Cali Girl Seeks NYC Shoes

[tangentgirl]

I'm heading to Manhattan for two weeks over the holidays this year. Xmas thru New Year's - woohoo!

Problem is, I live in LA where a) it's relatively warm and b) nobody walks. I'm expecting to do a LOT of walking in NY. Right now, I have one pair of shoes suitable for lots of walking, and those are sandals. I have running shoes, but even those start to hurt after a bit, and I suspect that sneakers will be too cold.

Any suggestions on shoes that are good for walking, warm, and hopefully good-looking?

[jessmarimba]

Well, Uggs meet the first two criteria, but not the "good-looking" one.

(In my mind, they fall in the same category as crocs, but very, very expensive).

I have a pair of Keen Presidios that are my favorite shoes in the whole world, and they've made a trip or two to NYC themselves (and on Christmas Eve, one year!). Bring wool socks if you have 'em, too.

Or check out Merrell's website - they usually have a few pairs of wool-lined casual shoes that ought to be pretty comfy for walking.

[redrhodie]

I lived in Manhattan for 12 years, and shoes were always a huge dilemma. Not only did I have to be able to walk my 4 mile trek to work in them, but they had to look good! I'm a different person now! Ha! I would never put my tootsies through that kind of punishment at this point.

+1 on Keens. They're very comfortable, and cute, too.

[ny biker]

You might try Clarks, including their Privos brand. Most of the shoes I have from them are comfortable for walking.

FWIW, I spend the holidays on Long Island every year and when we go into the city for the day, I don't wear insulated shoes or boots and I'm generally comfortable. And I'm the kind of person whose feet are like ice when I'm sitting still in moderate temperatures. But as long as I'm walking around, regular shoes are generally fine.

I would try to find something that is not too tight, so you can fit a good pair of wool socks under them.

Also fwiw, I have a pair of fake Ugg boots (I think the brand is Eco) and I think they are *not* good for walking. There's no support in those things.

[PamNY]

I always assume no one is looking at my feet.

I like Merrell shoes.

Whatever you choose, I suggest waterproofing. I put Sno Seal or equivalent on all the shoes and boots I wear in winter. Even a little rain or snow is enough to create damp, chilly feet.

[Becky]

I have a couple pairs of Keen boots that would definitely be my first choice for a trip to the city. Good looking, comfy, and waterproof.

[GLC1968]

Another vote for Keen. I was just realizing last night that all my shoes are now either Keen or Terra Plana. Since the Terra Plana'a are ridiculously expensive, I'm recommending Keen.

I have two pair of their loafers that I recently scored on SAC and they are my new 'go to' shoes for work.

[indysteel]

I don't have any Keen boots, but my others pairs of Keens are my favorite walking shoes ever. I have also gotten by with my Dansko clogs, but not in snow. I'd second the suggestion for wool socks. If it's really going to be cold, I would consider some charcoal inserts. Cold hands and feet can really ruin an otherwise nice vacation. Be sure to bring a hat, too.

[tangentgirl]

I had no idea that keen made boots. Interesting. And Merrel was off my radar too. Thanks!

[malkin]

Try all of the ones mentioned so far and Dansko too.

[KnottedYet]

I have several pair of Keens. They work very well for the few times we get snow around here. Whoever designed them understood women's feet; they are designed so there is room for a pair of wool socks without the heel being so huge that you slip around when NOT wearing wool socks.

Between them and Chacos (with wool socks) I'm pretty happy. http://www.rei.com/product/803609

[tulip]

The good thing about NYC (as opposed to LA) is that no one cares what you wear. You see everything, and it's all good. Be comfy and warm. That's the most important. And if you are concerned with fashion, you can't go wrong with black.

[tangentgirl]

Yes. Note that good-looking was at the bottom of the list, as a nice-to-have, a bonus. I'm not about to sacrifice comfort, those days are gone.

That said, my friends at Zappos are sending me some nice Keen boots as I type. They look like they just might fit all the criteria, we'll see!

[Becky]

That said, my friends at Zappos are sending me some nice Keen boots as I type. They look like they just might fit all the criteria, we'll see!

Which ones?

[tangentgirl]

The Bern High Boots:

http://www.zappos.com/multiview/7545984/199575