Shoe purpose
May. 29th, 2014 10:08 amThe shoes I love the most have a specific role they play well.
Running
T likes his vibram 5 fingers, but my second toe is too long to make that work. Plus it makes me uncomfortable when I notice others staring at my feet (yes, I'm aware of the hypocrisy there). I like the Merrell barefoot glove line (not glove II!) for running. But they are terrible for long periods of standing and so-so for extensive walking.
Walking
Keen. I tend to stub my toes on everything. I can literally trip on flat ground! I have keen (Toyah or Presidio) sneakers for airport walking and cold places. Keen flipflops for rain or wandering about town with T. Keen sandles for rain or active water sports.
Standing
You think standing doesn't require special shoes? It does! My long time favorites are Birkenstock Annapolis Mary Janes. I'm sure their laceups would work as well (Dr friend who turned me on to these swears by them). I've used them for walking miles to work when I had to, but they really shine on the standing for hours. They are not particularly attractive or even noticeable.
Flexible
Shoes take up a lot of space in luggage. If I'm going to pack another pair, it better fulfill many potential roles. I have an attractive Teva sandle that handles this well. I have walked it through ankle deep water (not entirely sure it is water proof, but I've been acting like it is for years). It can be matched with shorts for casual or a skirt for events up to semi-formal. It walks ok (not as well as Keen, but visually is more flexible), stands reasonably well for most vacationing purposes.
Looking cute
Oh, I'm not immune. Frye boots. Merrell barefoot glove slippers.
Running
T likes his vibram 5 fingers, but my second toe is too long to make that work. Plus it makes me uncomfortable when I notice others staring at my feet (yes, I'm aware of the hypocrisy there). I like the Merrell barefoot glove line (not glove II!) for running. But they are terrible for long periods of standing and so-so for extensive walking.
Walking
Keen. I tend to stub my toes on everything. I can literally trip on flat ground! I have keen (Toyah or Presidio) sneakers for airport walking and cold places. Keen flipflops for rain or wandering about town with T. Keen sandles for rain or active water sports.
Standing
You think standing doesn't require special shoes? It does! My long time favorites are Birkenstock Annapolis Mary Janes. I'm sure their laceups would work as well (Dr friend who turned me on to these swears by them). I've used them for walking miles to work when I had to, but they really shine on the standing for hours. They are not particularly attractive or even noticeable.
Flexible
Shoes take up a lot of space in luggage. If I'm going to pack another pair, it better fulfill many potential roles. I have an attractive Teva sandle that handles this well. I have walked it through ankle deep water (not entirely sure it is water proof, but I've been acting like it is for years). It can be matched with shorts for casual or a skirt for events up to semi-formal. It walks ok (not as well as Keen, but visually is more flexible), stands reasonably well for most vacationing purposes.
Looking cute
Oh, I'm not immune. Frye boots. Merrell barefoot glove slippers.