How Could Cinderella Dance in Glass Shoes anyway?

My friend Joel and I joined a walking club this winter, one of those jobbies where you roam the hallowed halls of a public institution a few times a week. On our first day, Joel was shocked at my feet: “I didn’t know you owned a pair of athletic shoes!” The previous summer I bemoaned the lack of shoes that are both stylish and fit for walking. For women in Minneapolis, you either totter dangerously on shoes designed to keep you immobile, or you give it up and join the fanny pack crowd. Only college students are really given a pass on the whole “shoes that might kill you” requirement. We don’t talk about the athletic shoes…but we just silently agree to stop back at my place for a shoe switch if we plan to go for a drink afterward.

This year I’m going to defy convention and I’m trying to find some shoes that are comfortable and look good with palazzos and linen pants. OK, I admit it: I want to spend the summer walking, and taking pictures. To do that, my feet can’t hurt. Hopefully I’ll still be able to get restaurant seats away from the kitchen.

These are the candidates, chosen for whatever odd appeal they may have to me. And if you hate them all – well, at least they’re not Crocs! If you’re looking for your own casual shoes, see what’s listed in Fat Chic clothing search.