Prior to moving to New York City, I had never heard of the term “commuter shoes.” I had been living in Los Angeles, where getting from point A to point B merely entailed a car ride, and the idea of footwear doubling as a mode of transportation was foreign to me. Once I began to investigate, I found that shoes that were dubbed “commuters” were actually quite ugly (think foldable plastic ballet flats, orthopedic-esque slip-ons, etc.). I knew there had to be better options, so I began to search around.
Skipping ahead, my findings proved it’s possible to find stylish and comfortable commuter shoes that aren’t necessarily orthopedic flats or even a pair of simple sneakers. And because I have wide feet and danced for 17 years of my life, you can trust that I definitely do not sacrifice comfort for aesthetic! Scroll down to find out the four stylish shoes that are actually comfortable to commute in, and tell me yours in the comments below.
I really love how easy it is to slip into these boots and run out the door in the morning. They give any outfit a model-off-duty vibe and are especially great for dreary days when the ground is wet.
Shop the Look: COS Envelope Pocket Coat ($275); AYR Slim Slouchy Jeans ($195); Dune London Peppie Leather Chelsea Boots ($124).
I was wary about these laces coming undone while I walked, but to my delight, they've never proved to be a problem. The pointy-toe flats pair nicely with dressier separates but also help spruce up a simple or casual look. I wear them at least twice a week!
Shop the Look: L.K.Bennett Monique Full Spotted Skirt ($425); Massimo Dutti Lace-Up Ballerinas ($120).
I've quickly learned that heels and walking in New York City aren’t a smart combination. However, when I told a colleague I was testing out shoes for a commuter story, she immediately reccommended these clogs—and I’m so glad she did. The bottoms are well padded, the design is so classic, and they’re definitely my go-to pick for when I’m tired of wearing flats on the way to work.
Shop the Look: Artitzia pants; No.6 Old School Clogs ($275).
In case you haven't noticed by now, I appreciate classic, versatile shoes, which is why I was drawn to these sleek loafers. The leather wears in nicely and molds to the shape of your foot, and the design is simple and (in my opinion) perfect. One note: The brand also mentions this on its website, but go up a half size in these shoes if you don’t have narrow feet.
Shop the Look: COS skirt; Everlane Modern Loafers ($170).
Would you wear any of these shoes on your daily commute? Tell me which ones, and if you have a pair you love, tell me about it in the comments below!
