Help me find some 'New York walking shoes'

[AngieM2]

Hi S&B experts, hope you can help. Off to NY for 4 days, walking a lot. My usual style is smart casual so would normally wear skinny jeans, knee length boots and layered knits type things in autumn/winter time. Was planning on a nice pair of ankle boots and have ordered 2 pairs (links to follow) but my mates think I'm being stupid and think I should go down the Converse/Vans route (I'm usually of the view that pumps should only be worn by kids and trainers belong in the gym!). I'm also a bit conscious that my feet look big in these type of things. But today I've tried on pair of white, leather Converse high tops and have also seen some Ash Virgins on here, both of which are swaying me a bit. I want black, grey or navy leather, no cloth, no sued. Can I have your advice as I don't want to look unstylish or a plonker in the big apple. I'm 44, shoe size 5-6, 5ft 4, clothes size 10-12. Will post links to the stuff in a minute as my links keep failing.

www.marksandspencer.com/leather-block-heel-chelsea-boots-with-insolia/p/p22309957 and these www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/shoes-430/boots-460/margot-leather-boots-3209769?bi=21&ps=20

But have tried these today www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/5,21/2452110874

When are you coming? Right now it's 88 degrees here so you'd be a bit hot in boots and jeans!

I'm ahead of myself with a view to 'walking in' the winning footwear. We are going 25th to 29th October. So I'm dressing as if it will be cool/mid teen temperatures?

Weather forecast is showing 24-25 degrees with rain at the moment (in 4 days time looking at a 10 day forecast).
I always prefer a bit of a heel for walking.
Flats give me major shin splints. My physio always knows when I've walked a lot in flat sandals or ballet pumps.
The boots look fine but you need to consider the weather.

Would walking shoes be any good?
pink
turquoise

Whoops - I read that you were going in 4 days!
Sorry!

I know I would be in my trusted cowbow boots.
SAD but love them

I wouldn't go for boots those boots , having been twice and done a lot of walking I would say supportive flats with a good quality comfortable sole.

If you really want to get around everywhere and not rely on subway / taxes etc then you will do a lot of walking (best way to see it personally), anything with a thin (essentially cardboard) sole will really hurt your feet after a couple days.

Clarks do a really comfortable cushioned sole so i'd go there.

Oh sorry hells but wouldn't be seen dead in any of those! sorry, just not 'me' at all. This is my dilemma.

I love the topshop boots.

ALDO do nice leather converse/vans style shoes. I have mink leather ones from NEXT. Super comfortable and good with jeans/knitwear.

The ones I have

They are quite nice wild but think I may be leaning towards a high top. In the bottom left of your link, the black high tops are not a bad shout either and a bargain at £40. Have just shown my 14 year old DD the Ash Virgins and she's not impressed but does like those black Next ones and the white leather converse.
Keep it coming people.

Not sure Converse would be the best idea with lots of walking.
We spent last weekend in London and did lots f walking. Me and DD (9) wore Converse and the soles of our feet were very sore, I don't think they have a lot of cushioning underneath.
I'm looking for some Sketchers at the moment, they do a range called Just walk.

You need something with cushioning and a bit of support. Your feet will ache big time if you don't. Converse are too flat.

Could you bear any of this type of shoe?

People in NY do tend to wear very comfy and often not too beautiful footwear to get around. Even office workers who will change into heels once they get into work.

Having spent four days in London last week in Converse, I can confirm that they don't have enough cushioning for really extensive walking. However, I am yet to find a single pair of shoes which people say are comfortable for this purpose, that I would actually be willing to wear. Those Sketchers things are absolutely hideous.

I'm seriously contemplating trainers for next time.

cant you get some cool neutral trainers? they are 100% comfy and frankly better than most of the shoes posted here (sorry!!!)

ASOS and office have very plain simple trainers, also new balance

Angie I'm in almost the exact position as you are. I was planning on flat ankle boots but want something else too. It seems impossible to find something that looks good and is comfortable too.

I do like those next ones though. Quite Ash like.

Watching with interest.

Some of the new FitFlop styles are not too hideous. I find them great for city walking.

I've already ruled out converse personally. They seem like the obvious choice but they dig into my feet really quickly.

I agree Remus the skechers are shocking. And Sorry little and fridge neither of those are doing anything for me. See, i knew this was a big ask. Might just have to do the Topshop or M&S boots and wear party feet thingies.

Agree coumarin about the Next ones....and if i never wear them again, its only £40 down the drain. claxon just going to google Fitflops but have never liked their usual fitflops.

I'm so glad you asked btw Angie I've been mulling over the same dilemma all week but wasn't brave enough to post.

I like the Landsend pair that fridge suggested. If you wear a cool, modern outfit then you'll probably get way with wearing 'sensible' footwear.

Trainers, I reckon.

these are amazingly comfortable.

If you want boots, something like this (but cheaper) with an insole would be good.