Shoes Clues: The Best Styles for Stress-free Travel

Stay Fly on the Fly

'Tis the season to be trippin' (literally for many,  mentally for some), and many of us will be hitting the road for the various holidays between now and the end of the year. Whether you're heading home or escaping it, one thing is certain- you do NOT need any extra stress while traveling. And we do NOT need to see ONE MORE PERSON holding up the security line at the airport because they're fumbling with boots or shoelaces. Also, who else is over seeing socks + pool slides worn as fashion? There are a few who can still make it look good, but we'd like everyone else to give it a rest. OK. Rant over. Now for our suggested style solutions. Think comfort, convenience AND cute/cool factor.

Amusing Mules

Just when we thought furry mules were starting to look a little tired, United Nude introduced one in a commanding shade of blue with a contrasting low, architectural heel (buy HERE). Mules get double points because they're not only airport-approved, but also great for those attending gatherings at shoes-off houses. No time (or desire) for a pre-trip pedicure? Here's your chance to experiment with fun socks.

Slip-on Sneakers

Slip-on sneakers are a go-to for us. They're comfortable, versatile and high on our convenience scale. This PVC pair from Melissa has the look of a lace-up flatform with the ease of a slip-on, plus the added bonus of being rain-friendly. Buy HERE.

Smoking Slippers that Shine

There's something about smoking slippers... they exude casual elegance. They say the wearer has class but also a sense of humor- especially if they're bejeweled. Katy Perry Collection's Turner is a dazzling option, especially if you're heading straight from your travels to the dinner table. Buy HERE.

Easy-On-And-Off Oxfords

The original smart shoe, the oxford has long represented sartorial intelligence and utility. This "Walkable" style from Nine West continues that tradition with a pointed cap toe and studs where laces would normally go. Inner elastic inserts mean you can slip them off and back on in a snap. It's available in a number of colors, but this high-shine pewter is our favorite. (Snag a pair HERE. We hear they're on sale.)

Tricked-Out Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots have been around for ages, but they stepped to the forefront of fashion a few years ago and have managed not to fade back to the fringes. The "Hold On" boot from Azalea Wang upgrades the standard style with studs and rhinestones. The elastic gores on the sides make them easy to remove and then put back on with only one hand (though reviews say they have a narrow fit, so consider going a half size above your norm). Snag them at Akira.


All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, SNB may earn a commission.

Shoe Sleuth: 5 Flats for Work AND Weekend Barcrawls

Get Low

Dear Shoe Sleuth,

Last weekend, I was part of the Brown Girls Bar Crawl in Jersey City. I loved the drinks and appetizers at Park and Sixth, Roman Nose, LITM and The Draper, by the way. I was talking to a few of the other attendees, and we realized we all had the same problem trying while we were getting ready for the crawl- the shoes. We wanted to be fly, but we also wanted to be comfortable. (I loved your black and white Keds, by the way.) Now that it's nice out, I'm sure I'll be doing more crawls and outdoor activities... But I don't want to buy shoes to wear JUST for that. Got any suggestions for shoes I can wear to work AND during the weekend that won't break the bank? Also, where can I get mismatched Keds like yours? I think they'd be great for vacations.

-P.B.

Dear P.B.,

First, thanks for joining us on the crawl! I had an amazing time with all of you! Second, the Keds in question- I actually mismatched two pairs I received for hosting an event last spring. I'm glad you liked the mismatched look. I may have to wear them again :-).

Now, to your question. It can definitely be tough to find shoes that are both functional and fly, especially on a budget. The good news is that animal prints and metallics are considered neutrals these days, and brands are incorporating them more into flats. If you're going to be on your feet a lot, a simple lack of a heel won't keep you comfy. You need to consider support and cushioning. Here are a few versatile options that are sophisticated enough for the office AND Saturday-approved — plus they're all under $300.

Sleek Slides

Menswear inspirations and the mule trend had a baby. It's Pour la Victoire's Felix flat. In snake-embossed leather with staple detailing that invokes the feeling of clogs, it's a great mix of uptown polish and downtown edge. During the week, it's the perfect support system for slacks and a slick button-down. Come saturday, it adds edgy sophistication to cropped jeans and a tee. ($295 at Pourlavictoire.com)

Wrap Stars 

The ballet flat's more complicated cousin, the ankle-tie flat is the shoe of the season. It's almond toe and simple silhouette have ingenue appeal, while the leg-elongating ankle ties add a coquettish kick. The Deandra from Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn features a playful rope tie that works well with pencil skirts at work and then complements cut-offs on the weekend. If your office is more conservative, consider buying this style in black. ($110 at kelsidagger.com)

Points of Interest

Few things exude polish like a pointed toe, especially when you add shiny patent leather and metallic gold. Add the sophistication of an oxford, plus the simplicity of a slip-on, and and you've got the perfect wherever flat. From skirts to skinnies, dresses to joggers and everywhere in-between this Treasure flat from Nine West will scores intra-office style points AND street cred. ($31.52- $101 at amazon.com)

