I despise shoe shopping. I need help. I spent about two hours at DSW and couldn’t get a single thing in my size (I’m 11-12 depending on the shoe).
I want black dress(y) shoes for work. I’m teaching this semester so want something comfortable. I also want to be able to wear socks with the shoes because I really hate nylons.
So I was thinking short boots- but I can’t find any without heels.
I need help! Any suggestions?
Want:
Black dress-y shoes
No heel
No leather
Can wear socks
I’m on zappos now but there’s just so many options.
Are you thinking of pairing these shoes mainly with pants or with skirts/dresses? If pants, oxfords/menswear style shoes are “in” for the fall/winter, great for wearing with socks, and comfortable.
I wear cole haan shoes…always. For summer I wore their loafers in black cloth. I also buy banana republic for flats. Cole naan are on sale, as are banana republic. Aersoles may fit the bill, You don’t want to know the other brands I buy…five times more. But I wear these hard…they last 4 or 5 months.
On Zappos, start by searching for “vegan shoes.” Then you can narrow down the choices by checking the boxes for women’s shoes and the sizes that you’d consider. That takes you to about 353 options, but many are easily dismissed (flip flops, etc.) Because of Zappos’ free shipping and free return shipping, you can order several provided your credit card can take the temporary hit, and send back all or all but one. I find the reviews very helpful.
When I was teaching, I wore Vionic shoes a lot. They have orthopedic inserts, recommended by orthopedists, and have a 30-day wear warranty. A lot of their shoes are leather, but they do have some cute loafers in velvet that you might like: https://www.vionicshoes.com/romi-smoking-slipper.html?76=656 I think they would be cute with trousers or skirts.
Another ColeHaan fan. Love the Tali style which is a ballet flat for teaching, but it’s leather. I’m interested in Rothy’s flats as my next shoe purchase because they are made from recycled water bottles and can be washed in the washing machine. Not cheap, but would be worth having a pair to wear between parking lot and my building on rainy days when I’m concerned about ruining a pair of good shoes.
Have you discovered liner socks? They open up more shoe options. But I’m having a hard time finding them in larger sizes. REI sells a Smartwool one I’m going to try.
Have to reiterate that Zappos is a dream. I’ve been ordering from their site forever. Will sometimes order up to 10-15 pairs at at time (I’m a hard size) and take advantage of their super easy and free returns. Your card will be credited within days and the return instructions are very clear. As a family, we buy approximately 80-90% of our shoes (mens, womens, children) on Zappos. Definitely use the filter/search functions on the left hand side and you’ll see your many options instantly.
Love Zappos. I also love 6pm which I think is their “sale” site. 6pm is good with returns, but deducts return shipping from your refund. Both Zappos and 6pm are owned by Amazon now. I like the oxford idea…could be worn with skirts and tights or with pants. I have kept an ancient pair in my closet and still grab them.
It’s been written in the cafe before but, if you end up on 6pm, before you buy, look for the same pair on amazon. Often they’re purchased on Amazon through 6pm.com but there’s free return shipping, When you buy directly from 6pm, return shipping is not free.
It does sound like zappos may be your answer–good luck.
I’m ordering about 4 pairs on zappos with the intention of returning at least 2. I also completely forgot that I have an easy spirit a few miles away from me so I’m going to stop by there tomorrow before school. I got my wedding shoes (beach sandals) from there.
I’m irritated because I have to special order things… but then I think about the fact that my grandma’s feet were a little larger than mine. I have no idea how she did it decades ago!
ETA: Special thanks to @zipyourlips for the vegan shoes head’s up. Whenever possible, this is the route I go- and this makes it much easier to find them!
Those of us who are tall and need feet to match, can buy sock liners in “men’s” sizes. Smartwool has some. My Target has socks in extended sizes.
Hope you find what you need
so I’m a bit lost)