Fashionable shoes, sandals and boots that don’t need to be broken in

Posted on July 6, 2023

There are so many shoes out there and they all fall under two categories: walking shoes or sitting shoes. As beautiful as red-soled, thigh-high and metal-studded heels are, they are not made for walkin’.

I’m constantly on the lookout for comfortable sandals, shoes and boots that don’t completely kick style to the curb. And I’m not interested in footwear that needs to be broken in like the Birkenstocks and Dr. Martens of the world — I want to take them out of the box and hit the pavement.

Allbirds shoes have been a favourite of mine since the brand launched. You may not see them on runways in Paris, but they’re neutral and can be worn with many styles. I get compliments on my Tree Runners, and not just from my thankful feet that like my comfortable-shoe behaviour. 

While the Tree Runners are my go-to shoes, I’ve also found sandals and boots I can wear with confidence knowing my feet will be in good hands.

Shoe summary

Shoes: Allbirds — Tree Runners
Sandals: Sorel — Viibe sandal (option with chunkier heel — Kinetic Impact Y)
Boots: Steve Madden — Howler Ankle Boot

The shoes

Allbirds — Tree Runners

Tree Runners. Photo by Allbirds

Why I love them: I’m not running in these shoes, but also not travelling without them. Tree Runners are ready to roam right out of the box. They’re made from eucalyptus fibres — which are both comfy and sustainable — and the shoes are carbon neutral because of Allbirds’ sustainability efforts. The Tree Runners are machine washable (just remove the soles and laces and place them in a pillowcase) and are the perfect shoes for making years of footprints without expanding your ecological one.

Price: $140
Where to buy: Allbirds

Sorel — Viibe Sandal

Viibe sandal.
Viibe sandal. Photo by Sorel

Why I love them: Sorel may be owned by American company Columbia Sportswear, but it was founded in Kitchener, Ont. in 1962 and I appreciate the Canadian origins. Moreover, I appreciate the styles. Why have a boring sole when they can be scalloped? I brought these shoes to Manhattan and walked for hours without any aches, pains or blisters. They’re comfy and can be dressed up or worn casually. 

Price: $145
Where to buy: Sorel 
Kinetic Impact Y — similar style with chunkier sole: Amazon | Sorel

Steve Madden — Howler Ankle Boot

Howler Ankle Boot
Howler Ankle Boot. Photo by Amazon

Why I love them: I’m 5′, 10″ and like the look of a chunky Chelsea boot, but don’t want too many extra inches of height. These boots are perfect with just a 2.25″ heel. Plus they’re neutral and ready to go with many styles. The upper is made from 100 per cent leather, so they will soften with time. I wore two pairs of socks the first few times I sported these as I have trust issues with boots and zero interest in blisters. I would suggest doing the same and spraying them with a protectant before wearing them out.

Price: Starting from $136.08
Where to buy: Amazon

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rmann@postmedia.com

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