When in NYC this last week I learned many things about myself, my bff and fashion. Lesson 1: While ballet flats are uber stylish, they aren’t the best for pounding the Manhattan pavement for hours on end.

The Globe and Mail, Canada’s answer to The New York Times, recently recommended ballet flats as a comfortable alternative to high heels. My bff agreed until she pirouetted her toes to death in Manhattan.  Here are my top 3 comfortably stylish picks for those planning summer vacations to places like NYC or Paris where walking is defo in the cards.

Sandals

The key to comfortable shoes are ones that have heart and sole: structure on the inside and grip on the outside.

In order to remain on trend, you want to get sandals that are still cute, which means absolutely no Tevas, thank you very much.  The gladiator style continues to rock the streets, even in NYC, so try that style on for size.

I bought a pair of Timberland sandals to hike around Paris that still served me well two years later in NYC.  The left Timberland Women’s Kennebunk Braided Ankle Strap Sandal are super stylish and will defo keep your toes twinkling.

Fashionable Sneaks

These types of sneakers aren’t for running since they won’t provide the same level of support, but they certainly are far more comfortable than ballet flats.

When buying fashion sneaks, watch for natural linings like leather.  Leather is more breathable, whereas synthetic linings (often made from polyurethane (PU), a form of rubber) tend to get smelly after a while.

The right Puma Lanai Sneaker is casual enough to be worn with Lulu Lemon pants, but would look cute paired with a denim skirt, white tank and cardi as you walk around Central Park snapping pics of the Jackie Onassis Reservoir and Bethesda Fountain.

Comfy Flats

Finally, there are comfy flats that will keep you and your walking partner happy all day long.  Sadly, comfort can come at a cost but with these shoes you literally get what you pay for.

Camper shoes are designed by Europeans for Europeans.  Therefore, they are tried, tested and truly the best.   The styles can be quite “Euro”, so it might take time to fall head over heels for them, but you’ll get there!  The Casi Janis Mary Jane Campers are my fave with the blue strap and brown shoe.

Happy Summer Holidays Everyone!

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