October 10, 2025
Quick question before I throw a ton of beautiful colors at you: do you wear gym shoes/athletic shoes a lot? More and more, as I search for shoes, I’m finding about half of my results are something sporty. This is particularly true if I’m trying to find a pretty color! But is this the way YOU dress? I don’t want to include tons of shoes more suited to sweaty, if you’re more interested in sophisticated, or sexy, or simply simple…
Ten more colors! Well, a couple of these are repeats from the New York Fashion Week. Still, a lot of appealing colors:
Earrings – Nordstrom; split-neck sweatshirt – L.L.Bean; scarf – Elizabetta; leather bracelet – Saachi; bag – Vince Camuto; clogs – Dansko
Earrings – Anthropologie; sweater – J.Crew; scarf – Richard Allan London; tote bag – At Last…; tunic – Lands’ End; shoes – Ilse Jacobsen
tunic- Lands’ End; citrine earrings – Latelita; Striped tee – Lands’ End; tote bag – The Sak; scarf – Elizabetta; shoes – Marc Joseph New York
Windbreaker – Lands’ End; earrings – Gold & Honey; tee shirt – Lands’ End; scarf – Talbots; bag – Bed Stu; loafers – Robert Zur
Sweater – L.L.Bean; garnet earrings – Charlotte’s Web Jewellery; waffle-knit quarter zip – Lands’ End; scarf – Talbots; bag – Cole Haan; sneakers – Ecco
Striped polo – Lands’ End; earrings – Tova; cashmere turtleneck – Lands’ End; scarf – Jessie Zhao New York; phone bag – Yova; sneakers – Berness
Whisper lilac tee – Lands’ End; amethyst earrings- Augustine Jewels; scarf – Silk and Bears; mesh bag – Longchamp; quarter-zip fleece – Lands’ End; shoes – Miz Mooz
Sweater – L.L.Bean; earrings – Bauble Bar; scarf – Talbots; boots – J.Crew; belt – Talbots; suede bag – J.Crew
Barrette – L.Erickson; earrings – Dower & Hall; quarter-zip waffle knit top – Lands’ End; scarf – Echo; phone bag – Yova; sneakers – Jordan
Hat – L.L.Bean; earrings – Talbots; scarf – Talbots; bag – Rimini; boots – Miz Mooz; sweater – L.L.Bean
It comes as a complete surprise to me to realize that Shale Green is my favorite color here!
What’s yours?
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, I shared with you my favorite posts from The Vivienne Files that were about “Packing With Camel.” I still love them….
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Mandarin Orange looks more like a burnished blush. I like that as well as caramel and shale green.
Hi Janice
I’m very interested in elegant, pretty shoes, but unfortunately I have problem feet and have to wear running shoes most of the time. My heart yearns for pretty shoes, but my feet rebel! The thing about running shoes is that they are supportive and also bouncy, which works for me. Those dusty pink Danskos look interesting but I wonder what the soles are like? I’m not sure I can get them here in the UK but I’m going to have a look.
So to answer your question, yes, I’d be interested to see athletic-type shoes as well as the more supportive ones like the Danskos.
Same here! And I have wide feet and ankles, which makes it doubly difficult to get shoes. I did buy extra wide loafers which are fine for a short while, because they are a bit heavy due to chunky soles.
Add me to this list! I’ve had bunion surgery, but still require wide shoes. Both of the podiatrists I’ve ever seen wanted me in running (not walking) shoes most of the time. Also, I wear knee high compression socks, and they just don’t go with the elegant, pretty shoes.
Add me to the list also, and thanks for asking. I wear actual running shoes (Brooks) 99% of the time. I wish it wasn’t the case, but I had both feet crushed by a horse as a teenager. They healed as kids do and for a while I was okay, but once I hit 50 fashion shoes became less and less possible. Even fashion sneakers don’t cut it for any real walking that is part of normal days. Fashion sneakers like Ecco are my dress up shoes, not my daily wear. I don’t feel great about it, but somewhere I read something along the lines of wear what you need on your feet and then wear what you want from the ankles up. That’s my mantra now.
Like Amanda, as much as I love pretty ‘proper’ footwear, unfortunately I can no longer wear them. Running shoes are practical, functional and save me from misery.
