Women's Shoes With Looks, Comfort
Many women have problems with shoes. They want to look good, even if it hurts. "Sensible" shoes are generally out!
But this fall, you'll be able to find a wide variety of stylish shoes that are also comfortable, according to Suze Yalof Schwartz, executive fashion editor at large of Glamour magazine.
On The Early Show Tuesday, she told co-anchor Rene Syler Nike is something of a leader in that regard.
The company, which bought Cole Haan several years ago, has mixed technology with style, resulting in a much-buzzed about line o f shoes for fall. Using the Nike "air" technology has resulted in stylish, sexy, but comfortable shoes, and sparked a trend for autumn.
Among Yalof Schwartz's favorites:
1. Cole Haan $275.00 - The Nike Technology in these uses air to cushion the soles of the feet. Cole Haan has created a whole line of shoes for the fall using this technology. So, expect to see this in slingbacks, heels, even boots. These air pads are better than foam pads because they won't break down over time. The Air Zoom bags look like pads encased with air in a high-density plastic pouch. The density has to be tested and then tailored to the shape of the shoe sole and they have to be placed in the right spots. A foam pad then is put on top of the air bags, which help the foot conform to the bed of the shoe.
2. Michael Kors $90.00 - These shoes have a huge base, rubber sole, and soft leather over the top of the foot. Wedge designs are always comfortable. Wedges will be huge going into the fall, says Yalof Schwartz.
3. Charlotte Ronson $132.00 & Colin Stuart $38 - Much padding underfoot makes wearing these wedges feel like walking on pillows.
4. Jack Rogers $98 - These sandals have a wide base and soft leather upper that make them supremely comfortable, even for long periods of time.
5. Bettye Muller $183 - These shoes have a wider base and a thicker heel, both of which make standing for lengths of time more comfortable.
6. Kate Spade $275 - These are cushioned with hidden padding at the ball of the foot, and the snug fit keep them blister-free.
7. Easy Spirit $280 - You might think this retail outlet sells "old lady" shoes, but that's not the case. These shoes are designed by Tara Subkoff, so you know they're stylish, and made by Easy Spirit, so you know they're comfortable. Extra cushioning in the sole and super-soft suede have made Mary-Reese Witherspoon, Kate and Ashley Olson huge fans. This is a limited line; it will only be produced for one more fall season.
8. J. Crew $325.00 - The materials that go into making these heels are the trick to their lasting comfort. The lining and the soles are leather, and the heels are real python, a softer, more comfortable material than anything manmade. Python is a big trend for the fall.
9. Pedro Garcia $329.00 - The platform on these shoes adds height to the shoe and makes the heel feel lower, so you're still wearing super-tall heels, but your feet don't know it.
10. Manolo Blahnik $545.00 - Superior design and construction are key here, as is the slightly rounded toe, which gives the toes more wiggle room. So, even though these are high, they're still comfortable swears Yalof Schwartz.