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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. Angie Meyer

    Another vote for Keens! I love them. So comfortable, and they’re fun to look at too! I have two pair now. My first I’ve had for four years, and they’re still going strong. My newest pair, that I bought last year, are the Waimea H2 Ricebag. There are several Mary Jane styles. A little on the pricey side, but they’ll last forever! 🙂

  2. Katie

    I just bought these Vans from zappos (in the Frost Gray/Yellow): http://www.zappos.com/vans-palisades-vulc-w-hemp-black-flamingo

    And in a word? Amazing. The tops don’t come up as far as the sneaks you’re currently sporting, so for me they felt more summery. Love them with shorts, capris, jeans and even some skirts. Plus, I have to do a lot of field work for my job so they’re comfortable to stand in and walk around in for long periods of time.

  4. Christy

    Ok, Miss Layla. My husband and I own a shoe store in Starkville, MS (sorta neighborish to Prattville – we’ve played golf there!). As others have mentioned, Keen is fabulous and Merrell is good too. You’ll get good arch support from them. Check out these cool Merrell MJ’s – Circuit MJ Breeze, Mimosa Emme, Encore Strap. OR if you wanna hop on the barefoot train, check out the Pure Glove! If you ever want great personalized service, just let me know. We’ll fit ya if you’re in the area or ship ya if you’re not! We post new stuff on facebook regularly too so you can find us there as well! Happy shoe shopping!!

    • Shar Yates

      I have two pair of the Merrell MJ’s and love them. They are comfy, durable, and cute as can be, with or without socks. Get some!

  6. Christine

    Of all the time I’ve been following your blog, I think this may be the first time I’ve left a comment. Shoes. Shoes is what motivated me to leave a comment… too funny. I’m totally a flip flop girl too, and Rainbows are my brand of choice. They are pricey, but they last for years.

    Anyway, I would recommend DSW Shoe Warehouse. They have tons of styles in the mary jane/sneaker department and the two brands that I always find work for me are Rocket Dogs or Sketchers. Both have an understated version of the sneaker/femininity of the mary jane. Good Luck!

  7. Alisa

    Try Toms! A few posters have mentioned them (comfy AND they donate a pair to charity when you buy a pair)…but they are also easily ‘personalized’. Checkout their facebook page for lots of inspiration.

  9. Dianne

    Layla buy TOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are perfectly perfect! Especially if they are paying for them. I like the red canvas ones but there are sooo many to choose from….go now and DO IT!!!!

  10. Kathy

    I could so see you in Converse, but I also like Simple brand…and they are more comfy.

  15. Kelsey

    I’m gonna echo the Keen love. They are the best! I don’t personally have a pair but I recently bought my 2.5 year old a pair and he LIVES in them! Flip flops were making his feet get blisters and sneakers aren’t possible right now in 100 degree California so he needed some ventilation. Keens were the perfect choice! You can also find them at Nordstrom’s rack!!! His were about 25.00..although I’m sure they would be more for adult ones. I’d check there first though! Good luck!

  16. Kate

    Buy Rainbow flip flop sandals…you can literally do anything in them (even run!) and they won’t break or cause damage to the foot! =-) They have great arch support and will last a lifetime (really, they have a lifetime warranty!). Plus, i feel like they are so versatile…that’s all I wear in the summer. Reef sandals are also nice and come in more “stylish” styles than the basic Rainbow sandals.

  17. Diane

    I love Merrell Encore MJ’s. I have five pairs in all different colors. They are cool when worn barefoot and warm with socks. I have never had a hint of a blister when wearing these. Best of all, the insoles are washable and they dry quickly if you get them wet. They run about $70.00 but are worth the price.

  18. diane

    check out land’s end…they have exactly what you need and you can try them on and buy them at sears stores and even order them while in the store if they dont have your size. good luck

  19. Gayle

    You need Tretorn’s. You can get them at Land’s End, sometimes you can snag a pair at Sears if your Sears has a nice Land’s End department. They were my faves in high school and now they’ve made a come back!

