I used to like shoe shopping. I ended up with a whole shelf of shoes once before I slowly made my way through them and got rid of those that were looking grungy or worn or just plain rotten. I blame it on warehouse sales of the time and trawling the cheaper shoe stores. I used to go to the warehouse sales and pick up shoes from Hush Puppies and Clarks at relatively cheap prices but then I realised that there was a problem with quality.
I don’t know if its the overall quality of Hush Puppies and Clarks shoes that have deteriorated or if its just the shoes at the sale. Either way, I found myself with broken heels and flapping soles and just an overall sense of disappointment. Not to mention an aching wallet!
These days, when I need a pair of decent shoes, I wait for a sale at Isetan then head straight for the Easy Spirit and Geox shoe counters. Both these shoe brands are very expensive here in Malaysia ranging from RM350 to RM600 for a pair of leather pumps at regular prices. Ouchies! I however, wait till they go on 50-60% off <- smart shopper! 😉
I got my first pair of Geox leather pumps on 50% off on a bit of a whim. The bit of plastic on the heel needs to be replaced due to a bit of carelessness on my part, but overall, its held up great over a year and still looks relatively good considering the amount of time I spend in them, so I consider it a good buy.
As for Easy Spirit I don’t know much about the shoe brand except that its not all that expensive over in the USA where it hails from. The shoes, both casual and formal are comfortable and fit my feet well which is why I keep going back to them. I have small narrow feet and finding shoes that will fit well can be a nightmare sometimes. I’ve also since worked out that my left foot is a tiny bit longer than my right which is a pain.
Some might find the shoe designs at both Geox and Easy Spirit boring and yes they are. There’s nothing exciting about the designs, nothing that says you MUST HAVE that pair of killer heels and nothing trendy. Jimmy Choos or Christian Louboutins they are not. But they work for me for everyday work shoes and they are brands I will go back to time and again… provided I get at least 50% off! 🙂
Do you have a favourite brand for everyday work shoes? Do share! We might find a favourite pair of shoes there too.
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
My favorite shoe brand for office is a locally-made Philippine brand called Via Venetto. Their designs are not very stylish, I admit, but they’re all classic and work-appropriate and can last for years. Best of all, they’re comfortable despite the heels! I think I have about five pairs from that store.
For foreign brands, I love Nine West, Aerosoles and Naturalizer (for office shoes). For casual wear, I love Tory Burch and Steve Madden.
Hi Melvel
Thanks for sharing! Its always nice to find comfy and long lasting shoes. I have heard a lot about how comfy Aerosoles can be but we don’t have them here yet. We do get Naturalizer though so I’ll check it out.
Ferragamo all the way! Only shoes that are not killahs when you’re at work and walking in them for more than 1 hour straight. Plus they last FOREVER. Give me 1 pair of ferragamos vs. 100 pairs of vinccis.
Birkies are ok, but they get dirty easily and i can’t wear them for TOO long because of the friction from the soles (maybe my pair are just too old)
There’s a fantastic shoe brand in HK too, but I can’t remember their name. Last time I was there I bought like 10 pairs (ok they were like 70% off).
Hey Li
I’d vote Ferragamos too. I tried on a pair once and couldn’t bear to take it off! LOL… Some day they’ll be mine!
I wear size 7 or 41, depends on the brand. Right now my favorite brands are Andre Valentino (is it available in Malaysia?) for shoes and Charles&Keith for sandals.
I also love my one and only Stuart Weitzman boots (hey, it was 50% off!) LOL
Hi Indira
I’m not sure if Andre Valentino is but Charles & Keith are 🙂 Ooh lucky you to own Stuart Weitzman!
ZARA definitely! High fashion and comfy.. 🙂
Hi plain.jane
I tried on Zara but I found them a tad hard but as you said, they are high fashion!
Hi Paris B, thanks for starting this discussion. I’ve the same problem with shoes myself and it’s a huge problem looking for fashionable yet comfortable shoes. Do share more!
For myself, I like Aerosoles and Andre Valentino for work shoes (wish their heels were a little lower tho) while I swear by my Naot slippers and sandals for the weekend.
