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You are here: Home / About Layla / Fancy Footwear

Fancy Footwear

Aug 18, 2011 By Layla

Holy cow did I get schooled yesterday! LOL!

I had never even heard of most of the shoes that were recommended, but I’m so glad to have Merrell, Rocket Dog, Sperry, Keen, Tom’s, Clark and Simple (among others) on my radar now! Thank you!

Now I just have to narrow down my top 10 favs…

Converse $44.95:

DKNY $59:

BC Footwear $40.50:

Skechers $39.99:

Rocket Dogs $44.95:

Sperry: $74.95:

Keds $50:

Tom’s $44:

Columbia $29.90:

Simple $55:

And get one of these:

Ya know…just in case.

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Filed Under: About Layla, Clothes, Design TV, Featured Posts Tagged With: shoes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda

    Aug 18, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    Def go for the toms!!! These are the most comfortable and lightest shoe ever (and quite stylish in my opinion) I agree to get 1/2 size down because they will stretch with wear.

  2. Leanne

    Aug 18, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    The Converse, Columbia and Simple are all cute!

  3. Laura

    Aug 18, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Hmmm, I think I’d go with the Toms or Skechers!

  4. gina

    Aug 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Go for the Toms! They donate a pair for every pair purchased!

  5. Jan

    Aug 18, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Oh man, a million opinions, but they sure make me want to try Toms! I’m going on vacation in Oct. which will involve much walking. Thanks for getting me busy thinking about shoes for that!

  6. wendy

    Aug 18, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Layla,
    Here are a few I thought you might like.

    http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Rocket-Dog-Womens-Bond-Slip-on-Shoes/5771104/product.html

    http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36915&vid=1&pid=879468&scid=879468012

    http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36915&vid=1&pid=845939&scid=845939002

    Any shoe I have had with Cork built into them are amazing. I now know why people like cork floors.
    Good luck:)

  7. Brandy

    Aug 18, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Who could pass up a pair of Toms and there for a good cause.
    I LOVE the burlap Toms soooo comfy and they look good w/EVERYTHING!

  8. Whitney

    Aug 18, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Careful! I love Toms but they make your feet stiiiinkyyyy! Those are super cute options though 🙂 good luck making a choice!

  9. Krystle

    Aug 18, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    ok, you just me want to go out and buy a bunch of shoes! Those are all so cute. I can’t wait to see what pair you pick.

  10. melisa

    Aug 18, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Hi,
    So blister block doesn’t work great, I’ve tried it. Frankly it didn’t work at all. You should get some shoes liners at target which are basically tiny little ped socks that stay on your feet but you don’t see them. I wore them traveling recently with toms and they were great!

    http://tinyurl.com/3ctat64

    Good luck,
    Melissa

  11. Betsy

    Aug 18, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Layla ~ just take the laces out of the ones you just bought and you’ll be fine. Laces are so ‘yesterday’ you know! ha.

    • Layla

      Aug 18, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      But isn’t yesterday the new today?
      😉

  12. Shay

    Aug 18, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    I think we are shoe twins! 🙂 Love me some rocket dogs!

  13. bev

    Aug 18, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Love the Simple one’s.I have a pair and love them !!!!

  14. jeannine520

    Aug 18, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Layla,

    I don’t know if they were mentioned yesterday but check out the Jack Purcell Converse. They’ve got more padding and are more comfy than the All-Stars (also a bit more cool I think). They come in some great colors but if you like you can go to the Converse website and custom build them how you like them and they’ll be shipped to you.

  15. Gail

    Aug 18, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    I’ve had my rocket dogs for like 5 years now (used to wear them every day to work in a floral shop) and they are still going strong! Great brand! Also, Sperry’s will last a lifetime. They’re extremely durable. I like what the Toms company does as far as donating a pair when you buy a pair, but I think they wear out more easily. Thats just my 2 cents!

    Happy sole shopping!

    Gail

  16. Miss Mustard Seed

    Aug 18, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    Gotta go with the Converse.

  17. Morgan

    Aug 18, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    My vote would be for Toms. They are extremely comfortable and look good with nearly everything. Plus they help out someone in need and that’s always a huge plus, and if you look at it your really paying for 2 pairs of shoes when you get Toms: yours and the person your helping:)

  18. Gina

    Aug 18, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    I love the “simple” shoes. So cute and versatile.

  19. Trinity Holmes

    Aug 18, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Love my Toms!!