  20. MichelleD

    I love TOMS! I have three pairs and I wear them everywhere plus you can totally personalize them, I have a pair that I put yellow butterfly buttons on recently. Not to mention, it is a company with a great mission which makes me feel better about buying shoes! 🙂

  22. Audra Mahoney

    TOMS!! Go out and get a pair for you and your hubster. They are a little pricey, but the company gives a pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase. One for One is their deal. I love my TOMS and wear them almost every day. You can get them online, but the s&h is $10. You can also pick them up at Nordstroms (the same one for one deal applies) and then you don’t have to pay the s&h. Hope you try them out!

  25. Jessamie

    Ok, I’m sorry, I didn’t read through all the other comments, but rocket dog has some cute styles and are so comfy! And then there are always Toms! Can’t wait to see the pilot!!!

  26. Cindy

    I can’t live without my MaryJane Crocs! Or my MaryJane Skechers – (I think they call them Bikers). They have ventilation holes and everything! But the best thing about them is they’ll cover up the toes I chipped the day before while wearing fil flops! But now that I’ve read tons of the comments, I can hardly wait to try the Keens.

  28. Lisa W.

    Oh Layla….I have to say this tickled me pink. I love the shoes story. Ok rule number ONE you get what you pay for in shoes. Now thats not to say that I don’t LOVE a good deal when I see one. I LOVE love love shoes so I have WAY to many. Does not sound like you do. So on that note when you think about the hours those dogs of yours spend in them. Then why not buy a good quality pair. Kohls is a excellent store for all shoes. I too love girly not so sporty looking shoes. Exspecially the Mary Jane style…mmmm love those:) I actually found a pair that are SO comfortable with wonderful arch support two years ago. So maybee even check the Nike site. I paid like $30.00ish and that was on sale of course with my 20% 0r 30% coupon:) And on the flip flop note (FAVES all the way) I also have to buy nike, as I cannot wear all those oh so cute little cheap ones. REMEMBER you are so worth it. Buy a good pair of shoes:) Hope that helps. Keep this yummy blog coming:) It just makes my day!!!!!

  29. Cheryl

    Check out LL Bean. I love their shoes and I am just like you… a flip flop kind of girl.

  32. Mirys

    Dear Layla:

    I’m from Brazil so… I’ll be a little help (or nothing at all) with your snikers questions… but I wish you luck on finding them!!!! 😉

    On the other hand, I’d like to say that I discover your blog today and I COULDNT STOP READING IT!!!! IT’S ADDICTING!!! Please, please, please stop writing about interesting things and beautiful ideas and clever way outs for homes… and let me work! I spent all afternoon here, at the internet, cheking about everything on your blog! It isnt fair!!!….

    PS: I also saw the video about your in laws porche. You are not just a talented woman but a loving person too! Congrats!!!

    Kisses and blessings.
    Mirys
    http://www.diariodos3mosqueteiros.blogspot.com
    (from Brazil)

  33. Ronnie Gunn Tucker

    You said the word sneakers, my cue to say…..BiddyBrain!
    See my custom BiddyBrain brand art sneakers here http://www.zazzle.com/biddybrain/shoes
    If you want to put your own image on a pair, like that sweet pic of you and Kevin at the top of your blog, that would be nice too. Zazzle.com has those sweet girlie sneaks too like your beloved pirate shoes. Good luck!

  34. Ahbra

    Landsend is having there 70 off sale. Just ordered water and hiking Mary janes for $11 each with free shipping. I love these shoes!!!!

  35. janet @ ordinary mom

    I love converse but I don’t love the price AND how they always blister the back of my ankles (too high?). So I bought these look a like ones at Payless instead (http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10288&skuId=048010120&productId=64059&lotId=048010&category=&catdisplayName=Womens) Love them, love the price, love the classic appeal. Plan to get a new pair this year!

    They look good with jeans and skirts. So cute!

  36. Justine

    As some others have mentioned, TOMS are so so great. Very comfortable – I never had to use any band-aids, and that’s very rare! They’re not ‘Mary-Jane’-ish though. But highly recommended for comfort and cuteness! (and their One for One policy)

  37. Janita

    Layla, you’re getting great suggestions here so I’ll echo Keens, Simple, Rocket Dogs…I have a cute pair of Sketcher Mary Janes that my teenage daughter is loathe to see me in but they look a lot like your former black MJs and I love em. As a faithful reader though, I say with all the DIYing you do, you best protect your feet with something a little more, wel… protective than a flip flop! We need you! And your toes.

