A few weeks ago I made a joke about ‘back when we used to wear shoes.’ Now, I’m the one chuckling because I’ve started wearing shoes again, even while on ‘stay at home’ status.
There is a stronger case than I expected for wearing shoes in the house right now. First though, if you are in the position to stay at home and are doing it with vigor, way to go! It is not easy, and it seems like our global efforts are paying off. Let’s keep it up, and help protect the people who have essential jobs and are going to work to keep the rest of us healthy, fed and safe.
Stay-at-home-life does not demand running around, dealing with the weather, or the need for impressive shoes. That makes it a great time to rotate through all your ‘easy wearing’ shoes.
In the past few weeks I’ve started wearing shoes again and I’ve learned that wearing a complete outfit goes a long way to put me in a good head space. I feel more like myself, and more ready to take on a day of teaching my kids at home, training a puppy and mentally coping with a worldwide pandemic. Additionally, wearing shoes (and then taking them off again at the end of the day) is a great way to signal a shift from day to evening. Being in the same environment all day (home) can feel monotonous. Changing your shoes at the end of the day can help signal a change of pace from ‘work day’ to ‘off duty time.’ And lastly, wearing shoes is a great way to give your slippers a break! We all love our trusty, cozy companions, but like any pair of shoes, a day of rest helps extend their life!
With that in mind, today’s post is an ode to my favorite shoes for wearing around the house. These are the pairs I’ve been reaching for lately.
Speaking of slippers, mine are at the top of list. Now, I didn’t say not to wear them. By all means, wear the slippers. But add some friends to the rotation too.
1. Supportive Slippers
I discovered the world of supportive slippers a few years back from my friend Paige. These are Haflingers and are worth every precious penny. They are made with a wool covered cork and latex midsole that forms to your foot. Kind of like Birkenstocks, but slippers.
2. Supportive Sandals (Birkenstocks)
Birkenstocks, but make it fashion. At least that’s what I like to think with the resurgence of Birkenstocks in so many styles. I am a huge fan. I’ve literally been wearing them for more than 20 years. My mission is get my husband to try a pair this summer. I love them because they feel so darn good on my feet.
On a fit note: I never buy the ‘soft’ soles. In my experience those take longer to break in and make my feet hotter in the summer.
3. Leather Slides
These have been unexpected closet heroes for me lately. They lend a little bit more polish for to my outfits, but are just as easy to slide on and off. The layered leather soles provide nice arch support, and a super classy look.
Classic Slide, c/o EITHER/OR
4. Huaraches
These shoes have been a spring and summer staple for me since 2015. Just search huaraches on the blog and you will see how I’ve styled them over the years. I used to have a darker pair, but they ended up stretching out and being too big. Nisolo has since re-vamped the style and the shoes no longer do that. I can’t recommend them enough! They come in four colors, and I think the white is super cute too! (PS – Use the code ‘STANDWITHSMALL’ to save 20% at Nisolo.)
5. Mules
Dear mules, you are the dark horse of quarantine. You are chic, minimal yet you command an outfit and manage to keep feet happy at the same time. Thank you for making all my stay-at-home outfits look a little cuter. These Ama Mules were gifted to me from Nisolo a few months ago, and they couldn’t have come at a better time! I love the polished, woven look of these and they truly go with everything. (In case you missed the tip, you can use the code ‘STANDWITHSMALL’ to save 20% at Nisolo.)
That’s all for today! I hope this post finds you in good spirits as we continue to navigate these strange days.
This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. This means, if you see something you like and make a purchase, Seasons + Salt may make a small commission. Thank you so much for your support!
Love this post! Curious about the sizing for the slippers: do they have a similar fit to Birkenstocks? I have wide feet.
Thanks!
Lori
Hi Lori, yes they fit very similarly to Birks. I wear the same Euro size in both.
Good to know, thank you! I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the Everlane clogs (although they look far too narrow for my wide feet!).
Hi Lori! I posted a bunch on my Instagram stories the other day, did you catch it?
