Answer: NYC is a tough one as a tourist. You want to look edgy and up-to-date, but New Yorkers walk, on average, two miles a day, and tourists probably walk more. So, to get the absolute most out of the city, footwear choices have to be spot-on.
With something interesting to see on literally every block (Example: showing my college roommate around during her first weeks there, I picked her up at her office and we turned the corner only to run into a gaggle of be-kilted men toting bag pipes, then walked into a protest rally led by Tim Robins and Susan Sarandon against the Rockefellar Drug Laws two blocks later--that's Manhattan for you), don't risk losing out on all that NYC has to offer by choosing shoes that aren't comfortable enough to walk at least two miles.
But don't worry, Mamas, rejoice! The age of the comfortable shoe is now! Fab, sexy shoes at sane heights are popping up absolutely everywhere and I am LOVING. IT. We've got to grab this by the horns, ladies. This is our moment.
In addition to checking out our footwear picks for a prego mom on her way to some Disney family fun, here are my picks for a blister-free NYC vacay:
Cool Kicks
If you're doing a hard core Cloisters to Coney whirlwind tour, don't mess around. Go with some street sneaks. I am loving the retro styling of Onitsuka Tiger by Asics' Mexico 66 ($80), and you can go wrong with either the Saucony Originals Bullet ($50) or the Puma Replicat II ($75).
Cuffed and Comfy
I have found the cuffed sandal trend to be soooo incredibly comfortable. The additional material provides more support and a lot of flip without much flop. I am getting amazing wear out of my Gabor flat glads that I posted in the Disney reader Q, and now I've found them at Piperlime. These are truly an amazing shoe--the leather cuff surround hides a super soft, wide, elastic ankle band (goodbye chaffing), they have a great tread, a small wedge heel and super supple leather. I love this taupey-gray color--I've been wearing it with almost everything. The MIA Egyptian ($70) and Paul Green's Esha sandal ($235) are two gorgeous alternatives.
New Glads
This spring, we're seeing a fresh take on the gladiator. I feel like they're less aggressive, more feminine, but without being too sweet. And oh, are these low heel heights and extra support comfortable for the on-the-go mama! The Cole Haan Air Whitney has to be the bargain of the week at $90 down from $148. I have a pair of Cole Haan Air boots and they are to-die-for comfortable. I have not personally tried this sandal on, but my previous experience and the review lead me to believe they will be amazing. Can't decide which is better-woodbury/birch or black. . . The Steve Madden Kasidy ($79) is an adorable spin on the classic gla, and I am drooling over the Kenneth Cole Cedar Dining sandal ($79) in pewter metallic, but they're sold out all over. Black is super tempting, too. These are a bit higher than the others I've chosen, but I spent a summer walking all around Manhattan in an earlier version, so I think I can vouch for their comfort safely.
Happy hoofin' in NYC, Jen! It's an amazing city.
- M
Thank you so much for the recommendations! Now I have the hard task of picking which one(s) I want from such a great list. -Jen
Posted by: Jen D. | May 04, 2010 at 06:25 AM
M - am loving your street sneaks pics.
Jen...for whatever it's worth, I always to go a new city with a pair of street sneaks AND a pair of cute (but still comfy) shoes. Not sure if that helps or makes it worse...
:)
Posted by: Shana | May 04, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Love the Saucony sneaks! :O :)
Posted by: Seanna | May 04, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Great post! On my recent NYC trip I had the additional complication that I was there partly for business and sometimes I'd be doing business and pleasure in the same day without making a trip back to the hotel room to switch out shoes. I got these: http://www.bonton.com/product/shoes/womens+comfort+shoes/casual/b.o.c+a+born+concept+%22adrianne%22+sandal.do
By far the comfiest flats I have EVER worn. I walked from Midtown to the East Village in them and many points in between.
Posted by: Meagan Francis | May 05, 2010 at 07:45 AM
Wow! Flats aren't as always comfy as promised...nice find!
Posted by: Shana | May 07, 2010 at 07:56 AM