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Sneakers For DIY’ers

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Confession: I spend more time thinking about these…

…than these:

Those are the shoes I wear every day, all day, and will continue to until those faux leather straps are no longer attached to the sole. Or it gets too cold outside to wear them. Whichever comes first. (Considering the amount of money I paid for the shoes- A new pair of shoes may actually come first.)

And before it was those, it was these:

I wore those suckers for, like, three years before my foot finally busted out the side of one of ’em.

That was a very sad day, and visions of fixing them with super glue may or may not have been dancing in my head when the incident occurred. If they hadn’t been so stinky worn out, I definitely would have tried it. Definitely.

I went through a couple of pairs of flips flops after my skull sneakers bit the dust. Flip flops, by the way, are my favorite type of shoe to wear…but why do they all seem to break so quickly? Am I just too hardcore? Or is it because I refuse to pay over $30 (okay, $20) for a pair of shoes that I know I’m going to be DIY’ing in every day? Hmmmm…

Anywho…after a lengthy phone call with the gal who’s “styling” us for our pilot episode experience, I discovered that a “nice pair of sneakers” that “weren’t atheletic-looking” are in order. So yesterday, I picked up these little navy numbers at Target for $9:

I ran in and out of 4 stores before deciding to get them. I tried on approximately 14 pairs of shoes before deciding to get them. I licked my hand and used it to moisturize my leg before deciding to take that picture.

I like them, but oh how I wish they were a little more….uh….open-footed. And I just know I’m going to get a blister on the ol’ achilles if I don’t walk all Cindy Lou Who-style. (I can’t remember exactly how she actually walks, but I’m sure there are tip toes involved.)

Also in the Target bag yesterday: Band-aids.

So, my question to you, shoe-buyin’ DIY’er: Where can a girl get a nice pair of sneakers that are a little more Mary Jane-ish and a LOT more Layla Palmer-ish? (And by that, I mean: better arch support and that aren’t so tight around the achilles.)

Do they even make a shoe like that? Help!

PS- I realize I’ll have to spend more than twenty bucks this time…but I’m getting reimbursed for them, so it’s all good.

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Comments

    • Sue

      I just got a pair of Keen shoes (not sneakers) at Cabela’s – Love, love, love them! Maybe it’s a Colorado thing, I’m from there too. Never heard of Keen till I saw a super cute pair of Keen boots on a girl in Starbucks a few months ago. Check them out, Layla!

    • PattiN

      Keen is the best! I love their socks, who would have ever thought that making a left and right footed sock would make such a HUGE difference.

    • Lynne

      I totally LOVE my Keen’s!!! I live in them all year long. They are super supportive and comfy without feeling “all closed in”. I even add sox to wear them in the winter. They are a little prices, but well worth it!

  2. Zoë

    One word: Rainbows.

    Now, they’re a $40 pair of flip flops, but I’ve had my double-stacked (for better arch support and skinny feet) flops for 4 years, and they’re abused daily. I wear NOTHING else all summer and that’s been the case since purchased. I’m considering a new pair, but I’m not sure I’m ready to part with these bad boys just yet…:)

  3. Leslie

    Have you ever heard of Yellow Box Shoes. Mostly flip flops, but some new choices. I never leave home without them!

    • Tina Youngblood

      I have Yellow Box in alot of colors… These are my summer shoe..or Flip Flop…

  4. Maaike

    I’ve had good luck with Mary Jane-like Sketchers – you can get them for a decent price at Shoe Carnival or even Payless (at least in Birmingham), and I’ve worn several pairs of them for more than a year before either busting out seams or smelliness overload causing them to be given up. I ususally have 2 pairs (1 brown, 1 black) so I can alternate them every day – plus at least one of them will match whatever you’re wearing…

  5. MyFrogs

    Look for anything Rocket Dog, not gonna be $9. But I have a pair and they are THE MOST comfortable shoe EVER!

    • Tina Youngblood

      I think you will like these too. I checked it out. Look at all they have to offer. I am sure you will find a cute pair. Then get you a pair of yello box flip flops to check out when you are not DIY ing..

