We’ve received several more shoe-related reader questions lately, so we’re making this week officially shoe week! To check out our post on chic yet comfortable shoes, click here, and also take a look at the really great comments full of more tips and reader recommendations on the topic.
Now, for a few more shoe-related inquiries:
One reader sent us the above picture accompanied by the following words:
I bought a pair of shoes that I love, but I’m not sure what color skirts/shirts to pair with them.They’re black and wine colored. The color wheel seems to tell me that the opposite would be a green – maybe like a forest green? Would that be a good combo? I’m stumped, and can only think of throwing them on as a pop of color with neutrals (blacks/greys/maroons). Hesitant to be too matchy-matchy. Help! Sarah (librarian at a midwest university)
Thanks for the email and picture, Sarah! Great shoe, we love the two-tone color and the elegant T-Strap and had fun thinking of some color choices for it. Here is what we would recommend:
You are quite right to think of dark forest green, which would provide a complement to the maroon of the shoe. While red and green scream Christmas and Santa’s elves, a subtle variation on the crayon box version makes for warmth and sophistication while allowing for both colors to ‘pop’ against the other. An item such as the above sweater (found at Banana Republic) would look great with a pencil skirt in any neutral color and your maroon and black shoes.
Or you could go for a subtler color mix by pairing something plum or deep purple with the black and maroon shoes, thus creating an analogous color combo. The above dress from Target could serve as an inspiration point for an analogous pairing, or at $18.99, could make its way into your closet should you want this very one!
Lastly, you could play the monochromatic card by adding more shades of red to join the maroon of the shoe. Don’t try to find the exact shade of ‘wine’ of your pump, but rather experiment with other variations on red to create a soft monochrome color mix. Pairing a dark pink ruffle top blouse (such as the one found at Anthropologie above) with a black or gray skirt would recreate the color pairings in your shoe with your garments, using varying shades of the colors found at your feet.
Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment with your new shoes. While they certainly will make a great pop of color and could work with any combination of neutrals, don’t hesitate to mix them with non-neutrals as well. And as always, dear readers, your input is greatly appreciated! What would you suggest Sarah pair with these lovely wine and black pumps?
Meanwhile, reader Courtney sent us this question:
I love your blog, and I’ve watched all summer as you have all worn beautiful flat after wonderful wedge, all seemingly without socks of any kind or problems. How do you do it? When I try that, I end up a soggy mess with accompanying blisters. Am I missing something important here?
You’re not missing anything! Breaking in new shoes without socks or hose is a tricky business and is better left not tried. Broken in shoes, however, should be able to function without socks or tights without causing blisters and chafing.
New summer shoes, however, can’t always be broken in with socks or hose. And even broken in shoes sometimes revert to a previous stiffness when not worn for a while. In those cases, here are some tricks that should make the breaking in process a little easier on your feet…
- Use any petroleum product to run along the chaffing parts of the shoe, making for less friction with the skin (runner’s glide, anti-blister stick, petroleum jelly, deodorant… any of those should work)
- Carry band-aids and a little purse-sized petroleum jelly jar (or above product of your choice) with you to touch up as you spend the day walking around!
- Locate the source of chaffing or blistering and try to discern what it may indicate about your feet – high vs. low arches, narrow vs. wide feet, etc – and look for shoes catering to those concerns when purchasing new pairs
If you, our readers, have more handy tricks to add to this list, don’t hesitate to let us and Courtney know by leaving us a comment!
From reader Marjorie, we received the following note:
I have bad feet that hurt if I don’t wear shoes with a lot of arch support, which can make looking stylish a little difficult… I have a pair of cognac colored Birkenstock clogs that I want to incorporate into my work wear, since I walk there (about 2 miles each way) and don’t always like to change my shoes. I intern in a federal agency where the look is professional, but not exactly corporate level attire. I usually wear cardigans, slacks and skirts. Do you think I could dress them up or is the look way too frumpy for a cubicle?
This is a tricky question. On the whole, we would tend to say that Birkenstocks are too casual for a professional environment. However, if clogs are your preferred form of footwear, there are other brands like Clarks or Dansko that have options with comfortable (thick or wedged) heels and less bulky shape. Generally, our style aesthetics are such that we would recommend wearing clogs with pants that are long enough to conceal the open heel, thus giving the appearance of a heeled shoe.
A. and S. both own Dansko clogs that they swear by in terms of comfort. Although they tend to wear them with jeans for a more casual ensemble, S. has worn this exact “professional” look with her black Danskos and felt confident with the resulting mix of clogs and dress pants. The added bonus: Danskos come both in a narrow or wide style, thus addressing the concern expressed by some of you in our previous shoe post. And if you’re concerned about arch support, Danskos will likely suit your needs. Having high arches and a need for arch support herself, S. appreciated the extra cushioning in her Danskos.
