Trend watch: Comfortable dress shoes for men and women
Holiday party season is upon us, so we found comfortable fancy footwear that won’t impair your feet, or fun.
Wed Nov 21 2012
High heels and comfort usually aren’t found in the same sentence, so we set out to find the best comfortable dress shoes for women. For men, we rounded up our favorite oxfords and boots that won’t hurt your feet. The top picks come from Rockport, Isaac Mizrahi, Aerosoles, Ecco, Camper and Dr. Scholl’s.
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“Some nights are simply too cold for skimpy sandals. When you want some added height without sacrificing warmth, these four-inch-heel platforms are an ideal option. I wore them for almost 12 hours straight, from work to a bar, and thanks to the built-in AdiPrene cushioning—the same kind used in Adidas sneakers—I didn’t feel like I had to ice my feet from pain the next day. On a rainy evening, the polyurethane lining the toe area proved to resist moisture, and a durable rubber sole allowed me to easily navigate slippery surfaces.” Rockport Janae pull-on boots, $192 (normally $240), at rockport.com. Enter code “TIMEOUTNY” at checkout to receive this discount through Dec 9.
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“I generally subscribe to the philosophy that comfort trumps all—when you walk as much as you do in New York, life’s just too short to be in pain all the time. But, there are certain occasions that require appropriate footwear—say, a wedding, or any event that is using cloth napkins—so it’s important to have a go-to heel that isn’t torturous to wear. Leave it to whimsical designer Isaac Mizrahi to create the classic pump in a way that combines comfort and style. This suede version features seven thin layers of cushioning and memory foam to ensure every step is a pleasant one.” Isaac Mizrahi Loretta pumps, $130, at Lord & Taylor, 424 Fifth Ave between 38th and 39th Sts (212-391-3344)
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“Since I tend to take the subway over cabs, even after a late-night outing, I need party-ready footwear that won’t cause crippling pain. These plum-colored three-inch wedges upgraded my LBD, but stayed comfortable even after hours on my feet thanks to a cushion footbed that flexes when you walk. The back ankle zipper supported my foot and ankle. They seem to run a bit small and narrow, so I would go up half a size, but they still allowed me to not sacrifice style for comfort.” Aerosoles Soundtrack peep-toe wedges, $60, at Aerosoles, locations throughout the city; visit aerosoles.com
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“My personal preference for shoes tends towards the brown, black and unassuming. So I was initially a little wary of these dandy slip-ons, whose oiled suede uppers, extended toe and white stitching seem geared to attract glances. But once I got used wearing them, their showy stylishness actually instilled my step with more confidence, the heels clacking assertively against the floor. Worn throughout the course of a day at work, I found the leather-covered sole comfortable, firm against my foot. They’re also quite breathable—my socks were without a spot of dampness at the end of the day. However, I did find the sizing to run a little large; the extended toe means you may want to try a half-size smaller than you typically wear.” Ecco Pedroso Slip On shoes, $170 (normally $230), at us.shop.ecco.com. Enter “TIMEOUT” at checkout to receive this discount through Dec 6.
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“At first glance, these sleek lace-ups looked like your average—albeit dapper—men’s dress shoes. But once I slipped them on, their nuanced details revealed that they aren’t like the ordinary pairs I already have in my closet. The streamlined profile hugged my feet as if it were custom-made, while the supple, lightweight full-grain leather provided plenty of give with each unfettered step. While there isn’t any extra padding whatsoever in the interior, a series of circular cushions dotting the rubber outsole amply cradled the balls of my feet and ensured I wouldn’t slip or skid. A few laps around my apartment was all I needed to determine I had found my ideal oxfords for a spate of upcoming weddings.” Camper Pau dress shoes, $180, at Camper, 125 Prince St at Wooster (212-358-1842, camper.com)
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“Although I’ve never tried on a pair of Uggs, these round-toe leather ankle boots are exactly how I’d imagine them to feel. The shock-absorbing Memory Fit Foam–cushioned footbed, soft fabric lining and springy rubber sole enveloped and padded my paws like a well-worn pair of slippers—except I wasn’t embarrassed to wear them out at a bar. In fact, the dip-dyed heel and toe garnered compliments and added intrigue to otherwise polished, classic-looking shoes. Since this is a laceless style, I found it ran a bit roomier than what I’m used to, but I enjoyed how easy the side zippers made it to slip them on and off.” Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Landon boots, $95, at drschollsshoes.com
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