  7. Jenn(ifer) @ heim-elich

    Hi!
    I hate losing a fafourite pair like that… Maybe try looking for the “Gisele” model from vans, similar shape to your skull ones and all kinds of funny / interesting/ pretty fabrics…
    Good luck!

    • Carolyn

      Toms (they also donate a pair of shoes for each pair bought) – very chic right now.
      Privo, Clarks brand comfort, cuter casual styles
      Chuck Taylors – they come in all different colors (although I can’t wear them b/c they bite my ankles)
      Sketchers – can be hit or miss
      Keen – THE most comfortable shoes and boots I’ve ever owned
      Born – super comfy, often in large supply at DSW
      Docksiders (or knock-offs) – people rave about them, and you can find lots of different color combos
      Crocs apparently come in non-holey maryjane styles now

  13. Jenni

    Toms have a lot of cute styles — and donate a pair to a child in need for every pair purchased!

  14. chris bouchard

    I live in the pacific northwest and all I wear are Keens, Chacos and Danskos…. I know you can get a mary jane look in Keens or Danskos…. Good luck with the shoe hunt!

    ~Chris

    • Kat

      I bought a pair of the Simple Satires in gray hemp last fall and love them! No blisters on my heels and still comfy after lots of walking. My pair came with purple ribbon laces, which I think are pretty cute too. 🙂

  16. Chrissy

    I’ll second or third the Keens. We all love them here….I snap them up at good prices when I can. We just splurged on a pair for my hubby who needs a good Achilles relief and doesn’t like the standard “tennis shoe look” for work, but likes comfy and casual. My kids play hard and their Keens still look good that we pass them on to friends when they outgrow them. They last a long time!

  19. DeeDee

    Oh Layla! Getcha some Rocket Dogs! I love ’em! Cute and stylish and really remind me of your skull sneakers, which BTW are adorable! I’m like you, I LOVE flip flops and wear shoes till they are dead! Heehee! 🙂

  20. Molly Faircloth

    How about going on-line to Zappos (free return shipping) and looking at the Clark’s Privo line…i bought a pair to walk around on vacation, put them on the day I left for vacation and walked everywhere and no blisters, lots of comfort, sort of skimmer style. stylish and sneaker support and traction. and still going strong.

  22. Sarah

    One word. Keen. Really Do it. You will not regret it.

    Fyi, you can find keen’s discounted on sites like 6pm and ebay.

    Rock ’em!

  23. Megan

    So I got a really comfy pair of shoes by Columbia a few years ago. I did a little researchand on their website under “Outlet” (http://www.columbia.com/sale-discount-womens-shoes-boots/outlet-women-footwear,default,sc.html) and found a few pairs that might fit your liking. I suggest looking at:
    Teagan $32.90 (3 colors)
    Avery $29.95 (3 colors)
    Joely $34.90 (4 colors)
    There are some others that you might like so you’ll have to look. Also, because it’s the Outlet, they may not have your size or color choice so you’ll have to look around.
    Hope that helps. Good luck!

  24. Lori

    I feel your feet pain. I recently had to find a pair of shoes appropriate enough for lots of walking,,I think I have ped..claustrophobia…. can’t stand the thought of my foot being tied up into a shoe, for a trip out west. Found a cute pair of converse without laces and a pair of skechers. Both are slip on and I’m thinking I might get some of those dr.scholl’s insoles for more cushioning in the bottom of the shoe. Give me a flip flop any ole day.

  25. Stacy

    Take a look at Lands’ End(www.landsend.com) – I have a couple of pairs of their sandels and Trekkers and really like them. Very comfortable and durable. They have some cute Mary Jane styles too! Sears stores also carry (and can return) them.

  27. KK

    For flip flops, I’ve worn the same style of Clarks for over 3 years now. I just keeping buying a new pair whenever they wear out. I’d say I wear a pair daily for a year before needing to replace them. I have them in black & brown. At $35/pair, they are most definitely worth it. I bought my last pairs at Rack Room Shoes in the East Chase Shopping area. They are currently having a Buy One, Get One 50% Off Sale.

    http://www.rackroomshoes.com/product/clarks/roxana/1503.214093.html

  28. Leslie

    Airwalk! They have slip on shoes and flip flops that support your insoles and they aren’t too expensive. I have a pair of flip flops from last year that are still holding together very well even now! I purchased them at our local Pamida.

