Essential shoe picks

Faith

I need to basically restock my entire shoe wardrobe. I've never been much of a shoe person (I love them but they were never my priority) so I would love your guidance on the best essential shoes one should have. Right now, I have a couple of pairs of fairly battered ballet pumps, crappy flip flops, two gorgeous but somewhat impractical pairs of Irregular Choice heels, black low-heeled ankle boots, low-rise converse and a pair of tan knee-high boots that need reheeling.

It's coming into summer and the weather is going to be quite warm, although it's still likely to rain a bit over the next couple of months. I walk a fair bit and I'm a relatively casual dresser (summer/day dresses or jeans, typically).

Are there any must-have styles that you recommend?

miezekatze

I would suggest a pair (or two) of brogues. Clarks have a nice selection of them in different colours and they're really comfy. For warmer weather get a nice pair of sandals.

MrWalsh

I have a pair of these (in a different colour)



and a pair in the same brand, in that colour, but they are a normal sandal, not a mule.

I love them, they can be worn with casual or dressier - they are my staple going out sandal in a hot country.

I also usually have a pair of:



for going walking or just hanging around casually.

And then for fancy I usually have something along these lines:

ceadaoin.

For summer, gladiator sandals are good. The ones that go up the leg are popular this year if you like that style, personally I don't though! A nice wedge heel is good too, for comfortable sandals that give a bit of height and can be worn with jeans or a dress.

If you walk a lot then maybe a pair of Birkenstocks or similar would be a good choice too.

meeeeh

White runners seem to be everywhere this year. I think heals are getting a bit lower lately, stilettos are still in, there seem to be quite a few wedge sandals too.

I am in similar situation and I looked through my wardrobe and made a basic list of shoes that go with my clothes. I still have to get a pair of black heels, probably stilettos that I like and don't cost 300 euros.

Valentina

For summer I love my lo top Converse and Toms. They're super comfy for walking and work well with jeans or skirts/dresses. Both are canvas though so you definitely need good weather for them!


If you're going for ballet pumps or flat sandals try get something that has a good supportive sole for your inner arch otherwise your feet and maybe your back too will get really sore pretty quick. As already said gladiator have been in for a few years now if you like that look.

For dressy/casual shoes I got these DKNY wedge espadrilles 3 years ago and have worn them every summer since. Something in this style could be good if you want a supportive heel. This style is available nearly every summer in every shop so if you like them it's possible to find a variation that suits; lower heel, other colour etc.


Pippa.ie had a post the other day with flat espadrilles for summer that had some lovely options for all budgets.
http://www.pippa.ie/tuesday-shoesday-chic-espadrilles-for-spring/

Ankle boots are great all year round.