I am shoe crazy! I literally have about 400 pairs and still can’t resist buying new ones. But, just like my beloved late Mom, most of my shoes have only been worn once. Oh, they always start out feeling great on the shoe store floor. But once worn for a busy day on the NY pavement, something always pinchs or aches. Thus, I have decided to donate any shoe that didn’t make it onto my foot more than once, which is turning out to be a fair amount of them.
Many of my shoes were gifts. Thus, this holiday season, to ensure that you are giving your loved ones both comfort and the latest hot styles, I have chosen the best shoes for gifting. Read on to see my picks:
Shoes Of Prey – This gets my vote as one of the smartest tech concepts in fashion. Shoes of Prey allows you to design your own shoe from start to finish. From the type of leather to the insole and sole to the embellishments, every choice is your own. You can save your designs for future purchase. Give a gift card to the raving shoe lover on your list. (TGATP Note: My first two pairs didn’t fit properly, so I would reccommend trying a sample shoe on at Nordstrom’s, the official Shoes Of Prey retailer. But no worries, because the company offers a full refund or a shoe remake for a whole year and it is well worth the wait once you get it right.)
Timberland (pictured above) – I have always loved Timberland, so was very blessed to attend their preview bash and meet Stewart and Joe, their President and Head of Sales respectively. They were so much fun that I was in stitches. This winter there are so many boots to choose from that I found it hard to pick one. But I settled on the Whitmore boot and absolutely love it. It’s comfy but super stylish and adds an elegant touch to both my casual and business looks.
Aerosoles – I live in Aerosoles and have over a hundred pairs. From wedged boots to slipper like flats, every shoe is comfy yet stylish. This season, I received the Specialty, a fun pony haired Chelsea boot style sneaker at a private preview.
Ahnu – I was introduced to this brand at my first SheFit event earlier this year and checked out the new boots this fall. I now wear the awesome Sugarpine WP boots so regularly, I can almost sleep in them. These are bar none the most comfortable boots you will ever wear! You’ll never want to take them off. They are an athletic-inspired waterproof hiker, that offers eye-catching style and performance with a Vibram® rubber outsole for superior traction on wet and dry surfaces. But best of all, they are mega lightweight, so they are perfect for walking city streets or hiking trails.
For the yoga lovers on your list, Ahnu also makes adorable little yoga sneakers that take you from the studio to the street in style. I bop round town in my blue and orange ones!
Clarks – High style meets ultimate comfort in this UK import. Opt for one of the tall boots and throw in a pair of iconic desert boots too! I ADORE the Marquette Silk boots from this season. which are adding a classic elegance to my holiday wardrobe.
Cobb Hill by New Balance – Super cute shoes with super comfy insoles, I have two pairs of their shoes from last year and am living for the Brooke boot for this season.
Converse – I collect high top Converse and there are dozens to choose from. I recently scored this pair from DSW and with this warm NY fall, I have lived in them.
Born – I bought these on sale at DSW at the end of last season. The Born line makes amazingly comfy old school shoes that are in keeping with the current 70’s look. Pair these with some wide leg jeans for an on trend boho look. (TGATP note: go a size up and wear a thick sock to prevent toe jamming on the hard front.)
Merrell – The most comfortable shoes in the world, I have almost walked through a cute little brown ankle booty from four years ago. The line seems to have changed and become more of a hiking boot company, which is a shame, because I really loved the more dressy, streetwear offerings from a few seeasons back. But I did find the pair pictured above in their outlet store for this season.
Hush Puppies – I have been wearing Hush Puppies all my Life. I remember my very first pair as a child. This winter, I am sporting a knee-high boot, that I bought last year. It looks so expensive, that no one would ever guess the reasonable price point. But I also love the Cyra Catelyn booties that comes in rich jewel tones.
TGATP NOTE: Nina Shoes, Delman and French Sole – Once three of my favorite brands could not be included this season.
