Darling fellas, this came in recently:
I’m looking for advice on where to find stylish men’s dress shoes that are also comfortable for spending all day on one’s feet… and that also fit folks with super-wide feet. If you don’t know, I’m sure your stylish readers do.
I’m preparing for my first Sunday in the pulpit in my new ministry and want to look *fabulous*. The worn-down Eccos I have are just not cutting it right now (and the Skechers are just not dressy enough to preach in). Brand suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks!
in peace,
M.
M., my dove, have you checked the very hand-dandy archives?
And guys, can ya help?
I suggest you look at Rockport shoes. They have a fairly large array of styes, some that are quite dressy. And they are very comfortable.
I’m a huge fan of Rockports.
I used to mock them as “old man shoes” and then I saw a really nice pair at Filene’s Basement. I didn’t think they were Rockports, at first..they were hip and stylin. But I bought a pair…and I’ve fallen in love. I walk to/from my office (roughly 2 miles each way) and my feet are often more comfortable in my Rockports than when I wear athletic shoes.
If you shop around, you’re likely to find a style you like, and at a good price. And they really are comfortable.
Good luck!
I saw this on the UU agitator, and said “I’ll have to give a plug for Rockports”. All I see someone already did. all sorts of different styles – good shoe.
(i admit I get mine out outlet stores)
(now if someone could say where to get a shoe horn…..)
Check out San Antonio Shoes (SAS). Their aim is to make an extremely comfortable shoe. They stock EE men’s shoes. Their styles are plain, tasteful, low key. I’ve been happy with their men’s dress loafers.
They have a minimal web presence.
My other half finds “Bostonians” to be very comfortable, and I think they make a very attractive show. (They’re also how he discovered that he wears a Wide!)
PeaceBang-
I have checked the archive. The only thing I found for men’s shoes appropriate for pulpit wear were black Eccos just like mine. Sigh.
You have recommended some FABULOUS shoes for more business-casual clergy situations, though.
-m
Mrs M- Where does one find Bostonians?
Everyone, especially PeaceBang- Do I trust on-line shoe-shopping? I am very wary. Please advise. I’m no longer a half mile away from my local Nordstrom, so I’m tempted.
-m
Michael, I have had very good luck with on-line shopping. You just want to be patient with the fact that you might have to return for a different size, but as far as service and security go, I’ve had great experience internet shopping. It helps if you have been able to acquaint yourself with the product line in person to assure comfort and fit but in this case I am hoping we can rely on the testimonials of the BTFM community. I think Rockports are an excellent idea, and I’ve seen Bostonian stores in many malls across America.
Here’s a plug for a neighborhood shoe store: proper fitting. (Not a discount “warehouse” which is the worse of all worlds for service.)
When I go down market or buy online, I know I tend to buy the wrong size and suffer it. (I heart my podiatrist.) Then again, I wear a 12AA.
Michael,
2 answers at once– zappos.com is a pleasure to do business with, as both their shipping AND their return shipping is free. They carry Bostonians, although many malls (even our piddley little one) have their stores.
BitB: 12AA? How do you keep from blowing over in a stiff breeze?
All-
The tips are much appreciated. Though I am otherwise very comfortable doing on-line shopping, somehow I’ve been reluctant to try shoes that way (I’ve had enough shoes not fit my wide feet in my lifetime). If returns are easy enough, maybe I’ll give it a whirl.
-Michael
I am going to second and third the recommendation for Bostonian, which can be found at malls all over. Those shoes were a lifesaver for me when I spent months walking over cobblestone streets in Europe. Stylish and dressy looking too, in addition to be reasonably priced.
I think retailers like JCPenney’s carry them, too, in their catalog.
I wear a pair of black Bostonians and a pair of more sporty brown Clarks. Both brands are extremely comfortable for a day on one’s feet; I like them better than Rockports. I bought ’em at Macy’s, but I think they’re available from lots of other dealers.
Go to Penney’s, and get some black dress shoes — just make sure to get them in an extra wide size. I made the mistake for years of buying shoes that were too long for my foot (and still a little snug), just to have shoes that were near to being wide enough. Once I learned that you have to specifically get the wider sizes, I have been much more comfortable.
Of course, the most comfortable “pulpit shoes” I own – which I wear 99% of Sundays – are my black boots. A nice pair of dressy black cowboy boots are perfect for Sunday morning, and very comfortable – but you’ll put down some serious cash for a good, dressy pair (around $200).