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Help me find some 'New York walking shoes'

99 replies

AngieM2 · 04/09/2014 15:34

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.

OP posts:
noddyholder · 04/09/2014 22:28

I have the trainers tethers linked and can vouch for their comfort!

meltedmonterayjack · 04/09/2014 23:08

Wouldn't ankle boots of any sort be way to hot if it's still around 24degrees?

The way I view the footwear issue in cases like this, is I'd rather be slightly un-stylish and be cool and comfortable so I can have a fantastic time. I spent way to long when I was young, concerned with looking stylish and with sore, burning feet. You just can't forget about it if your feet hurt and it makes having a good time just about impossible.

I'm off on hols next week and will be wearing grey Skechers Go Walks with rolled up linen chinos and white loose cotton shirts and while I'm not going to look the coolest kid on the block, I'm determined to be comfortable.

ShoeWhore · 04/09/2014 23:14

I'd have to agree that real New Yorkers power walk around in trainers. There is something about that city that encourages you to walk a LOT. Everything always seems to be just a few blocks away and before you know it you've walked 10 miles Grin

Don't normally like Next shoes much but those mink lo tops look quite nice.

whitewineandchocolate · 04/09/2014 23:15

I went to NY last year and have never been on a holiday when I have walked so much. I didn't buy anything special just took a couple of pairs of comfy boots and alternated between two pairs so any blisters didn't really develop. I agree that trainers really are the best bet!

butterfliesinmytummy · 05/09/2014 01:20

I was in NY in May and wore well worn brogues alternating with memory foam skechers. No blisters, happy feet covered miles. I think the trick is to wear shoes that you know are comfortable (ie not brand new ones) and alternate them. Gives your feet a rest and allows the shoes to completely dry out if they get sweaty.

lordnoobson · 05/09/2014 01:27

Just get some trainers fgs

humblebumble · 05/09/2014 02:10

I live in NYC. You can basically wear whatever you want, no one cares … however, with limited suitcase space I would probably bring a pair of waterproof boots with insoles, some trainers (because I would go for a run around Central Park) and some heels for going out at night and some everyday flats

By the end of October I would most likely be wearing leather waterproof knee-length boots with insoles. Whilst the weather could be amazing and in the teens, it also could be much cooler and wetter. In the few years that I have been here hurricane Sandy happened at the end of October, it snowed at the end of October and it has also been very warm. I guess what I am saying is that the weather can be quite unpredictable. However, usually isn't that dissimilar to a typical UK winter weather.

TheWholeOfTheSpoon · 05/09/2014 02:18

I would reiterate Humble's "Nobody cares" comment 10 times over. I have lost count of how many times I've seen the guy on 3rd with a cat on his head. The only person who is going to care about your shoes is you. So, make them comfy!

AngieM2 · 05/09/2014 02:49

2fed the brown ones are ok but i don't like the pink soles on the black one - too chunky. wotta the long black Hotters are nice but could be too hot at this time of year. jean dont like any of those, they'd be awful on me. plumy no point buying in NY, they need to be worn in before use. remus and coumarine I'm liking the ankle boot suggestion with party feet insoles. Thankyou all and so sorry I haven't liked most suggestions - i'm very fussy

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MsAspreyDiamonds · 05/09/2014 05:43

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0073VZQ4O?pc_redir=1409489910&robot_redir=1

Have a look at these go walk, they are not as ugly as the others. Here is another a link for the skechers ballerinas

www.jakeshoes.co.uk/item/Skechers/13655-Go-Walk-Pumps/1HDUZ#.VAlAOuZw16l
.

mathanxiety · 05/09/2014 06:29

Adults in NY who are older than early 20s do not wear Converse ime, or high tops of any brand.

Get yourself a pair of these in whatever colour you like. Nike Roshe are also v nice.

I also want to repeat the 'Nobody cares' comment.

Choose comfort.

Bring heels if you think you may be going out anywhere but nothing fancy needed. Bring wellies for rain.

BellaVita · 05/09/2014 06:33

We will be returning to NY next year and I will not make the same mistake as last time.

DH wore Sketcher type shoes/trainer and he was ok., I wore Converse and toe post type flat sandals - NEVER AGAIN is all I can say.

My feet HURT A LOT. I could have cried. We walked miles and miles.

I also saw lots of beautifully dressed women with trainers on going to work.

BellaVita · 05/09/2014 06:34

math I currently wear those (and that colour to the gym), they are very comfy.

mathanxiety · 05/09/2014 06:44

No way could i do a pair of Nike trainers. I would look a right dick.

You would fit right in. Everyone and their aunt wears them.

mathanxiety · 05/09/2014 06:45

And BellaVita too Smile

grumblepuss · 05/09/2014 08:54

If its warm, about birkinstocks?
I can walk miles and miles in mine.

carrie74 · 05/09/2014 10:33

I'm off to NYC in early Oct (getting v excited: my first trip, apart from in transit), and I intend to wear my Nikes most of the time. Might buy some new ones there too.

minkah · 05/09/2014 11:36

Nike roshe run.

Definitely.

If you feel you can't wear them..you need to rethink your wardrobe.

Smile
areyoutheregoditsmemargaret · 05/09/2014 12:19

Fitflops, without a doubt

Contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are not a stylish bunch, so I wouldn't sweat it

FavaBeanPyramidScheme · 05/09/2014 12:36

Toms. They are awesome.

AngieM2 · 05/09/2014 14:38

Thanks all for the advice and great to see some NY residents giving their view. Its not so much that I'm being a bit precious about how I look, its hard to explain but it just seems alien to me to wear trainers with smart clothes if that makes sense. I'm off to the local big city tomorrow for a mammoth try on so will let you know how i get on. msasprey those skecher ballet pumps are not bad at all. math thats useful to know as i dont want to look like mutton. from those New Balance trainers are not bad either and I could wear them afterwards to the gym.

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Mucho · 05/09/2014 17:32

How about the Dune Lutney? Can't link but if you search you will find them. They are amazingly comfortable and a bit funky.

<a class="break-all" href="//www.i1.adis.ws/i/dunelondon/LUTNEY-0106500010001484_MAIN?$pdpmobileimage$.com/mobile/lutney-textured-slip-on-shoe-with-vulcanised-sole-0106500010001484/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.i1.adis.ws/i/dunelondon/LUTNEY-0106500010001484_MAIN?$pdpmobileimage$.com/mobile/lutney-textured-slip-on-shoe-with-vulcanised-sole-0106500010001484/

Mucho · 05/09/2014 17:32

Bloody hell I can link!

AngieM2 · 05/09/2014 18:01

Doh mucho your link didn't work for me. Lol. They are too clunky/boyish for me but thanks for the suggestion.

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