BYE-BYE, BLISTERS:
4 Shoes For Your Fall Commute
By: Jules Boyd
A good morning begins with the right pair of shoes.
I’ve lived in Philadelphia just about my entire life, and one thing is for sure: I certainly get my steps in. If you’re a resident of a walkable area, you understand that sometimes you’re stuck on your feet longer than planned in some situations, i.e., waiting for the train, standing in line for coffee, and the like. As someone who walks to the train most mornings for my work commute, there is always one thing I prioritize: are my shoes comfortable? And, of equal importance: are they cute?
Now, because I have flashbacks of being in so much shoe-induced pain that I have quite literally finished my walk home in just my socks–yes, I’m serious and, no, I am not proud of that–I’ve decided to put four pairs of shoes to the test. My criteria? Very comfortable out of the box, stylish enough to dress up or down, and sturdy enough to trek from pavement to subway stairs and everything in between.
Full disclosure, at FP’s Home Office, our definition of “office appropriate” attire may not quite be the norm, but depending on your dress code, I have full faith you’ll be able to style these with your workwear essentials. Ready to find your new commuter-friendly shoes? Let’s take a walk.
Now, because I have flashbacks of being in so much shoe-induced pain that I have quite literally finished my walk home in just my socks–yes, I’m serious and, no, I am not proud of that–I’ve decided to put four pairs of shoes to the test. My criteria? Very comfortable out of the box, stylish enough to dress up or down, and sturdy enough to trek from pavement to subway stairs and everything in between.
Full disclosure, at FP’s Home Office, our definition of “office appropriate” attire may not quite be the norm, but depending on your dress code, I have full faith you’ll be able to style these with your workwear essentials. Ready to find your new commuter-friendly shoes? Let’s take a walk.
THE STRAIGHT-OUT-OF-THE-BOX COMFY BOAT SHOE
This is a message for myself circa a few months ago: you now own a pair of boat shoes, they are the comfiest shoes you own, and no, they’re not as hideous as you thought. I was a classic boat shoe denier, but since getting my hands on a pair of our iconic We The Free Benny Boat Shoes, I am now a convert.
What I love about these is that the silhouette has a classic, nautical-inspired design with eyelet lacing, but they’re elevated by the luxe suede finish and fringe tongue detail. They feel like a coastal-meets-preppy version of a loafer with effortless We The Free charm–I’ll definitely be pairing these with ankle socks and mini dress when summer rolls around, but love that I can wear these with jeans, trousers, or sweater sets. They are infinitely comfortable and versatile…I’ve worn them at least once a week since I got them.
Pro Tip: Make sure to adjust the ties a bit on your first wear for the most comfortable fit. These run true to size, in my opinion.
What I love about these is that the silhouette has a classic, nautical-inspired design with eyelet lacing, but they’re elevated by the luxe suede finish and fringe tongue detail. They feel like a coastal-meets-preppy version of a loafer with effortless We The Free charm–I’ll definitely be pairing these with ankle socks and mini dress when summer rolls around, but love that I can wear these with jeans, trousers, or sweater sets. They are infinitely comfortable and versatile…I’ve worn them at least once a week since I got them.
Pro Tip: Make sure to adjust the ties a bit on your first wear for the most comfortable fit. These run true to size, in my opinion.
THE ONLY-AT-FP WESTERN BOOT
Now, not everyone may jump at the idea of wearing Western boots to work, but Frye boots exist in the center of the “fun” and “everyday” shoe Venn diagram. They are so timeless, so easy to style, and truly something you’ll reach for year after year.
The Frye for FP Kate Stitch Deco Boots feature a dipped shaft collar and intricate stitching for that hint of Western novelty, but the square toe and block heel have a contemporary edge that’s perfect for peeking out from long pants or underneath a midi skirt. Most importantly, the leather is buttery soft and so supple. Now, with any leather good, these take a little bit of breaking in to do, but honestly, after two good wears, these were ready to go. I think that’s the best part about boots like these: they only get better with time.
Pro Tip: On your first wear, layer up with socks just in case they feel a bit tight. I got them in my normal size, but some reviews are saying they run small, so use your discretion if you’re in between sizes! Genuine leather will stretch with wear, so keep that in mind.
