When I buy a pair of shoes, there are two requirements:
- They have to be comfortable enough to handle 5 flights of stairs and at least 5 blocks of continuous walking
- They have to look good
These two requirements are harder to meet than you’d think. Sure, it’s possible to carry an extra pair heels in a bag, but I don’t like doing that. It’s rather embarrassing switching shoes on a street corner or a vacant doorway. Flats could be an option, but they just don’t add that bit of sophistication as a pair of heels. Surprisingly enough, a little heel can go a long way. More often than not, it’s more the toe box that makes a pair of shoes frumpy, not the heel height. Here I’ve put together a list of all the shoes that could meet my two requirements. I’ve tried on most of these shoes personally, and own a few pairs. Most of the time anything under 3.5″ will be bearable for a full day’s wear, even if you do have to walk a lot.
- Loeffler Randal Tasmin Studded Pumps $395 *
- Steven Fearles Cap Toe Pumps $149.00
- Nine West Adriana $89*
- J.Crew Everly cap toe wool pumps $298 *
- Jean-Michel Cazabat Saga Wedge Pumps $235.00
- 3.1 Phillip Lim Ava d’Orsay Pumps $450.00*
- J.Crew Valentina patent pumps $238 **
- Yves Saint Laurent Clara 55 Pump $600**
- Kate Spade New York ‘Dijon’ Pump $298 *
- Tabitha Simmons Pixie Satin Pumps $697 *
- Valentino Patent Leather and Studded Leather Slingback Pumps $945 *
- Anne Klein - Zya (Black/Pewter Glitter) $79
Comments 12
Those Loeffler Randal’s are stunning. And while I feel like a blogger cliche, I REALLY love the Valentino Rockstuds!
Every time I see your little red J. Crew pumps, I absolutely love them!
Author
Ooh, yeah, I’ve been wanting those shoe for years… who knows, maybe one day?
The J.Crew pumps are amazing! Like wearing flats!
all such great shoes
http://lavieenliz.com
Love the selections and great price range I got the Shoedazzle Erin that are a replica of the valentino one, the heel is very comfy also.
xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com
Author
Ooh thanks for the tip!
WANT those red patent YSL’s…
Also recommend the “Poco” style from Stuart Weitzman. Have this one in three colors and can walk in them all day.
Love the red pumps! I find wedges a lifesaver in the summer for a bit of height without the pain XX
Sweet Apple Lifestyle
Those Kate Spade Dijons look great. Thanks for highlighting them so I can check out!
I can wear a higher heel all day, however I choose to wear them no more than two blocks on the street. If I invest in a good shoe, particularly with a high heel, I know they’re not for marathons and take a pair of ballet flats for the street.
Such a fabulous selection! I swear by Nine West’s collection of basic pumps (like the Adriana that you featured)! I have a ton of them in all different heels heights and they are all super comfortable. I LOVE that J.Crew pair too, and of course, the Valentino’s are AMAZING! I saw a girl rocking the Valentino flat the other day, and it looked so chic!
xo Jenny
I LOVE #2 - those are gorgeous and so perfect for work!
The Valentino pumps definately!! They are so unique…So expensive, though..Well, I can dream whatever I want!!
thank you thank you thank you….i lost the ability (and desire really) to wear super high heels a few years ago so I’m always on the look out…Sam Edelman sometimes has shoes with good (lower) heels and I have a similar pair of the Kate Spade’s from this past summer (in hot pink) that I can wear all night!