After experimenting a bit with shoes recently, I've come to the conclusion that I'll only buy comfy shoes - even if they're not the most beautiful or lengthening. I've tried to buy these types of shoes, but ended up never wearing them because they were uncomfortable to diffecult to walk in (and I walk a lot all year round!) Coming to terms with this fact was a bit difficult in the beginning since it meant "giving up" on lots of shoes and shoe styles I simply adore (like mules and sandals with almost no straps) but I've learned from experience and my mistakes that these, in the end, are a no-go for me.. 🥲 During the whole of this fall I've only worn my very in-worn, most comfy sheakers compared to my nicer shoes, just because the sneakers have been more practical over all and a more comfy and walk-friendly shoe 😊
I’m a teacher who is always rushing around (especially being a casual teacher where I might have 5 classes in one day) so I need comfy shoes that don’t slip off. So I usually wear sneakers. However, being a short Asian, queer and artistic woman, I feel like people equate my ‘look’ with being more childish. So trying to figure out practical, comfy and yet stylish shoes is hard. Also, I try to buy only ethically-made so it is REALLY HARD. Even though your style is so different to mine, I have been watching your content for years. Asian-Australian representation is important so hurrah for your channel. Your graphic tees and pants combos are my favourites. x from a fellow Sydney-sider
Thank you so much :) I'm always hoping for more Asian-Australian representation around! If you're based in Sydney, the Bared Footwear store is worth visiting as their shoes are one of the more practical/comfy shoes I've come across. But I also think a simple white sneaker like a Veja (for ethically made) can look sleek.
I've been wearing loafers for years and I feel proud now that they're trendy. However, I bought nude, feminine loafers with 2 cm heels that sadly were so uncomfortable because they're not made of real leather. It's only after realizing the difference between fake and genuine leather that I understand that material comes a big role in terms of comfort.
I think the biggest thing is that leather can mold and soften more which helps with comfort :) I think there's also a huge difference between the softer/stiffer leathers when it comes to comfort to look into for next time. Width is something that makes a huge difference for me too xx
Last year I had 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of sneakers and 1 pair of German sandals. I still have all of them because they were great quality but I'm happy to grow my collection by a pair of long boots, and two pairs of loafers. I'm starting to understand the love for shoes slowly
When cleaning shoes, I start with dry methods first. If muddy, I let them dry completely, at least 2-3 days, then dry-brush the mud and dirt off. If they need more cleaning, I use and art/gum eraser to clean the suede or leather. Only if those two steps aren’t enough do I advance to wet methods, using water or cleaning products. I also put two light coats of protectant on my light to medium colored shoes before wearing, it helps them shed dirt as well as water. Always, always, genuine leather footwear only, plastic shoes don’t stretch, give or mold to the feet and they keep feet uncomfortably wet all day, causing infections. I hate those polyester linings, too. High-quality footwear has all-leather outers, lined with a softer leather and a rubber, not plastic sole. High-end footwear has leather soles, but they are slippery and wear out quickly, so I have a rubber outsole added by the local cobbler). Zippers should be metal ones made by YKK, the industry high quality-standard brand.
I have the tan dear Frances park boot - im deciding can I wear them in the snow, rain? How to keep them good. Do I need a brush or what waterproof spay to get? I want my shoes to last they were an investment
When sneakers get really grubby and can’t be successfully cleaned by surface methods only, I throw them in a warm wash load and they always come out great, leather, suede, fabric, rubber and all. I dry-brush any mud and dirt first, then remove the insoles and laces, pre-treat any areas that need it, like around the eyelets, and put those in a mesh laundry bag in the same load. Then, I just let everything air-dry and they come out looking almost new. Sneakers are more machine-washable than most people realize, I can usually give them at least three launderings before they start to look worn. Mom taught me this, and she was never wrong!
My favorite shoes ever are my 40-year old Rockport nude newbuck low-wedge sandals, they are supremely comfortable for any walking and are super-flattering. I’ve had them resoled several times, and repaired as needed. I save these now only for summer travel, as I have just worn and worn them. They look great with shorts, skirts or dresses. If they ever bring this style back, I’ll buy several more pairs. My footwear longevity tip is never to store them in warm areas, the glues and leather both dry out and synthetic soles just disintegrate. One winter I stored my sandals on my third floor, the warmest, and lost several pairs to damage. Now I store out of season footwear on my ground floor.
