Take a look at the last pair of vegan leather shoes I expect to ever buy. I'll consider imitation leather for handbags or articles of clothing, but not for shoes. In my experience, ''liberated leather'' just can't match the fit or comfort of genuine leather shoes. There's always an unexpected issue with them.
To the left is exhibit A, my JBU walking shoes: Adorable style ... and for short walks, they are fine. But, the vegan leather is stiff, and it never softens. After a summer of wear, the shoes haven't conformed to my feet fitting like a glove as real leather tends to do. Fake leather doesn't seem to stretch or give to accommodate a toe ... and the sides of the shoes puff out when I take a step, not hug my feet as leather does. Luckily they were a T.J. Maxx find, so a bargain. Certainly, I like the brand, JBU, which makes a quality orthopedic-approved footbed, but in the future, I'll always pursue this retailer's and all shoes carefully to ensure I'm buying real leather. These shoes in leather would be perfect!
For the lesser ticket price I paid at TJ Maxx I'll get my money's worth, yet I want shoes to do it all, i.e. carry me over short and long terrains so I can own fewer pairs of shoes.
Still, I gave it a try. I wonder how people who wear only vegan leather shoes manage? Are they mostly in sneakers? Do they avoid hard concrete pavement? Are they the taxi and Uber set? Hmm, I would miss the sights, sounds, and easy exercise of walking all over Manhattan.
Next let's look at another brand, a leather shoe I may buy next time! Technically a sandal -- a hybrid, closed-toe walking shoe, if you will. Customers rave about them: The Keen Women's Rose Sandal has tons of glowing customer reviews on multiple sites! Similar to the JBU in style, support, and rubber soles.
Two brands to keep on our leather-preferred radars! What's more, both companies bring back their popular walking styles season after season (with minor tweaks) and you won't miss out by not ordering them before you need a pair. Should you need a pair though, the sales are on!
Another company, Teva, with a similar type of walking/sporty shoe is perhaps superior in quality -- but has only a leather option for men right now. Check back in the future to see what comes out for women. Not everybody needs waterproofed shoes all the time, which may explain why leather is disappearing as the material for these types of airy walking shoes.
A closed-toe-airy-walking shoe is versatile. Not only will it take you from summer to fall, but you can wear them when open-toe sandals are too slight or casual. They are sandals bumped up a notch to casual smart. Make them in durable leather, please!
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