frump or a police woman. Oh to have those long long legs to carry it off
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the slightly orthopedic looking shoe as well. Just bought the off-white Doc Martens and they're great. In the summer, I wear Haviana flip flops a lot. I have a few pairs of Birkenstocks, but I'm not sure about them at my age.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in NIKE TOWN that is all one sees here. Any kind of athletic style shoe should only be worn with athletic clothing. I need a heel on my boots or shooties in order to feel dressed at all. I like 3 inch or higher but I have to be able to shop at the Mall for 4 to 5 hours with no pain or I do not purchase. I am in awe of those who wear the spike heels or higher than 4 inch because I think they make even jeans and tee look incredible but I have heard those that wear them admit it is painful so I am out. I need to dance. My daughter tells me she cannot wear heels and I tell her it just takes practice.
ReplyDeleteThe slightly orthopedic look is the bane of my fashion statement. With two previous bunion surgeries on my right foot and my left aching to be done, I live in constant search for ones without that "gnome" vibe.
ReplyDeleteFun post!
I have always loved Supergas and wear them loads in the summer especially with long jersey dresses. I do have some rubber sandals similar to the ones above but I only wear them when going to the swimming pool or on the beach and there they will stay!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion of meeting for a coffee. That would be great I will contact you on my return to London. Best wishes
They look very comfy. I can see the appeal.
ReplyDeleteI know it was ages ago but it was lovely to meet you (briefly as you were leaving) at Millbank back in November.
The only " athletic shoes " I´ve ever owned, have been the so called cross-country Aigle lace- up shoes, water resistant treated leather. Extra durable.
ReplyDeleteI used them a lot, on my daily walks with our dog.
I could still buy a pair, if they had the same model.
Trainers worn elsewhere - no way.
At last! Comfy shoes are a fashion item!
ReplyDeleteI have to wear flats for work- how's that for a perk!? But...short legs, short me. If I want to feel put together and dressed up I wear a kitten heel. They may be hard to find and in or out of style but it is all I can manage and even that 1" heel can make me feel "DONE". The joy of being 57- there are some things I don't care anymore if it is "in style" or not.
ReplyDeleteI fancy working in a hospital just so I can legitimately wear Birkenstocks! I swear by my Ash metallic leather plimsolls. I hope they look more stylish than citc: my boss
ReplyDeleteasked where I got them & she is the type who wouldn't be seen dead without her heels!
I left a comment yesterday, but it didn't take. Thought I'd test it again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna - keep trying!
ReplyDeleteGood Job. Do good more.
ReplyDeletehttp://stylopoint.com/
It's all about the rest of the styling. It could look very German tourist, or very chic NY editor late spring.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the rest of the styling. It could look very German tourist, or very chic NY editor late spring.
ReplyDeleteA bone spur on my right heel and the resulting Achilles tendonitis have rendered any shoe but a back-strap-less sandal necessary for me. I am so happy that warm weather has finally arrived, so my feet don't freeze.
ReplyDeleteI like wearing heels, and I like wearing penny loafers, and i like wearing Converse, and I like wearing a minimalist orthochic sandal. Who CARES what some ass will think in 20 years. We live in the present.
ReplyDelete