Wow Lumiere what a wonderful shoes and I really love your shoes collection vlog so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you reach 70K Subscribers very very soon!✨💕☺️
Omg those acme studio chunky sneakers!! Those are my favorite style sneakers, so beautiful and I would love to see them in more videos. I always go for chunky/lug soles shoes❤
I had 2 different pairs of leather flat sandals with buckle straps around the ankles, that I wore for 8 years straight until they gave out at the same time. One was a minimal black pair with toe straps from Nisolo, and the other was a natural crinkle leather with silver studs and silver hardware from Dolce Vita X Vanessa Mooney. I loved them both and traveled across the border numerous times with them. This summer I purchased my first pair of flip flops in metallic copper from Malvados and, surprisingly, I wore them a lot and even went on 2-hour long walks in the park wearing them. I wear my New Balance running shoes a lot, but I wear Sorel the most. I have 2 pairs of Sorel boots and a pair of Sorel leather sandals. They are comfortable and very good quality for the price.
So many beautiful shoes~ i like hearing your thoughts on what looks best on you and why. I've been puzzled about that myself. I also like a chunky shoe, but not too, too chunky, much like you.
I love my Hogan sandals, worn constantly in summer since I purchased them in 2018; pretty worn now but great value. I also enjoy Hogl sneakers, my white ones have a rhinestone feature at the heel and I have a light tan platform pair of Hogl lace up boots that get lots of wear in winter.
I'm a huge footwear minimalist, and living in tropical Indonesia really help to simplify the need for daily ones. Currently I have Skechers Foamies Footsteps Breezy Feels in black and they are super comfortable and perfect for daily. I love the chunkiness of it, and the black makes it smart enough to pair with workwear. They are also breathable and rainproof, which is vital. My formal shoes is from a local brand called Adorable Projects, the style is called Chisel Heels and sadly is discontinued. I have a pair of Chloé peeptoe pump in nude for over 10 years old now, still in a pretty good condition but I don't really wear non-black shoes lately.
Love your thorough reviews. Great collection! Kind of surprised you got rid of your Jonak heels, I have the nubuck t-bar pumps and they are so comfortable, I can dance all night. My most worn shoes are almond-toe loafers, Chelsea boots, and Muji sneakers.
Oh I still have those actually! They were another pair of everyday shoes for me for a long time so very well loved and might need a little repair to keep going. Currently not at my place but their shoes are very comfortable :)
I got the Ruth Aeyde loafers back in June but only started wearing them in September when I got to uni, and I'm so happy to see that you got them! I got them in the black nappa (not the patent) and though they were an absolute pain to break in, they became super comfortable and have since become my daily walking shoe from class to class, surpassing my white leather trainers. I have worn through the rubber at the heel and tip of the toe because of too much wearing, so I think I'm going to purchase a pair of black lace up boots to alternate between so I'm not wearing them everyday so I don't have to resole them again so soon.
I do understand that the heaviness/chunkiness can be a bit much--perfectly valid! I wouldn't go with anything chunkier either, I have no idea how people wear things like the Prada Monolith loafers and similar styles, because those things must be like four pounds each. I cannot imagine that lol
So glad you've been getting so much wear from yours! :) Must wear mine more often - and yes, I cannot imagine anything chunkier haha. It would be like walking with weights to me.
Hi Helen, Great content, thank you. Did you go up in size in your Bared boots? I notice you usually take a 37.5. I struggle with Bared footwear; the 38 is a tad snug and the 39 is too big. Not sure which is better; removing the sole from the 38 or adding a sole in the 39! Wish they would stick to standard EU sizing 😊
I almost always go up to 38 when there are no half sizes :) I definitely think it's better to go up and add the sole. I don't mind a little room but too small and it becomes painful to wear xx
I just got the same blue New Balance sneakers, via J.Crew. Remembering that New Balance shoes are very skimpily sized, I ordered a US size 8, I’m really a size 6.5. I’m a 6.5 in other sneakers like Clark’s, for example. Unbelievably, the New Balance sneakers are still too tight, mostly in the toe box, but in the length, too. (I’m a C, or Medium or Average, width). Really, do I have to order two full sizes up? How cheap can New Balance be? It’s all about saving on materials, not pleasing its buyers. I can’t find an 8.5 now, and I’m so disappointed, I’m not looking forward to wearing these now, they were going to be my air travel shoes. This is my last pair of New Balance shoes, ever!
Would love to see you do a focus on how you style the white loafers. I've had my eye on a pair of similar ones but I'm not sure if I'd be able to style them enough to make them worth it... Also if I remember the story the did a while back on Instagram, Aeyde is pronounced Heidi (like the book, movie, TV show)
I'm not familiar with this TV show/book/movie: is it pronounced hi (rhymes with die) dee (rhymes with pee)? I've been wondering for ages about how it's pronounced so it's nice to be on the cusp of getting answers!
Oh thanks for letting me know, never been sure about how to pronounce their name! I've mostly been wearing them in very simple looks with my white trousers but I should definitely have a play and share more ways to wear :)