  30. Nicole

    I also need arch support and I find I wear almost exclusively privo’s by Clarks. They last FOREVER and are super comfortable. I get the mary janes and wear them with skirts, jeans, and everything in between. They have sneakers, but I’d recommend going with one of the sporty mary janes. They sound like they’d be more you, and they are just as comfy as sneakers.

    http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/brands/search/womens/shoes/867

  32. Dawn

    TRETORNs! I wore them all thru high school and into college. They aren’t too athletic looking but they have great support, and the back of them won’t kill your heel (I have the same problem). Not sure if they make them anymore…lol…but do a google and see if they sell them. Not usually too expensive…and the LAST a looong time! 🙂

  34. Taryn

    Toms!!! Super comfy. I just bought my third pair of the year…I’m hooked! Wear them every single day 🙂

  35. Deb T.

    Toms are comfortable and cute, but they won’t last long if you are hard on your shoes. Sketchers makes cute mary jane sneakers and they have arch support. What I love are my gray Converse sneakers! My feet are super picky so it takes me forever to find the right shoe too! Happy shoe hunting!

  37. Em Saunders

    Try Toms! I got a pair and wear them WAAAAY more than I thought. Mine are a charcoal and white thin strip and they go with everything. The newer models have arch support which I need. Super comfy and not one blister, I have the same problem with my heels. They usually get rubbed raw. I know they are a bit more pricey, but when you buy a pair, a child in Africa gets a pair too! They also make styles that have a lace up look to them as well.

  38. Amanda

    My hubby just bought a pair of Toms and loves them… I’ve had Sketchers Mary Janes and they are pretty good, but have been looking into the Mary Jane Crocs – good luck!

  41. Paula

    Land’s End makes a cute Maryjane. I think they’re still on sale. I love the orange ones ( I bought the green ones too!). oneshttp://www.landsend.com/pp/MaryJaneShoes~217797_253.htmlbcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::QB6&CM_MERCH=IDX_Shoes-_-Women-_-Regular-_-WeekendCasual&origin=index

  42. Jackie

    “I licked my hand and used it to moisturize my leg before deciding to take that picture.” I laughed out loud at my desk reading that. You crack me up!

  43. Carly Carlson

    You absolutely MUST get a pair of TOMS shoes!! They feel like slippers they are THAT comfy. And the best part? When you buy a pair of TOMS, a pair is donated to children in need of shoes!
    And they are really cute shoes. Once you try a pair you won’t want any other kind of shoe! (Make sure to get it in the right size, I would try them on first vs order online- my first pair was a little too small and I was like “What is all this TOMS hype?!” but once I got a pair in the correct size, wowzers amazing)

  45. Paulina J!

    These are a little pricey, but they will last FOREVER and are designed specifically for a woman’s foot. I’ve had a pair for 3 years and they are my go to shoe. If tehre is a Belk near you they always have great sales and coupons so you wouldn’t pay full price. The Merells come in all styles and colors too.
    http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Shoes/Shop/Womens/Athletics_Outdoor/PRD~2900378J75034/Merrell+Circuit+MJ+Breeze+Slip+On.jsp?cm_vc=cross_sell_prod_page

  46. Brea

    Hands down, Dansko brand. They have a Mary Jane style. I wear them all the time. Great arch and no blister on the back because your heel is not even supposed to touch the back of the shoe. you could even drop a hammer on the toe and you won’t feel it. The best part is that the leather looks better as it gets older!

  47. Heidi

    I have a pair of comfy Rocket Dog Mary Jane-ishs (criss-cross straps-velcro) from DSW a couple yrs ago. Or was it Shoe Locker? Whichever one was having a sale. I liked them because they are multi-colored and go with tons of Tshirt/jean capri type outfits…no, I found that out after the purchase. Truth is, I just like a funky shoe. 🙂

  50. Mindy

    You’re too funny. I live in my flip flops, weather permitting, too. When I’m forced to put on something else, it’s all about the Converse. And the only reason I own those is because my sister bought them for me as a gift. The $9 Target sneakers are right up my alley. Good luck! I know there will be hundreds of suggestions from people waaaaay more shoe savvy than I! :o)