Stylish /Wearable Footwear for Women Over 40 – Spring 2016~

Beautiful shoes make my heart sing! In my youth I would wear the most torturous footwear for fashion. But, I’m no longer willing to do that. No doubt my falling out of a window onto a balcony trying to retrieve a bottle of chilling wine in 1979, which caused ligament damage, a perpetually unstable right ankle, and early onset arthritis has contributed to this healthy decision. But I refuse to wear “old lady” shoes, thick-soled oxfords, and athletic shoes for anything but working out, Euro clogs, anything that screams “Easy Spirit”.  To satisfy my lust for stylish but wearable shoes I have been on a mission to identify shoe brands that afford beauty and comfort. 

Here are the best resources for fabulous footwear that work for women of a certain age. I will caution they are not inexpensive options. However, with the exception of my Holy Grail ballet flats, it is possible to find great discounts with a bit of help from Google.

Ballet Flats

1) Tieks   https://tieks.com

Tieks are handmade in Italy. This ballet flat molds to your foot. There is no elastic so no rubbing across the instep or heel. They rarely have a promotion. The brand has succeeded by word of mouth.  Prices range from $175 to $365.  This shoe is worth full price. Once you’ve worn Tieks you will never consider another ballet flat. And, they fold into a pouch to tuck in your handbag.

2) Marc Joseph New York   http://www.marcjosephnewyork.com

The only other ballet flat I will wear. These flats are two –tone with some tasteful decorative accents and extremely comfortable.

Driving Moccasins / Loafers

1) Marc Joseph New York   http://www.marcjosephnewyork.com

 The Marc Joseph driving mocs and loafers are amazingly comfortable and are available in an abundance of fabulous styles, colors and patterns.

 

2) Coach http://www.coach.com

Butter soft leather that feels like silky slippers

http://www.6pm.com/coach-loafers (great prices)

http://www.zappos.com/coach-shoes

http://www.shoemetro.com/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

http://www.amazon.com

Also check Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor & Dillards

Wedges

1) Bernie Mev  http://www.berniemev.com

The “Master of Woven Footwear”

Elastic uppers with memory foam insoles. Steve Madden has a similar look but it is NOT the same shoe. I walked from the 30^th Street train station in Philadelphia to the Marriot on 12^th Street in August and my feet did not hurt!

I bought my first pair at my local boutique.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.bluefly.com  (nabbed a pair for $26 after a coupon)

2) Taos  https://taosfootwear.com

Taos make my absolutely favorite stylish wedge sandals. They go with everything!

http://www.zappos.com/taos-footwear

http://www.6pm.com/taos-footwear

http://www.planetshoes.com/taos

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-taos

http://www.amazon.com/Taos/

Kitten or Lower Heel Pumps

Fortunately, kitten heel pumps and mules are currently in fashion. For those of us who don’t want to give up the beauty of a perfectly shaped pointy-toed pump but must have a reasonable degree of comfort, these shoes are my go to brands:

1) Amalfi by Rangoni https://www.rangonistore.com  (Italian!)

http://www.shoemall.com/b/amalfi-shoes/

http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-amalfi-by-rangoni (up to 60% off)

http://www.berenshoes.com/amalfi-womens-shoes

http://www.dsw.com/shoe-brands/Rangoni-by-Amalfi

2) Stewart Weitzman http://www.stuartweitzman.com

I’ve not yet tried on a pair of Stewart Weitzman shoes that hurt my feet.

Weitzman shoes are beautifully made, stylish, and comfortable. Check the sale sections of the better department stores on a regular basis and it is possible to find a great deal.

http://www.6pm.com/stuart-weitzman

http://www.zappos.com/stuart-weitzman

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Stuart-Weitzman/Designers/

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/Stuart-Weitzman/

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/stuart-weitzman/

http://www.bluefly.com/designer/stuart-weitzman

Boots

I’m a summer girl, but if I must endure winter then beautiful boots are a moral imperative.

1) Frye  http://www.thefryecompany.com

Frye boots fit right out of the box. They get softer and more comfortable with wear. Frye has been crafting fine boots since 1863. These boots are not inexpensive, but they will last for years. It is possible to find great deals with a little bit of effort and it is so worth the effort.

http://www.6pm.com/frye

http://www.zappos.com/frye

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/frye-boots

http://www.countryoutfitter.com/frye/

http://www.shoes.com/frye

2) Born http://www.bornshoes.com

Born footwear is fashionable, comfortable, and reasonably priced. Born boots and shoes can be found wherever fine footwear is sold. I really love my Born ankle boots.

3) Josef Seibel  http://www.josef-seibel.com

Josef Seibel is a German family owned business that has been making qualify footwear since 1886. Great ankle boots and mules.

https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/josef-seibel.htm  http://www.zappos.com/josef-seibel

http://www.dillards.com/brand/Josef+Seibel

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/josef-seibel

http://www.onlineshoes.com/josef-seibel

There are, of course, numerous other resources and shoes brands that provide style and comfort. These are the resources that I’ve used most successfully. Even if you can find a better price elsewhere, I encourage you to go to Zappos and read the reviews.  Reviewers often provide other shoes brands or styles they love, which is a great resource.

Feel free to share any recommendations!