  38. Kary Ross

    Hey Layla! I have a few suggestions for ya! I am a skinny footed girl so I have very particular feet! But, if you need a arch support and you’ll be on your feet alot more than usual, then I’d say you most likely need that arch support. I’m a firm believer (for me) in Merrell shoes. You can Google that and see what they have. I love their “Siren Sport” shoes for their support and I can even jog in them and hike too!
    Sorry in advance for all the links!!! Enjoy!
    But, here’s 3 links for some shoes that are also “good for your feet”. Like the Earth Baby Jane http://www.normthompson.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15761&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C22%2C343%2C1263&iProductID=15761 AND

    Privo Ballet Style http://www.normthompson.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16719&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=16719

    AND

    then there’s these cute Dansko’s that my sister swears by http://www.normthompson.com/jump.jsp?itemID=17389&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C7%2C57%2C226&iProductID=17389

    And, my favorite “sneakers” are the Merrell Siren Sport:

    http://www.zappos.com/product/7459724/color/18?gclid=CO2FkrCR16oCFWFjTAodm2W86A

    BUT then, the good ‘ol Keds could be your best friend too and we are back to just what you bought! http://www.keds.com/store/SiteController/keds/productdetails?stockNumber=WF34100&showDefaultOption=true&skuId=***5********WF34100*M120&productId=5-130610&catId=cat610203

    Good luck!!

  39. Ami

    May seem a little old school (but then again – I am) but try Keds. They are a little pricier – but will last you FOREVER! And arch support galore – I took 3 pair on a recent trip to New York City and that’s all I wore (even to the theater!) And there are lots of fun colors & styles to choose from.

  40. Sherri Langford-Farrell

    DSW or http://www.dsw.com
    I swear by them and you get rewards on every purchase if you join their rewards club for free. I live in flip- flops, but I have some super comfies by Privo. I can walk for hours (like I do!!!) and not rub blisters. Here’s to us open toed shoe girls!!!!!!

  41. Sallie coons

    Lands’ end may be a good choice for what you need. They have some Mary Jane-ish style canvas shoes which are actually quite comfortable and come in several different colors. Good Luck !!

  42. Christina

    I had the same problem until I found these…
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/converse-chuck-taylor-low-slip-on-sneaker-women/2865766?origin=category&resultback=0

    From firSt wear they never have given me any discomfort. They also have really cute colors, I like the brown and black. They look more beachy and not so “brand new.”
    Good Luck! Can’t wait to see your show, just started reading your blog a week ago and my whole apartment has changed from your inspiration! Thank you!

  45. Anjanette

    I love Sketchers. I buy them when I have a 30% off code at Kohl’s. Great arch support.

  46. Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita

    Lacoste makes a pair that looks a little like ballet flats ,only with a sneaker sole and canvas. They’re on sale for $40 at Finish Line. They also have a Puma Ballet flat that has a thicker sole.

  47. Erin

    I don’t really know about sneakers, but I got a pair of airwalk flipflops at Payless (I think they were 12.95) at the end of last summer and I LOVE THEM! They are comfy and they look like the much much pricier flip flops.

    They may have sneakers there too! I love Payless!

  48. stef

    TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS TOMS

    :o) stef

  49. Christy

    My go to flip flops are Reef & Havianna’s (love these & have way too many pairs, if there is such a thing as too many flip flops).

    For sneakers, I heart Converse – have the basic balck, or Target’s One Star Converse – in these I have a few colors, they are inexpensive. I also really like SIMPLE. I have a couple pair & love these.

  50. Sarah Teske

    Check out Privos — my mom has them and I always covet her medium width foot – ha!
    http://www.zappos.com/privo-by-clarks-flats-on-sale~2
    Unfortunately, I have long narrow foot, so medium width doesn’t work for me. I think my mom’s shoes are so cute. For me? I LOVE my Chaco sandals. They have great arch support. They might not be the “look” you’re going for. But excellent fit, foot doctor approved, wear forever, sporty sandal.
    http://www.rei.com/search?origin=Google&search=chaco&jxGender=Women%27s&hist=search%2Cchaco^jxGender%2CWomen%27s