JOANNE Watkinson
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD THIS WINTER
“They” have a lot to say. Or is just my family that refers to “they” when they don’t have a confirmed source for a quote, statistic or rule they’re referring to?
In my house, “they”, the unelected council that provides wisdom and opinion-based tid-bits, is a constant source of amusement as “they” can’t be challenged or argued with directly.
“They” say always spend your money on your bed and your shoes, because you will always be in one or the other.
The bed needs little explanation, the shoe part took me a while to commit to, but I learned my lesson the hard way.
Seduced by wanting lots of different shoes when I was younger, I bought cheaply and either paid the price physically with blisters, or financially when they broke or wore out quickly.
Let’s be clear here, I don’t spend a fortune on shoes. I don’t have the fortune, nor do I believe that buying very expensive shoes makes them comfortable or kind to feet.
I am guessing Victoria Beckham would attest to that. She famously wore vertiginous designer heels on a daily basis for years resulting in what looked like painful bunions.
She’s now often spotted in flat shoes which is no doubt a mix of realising heels are not just bad for your feet but that flat shoes can look equally as chic.
I wear flats around 99% of the time. So that’s where 99% of my shoe budget goes. I spend what I can afford on footwear that is comfortable.
Gone are the days I wear shoes that rub or pinch in the name of fashion.
The last two years I have mostly worn trainers but recently there has been a little shift.
First it was the Birkenstock Boston. I got the sheepskin-lined version which I wear with socks, but there is a question mark around them being an outdoor shoe in winter.
The same goes for UGG boots.
If it rains, snows or otherwise you are snookered.
When it comes to boots, there is so much choice: bovver, biker, chunky, lug sole, zip front or kneehigh boots which are enjoying a renaissance.
What I’m edging towards though, is the humble black loafer, leather or otherwise.
They look great with trousers, wide or slim, with a sock or without.
If you went to school in the 90s you may be reticent (I hear you) but stick with me.
You never know unless you try, “they” say.