The Art of Walking NYC in Style

The Art of Walking NYC in Style

25 boots and shoes that make walking the city a little more stylish by Brigitte Segura.

As a walker in the city (and always have been!), I’ve picked out some of my favorite boots and shoes for walking around NYC. Nowadays, I try to walk to as many destinations as I can, provided the outfit can work! There is just something about being comfortable and free to walk wherever the day takes you. Freedom to explore, reflect, enjoy the city and chillax while getting your walk for the day in. And of course, looking good along the way is part of the fun!

Even during NYFW, I usually reach for my tried-and-true comfortable sneakers. But lately, I’ve been looking for comfort outside my sneakers. Is it possible? Can you actually walk a good distance in something other than sneakers and still feel good? That’s what I’ve been looking for. Shoes and boots with support and comfort, but also classic style that is flexible enough to work with different outfits. Many of these are pants-friendly, but a couple of styles can work beautifully with dresses and skirts, too.

I started wearing boots regularly back in my SoHo days, and realized that a good, form-fitting boot is almost all you need. A great boot can pull an outfit together and work with so many different looks. Nowadays, it’s harder to find the quality and comfort that stand up to walking around NYC, so I’m always on the lookout for good options. I’ve tried and tested all three of the brands I’m featuring here, although I haven’t tried every single style in this selection. I know these brands for their quality, comfort, and thoughtful approach to footwear.

The three brands I’m featuring today are Coclico, Mave and Chez, and Naot. Each has its own personality, but all three offer something I look for in a good walking shoe: comfort, quality, and style.

Coclico

A New York-based independent footwear brand known for its modern designs and beautiful craftsmanship. Coclico has that understated downtown feel, with interesting shapes and styles that are easy to wear and work beautifully with a modern wardrobe.

Naot

Naot combines good design with a real focus on comfort. Its signature footbeds use natural cork and latex to provide arch support, cushioning, flexibility, and shock absorption. It’s a great combination when you want shoes that look good but also give your feet the support they need to keep going.

Mave and Chez

A downtown woman-owned brand that brings together elegant design and comfort. Mave and Chez incorporates thoughtful orthotic support into its shoes, with polished styles that don’t look like traditional comfort footwear. I love the idea of having that extra support without giving up on a good-looking shoe.

What I like about this selection is that comfort doesn’t have to mean giving up on fashion. There is something very cool about finding a shoe that looks good, feels good, and lets you get on with your day. Whether it’s a sleek boot, a classic loafer, or something a little more relaxed, these are styles that can become part of your everyday wardrobe.

And in NYC, where a quick walk can easily turn into several miles, having the right shoes makes all the difference!

Here are some of my favorite styles of the season, with about 25 pairs of boots and shoes I’ve curated for getting around the city. Have fun picking your favorites, and I hope you too will grow out of your daily sneaker habit like me! I’ve already started swapping out my sneakers since last weekend. There’s a whole world of stylish walking shoes out there, and I’m ready to explore it one step at a time.

The Art of Walking NYC in Style. 25 boots and shoes that make walking the city a little more stylish by Brigitte Segura.

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photo credits: Brigitte Segura and by courtesy