Hi Pinky
I’m glad you have enjoyed this post! I’ll be sure to bring more shoe news as I have them 🙂 I’ve heard so much about Aerosoles. I still don’t think they are in Malaysia yet but I wish they were so I can try them! 🙂
Hi, I think Andre Valentino is in Robinsons or Tangs..either one. I’ve seen them before in KL. I’ll try since there are 2 recommendations. For work, I use GEOX (they really keep my feet cool even when I wear pantyhoses as I do a fair bit of walking between my car to my office and lunch), ALDO (my pair lasted me close to 3 years of continuous daily usage) and Timberland rugged boots that lasted 2 years until the soles thinned out. I don’t really skimp on quality shoes as they really do last and the idea that they won’t break midway a stride is really comforting, not to mention, it saves a lot of hassle hobbling and maybe tripping over a broken strap and breaking something else. For casuals/dressy, a mix between Vincci (though sometimes they break very fast), C&K, Nine West, Enzo (my most expensive pair to date- RM400 at staff price-that’s almost 60% off but they were dead comfortable and looks great – snakeskin print) will make me happy. And yes, they are never enough for me…sadly for my purse!
Nine West. Nine West. Nine West. *lol* I was quite surprised to find Nine West so overpriced in KL. When I’m home, I usually go to those small boutiques that carry imported shoes from Korea and Taiwan. They’re no names but very comfortable.
The other brands I like are Vagabond (I like their summer collection and winter boots). I also like Camper. They’re a bit pricey but the quality is always good.
Hey Amanda
You are right. Nine West is very expensive here and I can’t help being frustrated when I see they are really so cheap elsewhere! I’d love to get me a pair of Camper shoes soon but the prices… oh the prices! 😛
I have wide and flat feet! It is hard to find decent comfortable looking shoes for my feet. Any brands to recommend?
How envious of me… I’m actually a 5 1/2 UK but nothing seems to fit properly. Sandals or slippers I buy them in 6 and shoes normally I get then in 6 1/2 and ladies shoes can go up to 7 or 7 1/2 if it’s available. I have slanted toes and broad feet. I don’t wear heels at all so my sole is a bit flat. So it’s kinda hard getting the right shoe for me also. I mostly only wear ipanema sandals and Adidas 😛 These two are my favourite brands and they last forever. Used to wear Hush Puppies but somehow the quality ain’t there anymore… boo!!!
oh, you have to try out those from Studio at Tangs Pavilion! I bought 4 pairs during sales last month 60%+20% and it was the first time i tried out shoes from there. two thumbs up! 🙂
Hi purplerose
Thanks for the rec. I used to wear Studio when Tangs was in Starhill. Killed my feet though 🙁
Hi just wondering if I could still get Vincci in Singapore?
thanks in advance 🙂
Ooh, I absolutely adored reading everyone’s comments. Stumbled onto this post when you linked via that Does sales influence you? post.
I used to wear heels. Then I sorta fractured both my big toes… at different times fortunately…. and I’ve never really been able to wear heels ever since. I own 3 pairs of Geox, all bought on sale and I love, love, love, love them. Had to toss quite a fair bit of shoes away, luckily quite a few were cheap Vincci. Primavera also a fave of mine, partly bec they seem to be the only brand who make shoes large enough for my wide feet. Own a pair of Tod’s (bought on super-mega sale at Melium Outlet!) but I rarely wear them.. they are nice though.
Found a new brand at erm.. Isetan? I think it’s called Lui Lui. Either that or Liu Liu… me stupid these days. :)) Cute designs, not expensive… all in the RM100+ range, don’t know if they’ll stand up to everyday wear since I’m now a SAHM so don’t get to wear them much.
I’ll check out Easy Spirit. Since I now have to run after a toddler, I’ll take comfort over style any day when it comes to shoes!
Do you know where can I get easy spirit in malaysia? =)
As per the post, Isetan stores. That’s were I get mine.
I remember the day i bought clarks from SOGO 5 years back. Its super conformt & trendy, i wore it to office until now. I believe at that time Clarks is the best & quality shoe that i must have. I never look to the other brands.Then i went again to Clarks & bought another pair of shoes & not even a year i wore it, the band has broken. Start from that moment i knew the Clarks quality & design has been worsen & not preety. That’s my experience with Clarks.
I love the following shoe brands:
Birkenstock
Okabashi
Via Venetto