  20. gboll

    Aug 18, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    You look like a Sperry kind of gal. 😉 And they will last for-ev-er.

  21. Treva

    Aug 18, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    I have the skechers in black. I mostly wear Clarks and Sofft shoes, but got the Skechers cheap for $20 at Marshall’s to wear in the hospital after having a baby. They are so comfy. I didn’t think they would be since they weren’t a fancy brand. I like that they have some Mary Jane style. You will look cute whatever you choose:-)

  22. Colleen

    Aug 18, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Love your blog and I am SUPER impressed with your design skills. Please don’t think I’m a buzz kill….but, maybe you can make your decision easier by seeing if any of your options are made in the USA. Lately, my husband and I have been trying to pay attention and it’s crazy how little is actually made here. Seems like our economy would improve if we all purchased more items that were made in the USA. Check out this article regarding Converse…
    http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/13/Nike-Just-Not-Doing-It-Right.aspx

    Check it out. Thanks for all the home improvement inspiration!!

  23. Colleen

    Aug 18, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Nevermind. I just did some quick research and it looks like all of those shoes are manufactured in China, Ethiopia…
    I’m sure the sandles on my feet right now were too.
    Crazy. I guess New Balance has one “line” of shoes made in the USA.
    Makes ya think.

  24. Bridgette

    Aug 18, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    Also the heel stick is awesome. Made from Dr. Schols..eeeek it is really late here and I am tired so sorry for spelling. But hope you know what brand I am talking about. It comes in a tube, it is purple. It makes the show glide off your heel…so no blisters.

    Great sites for cheap shoes are 6pm.com and dsw. com…just to name two out like ten I use often.

  25. Carrie

    Aug 18, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Get the TOMS! They are SO comfortable. And I LIVE in flip flops or sandals, so I know exactly what you mean!

  26. elz

    Aug 18, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    I’ve had various pairs of most of those. I like the Skechers because they breathe. IT’s really nice in hot summers in the South. Check 6pm.com and Famous Footwear for better prices on most of those brands. have fun!

  27. Sarah

    Aug 18, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Shoes, shoes, shoes! I love my shoes!
    Fashion over function and comfort for me. That being said, I think Toms are some of the ugliest shoes I’ve ever seen, and i have four pair. Sometimes, just sometimes, comfort and charity win!

  28. Outfit31

    Aug 18, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Every year I add a new pair of Chucks in a different color. They last FOREVER!

  29. Sara @ Happy Brown House

    Aug 18, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    TOMS all the way, baby! And really, since they give a pair for every pair bought, how can you not buy TOMS? Love their hearts.

  30. Tina Youngblood

    Aug 18, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    I have had a pair of Merrils before… Ahhhh They were my favs.. Wore them completely out.. Never got another pair because I had bought that pair at a second hand store. But one of these days… Until then… Nike for tennis shoes and Yellow box for flipping flopping… Good Luck to ya…

  31. Lisa W.

    Aug 19, 2011 at 12:01 am

    OH I SO see you in Sperry’s and those oh so cute Columbia’s:) Get them both…remember your worth it!!!!

  32. Melanie

    Aug 19, 2011 at 1:02 am

    Nice line up! I say the converse ones or the dkny’s. I really like the darker shade of the dkny shoes! With all the diy’n it might be better to chose a style that wont show the wear as fast. Sperry’s are cute too tho! My bff has the black suede and cream soled Sperrys AND a co-worker wears gold faux leather with a white soled pair that are very different for boat shoes! And they soo coordinate with your home(Sperry’s)! You hava big, fun decision to make! I love wearing new kicks-just wish the fresh new shoe smell lasted longer(; ENJOY!!

  33. Amy @ Tulip and Turnip

    Aug 19, 2011 at 7:25 am

    The Toms are cute….obviously they are pretty popular these days. I vote for the Simple sneakers!

  34. Jessica

    Aug 19, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I love my Simple shoes. They are the so comfortable. anc cute!

  35. Amy

    Aug 19, 2011 at 7:53 am

    Cute shoes or comfortable, supportive shoes? Can one have it all?! You will have to try them all on and let us know which ones are the best for that, Layla. Can’t wait to hear which ones you choose.

