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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

  1. ColleenwithMurals&More

    I have no idea – I just popped over to see what other commenters said, lol! I’m just like you. One pair of sandals until my toenails turn blue – um, naturally ?!? – and a pair of workout shoes by Danskin – $20 @ Walmart. I will, however, check out some of the brands everyone mentioned . . . just in case you & Kev make it all the way to North. Calif!

    (Hey, wait a minute . . . I did an episode of Yard Crashers last year that airs this Christmas. What in the world did I have on my feet? And my legs? And my . . . too late now.)

  2. Susan

    ahhh shoes…♥

    I am a SpEd Teacher. I am on my feet all day every day during the school year-and then we do the DIY thing all summer 🙂

    I just bought a pair of Jambu sneakery type things and a pair of heeled clogs from Sofft via Zappos.

    http://www.zappos.com/jambu-odyssey-oreo

    I also bought a pair of the BEST flip flops I have ever walked in this summer-great arch support…
    http://www.zappos.com/olukai-ohana-w-black-black

    PS-For my DIY stuff I have a pair of hot pink clogs that are totally plastic! Really a garden shoe buy hey, it doesn’t care about paint/plaster/yukky stuff. It all washes off!

  3. PattiN

    I actually spend most of my DIY time in Crocs and I just discovered that there are some really nice looking ones that don’t look like “Crocs” but more like “real” shoes/sneakers/sandals and flip flops! They fit my very hard to fit wide feet and when I get stuff on them, they just wash right off…now that’s what I call a DIYers’ shoe.

  6. robelyn

    Converse! I know… no arch support – but you can buy the insert!!! I have ’em in every color… 99% of ’em are paint stained…

    And they have some CUTE ones on their website!!! AND! You can even design your own!!!

    I’m such a sucker for Chuck!!!

    ;-D

  7. Leslie Maddox

    I love Skechers. They have sneakers without laces, which are great, but they also have plenty of cute shoes that don’t look like sneakers but are just as comfortable.

  8. Belinda Del Pesco

    Air on the tootsies=happiness. But when you need your toes covered, my go to this summer is Old Navy’s snazzy take on the classic topsider; the knotted ties are a nice touch – nothing to fiddle with – they just slip on an off, and the sole is rubber so they’re cushy on the foot bones. The web site has them in 4 colors, but my local Old Navy had them in red, orange, and a few additional colors. I’ve got them in red, and I highly recommend them: http://oldnvy.me/o8uMRp

  10. kimberly

    I haven’t read all of the comments, so I apologize if this is redundant, but I think TOMS.com would be perfect. I haven’t worn them yet, but I love that they provide a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. Good luck!

  11. Michelle

    TOMS! There super cute, comfy and eco – friendly. Look good with skirts, shorts, capris, anything. There more than $9, but: With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One.
    ~Michelle

  13. Erin

    How do you feel about boat shoes? they have the same idea as non-athletic-y sneakers, are nicely closed toed, but usually more padded and a ton more relaxed that the shoes in your pic. Check Marshalls or TJ Maxx for a good price now.

  14. Tricia

    TOMS! The most comfortable, ugly shoes I’ve ever put on my feet. Seriously, I don’t know how they do it, but they are SOOO comfortable! My daughter, who has arch problems, wears them to waitress in, and swears by them.

    Best of luck.

  15. Michelle

    Hi Layla,

    I’m a long time stalker, first time poster 🙂

    You are so adorable! Love the new tennies. I’ve been looking for some for my daughter to go w/her school uniform, these are perfect. I’m heading to Target for school supplies today, so we’ll be sure to pick up a pair of those cute $9 shoes a la Layla 🙂

    Love your work, and your blog. You and your husband are very talented and do amazing work. Your e-zines are fantatstic! You guys are a great source of inspiration for me!

  17. Claudia

    Skechers. I am wearing a pair right now. I have walked through Disneyland for 3 days in a row in my Skechers and my feet were just fine. Wore a pair of “comfy sneakers” for a morning and got blisters all over.

  18. Sarah

    I LOVE Reef Flip Flops, I live in them from spring through fall (and I live in New England). I find that I do have to replace them annually, but we live in a walking city and, as I say, I wear them EVERY DAY 3/4 of the year. I have also had good luck with Privos they’re usually cute and comfortable — though the pair I loved most aren’t made anymore. . .Finally, for those times when you have to wear shoes you know will rub (dress shoes etc.) I totally recommend body glide. Marathon runners use it to prevent chafing, and it totally works on the heels (and in my case baby toes) to prevent blisters! You can buy it on amazon or in sports stores: http://www.amazon.com/BodyGlide-Anti-Chafing-Stick-2-5oz/dp/B0025UIZUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313594786&sr=8-1

  19. Michelle

    Oops! I didn’t read far enough to see your cute shoes gave you blisters! So sorry! I guess my daughter won’t be getting a pair after all! Try Payless, they have cute casual styles that are pretty reasonable! 🙂

  20. Connie@Connie Nikiforoff Designs

    You sound like me when it comes to criteria for shoes: Nice styling for very little money AND they outta be comfortable. Yeah…not gonna happen. LOL! So I end up getting uncomfortable but cute shoes to wear for the shortest time possible and go barefoot indoors (and outdoors) whenever I can. (Or flip-flops for summer outside or slippers for inside in winter.) You know what they say “Gotta suffer for beauty!” LOL! Good luck with your shoe hunt. BTW, the blue Target sneakers look really cute on you!

  22. Krystle

    Sketchers has some really cute shoes. Especially mary janes. I agree with the others, Toms would also be a good pick. I personally don’t have a pair b/c I am shoe thrifty like you but have heard from others they are really comfortable.