As for our readers who share Courtney’s concern of needing arch support or who prefer a clog for a daily professional look, please share any brands or tips you’ve come to appreciate! Thank you!
Try this stuff for shoes that rub: http://www.drscholls.com/includes/images/products/medium/Padding_Blister_Shoe_Friction/41034_FH_MiracleShield_m.png
I think it’s the same idea as petroleum jelly but a bit less messy. I used it at a bachelorette party in Vegas with new heels and had no problems with blisters.
@Courtney- I’ve had to go and have custom orthotics made for my feet, which can go into various shoes.
It’s tough to find dress shoes that are comfortable, professional, and pretty. However, I really like Sofft’s shoes for padding and arch support. They are feminine and have a vintage feel. While they are a bit expensive, I see them pop up a lot at Marshall’s, Gabe’s, and TJ Maxx. They’re definitely worth a look. I also see them at Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, and Elder-Beerman’s (depending on where you live).
I bought that dress at Target last year, when they just had it in neutrals. I am so excited it is back in colors, I’m buying a second one. You might remember it from when Nicole from Making it Lovely featured it in a style post, and then went on to show it as a early maternity dress:
http://makingitlovely.com/2008/11/17/iowa-wedding-weekend/
It does run a little big, so you may want to go one size down if you buy it.
When it comes to summer shoes, I don’t like to go without socks, I wear a little liner, similar to this one:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/brandspetites/apt9/accessories/PRD~350685/apt+9+3pk+Cotton+Liner+Socks.jsp
For keeping bare feet dry and comfortable, I put a little baby powder or talcum powder in the bottom of my flats at the beginning of the day. It works like a charm!
I love my black dankso mary jane clogs because not only are they amazingly comfortable, but they can look professional with both slacks and dresses (I actually wore mine earlier this week with a cute wrap dress, and while they’re not the most glamorous shoe, I don’t think they took away too much from the outfit!).
another tip for shoe chafing — moleskin! it’s flesh colored so it isn’t super obvious.
Thanks ladies! I’d never heard of the petroleum jelly trick, and I’m looking forward to giving it a shot.
Like Sarah, I have a pair of maroon-and-black heeled Mary Janes. My approach is to simply wear them with any outfit in place of all-black pumps. The outfit doesn’t matter too much because the maroon is fairly negligible, especially with pants. The shoes just add a tiny bit of pop when otherwise I’d would be all black from my waist down.
Thanks for featuring the shoe I sent in! I’m the Sarah from the request. I appreciate the suggestions, and will definitely be considering your great advice. Thanks for making my question part of shoe week!
Re: the blistery issues. Fit definitely makes a big difference *more on that later). however, for the leather wearers among us, I have found that shoes that are lined in a fine leather (like kidskin) or suede has made a huge difference for the blister issues, which used to be ever-present on the little toes of my XW feet. The leather or suede lining absorbs some moisure (unlike some of the slick, plasticy man made linings) and helps the shoe stretch to fit, yet helps it maintain more infrastructure than unlined shoes.
I have to buy my shoes online, since virtually no brick and morter stores carry my size. For those who have narrow or wide feet, I highly recommend buying the proper width–for me, wearing impropoerly fitting shoes led to a very long and painful bout with plantar fasciitis.
To get the best possible shoe for my limited budget, I am basically always shoe shopping, (although I rarely buy anything). One tactic to make shoe buying affordable is to check discount sites like 6PM.com daily to see what brands are on special that day. If the special is on a brand that fits me, then I see what’s there in my size. This ritual typically only takes a moment in the morning, but I have nabbed a few great pairs of $100+ shoes in my odd, hard to find size for $25 or under.
For someone with a usual size, there wold likely be overwhelming choice, but for those of us with AA and EE widths, selection is very limited!
@ ericaceous – THANK YOU! I want to cry right now I’m so happy. I wear a 12N and am always paying big bucks for shoes – Zappos, Nordstrom, etc. Thank you so much for providing a link to 6pm.com. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this site. Thank you!!!!
I haven’t even browsed around yet, but to enter “12N” and have 500+ pairs of shoes pop up AND to see prices around $20???? A true Godsend. I just had to come back over here and say thanks :)
I’m grateful. In case you couldn’t tell….
Shoes without sweat and odor….
I never wear socks or hose with my shoes. I just don’t do it. Never have, probably never will.
Every single day of my life I spray my bare feet with a spray on deoderant. Cheapo brands like Suave work just great.
It provides odor control, sweat control, and enough lubrication to keep chafing away.