Shades of purple are my favourites but I could see the Shale Green integrating nicely.
I like this bunch a lot more than the NY ones. I like the green, the blue (especially for that pretty scarf) and pinks. I’m surprised I like the amaranth as well, maybe because it would look great with olive or navy pants.
About the shoes, I live in sneakers! I agree with Amanda, running shoes are the best support. I do a lot of walking, so I need shoes that are light weight, flexible and cause no pain. Added to that, my 40-years-old pinky toes are super sensitive to rubbing, so I need to let go of anything with narrow points, stitches or hard materials too. I used to sigh all the time when looking at fancier shoes, but now all I see in them is hurting feet. Not for me, thanks! My dressier shoes are short boots (black laced combat boots and brown suede) and leather sneakers.
Thanks Janice, both the colors and selected items were a treat, and discussing shoes is also something I enjoy 😂.
Cheers and blessings 🌻
About athletic shoes— I wear sneakers a lot. Like others, I have foot issues. But I need narrow shoes with a wide-ish toe box. So a good lace up sneaker works well. Personally, blatantly athletic shoes are reserved for athletic activities. A cute sneaker that can be worn with pants or dresses is my favorite kind.
As for this selection of Pantone colors, I like them much more than the previous batch. I would be comfortable wearing any of them except for the burnished lilac. I think that would just wash me out completely.
Same here- narrow with room in the toe box. I would like to find good looking casual shoes that are not sneakers, but not seeing anything so far this season.
Ah, shoes! I think the foot issue is more about our age than our preference. That said, I find the athletic sneakers just too clunky for wearing with most of my classic style. I wear mine for hiking, long walks or golf. No real need for actual golf shoes. And we began wearing our athletic shoes for backpacking decades ago, unless we were hiking super rugged areas.
I’ve found brands of cute sneakers that are comfortable and supportive of my aging feet. Taos and Cariuma are two brands I wear. I have a pair of Josef Seibel slip-ons that have seen many, many miles. Aaaaand-I have 25=year old Seibel Mary Janes, newer Seibel Oxfords, loafers. Found western boots that are comfy after discovering that the ankle area is too small in most western style boots. Just found the most beautiful suede, navy pumps by Sofft. Bottom line: I like an “elevated” sneaker for certain looks, good loafers or other nice leather flat shoes or a lovely kitten heel or block heel for dressing up. I’ve resigned myself to having fewer shoes (isn’t that the point) in more neutral colors that I’ll have to pay more for.
Have to add: the shoe variety can change the look of a pair of jeans, trousers, dress or skirt. Example: I wear my wide legged jeans with my sneakers, Oxfords, loafers, western boots, ankle booties and kitten heels with a variety of tops/ second layers, etc.
I agree that I prefer an “elevated” or classic sneaker (like canvas Keds) to sporty sneakers that look made for exercise.
Oh! Got so carried away by shoes that I forgot the colors: caramel, banana and a clear version of the mandarin orange will make me happy. I can base layer that caramel and add nearly ANY accent color. Looking ahead to spring summer: I live where summers are brutally hot. The unicorn item I’ve searched for is a spring/summer/early fall dress or pantsuit or skirt suit that serves as the go to for funerals or receptions, luncheons, etc. I do not wear black nor do I see a reason to introduce it into a wardrobe of browns, tans and (bright) navy. I think a blue (like a true blue from the crayon box) or even dove grey would be suitable too.
Big-time shoe geek here, so into variety. Slip-on is key as we don’t wear shoes in the house, & yes, I care about comfortable! I just found a nicer pair of Clarks leather loafers that were all-day-walking comfy out of the box, & clogs, sandals, ballet slippers & boots are all in rotation as needed, unless it’s formal & then the block heels get a turn. My gym shoes get worn to the gym only, altho I do wear Taos sneakers sometimes during transition seasons. 😊.
It’s fruit salad for me for spring – banana & mandarin look cheery, with some caramel & maybe a touch of shale… And thanks for the coral eyecandy driving mocs – not budget/practical for me but soooo gorgeous!
