Naturalizer steps it up a notch
August 30th, 2007Naturalizer footwear is known for it’s comfort and fit rather than it’s aesthetic appeal. Traditional walking shoes with bulky rubber soles, round toes and topstitching were the norm until recently when designs become more feminine and refined. I popped into a Naturalizer store in Chicago last week and was delighted with what I saw. Alongside their usual casual and conservative styles, was a wonderful assortment of trendy 2-inch heeled pumps, boots and funky flats that you could walk around in with ease all day. The best part about this news is the price points. You’re looking at anything from $39 to $69 for a pair of shoes and $60 -$130 for a pair of boots. Naturalizer certainly gives Taryn Rose a run for her money at more than $450 a pop! Has affordable fashion and comfort become a reality?
A selection of Naturalizer’s hot new Autumn arrivals. I came home with a pair of the flat Mary Janes in black and cream patent (same style as the picture on the top right above). They are my new “8-hour” Autumn shoe.
August 30th, 2007 at 8:33 am
I love “You look Fab”. Always look forward to receiving it! I have a question for you. I really like the cream & black Naturalizer pumps. What color clothing would go with the pumps? I need all the help I can get when it comes to putting outfits together!
Thanks,
jennell
August 30th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Thanks for the compliment Jennell. The black and cream Naturalizer flats act as a basic in my wardrobe. I wear a lot of black and cream with colour and the shoes works perfectly with those outfits. We are back to the notion of ” items that don’t necessary match, but work”, which isn’t easy to explain in writing. This is a knack that you begin to develop over time. If you feel that this particular colour combination is hard to match, opt for the plain black version instead. They’ll act like a basic little black ballet flat that you can virtually wear with anything.
August 30th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Angie, I’m interested in your review once you’ve worn these for a while. These might be just the ticket for us urbanites who walk everywhere (ok, so I’m in a relatively small town, but I still walk everywhere!). Please keep us posted on those shoes. They seem too good to be true–cute, cheap, and comfortable? no way!
August 30th, 2007 at 9:45 am
My “step up from Chacos” sandals are a pair of Naturalizers my grandma bought but couldn’t wear, but they do not look like grandma shoes. I wore them recently to an event where I had not realized I would be walking several miles, up and down hills. I have to say — they were great! At the end of the day, as I was completing hike uphill to my car, I began to detect what would have become a blister, but this was after a really intense day of walking!
They definitely qualify as three-mile shoes in my book!
August 30th, 2007 at 9:53 am
They are on my feet as we speak Christie and I have an 8 hour walking day ahead of me…stay tuned.
Thanks for the validation and insights Rebecca!
August 30th, 2007 at 10:11 am
i find that naturalizer (like lizflex and aerosole) benefits from low expectations lookswise. in the store i think they are pretty nice, but i get buyer’s remorse a few weeks later. agnes varda — her shoes are comfortable and nice looking (but expensive).
shoe color that pops as a way to perk up a routine business outfit — yes! i discovered this for myself last summer when i bought a pair of orange sandals. we boring office drones need more of these tips, please.
August 30th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I like the leopard print ones. I almost bought them, but they were out of my price range since I know they wouldn’t get used quite as much as other styles. I did pick up some leopard print flats from Target, though. They were about $10 but not quite as dressy. I like them even though one of my friends says that they remind her of house slippers, but admits that she doesn’t like animal prints in general.
August 30th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
On another note, I picked up a pair of red Naturalizer flats at T.J. Maxxx for 20-something dollars. They seem comfy, but the day I wore them I ended up with a blister on every single toe and on the back of my heels. One on my little toe ran almost the entire length of the toe. Maybe it was the heat… but overall I was disappointed.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I found out about Naturalizer’s trend toward more stylish footwear this summer on a clearance rack at Bob’s. I got the cutest pair of rust brown open toed, 3 ” wedge heel sandals for $15! They are so comfortable, I don’t even know I’m wearing a heel. I love them and will definately keep my eye open for Naturalizer’s for the fall.
August 30th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Cute! Love the gray’n'black and the black Mary Janes. Thanks for the tip.
August 30th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
After rushing around in my new flat Mary Janes for the first time today, and all day, I’m delighted to inform you that these Naturalizers make my “8-hour mark” and beyond. They passed the test with flying colours! I hope that encourages you Christie.
August 31st, 2007 at 1:42 am
I’ve spent the last three years looking for fabulous spectator pumps for the last three years. and now i find a pair in exactly the color i wanted…and apparently theyre gonna be comfy too! woohoo…life doesnt get much better than this!
August 31st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Love to see comfy shoes. I’m debating whether to get those Naturalizer animal print flats highlighted here or the animal print ballet flats from Aerosoles (Printz Charming). Hmmmmm……
September 6th, 2007 at 9:36 am
looove these! Reminds me of when Hush Puppies went funky a few years ago.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
naturalizer is where i always go for basic heels that come in wide for my fat feet. i have a pair of 3 inch heels from there that i have literally walked miles in with no problem.