Comfortable Shoes For The Win

Vince Warren platform slip-on sneakers. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Jolie Laide Slip-On Sneakers

They’re funky, they’re clunky, and are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I’ve ever worn. Here’s how they wound up on my feet…

We’re away on a long weekend road trip to celebrate le Monsieur’s birthday. I’d packed a pair of low wedge pumps that are two or three years old. I haven’t worn them in a while but they’d never given me any trouble before. So I put them on to go to dinner. After walking a short distance, my feet hit the wall. They just weren’t having it, and I knew I had to get out of those shoes, STAT. It was a shoe-mergency.

We were next door to a shopping mall, and the first potentially workable store that I spotted was Vince. I knew they were having a 25% off Friends and Family promotion. I hobbled in hoping to find some sort of simple loafer or sandal. After trying and being unmoved by several pairs, I tried these on out of desperation. They didn’t have much shelf appeal, but won me over when I saw how they looked on, not to mention how good they felt. I know they won’t be everyone’s cup of French Roast, but I think they’re really cool. They add a bit of insouciance to a smart casual outfit.

Mine are suede; they also come in velvet and satin.

Lots of sales on this weekend!

Washable merino wool v-neck sweater. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Banana Republic: 40% off, extra 10% off sale items. This v-neck sweater is one of the items included, lots of colors available.

Banana Republic melton wool side tie coat. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

This coat is really lovely. Also 40% off! (Available in Misses and Petites.)

Gap: up to 50% off everything.

Ann Taylor: 50% off everything. Code FALLFAST.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Friends & Family 25% off. Code FRIENDS. If you’ve had your eye on any Eileen Fisher pieces, the FF promotion applies to a whole slew of Misses and Plus fall styles.

Macy’s. Extra 20% off and free shipping over $49. Code STYLE.

Loeffler Randall: 25% off shoes. Code FF2017.

Neiman Marcus: 25% off fall essentials. Code CHICWEEK.

Chico’s: 40% off entire purchase. Code 62587.

Lands’ End: 30% off regular priced styles. Code GOURD, pin 3501.

Madewell: 30% off select shoes and boots.

J.Crew: 30% off purchase. Code GOSHOP.

Halsbrook: 20% Friends & Family. Code FF2017.

Bon weekend!

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23 Comments

  1. I have two pairs of shoes like these in silver and black and I LOVE them! I get constant compliments on them and they are so comfy. I bought mine through just fab – the clothes are too young for me, but the bags, accessories and shoes are reasonable and, imho, well made. I teach so am on my feet a lot and these are my new go-to’s for work.

    PS – I LOVED your duster outfit a couple of posts ago. I have two dusters that I live in during the fall – great look on you.

  2. What socks do you wear with these slip ons? I don’t like going without socks and I think it looks better sans socks… but I dont want stinky shoes…. Suggestions?

  3. I was looking at these exact shoes on line this week! I’m glad to hear they are comfortable, as I wasn’t sure if the soul would be stiff. I’m going to have to go back and order myself a pair. Enjoy your weekend–next weekend my Darling Husband and I will be in Hilton Head & Savannah, hugs!

  4. These shoes are not “jolie laide”. They are cute, comfortable, modern and youthful, especially youthful. When the wearer can walk comfortably, with grace and a big smile, what could be “laide” about them? Men get to wear comfortable shoes all the time. Why can’t women? Susan, I’m glad you’re finally coming around.

    As always, thanks for the good work!

  5. I have a similar pair in grey that I’ve worn all summer. My kids tell me they’re really cool and trendy, so I think you’re good. 😉

    1. You’re right, which is why I didn’t try these initially. The slip on style (no laces!) and utter comfort won me over.

  6. Thanks for this story… I’ve been in that identical situation, and these Joie sneakers are far cuter than what I found in a pinch.
    I subscribe to many fashion magazines, and this shoe, with a skirt, is all-the-rage, and a cool style to embrace.

  7. I love this style of shoe. I have the Steve Maddens in black and grey and the Superga brand in tan. I work with children so I’m on my feet a lot and find them both comfortable and fashionable. Even my 17 year old likes them- so they must be cool.

  8. I purchased a similar pair from Ferragamo while in Paris last month, that was my souvenir 🙂 I don’t think that they are “laides” at all and agree how comfortable they are.

  9. I like these a lot. I just wish that they would fit me. Finding chic shoes, and these are pretty chic these days, that are comfortable and stylish and come in a wide width are not so easy to find.

    1. Hi Nancy- I totally agree…why do so few “comfort” shoes come in wide (other than Munro)? Add removable inserts to accommodate orthotics which I sometimes need for long distance walking and it leaves athletic shoes and not the stylish ones.

      Always love recommendations from others…maybe there is a brand that has arch support and comes in wide I am not aware of?

      1. My problem is the opposite. My 70 year old feet are 8AA with AAAA heel. Ferragamos and Bruno Magli narrows fit me well for dressier shoes. But I live near the beach in Florida and would like to find a shoe similar to this that fits well and is not over $100. ANY ideas??

  10. I’ve got two pairs of these. One in leopard and one in something shiny. I love the velvet ones you pointed out. Love the look and the comfort. I wear them with some low cut peds I found on Amazon. Can’t remember the cute name. Looking forward to seeing you wearing these in future posts and lunches.