For flats and pumps, I like these cotton liners
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Hidden-Cotton-Liner-Size/dp/B000RWH8O2/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1256161502&sr=1-19
They are thin enough, have a pretty low vamp and don’t keep sliding off the foot like other brands do.
Of course they don’t work for shoes with side cut outs (like A and E’s favorite wedges).
I’ll second Ericaceous that good-fitting leather flats tend to be much kinder on the feet than synthetics. Also, for breaking in shoes quickly, a recent tip from a friend is to wear them around the house for an hour or two with rubbing-alcohol soaked nylon socks, to help them mold to your feet. Can’t wait for my next pair of shoes to give it a try!
Re: shoe chafing
I like to use a liquid bandage product (‘new skin’) in lieu of a traditional bandage or moleskin if I’m expecting rubbing. You can’t use it on an existing blister to protect it, but it’s good as a precautionary treatment. It’s especially nice because it won’t slip (like many bandages do) and it’s not noticeable. (Also super great for small cuts that don’t bandage well, ie hands, and really great for a painful hangnail, as protection).
I have narrow heels and it’s hard to find shoes that fit my heel (sling backs are usually best) so most slip-on styles I add heel pads.
These are some really great tips!
I know this may be a stupid question, but I’m honestly curious – is it worth it to shell out more cash for shoes? For well-made, comfortable and stylish shoes, do I need to pay upwards of $100? I’m not talking Jimmy Choos or anything, but I’ve never paid more than around $30 for shoes, so I have no idea what the differences are.
Maroon is great with teal or turquise. Or if combining with green, try combining with blue as a third color.
A suggestion: The whole theory of color combinations also works very well with the additive colorwheel (primaries red-blue-green) instead of the substractive colorwheel (primaries red-blue-green). I personally find that the additive complimentaries, triads etc. are much calmer than the substractive ones. But this is of course a matter of taste.
Sorry, substractive primaries are red-blue-yellow.
@nerdgirl– you are so welcome, I hope you find the shoes of your dreams there. It has definitely helped my footwear wardrobe. Things do disappear quickly at times, so when you see something good, you want to snatch it up.
@megan – I would argue the money you spend on shoes should be directly related to how long you plan on wearing them. I get tired of shoes quickly so won’t spend a lot .. why shell out $200 on shoes I won’t want to wear next year? I’ve found Payless has started stocking super cute shoes that wear out just about the time I’m done with them (~$15, ~8 months) and after a couple days are comfortable enough to wear all day
@the no sock question – I hate wearing shoes without socks, and the only brand of sock I’ve found that works with my little flats is Hue. They’re a little pricey (3 for $15 at Nordstrom / Macy*s / etc) but last forever. They have a million different cuts, so be careful about which one you choose – their little pictures are helpful. The heel has a little rubber patch (same stuff that holds up a strapless bra) that keeps it in place; I’ve never had those socks slip like I do with other brands. As long as you’ve got the right cut with the right shoe, the socks are invisible and incredibly comfortable.
I have heel spurs that bother me on and off, and have prescription orthotics to provide the right support. I always take them with me when I am shoe shopping, especially for things that I will end up doing a lot of walking in. They aren’t always necessary, depending on the shoes, but they make cheap flats and low-heeled shoes wearable for me. I also have a pair of Superfeet insoles that are almost as good for this purpose, and are a little bit lower-profile.
I’ve never been able to wear shoes without socks for very long, even with all of the tricks mentioned above. Sometimes a little stick-type deodorant will help, but I nearly always end up with sweaty feet and/or blisters. High heels really bother me, too. I often take a pair of low-profile or foldable ballet-type shoes in my purse, and sometimes socks, too, and switch to those at the end of the night. Nobody notices, and I find that it is worth it to be able to run for the last train home!
[...] Reader Questions: Shoe Week! : academichic [...]
[...] Reader Questions: Shoe Week! : academichic [...]
cotton maternity dresses are way more comfortable compared to synthetic fabrics.”:*
cotton and natural fiber maternity dresses are still the best so get them and stay away from synthetic fibers.**’
sometimes it is hard to choose different styles of maternity dresses.”-
my maternity dresses are made from natural fibers, i do not like synthetic fibers.-:
the maternitiy dress of my sister sure do looks very cute and lovely, they are of floral design ~”;
I somehow don’t own ANY black shoes right now, other than my winter boots, so this post was just what I needed. This weekend I managed to pick up a remarkably cute (and cheap!) pair of retro purple heels (http://www.naturalizer.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC0200068). My favourite purple pairings are mossy green or bright pink, but I’m trying to figure out if I can actually get away with coloured tights with coloured shoes. Will let you know where I end up ;) Might be a little too much here, though I did manage to get away with magenta hair last fall!