> I just found a nicer pair of Clarks leather loafers that were all-day-walking comfy out of the box
Ooh, which ones?
I too would like to know which ones!
Sorry – just saw the question. Lynell Edge – I got them in black, but they also come in a rather interesting burgundy. Wore them to a Ren Faire all day for their first outing & they did beautifully.
You can’t just drop a perfect shoe bomb and not give us the details!! I love Clarks!
If I had my druthers I would wear pretty shoes, sadly I also have foot issues, and wear crocs. I will say some of them are sparkly, and of course I can dress them up with Jibbitz. I wouldn’t wear sneakers on a daily basis if I didn’t have to. For me the Teaberry just does it. At least this morning! What an amazing color. Thank you Janice, have a great weekend everyone!
Gorgeous colors!
For me, a good trainer plus merino-blend full-cushion hiking sock was a game-changer, so I would love to see more “athletic” shoes!
Ooh good tip on the extra cushioning from a merino sock. Thanks!
I love all the colors, but my coloring is tricky. Of those I can wear, my favourite would be Dutch canal, amethyst orchid, or pale banana — tough choice, but I’ll pick the amethyst orchid.
I’m not sure if I could wear the color but I love the pieces in the burnished lilac.
I always enjoy seeing fun accent colors that could be used to spice up The Common Wardrobe, or a wardrobe of neutrals, even if it’s just for a trip. When I travel, I like to go with one core color and then expand upon that with colors that are invited and rich. Spring and summer tend to be navy and fall and winter tend to be black, as my baseline colors. I think that all of these colors would look phenomenal with either, even if I’m not crazy about a few of them. Caramel and Amaranth are my two absolute favorites for me in this bunch.
In terms of shoes: YES to supportive shoes, like Danskos or dressy sneakers. I’m 59, a 3rd grade teacher and have severe Osteoporosis. I have taken simple trips and falls for the past two years and while most people who have had bumps and bruises, I have broken bones each time. I *have* to have shoes that are supportive and are less likely to contribute to a fall. But, they also need to look professional. I also live in Maine, which means that I also need shoes with closed toes from late October to early May. Supportive ‘dressy’ boots (that are not meant for snow) are also needed here.
For those of us with very small feet (I wear a 5.5 womens), finding these shoes can be challenging, because many companies now start at a size 7. Sigh.
Consider Abeos for supportive dress boots – they start at size 5 & have multiple fits for different shaped feet. And while I’m making recommendations… not sure if your dr has mentioned bone-strengthening exercise, but there are some programs that have been clinically proven (see Buff-Bones.com as an example).
Wow, so many of those colours are just gorgeous — and a little unusual!
Amaranth and burnished lilac are clear winners for me. Pale banana (surprised, finally a shade of yellow that works for me)!!! Then Mandarin orange and Shale green suit me too :)
Re shoes: especially since covid I go for comfy shoes … sneakers are ok but a bit hot for much of the year here (already maxing out to 35 degree Celcius and its only spring). I agree with many comments above — the hard-to-find unicorn is a sneaker that’s less clunky and might go to work …
While I like dressy or classic shoes, my life and feet prefer more comfortable, casual shoes. While I do wear athletic shoes, I like ones that blur the line. Like, I wouldn’t actually go jogging or hiking in them, but a brisk walk would be perfectly comfortable. Even ballet slippers are a bridge too far. The world in general seems to be going more in this direction. Clothes are much more casual than they were just ten years ago. When I look at some of the throwback posts here, I really notice this. All that said, when I find shoes that work I get two pairs. So I’m pretty stocked up and don’t buy shoes that often.
Yes, the London colors are better than the other colors.
On advice of my doctor, I now live in Birkenstocks. Evidently my feet are Birkenstock shaped; it’s as if they were made specifically for me. I wear a 41R – so while I love some of the nice colors Birkenstock releases, they seem to be aimed only at the N (narrow) range – as if women don’t have wide feet, or men don’t like colors. Pffffft.
I so agree about the current split between “women’s” N and “men’s” R Birk styles. So much so that they have received more than one email about it. I wear a 37R (sandals) or 38R (closed toe), on my short wide feet. My style options are way too limited, for instance I found only one or two sandal styles with heel straps in my size! Boo, hiss!
