I’ve got many shoes that make me comfortably taller in the summer—mostly clog sandals—but few that add height and are suitable for when the weather gets cooler. So that’s what I’m on the lookout for. I’m badly in need of a new pair of Chelsea boots, and this pair looks pretty ideal.
I have got these Clarks Wallabee boots in my Zappos cart even as I type, and I’m pretty certain I’ll pull the trigger: they’re appealingly tomboyish, and I’m sure that crepe sole makes them mighty comfy.
These shearling Birkenstocks are just goofy good fun. I love them as a house shoe or one for outdoors.
Another pair I’m coveting: these No. 6 shearling-lined clogs, which are such a good dark brown that they make me forget that I loathe brown shoes.
And finally: a hefty, preppy-chic loafer at a very nice price.
Has anyone else had trouble with crepe soles or is it just me? Love the first pair and so desperately need a new pair of black boots. And those Birks! Some great choices here, Kim.
I have always admired the look of crepe soles but never bought them because I live in an icy place and I assume they are slick as can be on ice. I was just going to ask that here, and I saw your question! Please fill me in! What are the problems with crepe soles?
When I looked at the crepe soles, all I thought of was getting stuck on carpeting and possibly flooring too. I was always a Wallabee person because the soles seemed more forgiving and that was a zillion years ago. I’ve spent the morning searching for comfortable, somewhat fashionable booties that I can walk in. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know!
I’m an inveterate klutz! I tend to trip in crepe soles because they stick to the floor. Not just you!
Need stylish fall shoes/boots under $250.00 that accommodate orthotics…does such a miracle exist???? Vionics, Naturalizer and less pricey brands do not offer enough support for my horrible feet…
I know what you mean, Nancy – I need to have really assertive arch support. I use green superfeet as much as possible, and although they can be trimmed in front, the heel part can’t be narrowed. (I don’t work for them.) Often, shoes are too narrow. I have been able to put them in some Danskos – you just have to make sure the sole is removable, and also measure the width inside, to make sure your soles fit. And they can sometimes fit in clogs too. The shopping and measuring are a nuisance, but it’s worth it.
Powerstep does super-supportive inserts (arch does not bend at all) that are flatter in the heel, easier to cut if you need to.
Would Doc Martens count as stylish? I put a shearling insole in mine (the standard’Flora’ style, reasonably priced, lasts forever), so there might be some wiggle room for orthotics.
Re Wallabees: several years ago I visited the Faroe Islands and ate at an incredible restaurant, Koks. All the waitstaff wore gold Wallabees and I have been searching for a pair ever since. Why, Clarks, won’t you satisfy this urge? (A fancy Italian brand had some Wallabee-styled ones once, but even my longing could not bring me to spend $500. I want the originals!). Anyway, I have put off buying basic black ones because I keep hoping I’ll eventually get the metallic Wallabees of my dreams, but every fall I am nonetheless tempted.
Tibi did a collaboration with Clarks last year and offered beautiful silver, and maybe gold?, wallabees. Might take a bit of searching but perhaps you could still find a pair out there.
Aargh! Those silver ones were perfect (and now sold out of course), but I guess I’m glad they weren’t offered in gold since those remain the Wallabees my heart desires. Thank you, Rae, though for renewing my hope I’ll eventually find some.
I am a big fan of the Dansko Frankie. The arch support in these is so good I don’t even need an orthotic. (Full disclosure: I both dread and look forward to start of Fall/Winter because I know that the only shoes I will wear between October and April are the Dansko Frankies.)
Oh wow, I love those. I think I’ve forgotten how to get dressed over the last 18 months. I know what I don’t want (I gave away all my high heeled pumps and “work shoes” and lots of other clothes), but am less sure about what I do want. I do want those. And for whoever was asking about how Rag & Bone Dre jeans fit compared to Frame: I am a 28 or 29 in Frame Le High Strait, and the 28 in the Dre was too big in the hip/seat for me and very snug in the thighs.
Thanks for the R & B fit info, Jenny!
Factoid: I have some Frankies from a few years ago, and all this time, I’d been assuming my superfeet wouldn’t go in, but when I saw this, I tried it and actually they do. (Which isn’t to say that over time, they might not damage the shoe. The superfeet bottom is a firm plastic.) I too have found the shoes to be fairly comfortable as is though. So I second this, Nancy – they might be worth a try. Technically I am not sure the insole comes out though.
Great post, Kim! Ah, wallabees. I also recently saw some Kyoto Birks I like, but I didn’t dig the colors available. (Birkenstock is a bit weird about colors, ime.) I haven’t even started thinking about winter shoes yet. I’m not sure I need any – but it was still fun to look.
I came to the comments to recommend the Birkenstock Kyoto, and I see it’s already been mentioned. I just got a pair this month for my birthday. I live in Seattle, a place where people sport sandals with socks during the rainy winters. (I eyeroll this practice while admitting I now occasionally do this myself. You learn to dodge the puddles.) Anyway, I love this Kyoto style. They’re strange enough to look like hospital-issued orthopedics to the uninitiated while appealingly edgy for those who get it. I have them in the dark green, which I like, and it’s still warm enough here to wear them without socks. Thankful for that. 😉
Hi Rosemarie, love those Birkenstock Kyotos–could I ask what width you got (a Regular/Wide OR a Medium/Narrow)? My feet are on the wide side, but Birks can run really wide in that regular width.
Hi JC! I got the medium / narrow. I’m usually a 10B. These hug my feet.
Thanks, Rosemarie–helpful! xo
This is a great and much needed post. I would love to see five more options! Please do a Part 2.
How does one keep the wallabees sole looking clean? :/
I ‘ve always admired this pair of APC crepe-soled shoes, but never green lighted them. Afraid they’d look dingy right away, so I’m also curious about a regimen for keeping them clean. (Or am I being too anal about this and is a graying edge acceptable?)
I got these boots last year and love them. My ankles are small so the adjustable bits are perfect! https://www.shopnoctex.com/collections/footwear/products/koi-vader
Oh, I like these! They are classic, yet funky at the same time.
I love these! Can you comment on the sizing….. I’m an EU 39 and they equate that to a US8, which seems a little small to me.