The Frye for FP Kate Stitch Deco Boots feature a dipped shaft collar and intricate stitching for that hint of Western novelty, but the square toe and block heel have a contemporary edge that’s perfect for peeking out from long pants or underneath a midi skirt. Most importantly, the leather is buttery soft and so supple. Now, with any leather good, these take a little bit of breaking in to do, but honestly, after two good wears, these were ready to go. I think that’s the best part about boots like these: they only get better with time.
Pro Tip: On your first wear, layer up with socks just in case they feel a bit tight. I got them in my normal size, but some reviews are saying they run small, so use your discretion if you’re in between sizes! Genuine leather will stretch with wear, so keep that in mind.
THE POSH-MEETS-PRACTICAL GLOVE FLAT
Glove flats have been taking over my feed for the last few months, so naturally, I had to partake in the trend. The Everyday Flats feel like the older-sister-esque move on from the ballet flat (which I still love, BTW). These feature a soft, square toe and V-shaped upper design, which I just find so chic.
Now, buyer beware: these shoes are insanely comfortable, but I would recommend wearing them with some type of no-show sock. There’s a seam in the leather right at the heel, so I think having some type of barrier between your skin and the shoe heel is the most practical if you plan on walking any distance in these. Honestly, I usually throw on a preventive band-aid just to avoid any type of uncomfortable friction.
Despite that, these flats really do elevate every outfit. They’re ultra work-appropriate, but perfect for happy hour, date night, or whenever you want to take a stroll in really cute shoes. I’ll definitely be reaching for these for the foreseeable future.
Pro Tip: Consider sizing up for a comfier fit, but just like the Frye boots, let the leather do its thing. Patience is a virtue!
Now, buyer beware: these shoes are insanely comfortable, but I would recommend wearing them with some type of no-show sock. There’s a seam in the leather right at the heel, so I think having some type of barrier between your skin and the shoe heel is the most practical if you plan on walking any distance in these. Honestly, I usually throw on a preventive band-aid just to avoid any type of uncomfortable friction.
Despite that, these flats really do elevate every outfit. They’re ultra work-appropriate, but perfect for happy hour, date night, or whenever you want to take a stroll in really cute shoes. I’ll definitely be reaching for these for the foreseeable future.
Pro Tip: Consider sizing up for a comfier fit, but just like the Frye boots, let the leather do its thing. Patience is a virtue!
THE QUINTESSENTIALLY-COOL SNEAKER
One thing about me: I will wear sneakers with almost everything. As the aforementioned city dweller that I am, they’re certainly my go-to shoe for a reason, but even sneakers can pinch your feet with prolonged wear.
Not my beloved Puma Speedcats, however. These genuinely feel like walking on a cloud. With an ultra-cushioned heel and springy foam insole, I could probably run a marathon in these. The silhouette is a classic court design, so I love that the slim, low-profile doesn’t compromise comfort. These sneakers are truly the best of both worlds–perfect for throwing on to run errands or dressing up for work. Plus, they come in a ton of colors, so you’ll definitely find a pair that suits your personality.
Everything old is new again, and I’m so glad we saw a resurgence of these. I don’t know what I was doing before them!
Pro Tip: The cushion at the heel is very thick, so I would actually recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. I definitely feel like it pushes my toes into the tip of the shoe; not enough to be unbearable, but enough to know that next time I’ll need to adjust my sizing!
Not my beloved Puma Speedcats, however. These genuinely feel like walking on a cloud. With an ultra-cushioned heel and springy foam insole, I could probably run a marathon in these. The silhouette is a classic court design, so I love that the slim, low-profile doesn’t compromise comfort. These sneakers are truly the best of both worlds–perfect for throwing on to run errands or dressing up for work. Plus, they come in a ton of colors, so you’ll definitely find a pair that suits your personality.
Everything old is new again, and I’m so glad we saw a resurgence of these. I don’t know what I was doing before them!
Pro Tip: The cushion at the heel is very thick, so I would actually recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. I definitely feel like it pushes my toes into the tip of the shoe; not enough to be unbearable, but enough to know that next time I’ll need to adjust my sizing!
So, whether you’re running to catch the train, running to the barricade at your next concert, or running down the street to grab coffee, know that you made the right footwear choice–we promise.
XOXO, FP
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