Let's Talk Flats.

I love heels.  In fact, my boyfriend would probably say I have a mild addiction.  (But he just doesn't understand why five inch heels would make one feel "sassy" and not just uncomfortable.  But I love the guy.  Anybody out there identify with me?)

In fact, I wear heels at least 50% of the time, if not more.  I'm only 5 feet tall, so it's not hugely noticeable when I wear heels.  I feel like they really add to a vintage look.  They're feminine, classic, and flattering.

However, woman cannot live in heels alone.

I realized today that if I don't want to wear heels, I pretty much have three options, and two of the options are almost dead from lots of wear.  Oh dear.

Thus, I bought boots recently (which will be featured in a future post that I'm SUPER excited about!), and I'm attempting to look into non-heel vintage styles.  Not low heel, I want no heel options.  "Adventure shoes", shoes that can be tromped about in during all kinds of weather, shoes that are hardy, shoes that can be thrown on as I run to class in the morning.

Here are some of the vintage inspirations I have from photos and advertisements:
Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

WHERE did all these wonderful shoes go?!  I LOVE the ones above, but it's so rare to find such shoes.  I suppose they were worn until they fell apart.  I did, however, find a few pairs that are for sale today, or modern reproductions that I'm currently drooling over.  Fabulous:

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes, Remix

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

Flashback Summer:  Let's Talk Flats- 1940s, 1950s vintage flat shoes

All that to say, there are some options out there that I'm going to have to find.  I'd really hate to be old with "Barbie feet" from wearing heels all the time.  (Yes, that's a real possibility.)

Meanwhile, I shall be hitting the thrift stores and websites to see if I can find some options.

Have you found any good vintage/repro flats sources?  What kind of shoes do you wear all the time?

10 comments

  1. I love wearing heels but flats are so practical - before I got my car I used to walk a long way to uni so flats were a must-have in my wardrobe (I still walk a lot but I am sooo glad to have cut out the extra travel-time to get to class). I have tassel loafers and brogues that get worn a lot but regular ballet flats are a good option too, as seen on Audrey Hepburn. Comfy wedges are great too as some of them can have the appearance of a heel but with the ease-of-wear of a pair of flats. I feel espadrilles would be a good option for summer but alas the weather we're having at the moment is definitely more wintry and unsuited to that particular type of shoe.

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    1. I do want some tassel loafers! They're so old-fashioned and cute. I'm having the same weather problems, as it's about to get into full-swing fall weather, so espadrilles are out for me (until summer, of course).

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  2. I have a pair of Remix Vintage shoes that I love! They've got a lot of cute flat and wedge options. I usually wear wedges and usually go through a pair a year because I wear them so much! I do wear sneakers to work though because I have to do a lot of standing/walking.

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    1. I just discovered Remix shoes while doing this post! They ARE amazing! I'm going to have to check into it. Your recommendation makes the price tag a little more tolerable, if they wear as well as you say they do!

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  3. I know exactly what you mean; especially when the ice comes. I might need to do some shopping myself :)

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    1. True story! Ice is a killer. I really want some of those pairs of old rubber overshoes or vintage snow boots. That would be amazing, but they're hard to find. We'll just have to keep our eyes out for some good ice shoes!

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  4. As a fellow petite lass (barely 5'2"), I hear you loud and clear on heel loving front. I'm the shortest adult female in my family, with most others coming in around 5'5" or 5'6", so I love that wearing three (or four) inch heels helps me actually see (literally) eye-to-eye with some of my relatives. I also adore what heels often do for my short legs and curvy calves, not to mention that fact that, I swear, I often find heels comfier to walk in than flats (assuming they fit well). That said, it's true that flats are a must at times, and in such cases, I tend to reach for my beloved black (Audrey Hepburn-esque) ballet flats and classic white and black saddle shoes. I've been on the hunt for a good pair of traditional penny loafers for ages (I have somewhat hard to fit feet, otherwise I would have just ordered a pair online a long time ago) now, but no luck yet. Hopefully soon - they suit autumn and the milder days of winter so well.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Saddle shoes are something I've been considering for a while now, so it's good to hear that you love them! I found some kid's saddle shoes, but they're awfully round in the toe and I think I'd rather go for a slimmer option. Luckily that look is kind of popular right now! I'm also going to be searching for loafers of any sort. I used to have penny loafers as a kid, and I wish I could bring them back now!

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  5. Flats fan waving your way!
    They are the most comfortable footwear for a busy "all-day-running" girl like myself.
    You images are adorable, dear.

    Marija

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    1. Thanks Marija!
      Yes, I'm thinking I really need to get more into flats. You're so right, they are the best for "all-day-running"!

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