These shoes were made for walking…

comfortable boots

Style or Comfort

Which one matters more when you’re looking for shoes or boots? Of course, we could ask why not both: style and comfort. I mean, why should style and comfort be mutually exclusive?

Then again, I would never compromise comfort. Not even for style, which is why you never see me wearing heels. Not even for an evening, or a special occasion. I have no use for shoes I can’t walk in.

So when JD Williams asked me to promote their campaign about shoes that make us embrace new challenges, it got me thinking. Yes, life is  at times very busy, I’m often in a hurry, and I need to be out and about in all sorts of weather. I need good shoes to get me through the day. And my feet deserve the best. After all, they take me wherever I need to go.

The problem is, my feet are also rather demanding: they need shoes with thick soles and cushioning or they make me miserable. So, I’m very picky when it comes to my shoes.

Let’s take boots, for example. I counted that I have 7 pairs of boots. And 4 pairs of ankle boots. And I wear maybe 2 or 3 of them on a regular basis… Yes, I do have favourite shoes, and favourite boots, doesn’t everyone?

But it’s not about preferring a particular style. It’s about comfort. I only wear the boots I find comfortable to walk in. And the others? Well, it seems they’re just taking up space in my closet…

boots

So, comfortable shoes…

I know, it has such a negative ring to it, but there’s really no reason for it. Comfortable shoes can make you feel confident and strong. Comfortable shoes take you to interesting places.

It’s really very simple: when you don’t have to waste time thinking about how much your feet hurt, you can focus on getting where you’re going.

Besides, comfortable shoes are cool and stylish: they make a strong style statement when you match them with equally cool accessories.

matching accessories

But comfortable shoes are hard to find

So, when I find a good pair of shoes, I buy two of them, maybe in different colours. But I’ve been known to buy multiples of the exact same pair of shoes, too. I usually justify this on the grounds that I keep shuttling between two homes in two countries, and it would sort of make sense to have the same shoes in both places, no need to carry them back and forth. It’s a good idea, in theory. But of course it doesn’t work quite like that, and at some point all my shoes end up in one place

I’m also very loyal to my favourite brands 

I think it makes sense: certain brands are usually kind to my demanding feet. And  I hate looking for something, I find it’s just a complete waste of time. So, I just keep going back to the same brands that have worked for me in the past.

The things is, I need shoes with cushioned insoles. That’s a must, not negotiable. I’m not talking about minor discomfort here; I’m having quite a lot of problems with my feet. And I assume that as I get older, it’s only going to get worse. So, it really doesn’t matter how pretty the shoes are if they make my feet hurt.

Looking at these pictures now I can’t wait to pack away my winter shoes. And after two days of rain washing away the snow I was beginning to think I could go shopping for new shoes for spring soon.

And then it started snowing again… OK, it’s only February, way too soon, I know. But I’m so done with winter, wake me up in April, OK?

Which one do you prioritise, style or comfort?

Tiina
FOLLOW:

PS: This is a sponsored post: JD Williams has gifted me a pair of shoes that I can’t wait to show you. Unfortunately, as I’m currently ankle deep in snow again, that might take a while…

Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en RoseFashionably Employed

20 Comments

  1. Monica P
    15 February 2016 / 9:10 pm

    If I'm going to an event, like a banquet or wedding .. style. For every day – comfort for sure :-)Monica.

    • Tiina L
      17 February 2016 / 6:37 am

      I think style and comfort should not be mutually exclusive. Even 'stylish' shoes should be comfortable, they're meant for walking, after all.

  2. Shybiker
    15 February 2016 / 11:05 pm

    I agree with Monica above. I respect your desire for comfort.

    • Tiina L
      17 February 2016 / 6:39 am

      I would like both style and comfort. But I would never compromise on comfort.

  3. Petite Silver Vixen
    15 February 2016 / 11:36 pm

    I'm on my feet all day at work so my tootsies get a fair battering so I'm all about comfort first when it comes to putting footwear on. I simply can't bear uncomfortable shoes – plus I know too much exactly what damage they can do not just to the foot!Give me a sturdy pair of biker boots any day.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      17 February 2016 / 6:41 am

      I walk quite a lot, too, in all sorts of weather. So comfort is a must. I just wish it was easier to find shoes that are comfortable and also pretty.

  4. Natalia Lialina
    16 February 2016 / 4:20 am

    Comfort, for sure! I look at the shoes I like – and pick those which are the most comfortable. This season, I found tall boots of my dreams! And they fit me! I bought 2 pairs, just like you do – in two colors. So happy I did, because I wear them all the time now. 🙂 I loved your photography and design in this post, Tiina – you are definitely very artistic!

    • Tiina L
      17 February 2016 / 6:45 am

      Thanks, Natalia. I enjoyed working in the photos and fonts for this post (well, I love playing with Photoshop).Boots are hard to find, it makes sense to get two pairs when you find them.

  5. Nancy Baten
    16 February 2016 / 8:45 pm

    I like the boots. Its great to have comfotable boots that look stylish as well. You can't always wear heels, van you?

    • Tiina L
      17 February 2016 / 6:48 am

      I never wear heels. Well, I have a few shoes that have a 2-3 cm heel, and that's about as high as I go. My feet can't take it. So, I'm on a lifelong mission to find comfortable, stylish flats. Easier said than done…

  6. Patti
    17 February 2016 / 1:28 pm

    I need both, comfort and style 0 and fortunately there are lots of good combination shoes out there now! These books look terrific, I will check them out. xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      18 February 2016 / 7:19 am

      I agree, style and comfort should go hand in hand. And long, hard winters require sturdy boots.

  7. Jessica Jannenga
    17 February 2016 / 5:39 pm

    I need both style and comfort. I am very particular about shoes as I dont wear a high heel, cant, but can do a square substantial heel, there are so many flats with shion that are comfortable too. Love boots.Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      18 February 2016 / 7:24 am

      Maybe it's the thicker heel that makes it easier to wear. My "heels" are about 2-3 cm high and as thick as possible, and I still wouldn't wear them every day.

  8. Alice Warren
    19 February 2016 / 3:48 am

    I love shoes and sometimes will go for pretty shoes over comfort. Normally if I know I will be doing a lot of walking, I try to wear shoes that are more comfortable. Having good insoles does make a huge difference in comfort level.Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      22 February 2016 / 11:37 am

      As I walk everywhere (or take the bus / train) I have no choice: it's always comfort over style. I just wish it was easier to find shoes that are both comfortable and pretty.

  9. Nicole Mölders
    20 February 2016 / 6:29 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. I have to wear some sort of boots/booties for 7 months per year. I prefer pumps!

    • Tiina L
      22 February 2016 / 11:38 am

      I know what you mean: winter in Finland is cold and lasts way too long. I can't wait to wear something other than boots…

  10. Jazzy Jack
    24 February 2016 / 10:24 pm

    Yay to comfort AND style! I think we are getting better these days but it's still a hunt to find them.Yours here are great.I don't dress too femininely so funky shoes suit my look. It's more difficult if you want to be dainty.xo Jazzy Jack naturalmedley.blogspot.com.au

    • Tiina L
      25 February 2016 / 5:28 pm

      Oh yes, it's not easy at all to find comfortable and stylish shoes, especially if you are looking for something pretty or summery.

Leave a Reply