As my fellow wedding photographers can attest, having comfortable shoes is really important. Sure, it’s nice to have shoes that are stylish and not velcro, old-lady orthopedic looking rigs, but comfort is paramount when I’m shooting 8, 10, even 12 hour weddings.
I had a pair of dress-casual black Naturalizer shoes for several years, but they got worn in and very scuffed across the tops of the toes to the point that even polishing them didn’t help. They were comfortable, but nothing could beat my men’s Skechers. They were awesome. However after wearing them for probably close to 10 years (I bought them while still in college), the insides were coming apart and while still serviceable, they had certainly seen better days. The other problem was that they are were brown – I tried for a long time to convince myself that no one was looking at my shoes, and no one cared what color they were, but the more weddings I do, the more I want to look totally put-together myself, not like I just grabbed whatever shoes were closest to the door.
I recently went to the Naturalizer store at the mall and settled on these shoes, which I got for $30: Naturalizer N5 Comfort Indulge in Black Leather
I wish I could give them rave reviews. They are comfortable, but in the way that any flats are more comfortable than heels. I was glad I got them for only $30. I wouldn’t have wanted to pay more. With a brand name like Naturalizer, I hope they hold up well, better than cheapie cheap shoes, but I find the “N5 Comfort – Indulge” to be a bit of a misnomer. The insoles are definitely not as padded/cushy as my old Naturalizer flats, and after wearing them for the first time, I didn’t even make it half the day before I felt the beginnings of blisters on my heels AND pinky toes. It’s not that the size is wrong, they just fit in a strange way. After wearing them several more times, they no longer rub on the heels, but the pinky toe on my right foot is still bothered each time. I’m disappointed by that.
They ARE cute – I like the cut-outs across the tops of the toe box, and the mary jane buckle strap across the top of the foot makes them feel very secure and never like I have to worry about them slipping off, but these shoes are not the slam dunk I was hoping for.
Roberta - Oh dear….how about a band-aid for the pinky??
Barbara Murray - I was interested in your shoe dilemma. Was looking at your site because I am Alison Grace Hughes’ aunt! and I had a great time at her wedding to Todd. Love your photos. I work as an inspector and have to walk a lot on the job. I just wear sneakers because we are undercover and the look of my outfit doesn’t matter. I really like Rockport. I bet you could find good, comfortable shoes there. They are a bit pricey for me, but they do have sales.