clothes-press shopping directory - footwear

Shopping directory – shoes and other footwear

The clothes-press guide to shopping for shoes and other footwear. This is basically a list of shops to remind me where I normally buy things so it’s a personal selection.

There’s not much in the way of glamourous footwear I’m afraid. I blame this on my mother who insisted that I wear sensible shoes as I child. This meant that I developed healthly, wide, paddle-shaped feet. I have also never learnt to walk in heels, like to be able to walk long distances and hate to have sore feet – I’m not sure I can blame these things on my mother though.

Anyway, here’s the list of UK online stores selling ‘sensible shoes’ plus socks, tights and that kind of thing. They are mostly mid-priced shops.

Favourite shoe shops

  • Clarks
    Normally my first port of call when looking to buy new shoes.
  • Timberland
    Particularly good for casual boots and boat shoes.

Other shoe shops – worth a look

  • Camper
    Contemporary footwear brand from Mallorca – pricier than Clarks but some interesting designs including twins.
  • Pavers
    Wide range of brands stocked – emphasis on good-value comfortable shoes, sandals and boots.
  • Schuh
    Brands stocked include Converse, Adidas, Sketchers and Vans sneakers as well as Dr Martens.
  • TOAST
    Nice but expensive shoes, boots and sandals. Boden and Seasalt also sell shoes so probably also worth a look.
  • Viva La Diva
    Large online store stocking a wide range of brands.

Specialists

  • Birkenstock
    Classic German foot-shaped sandals, clogs and shoes with anatomically-shaped footbeds.
  • Crocs
    Lightweight, very comfortable, waterproof but not-very-attractive plastic clogs that I seem to wear a lot in summer. Prefer the women’s clogs to the classic style.
  • Dr Martens
    Good range of women’s industrial footwear (ie, with steel toe cap) – some of the boots actually look quite stylish which is rare for industrial footwear and a nice change from the horrible pink traineroid things available elsewhere.
  • DuoBoots
    Custom-fit knee-length boots with a choice of 21 calf widths. Also make shoes and ankle boots. Online store and shop in Bath.
  • Havaianas
    Brazil’s original and authentic flip-flops (they say) – like the slim style the best.
  • Hunter Boots
    Rubber Wellington boots in a range of styles and colours from a classic British brand founded in 1856. Finally bought myself a pair – they are comfortable to wear and think they look rather stylish. Also nice to be able to jump in puddles again.
  • Repetto
    Dance shoes including ballet flats and Mary Janes made in France – nice but expensive.
  • Rocket Dog
    Sneakers plus casual flats, boots and sandals.
  • Saltwater
    Flat leather sandals which can be worn in water – cult classics since the 1940s apparently.
  • Spring Court
    Classic canvas plimsolls manufactured in France since 1936.
  • Teva
    Outdoor ‘active’ sandals that you can walk a long way in. Some are leather and some plastic. Alternatives: Merrell, Ecco and Keen also produce this kind of sandal so worth a look. Chacos are another recommended brand from the US but don’t seem to be sold in the UK.

Socks and tights

  • Cotton Comfort
    Cotton socks and very comfortable organic cotton tights.
  • Scott Nichol
    Quality socks made in England since 1937, including nice women’s woollen boot socks.
  • Sock Mine
    Technical sports socks and welly socks made in Britain.
  • Sock Shop
    The world’s largest sock selection (so they say) – there’s certainly an enormous selection of socks, tights available through the website. You can filter search results by material, colour, thickness, style, brand etc. Good selection of wool, bamboo and cotton socks.
  • Tabio
    Japanese manufacturer of socks, tights, leggings – online store and 2 shops in London.

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