As promised, here’s my follow up post on shoes!! (And here’s the original – go read the comments!)
I took all of your suggestions into consideration and tried to find a balance between frequency of mention and availability at Zappos before ordering a selection to try out.
Return // The Tieks
Sadly I sent these back. After many of you said they looked tight and that the linen ones would not stretch, I knew these had to go. I didn’t even try to wear them in around the house. I considered ordering a leather pair, but when my Clarks arrived (see below!) I decided to go with them instead.
Keep // Clarks Grayson Erica
The second I put these on I knew they would work. Not a touch of redness, very padded, perfect fit. They weren’t cheap ($100) but these are the soft and comfortable ballet flats I was looking for! I’ve worn them a couple of times and really like them.
Return // Lucky Brand Emmie
I feel kind of sad about sending these back. They were super comfortable – in a loose, casual kind of way (like Toms!) The only reason I didn’t keep them is because of the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I just didn’t need two new pairs of similar ballet flats. They were not quite as supportive as the Clarks, and I couldn’t see myself wearing them day in and day out. Thumbs up in general though!
Return // Reef Shaded Summer
These flats just didn’t wow me. While the soles were much more supportive/padded/comfortable than Toms, they just didn’t stand out that much compared to the Toms that I have and love. I also didn’t love the navy color on my feet.
Keep // Teva Olowahu Flip-Flop
Right around the time when I wrote the shoe post about flats, I broke my pool/beach flip flops playing soccer in my backyard. These were recommended in the comments, and I knew they would make great quick-dry shoes. Also, EMBROIDERY!
Return // Born Mai
This is another pair I’m sort of sad I returned, as these were really cute and comfortable. I love my other Born sandals though, which are so similar I felt like I’d have a hard time choosing which ones to wear and might just default to my older ones.
Keep // Birkenstock Gizeh
And finally! The most talked about shoe in my post’s comments were the Gizehs. It seems many of you live in these! I am still warming up to the look a little bit, as I feel like they make me look like a Hobbit (!) but the comfort says it all. They are a little stiff, but once broken in I can tell these are going to rock. Of course I got the shiny mirror color! I’ve already gotten three compliments on them.
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So those are my shoes! I walked away (heh heh) with a solid pair of flats, a beach flip flip, and a really comfortable pair of sandals. Add that to my Toms and Born Joyas and I should be set in all categories for warm weather! (Let’s talk boots in the fall….!)
Shannon says
Thanks Kath!
Do you like the Native shoes for Mason? Was looking into getting those for my son!
KathEats says
Yes! They are great. A little hard to get on but once they’re on they are good. He can put them on himself.
Shannon says
Ok, great! Thanks for getting back to me !
Elizabeth Beil says
I just bought the Teva after your review! I have been seeing them around and I love the color with the black!! Great for a running errands and pool day shoe! Thanks!
Elyse says
Love the casualness of the Teva flip flops and you are so right, you can’t go wrong with embroidery!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I love the idea of this post title, haha 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
It always sucks to return stuff but I’m glad you found shoes you like!
Ali says
Just wanted to say I really loved these two posts! I am searching for comfortable walking shoes for summer weather and am going to try some of the shoes that were recommended here.
Liz says
I thought I spied you wearing the birks in a recent post. Glad you like them, they are my all time favorite sandal!
Emily says
I love that birks are trendy again! They’re the only shoes my mom wears!
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
Thanks for sharing your results! I’ve actually been on the lookout for a pair of sandals and a casual/non-sneaker pair of shoes for our upcoming trip to Austria and Germany. I picked up a new pair of New Balance 574s as my snazzy sneaker option. I tried the Gizahs, but the fit was a bit funny and really hurt between my toes. So I may look into a Born or Keen option since my other Birks are a bit too casual.
Tara says
The style of the burks are great, but I have to be honest – that mirrored finish is awful. I very much prefer the silver tones in the sandals you returned. They look much more adult and sophisticated. I love your other choices though!
Tara says
Birks! Autocorrect…
Chelsea says
Why even bother saying that? Not very nice.
Cassie says
I’m also very laid back with shoes. Couldn’t care less about a crazy shoe sale at the mall!
Jenny says
Do you ever shop 6pm.com? It’s the zappos clearance and you can often get two for one-ish! Those birks don’t fit my feet and they never got cushy for me so I finally gave them to a friend–but the mephisto helen is similar and awesome for my feet. I also have the Lucky Brand flats in a goldish/silver leather and they are super comfy but really flat. Great choices and fun post!
Jenny says
also the leather vince camuto Ellen flat is really great.
Elisabeth says
Love that you finally bought some Birks! I live in my (way too many) pairs all spring, summer and fall. I’ve been considering those same Tevas, so glad to see you liked them.
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I love the look of the Birks! You will have to do a follow-up to let everyone know how they feel after they get worn in.
Sam says
That rug! I love it. Is that installed carpet or an area rug? If area rug, would you please share where it’s from? Thanks!
Btw, thanks for the shoe reviews. I really like the Clarks and actually totally love the Reefs. I have been looking for a cool pair of comfortable navy shoes that aren’t overly pricey and those might fit the bill perfectly. 🙂
Sam says
I just noticed that it’s an area rug. Details, please!!
KathEats says
It’s this one from Pottery Barn. I absolutely love it!! So cushy!
seana says
I have 2 pairs of those birks and love them. You won’t be sorry!
Tiffany says
Thanks for sharing! I just ordered from Birks based on your post! Hope I like them too!
Safa says
Ever since I got my first pair of Birkenstock last December, I have been living in them. Good choices!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
I just did a post about breaking in Birks – I can’t handle the thong style so props to you!