Ten on Tuesday: Foot f*tish

Ten on Tuesday:  10 Types of Footwear I Own/Love

Shoes aren't really "my thing," though I will admit that they've become more of "a thing" lately. Inflammation and often severe swelling in my ankles and feet didn't make for fun shoe shopping — it was always a consideration when buying shoes, and adjustable was the (only) name of the game! Even with fairly significant weight gain over the past 6-9 months, I don't suffer the inflammation and swelling that I did in the past, and I can wear a lot of shoes that I wasn't able to before.

1. Keen — I can't remember the name of this Mary Jane style. I've had them for several years… long enough that I've employed Shoe Goo in an effort to keep them together a little bit longer. After sitting out most of last year, they're back in the rotation a bit more. I've always loved them, especially the color!

2. El Naturalista — the shoes I was desperate to stretch & break in before our trip to the U.K. I think I ended up wearing them on the plane but mostly they were in my luggage… and they are heavy!

3. Garage Sale Sandals. I don't usually buy used shoes, but these had possibly been worn once. I don't remember the brand — maybe Bjorn — it's a brand of shoe that usually doesn't work for me. The arch support could be a little better, so I don't wear them when I know I'll be walking a lot or on my feet all day, but I love the style and color and that leather is so soft. Like buttah.

4. Merrell Captiva Launch 2. I love, love, love these boots! They're pretty close fitting, so usually worn with tights or leggings. I haven't snagged or broke a single buckle… knocking on wood.

5. More Keen. These were purchased specifically for their flexibility and adjustability, and originally to wear while cycling (and are still my preferred footwear for that activity). They're also pretty comfortable (as I find most Keens to be, for me).

6. Lucky! I love these distressed, short boots. I bought them last year, I think. They fit great but don't have a zipper, so they can be a challenge to get on — especially since I broke the loops in the back! (I've recently found the trick is thin, slippery socks or tights… not my usual cotton socks.)

7. Taos. These laced shoes have a tiny little heel, which is very high by my standard of the last 30 years! They are super comfortable, though an all-day walk around Edinburgh was a bit much and I ended up with a blister on my little toe!

8. More Taos. These are the sandals I bought even though I could barely even squeeze my foot inside because of the inflammation. I loved the style SO MUCH and knew that once in a while I'd be able to wear them. Well, that turned out to be hardly ever never until the inflammation and swelling were under control. They are some of my favorite shoes ever.

9. Wolky. These, too, were purchased for adjustability. You can't see in this photo, but there are two velcro buckles on each sandal… I was at the point last summer that I was wishing I could get them tighter!

10. A brand new — my first — pair of Fluevog Shoes. Sandals that I purchased during a recent sale. I'm aiming to gently break these in while on vacation. Also, how did I not know that there was a Fluevog store in Chicago???

MORE:

My #1 favorite thing to wear on my feet is NOTHING! Barefoot, baby.

#2 is some short cotton athletic socks that I wear more as slippers.

#3 is a pair of slippers, usually worn over the socks because they're big.

OBSERVATIONS:

• I have more shoes than I'd have guessed. I'm wearing some nice Merrell's (same as #7 on Kym's list!), there's a pair of snow boots, some tennies/athletic shoes…
• I've jettisoned some old faves recently that hadn't been worn in years.
• Red seems to be my favored color for a pedi!! Stay tuned…