Rain or Shine

You know those days where it's supposed to sprinkle off and on... but you refuse to let it put a damper on your plans? This snake pattern wingtip shoe from Biion is made entirely of EVA, so it won't get mesed up in the rain. It's also constructed with special comfort features and a nonslip sole that's great whether you're boating, playing golf or kicking a$$ in beer pong. It looks great with skirts and midi dresses, too. I received a pair in white with blue trim, and I get compliments every time I wear them. ($109.99 at shop-usa.biionfootwear.com)

Daring Dimensions

The Wanna Be Rio oxford from Melissa Shoes goes seamlessly from the office (with wide leg pants or a streamlined maxi skirt) to out and about (same wide legs, maxi or virtually anything). This Star of Melissa's collab collection with Wanna Be Carioca features an edgy open toe, and the cut-out flatform sole makes it a prime choice for events that require walking in grass (ahem, music festivals). You do know that all Melissa shoes are rubber, right? When you pour out a little for the homies, don't worry about splashing. ($180 at shopmelissa.com)

P.B., I hope one of these options works for you, and if not, I hope you at least have some new ideas. As always, feel free to reach out for further guidance. 

-The Shoe Sleuth

Can you see yourself in these styles? Do you have a go-to go-everywhere shoe? Let us know in the comments!

*Shoes N Booze is an affiliate of Pour La Victoire, Kelsi Dagger and Amazon.com. If you make a purchase, we earn a little change. Thanks!

Shoe Preview: 3 Spring Favorites from June by June Ambrose for HSN

Because It's June... 

You follow her #rockmom chronicles on Instagram, and you love her style, but have you shopped stylist and designer, June Ambrose's collection on HSN? Her winter lineup featured animal prints, poufs of faux fur and edgy accents. As part of the "The Fashion Edit," the June by June Ambrose for HSN spring collection will debut on March 25th and features lots of fringe, textures and trendy silhouettes. Prices range from $69 for the flat sandals to $149 for fringed ankle boots. Here are the ones I like most in the lineup:

June by June Ambrose Turner2 Sandal

Tri-colored strips of leather, tassels, metallics and a spike heel create drama. Yet this sandal can still be worn in various ways. Denim cut-offs? Yes. A pencil skirt? Sure. Jeans? Absolutely!

June by June Ambrose Summer Comfort Sandal

That whole comfort sandal gone-glam trend... well here's a great translation. Jewels, a metallic footbed and animal print calf hair with pops of coral and pink meet for a look that pulls together off-duty looks.

June Ambrose Edin2 Sandal

Colorblock suede and a floral semi-wedge heel make this a great shoe for afternoon brunch. The wraparound ankle strap makes it a little sexy. 

Do you have a favorite among these styles? Do you think any fit into your spring plans?

Shoes Clues: 6 Comfy, Flat, City Chic Sandals for less than $100

 

A reader recently emailed: “I need your help. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: comfy flats (I walk a lot) that play well with maxi dresses. Sandal-esque (open-toed at the very least) but not too close to the ground (don't want to get street grime all over my tootsies). I need it to be under $100 and black, tan, brown or some crazy color like hot pink.”

Didn’t sound like an impossible mission to me, and I figured there are others out there in the same quandry, so I did some sole searching. I kept in mind that a cute flat for someone who walks a lot should have a bit of support. Here are my picks:

 

Miz Mooz Panthea Sandal from Endless.com-  $99.00

 

Kelly green has been a pretty hot color this season, and this versatile sandal will work well with maxi dresses, midi dresses and minis. It has a low wedge to absorb a bit of long-walk shock and a lightly cushioned footbed. Also, when trying to avoid street grime, a sandal with an actual back is a good idea.

 

Nine West Briteside T-Strap Sandal from Endless.com- $67.99

 

 

Snake print are a good way to go neutral with a bit of pizazz, and the T-trap is a hit this season. This sandal has a low heel that allows it to be dressed up or down, working as well with ankle length jeans as it does with dresses.

 

Dolce Vita Idalia Sandal from Endless.com-  $99.99

 

Tassels turn up the heat on any look, especially when they’re on a quasi-tribal sandal in a metallic color. These Dolce Vita sandals are  cute with shorts, and they’ll look chic peeking out from under your maxi dress when you walk.

 

Melissa Star Sandal from Amazon.com- $59.13

 

Into eco fashion? Then, these Melissa sandals are for you. Not only are they created using sustainable business practices, but they’re just plain adorable. Bright is the new neutral, so their pearlized hot pink color make them a fun accent to almost any look. They also get bonus points for being rain-friendly (if you don’t mind wet toes).

 

Delflex by Dexter McKenna Sandal from Payless- $27.99

 

 

Comfort shoes have come a long way! With its two layer insole- one of memory foam, the other of latex foam- this jeweled sandal is more than just a pretty face. It’ll add a bit of glamour to jeans and a tee, and it’ll also work with a flirty dress on date night.

Naya Sister Sandal from 6pm.com- $66.99

 

Here’s another eco chic choice. If I go into all the ways Naya tries to reduce their carbon footprint, I won’t have room to discuss the cuteness and comfy features of this shoe. However, note that they’re made from vegetable-tanned leather, and the footbed features natural cork for shock absorption. These are great for city slicking, but they also have a retro cool vibe that makes them music fest-friendly.

 

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