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Style Bytes 11 February 2022

Find The Feel-Good Footwear For You

From loungewear to footwear, choose a shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and feel good in your shoes all season long.

Opting for comfortable styling has been at the forefront of our sartorial decisions. Feel-good footwear is a trend that has seen the uprise in dad sneakers to the proverbial ‘dorky’ sandal. However, don’t let these nicknames dissuade you, these are labels of affection, referring to styles that have opted for support and comfort; and we’re not mad about it. Beyond the summertime, when wearing comfortable shoes are an absolute essential, comfortable shoes should be worn all day, year round. Explore our latest picks for footwear that give your feet some much-needed relief.


Words By Cara Briggs

Sandals

With sandals this season, the bigger the better. Chunky soles, in-built support and thick straps are on the agenda.

The beauty of this trend is they can be worn with any outfit, opt for a sporty sandal from Teva for an activewear look or the Marni Fussbett Smooth Leather Sandal for a summer evening. Secondary to this, they can be worn with socks for transeasonal dressing.

A shocking suggestion, we know, but the once-taboo fashion choice has now made its way back into our lives as an ironic ‘ugly-but-cool’ look.

The popularity of feel-good footwear has seen the transition of The Birkenstock out of your dad’s wardrobe and onto the runway.

A feat of German engineering (pardon the pun), this unisex sandal boasts suede straps with a cork footbed that over time moulds to your foot, the perfect option as both functional and stylish.

Dr Martens has been the front-runner in chunky sandals since the beginning, so they’re always a safe bet, their metal hardware and thick leather straps providing a grunge element to any outfit.

For those wanting a more streamlined, but all-the-while useful chunky sandal, our choice would be the Woven Flatform from Prada. Its sleek slingback strap and square toe will offer an effortlessly edgy style to your wardrobe.

If you’re after a chunky sandal that doesn’t skimp on comfort, you’ll be sure to find it in our picks below.

Marni Fussbett Smooth Leather Sandals, $875, Matches Fashion

Sneakers

Old-school-cool has been leading the way in sneaker trends.

If you’re stuck for inspiration, just imagine a classic dad style in the 90s and it would be a safe bet to say they’re in style again.

Gaining a resurgence of popularity over the last few years, the affectionately named ‘dad sneaker’ has been seen on the likes of Bella Hadid to the runways of Paris Fashion Week.

This sneaker trend is undoubtedly a product of the normcore trend, a movement that sees reappropriating once ‘daggy’ fashion and making it cool.

New Balance has released a retro-inspired classic with their Made in the USA sneaker.

These turbo trainers are the perfect option for offsetting an ultra-feminine slip dress or enhancing an oversized denim ensemble.

When it comes to the retro-inspired sneakers this season we’re also opting for classics like Converse’s Chuck Taylors.

These all-star sneakers have grown well beyond their courtside origins to becoming a staple in any sneaker head’s closet.

Find your sneaker style below.

New Balance Made in USA 990v4 Suede and Mesh Trainers, $348, Matches Fashion

Brogues

Typically, a men’s style shoe, the brogue is another style of shoe that has recently become popular within the unisex realm, now worn by all.

The classic lace-up silhouette is undeniably dapper and can add a touch of class to any ensemble.

With the entrance of maximalist footwear this season, we’ve seen the brogue transform with added chunky, track soles, and bright, vibrant hues.

The Valentino Garavani Brogue is a culmination of these developments.

Utilise its cherry red leather to add a pop of colour to any outfit – our suggestion would be to pair it with a pair of blue denim jeans and a white t-shirt for a classic-with-a-twist style.

Dr Marten’s Bex Brogue has been on the market for decades and proves that it is a classic shoe that never goes over of style.

This sleek, black silhouette can be elevated with a pair of coloured socks or tights for a contemporary style.

The appeal of these shoes is their ability to go from day to night.

Have a browse to find your brogue of choice, below.

Dr. Martens 1461 Bex Shoes, $259, The Iconic

Clogs

When it comes to the ‘ugly-but-cool’ trend, nothing encapsulates it greater than the uprise of the Croc.

A clog style rubber sandal that was once only destined to be worn by toddlers and tourists, has officially become stylish.

Its beach to street functionality has made it a favourite amongst many.

The added arch support and affordable price tag ensure they’re both feet and budget-friendly.

This once ‘uncool’ shoe has become a staple in the feel-good-footwear trend.

Birkenstock has delivered their version with their Buckled Mules, a shoe that can be worn all year long.

For an elegant option, we would suggest Isabel Marant’s Thalie Leather Clog.

A more traditional take on this footwear trend, this clog offers metal studded details and a chunky wooden sole, a viable option for those wanting to dress up.

If you’re wanting to embrace this trend subtly, the Reike Nen Leather Clog is a viable option. Its open back and sleek front transform it into a hybrid mule.

Love it or hate it, this trend offers the freedom of flexibility in that anything goes.

Explore our picks below.

Crocs Classic Clogs White, $69.99, General Pants

Loafers

Synonymous with style and elegance, the loafer has seen a resurgence as a unisex shoe of choice.

In 2022 we’ve seen them elevated with chunky soles for a contemporary take on a classic staple.

The loafer is a true unisex style, making its way into everyone’s wardrobes as a staple flat.

Valentino’s Trackstud Loafer offers the iconic silhouette of a loafer with an added edge.

These would be our choice for those wanting height without the discomfort of heels.

With a limitless colour palette, you’ll find a loafer to complement any outfit this season. Pair Ganni’s Square Toe Snake loafer with a pair of blue wash denim jeans for an exotic detail.

As a shoe, loafers offer freedom from discomfort without sacrificing style.

Aldo’s Chunky Loafers are a budget-friendly option, that combines the trend of a chunky sole and gold hardware details

Wear them all year long – with a thick pair of socks in winter and dare to bare in summer.

Whenever you choose to wear them, a loafer will have you looking effortlessly dapper.

Ganni Square-toe Snake-effect Leather Penny Loafers, $464, Matches Fashion