  36. Shellie Hanley

    Aug 19, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Also, check into Sanuks, they make “sneaker” type shoes and flip flops made from yoga mats. Oh so comfy!! I live in Florida and wear them a lot. My hubby wears the shoe type ones and my girls and I stick to the flips, but both options are nice. 🙂

  37. Heather

    Aug 19, 2011 at 9:58 am

    I have had a few pairs of Rocket Dogs. They last a good amount of time, but are definitely lacking in the comfort department once broken in. If you go with those, I suggest a good set of inserts. As far as the Toms, I’ve heard they’re very comfortable (and are VERY popular here at AU); however, I heard they SMELL very bad. You decide if the footwear is worth the funk 🙂 They’re not the cutest things in the world, but Walmart has this brand called “Earth Soles,” or something along those lines that are also very comfortable!

  38. Stacey Thomas

    Aug 19, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Toms! They are comfy from the get go, they wear well, they come in loads of colors and prints and styles, (I have never had a problem with smell and have never heard of any problems), they are cute as a button, and, as everyone has said, for every pair you buy they give one away to children who need them. They have given away thousands of pairs of shoes! Just amazing…
    One heads up…don’t buy Tom’s that fit a little big…they stretch! My choice is always a little big or a little snug (9.5 or 9) and the 9 is the way to go in my case.

  39. Naomi

    Aug 19, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Buy the TOMS. They are comfortable. They are stylish in a funky sort of way. People watching the show will like the fact that you bought shoes from a company that makes it their mission to help those without shoes all around the world. In California we buy them at the surf shops. Or at Nordstrom. I can’t wait to see your show! !

  40. kelly

    Aug 19, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    i love those simple ones but i think you would love tom’s. they have some really cute styles and are comfy. you have to break them in a little they stretch as you wear them and they are a great company!

  41. sara @ it's good to be queen

    Aug 19, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    you HAVE to go with the Toms!!!! I love love love what they do. We listened to the founder, Blake, speak a few months ago and the work they’re doing is amazing. They are so intentional. They are not just putting a quick-make-you-feel-good-in-the-moment fix on something. They are working to solve a problem. And they make sure to go back and give shoes the next year and the next year. It’s awesome. Plus they are stinkin cute and so comfortable. When my husband’s ash gray pair got funky looking, i just dyed them and they look new again.
    can’t wait for your show!!!

  42. Jamin

    Aug 19, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Ok I’ll admit I’m no expert on shoes, but I work with teenagers, (I’m a student minister) so I get exposed to all kind of shoes. My simple and short advice is don’t get Toms. Those things stink to high heaven. They have good intentions with donating a pair for everyone that is bought, but I’d rather just donate some extra money to Compassion International. Just my thoughts.

  43. Lindsay

    Aug 19, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    Layla, I love the Simple shoes…so much so that I had to find a pair! Piperlime has them for 29.99 with free shipping, yay! I love my converse but they pinch my toes every time I wear them, as for Tom’s I own one of their originals and it’s far too boxy for me. I also love the BC espidrilles, they’re next on my list 😉

  44. Katie

    Aug 19, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I’m gonna have to be a naysayer here, but I think all but the Converse and the Simple are ugly as sin. :/ But I guess that’s where different styles in taste come into play. 😀

  45. Dana

    Aug 19, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    No one is going to quit watching the show because you have a toe sticking out. Get a pedicure and wear whatever you want!

  46. Stacie

    Aug 19, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    Looks like you’ve got lots of comments but I personally love my chucks and my privo’s. They are both super comfy, fun and I have owned them both for ages! The privo’s that i have are more mary jane-ish and depending on the color could work with most any type of outfit…happy shopping!

  47. Frances

    Aug 19, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    I have those exact color and style of Toms- LOVE them!!

  48. Lindsey

    Aug 20, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Layla, aren’t you just darling! I have Sperrys and LOVE DIY-ing in them… but I totally see you in the Simple ones. I mean, you are, afterall, a simple kinda gal.

  49. AmyK

    Aug 20, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    I know I’m in the minority here, but I think the Tom’s look old-ladyish! SIMPLE, baby, all the way!! I wore mine forEVER. They never died. The dog got mad at me and chewed them up one day. I cried. Loved those shoes. Sniff.

  50. Suvi

    Aug 21, 2011 at 12:56 am

    My 16 yr old was begging for a pair of Tom’s and I was so against buying them just because they are SO TRENDY (at least here in CA). But I agreed to go shopping for her B-day, and fell in LOVE! I can’t believe I’m recommending them…but they are so cute, come in so many colors and are so comfortable! I’m often trying to sneak out wearing hers…so today she bought the pink sparkly Toms w/ her precious baby-sitting $!!!

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