Reader Question
Hi there! Love your blog!
I am going on a trip to Disney World in late May (God help me) with my husband's family. Our 2.5 year old will be along for the trip, and I will be about six months pregnant.
I am trying to find comfortable, breathable shoes to wear for this trip, that are also cute and stylish. My feet are wide to begin with, so pregnancy swelling+Disney crowds+heat and humidity will probably turn them into Fred Flintstone feet.
I'd appreciate any suggestions you can come up with. I'm feeling desperate.
Shani
PS: This trip was not my idea.
Answer
Disney World. At the end of May. Whilst 6 months pregnant. With a preschooler. And your in-laws. On your feet. He’s probably telling you it won’t even be very hot that time of year, but, of course, he’s never carried a fetal furnace in utero. Sounds like a baby moon to me!
Of course this wasn’t your idea--your sanity would be questionable indeed if it were--but we both know you’ll have a blast celebrating with your family and spending your last few months as a three-person family unit. S. and I agree, though, you are going to need some serious footwear to get you through your trip and through the summer.
First, however, I think you might be entitled to some spa treatments. Maybe with all that family fun going on, you could swing some mommy time. Please check out the spas and get a massage for both of us. My back is aching just thinking about your trip.
Secondly, I must warn you that I stuck mainly with true comfort brands, which are generally on the pricier side. What I’ve found, however, is that when I buy cheap shoes that look comfortable, they invariably are anything but, which I usually discover after wearing them outside, rendering them un-returnable--more money down the drain. With the exception of the Privos and the TOMS shoes, which are S’s pick, I tried each of these on today and all were comfortable enough, and cute enough (for comfort shoes), to be your every day go-to shoe. So, without further ado, here are my quick picks for spring/summer comfort shoes:
Birkenstock Gizeh in Metallic Silver ($80)
Birkenstocks!? You say. I ask for cute. I ask for stylish, you give me Birkenstocks!? Yes, I know, but after a brief break-in period, these will be the most comfortable shoes you have ever owned and they accommodate wide, pregnant, and even Flintstone feet insanely well. I hadn’t worn Birks since my high school granola stint, but I fell in love with the Gizeh in metallic silver when I was pregnant with my first. I’ve worn them going on three summers now and they still look really good while getting more and more comfortable. The thong toe has a more feminine and streamlined (dare I say sexier!?), kind of Egyptian feel than your standard unisex Arizona and it’s classic enough to get you through several summers. Another of Birk’s more feminine styles is the Lennox in Graniglia Rame ($72 on sale). I’m also intrigued by the Gizeh in Mocha Chain ($140), but I haven’t seen them in person and it could all go hideously wrong, so be wary. . .
I was ambivalent about TOMS shoes at first. I looked at them and my first reaction was: these are the anti-Ked--an opposite, but equally heinous, comfort shoe. That was before I became a full-fledged convert. Now I love them. I want them. I need them. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the One for One program--they give a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes they sell. That kind of thing always gets me. I haven’t been able to pul the trigger on a pair yet though, because the variety is sort of debilitating. What I really want is the Baobab Sunset Classics, but they’re sold out ‘till May and I’m not known for patience. Also on the hot list: Olive Canvas Classics, Purple Tangier Classics, Natural Burlap Classics and the Navy Canvas Classics. Love these with all denim, maybe with leggings, definitely with breezy summer dresses and skirts.
Privo Randford ($75) and Arbor ($70)
I love the arch support and flex of Privo shoes. The styling. . . usually, not so much, but I'm pretty impressed with both the Randford and the Arbor. Both come in black and bronze, my color picks, and the Arbor also comes in black patent. One reviewer says they're more comfortable than her sneakers. Done and done for Disney World.
I lo-ove any kind of cork sole I can get. They are super-duper comfortable and shock absorbing. These are my pick if you want more of a lift for casual diners out and whatnot. Yes, you’re probably paying a bit for the UGG name but comparable styles are only about $20 less and I trust UGG workmanship. If you don’t agree, Zappos has a stellar return policy, so they’re easy to try. These some in black, chesnut, ultramarine and a hard-to-find coral color, all of which I love. I’d wear these with just about anything: short skirts, jumpsuits, boyfriend shorts and jeans.
Mephisto Agacia Sandal in Black Disco ($179)
When I tried these Mephistos on today, I was shocked (and thrilled) by how sublimely comfortable the footbed is. These are like a daintier version of the Birk Gizeh with a softer footbed. These come in a variety of other color options, but I just wasn't feeling them. Black Disco is where it's at. Or maybe I just like the name. . .
Unfortunately, I don’t have a direct link here because this is a UK brand that I couldn’t find on any U.S.-based online stores after having purchased them (for comfort shoe research) at my friendly local shoe repair shop, Dardanos. Ladies, if you can find, them, try them on. So-supple-it’s-already-broken-in-leather. Padded footbed. Arch support. Grippy tread. Hidden, elasticized ankle strap to prevent chaffing. This is Comfort. Shoe. Love.
- M.