Comfy shoes are a must. . .no pointy toes or spikey heels. Ryka shoes are especially designed for women’s feet; I have several pairs and wear them most often. Also, SAS shoes are wonderful. I, too, prefer slip-ons and soft leather. The amaranth and caramel are my color choices here. Thanks for asking.
The podiatrist ordered me out of high heels. And I have a Cinderella foot- not a half size smaller than its sister but just enough to lose any shoe that isn’t laced, strapped or buckled in place. So it’s street sneakers, Mary Janes, T-straps or boots for me.
Yes to “lifestyle” sneakers, as I frequently see them called! I think it’s clear these types of shoes appear different than true athletic sneakers. Lifestyle sneakers appear more streamlined or low profile, not so bulky. They may not have the same level of support, but one can find them with good support or change out the insole if needed.
They’re attractive, functional footwear that works within a color palette. I’m in my forties and I see most women my age or younger wearing them the majority of the time. Except for sandals in the summer, a single pair of loafers, and a pair of ballet flats for dressy needs, they are my primary shoes. They’re very popular world-wide now, and they’re all I’ve traveled with since Covid because they are the most comfortable for walking and remaining fashionable. And, yes, I wore cute white Taos sneakers all over Turkey and Greece with dresses and skirts this year, as did many other locals.
SHOES: Thanks for all the great suggestions. I will try again to find cute but comfy shoes. That has become a huge chore. My contribution to the conversation has to be KANES Recovery Shoes. Like Crocs but better IMO. And im always looking for cute gray and silver shoes.
SCARVES: I love the Talbot scarf in the Shale Green group. Expensive but tempting. And the pink Jessie Zhao. Both very versatile. Im still trying to dress to honor Jane Goodal and her scarf magic.
More about shoes. I love pretty shoes. Foot and back issues from years of nursing mean I can’t wear them for long. But, I’ve found SAS shoes to be extremely comfortable. Some of my first nursing shoes were SAS. I wore them exclusively to Europe and then again on a walking vacation of DC.
They have some “old lady” styles, but also some that are more current. Most of the styles are classic and they come in many sizes.
Ellen S, they have 5.5 for a variety of styles. They have slim, narrow, and several different wide widths. Most of my shoes are from SAS. No, I don’t get paid for promoting them; I’m just really happy with them.
I prefer ballet flats and loafers to gym shoes unless I’m walking outside for exercise. I’ve given up heels except for very low heels with dressy outfits.
Dutch canal; slam dunk! I live in casual sneakers and only wear running shoes to the gym or on long walks.
Very pretty ideas and selections today. I therefore ordered 2 of the LL Bean cotton slub sweaters. Have been interested in them for a while, so today’s post was sufficiently motivating to place an order. And similar to other posters from today, comfortable shoes are my go-to as well. So keep the comfort coming, Janice !
You already have lots of replies but since you asked…… I wear mostly walking shoes. Either a shoe or an ankle boot but laced. That’s my lifestyle at home. For travelling, one laced pair of walking shoes and one pair of slip ons is my new formula. Thanks for asking. I’m often wishing you would show more outerwear and more walking shoes.
I’ll try that formula for my next trip. Thanks!
Please, please do not limit your posting to athletic shoes. I for one think they are ugly, except when exercising, and add absolutely nothing to a cute or classy outfit. I am 76 and of course limit myself to ballet flats and kitten heels. There are comfortable cute shoes out there.
I really like the pink, light purple, light blue, green and even the yellow in this batch! If yellow didn’t make me look like something the cat dragged in I would love wearing this color. Hmm. Maybe as decor?
Yes, I do need to wear shoes that are supportive, and Saucony brand athletic shoes are the ones I wear most often. Also Easy Spirit walking shoes. I would like to find some that are a bit nicer to wear with dresses for an occasion like a wedding or memorial service, but haven’t found any yet. And I also do not wear black so finding a nicer shoe in brown is a challenge. I love the orange and green colors you have shown today.
