STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

june · Nine West

less expensive alternatives?

jacL · Coach

I really like the Cole Haan ones, but I don't know if they are worth it (don't have them, and never tried them on). I know exactly what type of shoe you are looking for--I wear similar shoes to work. I think Kenneth Cole has very cute and comfortable shoes. Hopefully someone can tell you their opinion of the Cole Haan shoes. But don't go with just a regular ballet flat--not enough support.

lynnie · Chanel

I know a few (maybe CC?) posted about these Lacoste flats. i think someone wore them around Europe and said they were pretty comfy:

june · Nine West

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, hopefully someone will have some first hand experience with the cole haan's. If not, what do you think of the other two options (which are both really what I'd like to spend)?

I do like the Lacoste ones...but for some reason, I remembered them being close to the $125 mark. Is that right or am I mistaken?

Also, what do you think of the long knit pants from Urbn for exploring around town? I'm thinking of them in charcoal...with funky tees, a fitted denim jacket/random cardigan and hopefully some cute ballet sneakers. I really don't expect us to be doing any ultra high end shopping or spending time in other super fancy places, so I'm not sure how dressed or finished I should be while still being comfortable enough for a day out walking.

Here they are...thinking of them in charcoal.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=9136&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=10&iSubCat=19&iProductID=9136

Thanks again!

lynnie · Chanel

the ones on jildorshoes are out of most sizes, but they are on sale for around $67, retails for $90-ish I think.

june · Nine West

Thanks Lynnie - they have a 9.5 left. I usually wear a 9, but lately it seems like I've been thinking a 9.5 would be more comfortable. And, I was thinking about maybe adding a thin insole to add some padding, so I think I might go for them. They're similar enough to the cole haan's and I remember all the raves about their comfort from the other ladies...

Thanks again! Oh, jildorshoes...never ordered from them. No major problems with them, right?

june · Nine West

OK - now I'm wondering about the size issue. I searched through some old threads and some people said they ran a little big, but then someone else said they were a little snug - they only have a 9.5 at jildorshoes and I kind of hover between a 9 and a 9.5.

Plus, someone mentioned not having "petite" feet and they looked like clown shoes. Obviously, my 9s aren't petite...

Now I'm wondering if I should keep looking...

Any feedback on the other two I originally posted?

Thanks so much!

Karina · Chanel

i like the nikes

lynnie · Chanel

i tried them on and thought they ran big. You could try searching on other sites- they might also have them on sale. I think I either tried on an 8.5 or 9- and I wear between a 9 and a 10. The 9 was biggish- the 8.5 fit maybe? I don't remember, but def. don't get a 9.5 if you always wear a 9.

rlutz · Chanel

I love those Cole Haan ones...they look so comfy. I have the Lacoste ones in black and I love them, I wore them walking around London all day and they were very comfortable...I have a size 9 foot and they did not make my feet look too huge...

Chic · Marc Jacobs

I can help!

My sister has a pair of the Cole Haan ones and loved, loved them! They are really worth the money! She also has the yoga shoes and the will NOT have enough support for walking all over, she loves them but really only uses them to go to Pilates. I also like the Lacoste ones too! I usually hover between a 9 and 9.5 and I would order a 9.5. HTH!

-- Edited by Chic at 23:36, 2005-08-07

FashionPrincess · Hermes

I like the Cole Haan's and can totally see you sporting them with those gaucho pants. Very casual chic and not trying too hard. I also really like the Lacoste ones.

june · Nine West

The cole haans are definitely my favorite, but I'm really resisting spending that much on them. I think I might hold out a few weeks and see if they go on sale anywhere.

In the meantime, and in case they don't go on sale and I can't find the Lacostes in my size, what do you think of these Dr. Scholls? Zappos carries them, so I don't have anything to lose by ordering them since return shipping is free. They're kind of bland, but I like how they're sleek like the cole haans and lacostes...plus, they're cheap. But, unless they're comfortable, they're not even an option...

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7200964/c/72.html

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

Have you looked at Merrell's? They are EXTREMELY comfortable, and cute too. I don't really like any of the Nikes you linked to, sorry. I don't think they look like they'd be that comfortable.

Here's the link to 2 of the shoes I like, and have seen on other people, styles Barrado and Sestra:

http://www.merrell.com/catalog/gallery.asp?NavID=WWPAC

They come in a bunch of different colors.

june · Nine West

Thanks gingembre1 - I actually have merrell hiking boots that are so so comfortable, so I'm definitely a merrell fan for comfort. I'm not sure about those two in particular - I think I might be looking for more of a ballet shoe shape (which the nikes were kind of veering from, also). But, what do you think of either the spire flex or spire bandeau...both in black. Not ballet-like, but still kind of a good mix between a tennis shoe and a regular shoe. The spire flex looks like it's a little more streamlined in the pic...not as bulky as the bandeau around the heel. Or am I imagining that?

http://www.merrell.com/catalog/gallery.asp?NavID=WSPIRE

bumblebee · Coach

i think i'm the one who made the "clown shoes" comment--in size 8, they just looked clunky and not cute on my feet.

i ended up with these, that i would highly recommend. i wore them all around NYC and they were extremely comfortable, plus they're pretty low-key looking so they go with a lot. they look almost like a ballet flat on, but the insole is a nike running-shoe insole, so they are supportive and comfy. i got mine at bloomies for around $80, but i have seen them in different colors on ebay for less too (worth a shot). here's the link:

http://niketown.nike.com/niketown/catalog/pdp.jsp?productId=84540&categoryId=52782&productGroup=84541

(actually, this picture doesn't look totally like mine--mine are a flat black leather, not patent, and the straps are a charcoal/black, not clear. these are a bit more obnoxious--let me see if i can find a better pic).

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

june wrote:

Thanks gingembre1 - I actually have merrell hiking boots that are so so comfortable, so I'm definitely a merrell fan for comfort. I'm not sure about those two in particular - I think I might be looking for more of a ballet shoe shape (which the nikes were kind of veering from, also). But, what do you think of either the spire flex or spire bandeau...both in black. Not ballet-like, but still kind of a good mix between a tennis shoe and a regular shoe. The spire flex looks like it's a little more streamlined in the pic...not as bulky as the bandeau around the heel. Or am I imagining that? http://www.merrell.com/catalog/gallery.asp?NavID=WSPIRE

Yeah, I didn't see those, but they both look comfy. I just suggested the other ones because my boss has them, and they're really cute in the orange/blue color combos.

Good luck with your shoe search! I know how hard it is to find a pair that will stand up to hours and hours of wear... I ended up doing the best with a pair of Diesel tennis shoes when I moved to Paris and was walking around for 5-6 hous a day.

halleybird · Hermes

here's a somewhat cheaper alternative to the Lacoste ones -- they're similar:

$52

june · Nine West

Thanks for the ideas...I saw those nikes when I was looking around, bumblebee, and dismissed them because they were patent...but I like the shape and if they're around in a matte leather, they are definitely an option. And I like those pumas a lot, also. And what a great price! Thanks halleybird! I'm definitely going to find those and try them on. Thanks everyone...I have a good list of options to try!