  25. SuzyMcQ

    I love my Tom’s too! And mine are the burlapy looking ones so they fit into the DIY-look sort of thing. Van’s makes great sneakers and Keds allows you to custom construct your own sneaks.

  26. linda t

    TOMS are by far the most comfortable shoes ever! Start with a simple canvas pair… and you will wonder why you waited so long.
    And here’s the cool part, someone, somewhere in a 3rd world country will be given a pair to wear, because of your purchase. Love that!

  28. Jane Crawford

    Skechers store, but they will set you back a little unless they are haveing a great sale. They are so comfortable and have so many styles–open and closed toed. I think I would die without my yoga mat flip flops. This Florida girl lives in sandals and flip flops most of the year.

  30. Amanda

    You might consider Privo by Clark. they are comfy and not too sneakerish. I have a pair that are 3 years old that look like an athletic mary jane that I adore!

  31. Valerie

    I love Merrell’s. They have good arch support and when I find a pair I love I usually will buy two pairs!! I have arthritis and these give me the support and comfort I need. Love them!!

  32. Donna Bettencourt

    I agree with everyone who said try the Keen’s very comfy and some styles are light, I like the Whisper ones, in a lot of colors, check on Zappos, they have everything and free shipping in a couple of days and a 365 day return policy, you will find something good there. enjoy!
    Donna

  34. Gina

    I love my Privo shoes. Similar to keen comfort, but a little more “preppy” style and seem to have a bit more to choose from for flats. I have two pair and they feel like they’re massaging your feet when you wear them. They are incredibly comfortable and durable. I have had mine for two years and they still look like new!

  35. amy

    I second all those Keen lovers out there. Very cute styles, very comfy shoes. Go to a place like REI (do they have those in Georgia? If not they’re online). They have some surprisingly cute shoes that are super durable — brands like Keen, Merril, Teva. Also Simple makes some very cute shoes. I’m a mary jane girl myself. I also recently found some really cute mary janes by Patagonia.

    If you can’t stomach the prices of those brands then check out lands end. Some cute mary janes, but they probably won’t be as comfortable. You really do get what you pay for.

    By the way, I bought a pair of Reef flip flops last year on sale at the REI website for $11. LOOOOVE THEMMMM! So comfy. I have foot issues so comfort and support are key (I can’t go barefoot anymore). These are great.

  36. Deb Owen

    Try Lands End or LL Bean for Mary Janeish sneakers. I’ve got several pairs from there. Sketcher Brands at many department stores also sell a style you might like. Can’t wait to watch your new show! Break a leg! I mean that in the best theatrical sense of course!

  37. Rachel Goode

    $40 Mary-Jane style sneakers in “natural”… they’re closed-toed but have a very open and airy feel. Very feminine. I think these are perfect! By Sketchers, Fanfare Mary Jane Sneakers. Also come in black and white, but natural are my favorite. 🙂 Link below:

    http://fashionbug.lanebryant.com/shoes/skechers-reg-sneakers/skechers-reg-fanfare-mary-jane-sneakers/13833c5112p59361/index.pro?sid=PS:Goog:Google_PlusBox&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+PPC&mcid=PPC&ci_src=27500988&ci_sku=59361-00061634697

  38. Dee

    I second Sketchers and Privo for closed toe shoes. You have to spend a little more and be kind to your feet. If you don’t you will mucho sorry down the road. And more than one pair so you can trade off each day. I’m going to check out those Keens that so many suggested.

  39. Laura

    Puma has some cute “non-athletic” Mary Jane style shoes and they are usually reasonably priced. But for me I LIVE in my Chacos in the summer. Im also saving my money to get me a pair for this winter since they made a slide in style. The Toms shoes are also very popular right now and oh, so cute!! They have a burlap shoe that is my fav!

  44. Angela

    I’ve got the same exact pair of Earth sandals and I wear them as much as you do! :o) I have a pair of TOMS that I absolutely love. Mine are without laces, but I know they sell ones with if that’s what you’d rather.

  47. Alecia

    You post immediately made me think of Simple Sneakers. They are cute, stylish and SOOOO comfortable. I had a pair in college that I literally wore until they fell apart. (Your comment about superglue made me LOL. My first thought for my shoes was the same thing.) You can search for them on Amazon.

  48. Lisa Cole

    Ah, I long for the days back when I could wear cheap shoes or flip flops all day, but now that I’m mid-40s, my feet have gotten fussier. Anyhow, I’d highly recommend Teva Mush flip flops – they have a thicker, squashy sole (ergo, “mush”) and a thicker band. They’re practically indestructable, and they come in fun colors/designs. If you buy them on Zappos, they come in a two pack with two different designs.

    For a tennis shoe/mary jane, Merrell makes great ones (link below), but they’re an investment. You can probably find a cheaper version, like the LL Bean ones, but I don’t know how long they last. Merrells are also practically indestructable.
    http://www.zappos.com/merrell-barefoot-pure-glove-castle-rock

    DEFINITELY CHECK OUT ZAPPOS.com. If you don’t like something, it’s free return shipping! : )

  50. Shauna

    I DIY’d my whole wedding in Vibram Five Fingers (http://vibramfivefingers.com/) Yes those weird toe-shoes that make you feel barefoot, and give you proper support and walking techniques for your spine.

    But those Target sneakers are awfully cute. Did you know band-aid brand sells a little stick to rub on the back of your heel to avoid blisters? It’s basically just anti-perspirant, cause the moisture of your skin is really what causes the friction to turn into blisters. I think after a week or so of wearing those guys, they’d be worn in enough to be comfy?