Athletic shoes are my daily wear! Light colors, preferably mesh, in the warm months, with jeans or knit trousers and some sort of tee. Except in July, when it’s mostly Birkenstock sandals. Dark colors in the colder months, with jeans, or fleece/corduroy trousers, and hand-knit wool sweaters and socks. My dress shoes are what most people would call casual flats. So yes, I’d like to keep seeing athletic shoes in capsule wardrobes. (And I’d love to be able to find brown or navy shoes, since I’m not a major fan of black leather goods. My developing capsule wardrobe is khaki/brown. denim/navy, and olive, for neutrals, with aquamarine/greenish teal/greens, lavender/purple, and the occasional hit of clay pink for accents.)
I am another one with foot problems lol. So finding shoes that my orthotics can fit into is a huge problem. So unfortunately I wear mostly a runner, but can get my orthotics in my MaryJane Dansko shoes and loafers, thank goodness. I love shoes and boots so I am often bad and will wear my fashion boots and shoes if I dont have to do a lot of walking.
As to colours, I love the caramel, but I think I would only look good in the blue, such a shame as I love pink, but one is too pale and the teaberry is a lot like fuchsia which does not do anything for me (sigh).
Have a great weekend everyone, it is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada so I am actually cooking dinner this year. For those that are travelling this weekend, stay safe.
Yes, I forgot to add earlier that orthotics are also a part of my life that affects my shoe choices.
The teaberry pink just about knocked me out of my chair – love it!
Re: shoes. The key is to find brands that work for you. I also have a narrow foot so I seek brands that either come in narrow or run narrow. New Balance Medium width sneakers are the latter, so those are my go-to athletic-style shoes. I wear them with Good Feet inserts mostly to help with my posture. Once the sneakers are too worn for street wear, they become my gardening and cleaning shoes. I also do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row unless they are sandals. When I wear sneakers, I feel like I’m “ready for action” so they do get worn in the house when doing housework. Can’t imagine cleaning in slippers or socks.
As for lifestyle sneakers, I have a pair of Kizik shoes in their Prague style which runs narrow. (Always check customer feedback.) The shoes were comfy from the get-go but are not slip-on as advertised unless you’re fine with your footie socks bunching. My mom, who will be 99 in a few weeks, just bought two pairs of Skechers which work for her since she can’t tie shoes anymore.
The other brand I like is Clark’s especially their Cloudstepper line. No narrow widths but I think some styles run narrow. I have a couple of pairs of their loafers and five pairs of their adjustable-width “Breeze” flip-flops which I’ve seen a lot of women wearing. For dressy sandals, I like SAS which do come in narrow and have a cushy footbed with a slight heel. Whatever shoe I wear must have a sole that flexes.
As for the London colors, this group suits me better than the New York colors. It’s a Yes to Teaberry, Pale Banana, Mandarin Orange, Amethyst Orchid, Caramel, and Shale Green. Tickled Pink and Dutch Canal are both a maybe, while Burnished Lilac is too muted and Amaranth is too dark.
Dutch Canal and Shale Green ❤️ With some deep navy and stone, you’d be standing inside my closet. I personally don’t wear a variety of sneakers/trainers/tennis shoes. I have a gray pair that I put on when I pretend I’m going to make it to the gym – rarely happens lol – and my standard white canvas pair.
Sounds like my closet, Shery. Lots of dark navy and gray. I would love to know how you define stone. Dark gray? Or warmer gray? I like gray shoes with silver accents. Or dark gray shoes.
My favorite of the colors is Amaranth (and the Camel looks quite useful).
Shoes, yes I’d like to see more examples of elevated sporty styles. I live in flat style shoes/boots and prefer a long vamp and no laces. Styles from brands like Sketchers and Vans are working for me, but something dressier would be nice to have. I do see an abundance of the Taos-style sneakers worn with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses whenever I travel, and I travel a lot – 23 trips and still counting in 2025!
BTW – Thanks to the Vivienne Files I can travel with only a personal item for 7 days or less for pleasure trips and 5 days or less for business trips (gotta bring the laptop and tech stuff). The time and money I save traveling light is not insignificant! And I smile a lot throughout my travels because I am not stressed.
Like many others here, on the advice of doctors I wear wide toe box athletic shoes or Birkenstocks when I’m not barefoot. Arthritis plus a wide toe/ball of foot make pointy shoes quite painful.