I always appreciate your posts but I wish that this one (and other bloggers who have recently discussed wearing shoes indoors) would acknowledge that this is an anti-cultural practice for some communities, especially those who are API. Not to change up what you are doing (self-care is important for all!) but just a head nod that it is not a universal practice to wear shoes indoors.
Hi Priscilla, I didn’t know that. Thank you for sharing!
Just wanted to chime in and say that I’m also part of a culture that doesn’t wear shoes inside. Lots of Asian and European cultures don’t. I do keep some designated “house shoes” and slippers that I only wear indoors. And my outside shoes are only allowed in the entry areas so that I don’t track dirt to the rest of the home.
Thank you for sharing on this!! That makes a lot of sense. I normally don’t wear shoes in the house either, but since I’m not leaving the house, my shoes are no longer being worn outdoors, so I guess they’ve sort of turned into house shoes. One pair I got post-quarantine, so I haven’t even worn them outdoors yet! But I do love the idea of true house shoes. Thank you for sharing!
I just bought a pair of huaraches and waiting for them to come in! A little too excited about it, lol.
Yay! I’m excited for you! They are a great shoe!
Thanks for the post, and heads up that Nisolo is participating in the support small shops promotion and offering 20% off through the 19th. I bought myself a pair of the Alma mules this morning!
Thanks for the tip Paige, I just saw that!! Super cool.
Do the light rose Birkenstocks look more nude-toned in person?
Mine are a ‘natural’ leather, so different than the light rose. I can’t find the natural color anywhere (my pair is from last year), but the light rose looks very close, but the leather is nubuck (like suede but thicker and more durable) and not shiny like mine.
I’ve still been wearing my shoes a lot, but mostly just my comfy pairs since my kids play outside any chance they get!
I’m so glad it’s spring! Makes a big difference doesn’t it?!
I’m a big fan of not wearing outdoor shoes in the house. Instead, I have house shoes. In the winter, that’s my Glerups slippers and in the summer, I have a pair of moroccan leather babouche slides that I wear around. I prefer not to track outdoor dirt inside the house and it adds up to less cleaning over all.
That’s a smart idea!! Right now my sandals and slides are super clean because I haven’t worn them outside since last spring/summer so that definitely helps cut down on the dirty factor. I love your idea of having indoor shoes for the warmer months, might have to steal that!
Thank you so much for this blog post! I have been eyeing both the huaraches and the ama mules for a while now. I think I’m leaning more towards the huaraches because they’re kind of a triple threat – sandals, flats, and wanna-be-loafers :)
PS – I’ve been following your blog and Instagram for 2 years now and I just want to say thank you for introducing me to so many amazing ethical brands. It is the ONLY way I shop now, and even my husband is getting more on board with an ethical & sustainable lifestyle.
Hi Andrea, I admire your shoe game, and I’m thinking about getting some Either/Or slides. Do you find they run tts?
Hi Ann, yay! I hope you love them like I do. On their website they have length measurements of the slides, I would compare that to another similar style of shoes you already own. And to answer your question, I do find them to run true to size. Good luck! :)
love this! i switch between my regular birk sandals & bright pink eva arizona’s. the eva birks are great when cleaning the house and when playing outside with the kids. when they get dirty i just quick rinse them in the sink and they are good to go again!
I love that idea!! I haven’t had a pair of the waterproof ones in years. I love all the colors they come in now!
Hi Andrea,
I just purchased the AMA mikes and I’m so excited about them. I think they will get a lot of wear. Being from the NW did you put rubber soles on yours or just decided to keep the leather soles? With all the rain I’m wondering if it’s worth it.
Also what size did you get in the newer version of your hurrachas? Has the size you choose seem to not have stretched too much?
Thanks you for your input. I constantly look to you for sizing recommendations so it’s been super helpful!
Sorry meant to say AMA mules
Hi Lacey! Congrats on your Amas! Yaya!! I love mine. For this pair I have NOT put rubber soles on them because I don’t anticipate wearing them in the rain. However, I am not ruling it out! If I find myself wearing them in wet situations I may go back and add them!
My huaraches are size 9.5 (half size down from my Ama Mules) and they fit great now!! I think there was a little break-in time, but I can’t remember for sure.
And you are so welcome! I hope you love your new shoes!