Amethyst Orchid for me, perhaps as a French 5, to go with my navy and silver/light grey core pieces.
Shoes – I love them all! I worked on my feet all day in healthcare for many years so it was all sensible shoes. Now I’m retired and can indulge in colours and styles that I couldn’t wear at work. Running shoes/trainers for the gym only. City sneakers and a pair of loafers for travel. Loafers, ballet flats, Mary-Janes, mid-heels, city sneakers in a myriad of colours for any / all other life occasions.
I only wear athletic shoes for exercise and when traveling (because they’re too bulky to pack). It’s hard for me to find cute, smart-casual shoes with arch support.
What a fun discussion!! I adore the shale green but could find fun in all of these colors! As far as shoes, I work from home a few days each week and my “uniform” is a matched set of sweats -I like Old Navy’s selection that looks a bit elevated if I need to run out. Sneakers or Birkenstocks are my go-to footwear when working from home. But oh the joy when I get to go into the office! Love wearing cordoroy or even some denim with elevated sweaters, sometimes a blazer, often a scarf… and either loafers or an u expected pop of
Color with my sneakers. A pair of Amaranth suede sneakers would be amazing!
I have two pairs of trainers: black, and aqua. I do care about the colors. The black ones are a compromise for long walking tours. The aqua ones are for teaching/demonstrating gardening classes on site. Both are cool season shoes. I wear athletic sandals (same colors) April to October.
Otherwise I’d NEVER wear athletic shoes in public.
This slate green is my favorite too. The earrings are so pretty.
And only the best for my feet. I’ve given up on the high heels.
Happy feet, happier life! I reserve “proper” athletic shoes for “proper” exercise 😊 Otherwise, I wear leather sneakers in the winter, & flat sandals with a back strap or heel cup (Birkenstocks, Joseph Siebels, Reikers, Ecco, ranging from dressy to beachy) in the summer. Both in neutral or accent colours. I like this look with all my clothes (long pants, shorts, skirts, dresses), & can’t summon up even a whiff of nostalgia for pointy, heeled, or other poorly balanced & over-constricting shoes. I’ve really enjoyed the variety of sneakers and sandals you’ve shown, Janice. Thanks!
Forgot to say! Teaberry!! What a luscious colour!!!
Hi Janice,
Rarely do I wear sports shoes (formerly tennis shoes/sneakers). My style is a little more tailored or casual. So I guess I prefer to see shoes slightly more dressy than sport shoes.
Louise P
I like to see both but honestly I wear “sport” shoes almost all the time. I own them in many lovely colors and enjoy being so active that I appreciate them daily. By that I mean my feet would be killing me otherwise! Love New Balance and Eccos.
For anyone looking for shoes that don’t say “sport” but provide ample support and comfort, I would recommend Alegria. I learned about them from a friend in the medical field who was always on her feet all day! They also make many dressier styles and lots of happy colours, prints, or blacks, navies, and browns.
Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating this weekend. To everyone, enjoy time with family and friends, whether you celebrate TG in October or November.
I’ve just gone to a podiatrist for the first time. Recommendation is for firm heel cup, cushioned but firm sole and ideally adjustable over the foot .. which sounds like a sneaker/trainer to me!! So I’m slowly ($$) ditching my soft Skechers and ballet flats and looking to stylish sneakers.. soft gold, platform, cognac, and a cheeky purple so far.. so yes please, help me incorporate sneakers into my outfits.. I don’t want my footwear to encourage me to become lazy or sloppy. I’d like to look intentional/put-together and edgy/classic if that’s possible?!
Day to day, I have to wear comfortable shoes. That means sneakers most of the time. But I love pretty shoes and wear them for dress up occasions. If you can find pretty, comfy shoes, please include those. A wardrobe with nothing but practical shoes would be extremely depressing.
Shale green and amaranth are really speaking to me.
A broken foot this last January has put me firmly on the barefoot/zero drop – wide toebox bandwagon. I’ve always loved Vibram five fingers(VFF), wish they were more mainstream. Now you see me in Keens, Xeroes, Birkenstocks & Crocks. VFF at the gym.
Shale green! That woven bag is really calling to me. Loudly.
I’m another one in the wide and low comfortable shoes camp – Keens are my everyday shoes; sandals in the summer, boots in the winter. They’ve been available in enough different colors over the years that it’s possible to coordinate with the rest of an outfit, but they’re still less refined than I’d like. Recently you’ve shown us lace-up low boots, and I’ve been thrilled to find similar styles by David Tate in extra wide (College and Expedition). A dark brown pair and a cognac pair are now waiting in my closet!
Edit – Explorer, not Expedition. They’re very similar.
If these are really coming out in the spring – I will go broke! Loving most of these colors! I don’t look good in anything orange and I just don’t wear greens or purples. But the rest are great.
Shoes – I am getting more used to the sneakers with everything look. But it’s still not the way I dress. I’m a teacher and even though we are “allowed” to wear sneakers, if I want to look more professional, I don’t. Nice evening out and church, no – it’s a nice flat shoe. (I also have gotten to the point that if I can’t wear them teaching, Im not buying them. So they have to be supportive and I need to be able to stand in them for hours without sore feet when I get home.)
I did see a woman at church with interesting shoes yesterday – from the top, they looked like a shoe nice shoe with a bow on top (think penny loafer but a bow) but if you really looked closely, they were sneakers. If I could find those at a reasonable price, I might get them.
I like the soft lilac color. That works for me. As well as the light pink and blue. The yellow feels a lot like the butter yellow items in my closet. Perhaps I’ll pull those out. Some fall leaves are light yellow right?!!
Ahh shoes…. In my 40’s I said I’m never going to quit wearing cute shoes. Well I’ve eaten those words more than once. I do wear sneakers a lot now but not the kind that look like they belong at the gym. I would have a tough time wearing those as part of an outfit. Just too clunky for me. I wear my Ecco soft 7 a lot for walking and everyday and they do very well for me. I wear them with shorts, skirts and very casual dresses. If a fashion sneaker tips up at the back of the heel that is a deal breaker for me. I can’t stand the rubbing at that spot. I also have some j crew canvas sneakers that have done well for me. I add a cushioned insole to my newer pair.
Janice, I rarely ever comment but am so grateful for your question. Yes, I must wear athletic shoes more than any other kind of shoe. I have fibromyalgia which often flares in my feet. So, my days of wearing heels are over, and flats are getting harder and harder for me to wear. The fibromyalgia has led to dysautonomia which causes swelling in my feet daily. Rather than be sad about my contrary feet, why not just embrace attractive sneakers? Thank you for being so considerate of your readers.
I get those fibromyalgia “spikes” in the ends of my toes. Nothing more fun…
love,
Janice
I love athletic shoes in fashion colors. Lately I have been turning more and more to slip on athletic shoes rather than lace ups. I have multiple pairs of ryka shoes and boots which is a brand I am pretty sure I first discovered through one of your posts.
For winter looks I reach for waterproof leather booties on wet days and Uggs on dry days because I like my feet to stay dry and cozy.
I love loafers and ballet flats and bought a pair you featured a couple of years ago and I like them but I think I have worn them maybe 5 times – which means my cost per wear is still pretty high. I originally planned to invest in a second color but I don’t think I wear them enough.
I am one of those people who now wears some form of athletic shoe pretty much every day. If I have an offsite business meeting and were going to something dressy (vanishingly rare occasions, these days) I have dressier shoes for that. But like many of us who lost our taste for uncomfortable shoes during the pandemic/lockdowns, I don’t think I can go back. My entire closet of beautiful shoes is going to waste! But my feet are happy in my Hokas, my Allbirds, and my FitFlop sneakers.
I tend to get my sneakers in some shade of blue to go with the rest of my outfit (I have a core of navy blue neutrals) but my sister gave me lavender Brooks with navy accents for my birthday, and now I pull those out to wear when I am wearing something purplish with my navy basics.
If you look online, every but everyone is styling outfits with sneakers now, and though I would have rejected this notion entirely a decade ago, I’m happy I can pop out the door and walk one or two miles to get a latte without worrying it’s too far for whatever ridiculous footwear I have on. No more ridiculous footwear!