NYC/SLC
Sometimes-more than not times…when footwear brands opine about comfort footwear that is fashionable…we think to ourselves…okay, maybe where they live, but not where we live.
It doesn't mean that women don't wear ---and spend $ on comfy shoes in the Big Apple-actually most riders on mass transit-are in casual or fancy flats or sneakers…but in the city that epitomizes spending on glammy high heels (Blaniks, Jimmy Choo-two of Carrie Bradshaw's favs, for example)… the gals here arch well defined eyebrows at the fashion comfort category claims…
Impressively, a new to us brand Bernie Mev---delivered somewhat-rather inventively- on that fashion function label at awesome prices too ($59.95-$79.95 typically)---in casual and work appropriate, street savvy styles…via massive offerings of unique woven uppers combined with cushioning memory foam footbeds atop durable rubber outsoles.
Wovens are popular in a slew of Spring collections---but Bernie Mev's signature uppers are year round--- surprisingly so. And stretchable too-easy on/off-relaxed fit styling.
We previewed some Fall 2014 styles at the most recent FFANY show...
Heels---including block and wedges (height with the ability to stand upright without discomfort), and lots of flats---including fold em up ballet shoes, Mary Janes, menswear inspired lace-ups, and autumn's popular chelsea boots and slip-on mule silhouettes…with the distinctive woven uppers-in a rainbow worth of colors-including the on-trend metallics.
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| Ballet flats fit into a plastic ball…gazillion styles... |
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| leather accents... |
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| chunky heel on a platform is ez to walk on-reminds us of Dr. Martens and that 90's combat disco boot look that is re-surfacing |
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| sweet-men's brogue inspied... |
Men's styles too…launching in stores soon-these are super popular at the tradeshow---loads of retailer interest, imo.
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| the outsoles are durable-with springy pods…. |
Our fav…this woven wedge available online at
Nordstrom's $79.95
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| silver-ish and bronze woven... |
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| rubber sole with lug pattern is city sidewalk tough |
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| like the back detail---in leather... |
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| metallic toe cap is cool details |
BM Bernie Mev-all leather Fall 2014-with the same comfort characteristics…all leather uppers in soft vintage autumnal tones...
Footwear giant DSW has the exclusive line called BM New York
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| contrast stitching, nice trims…cute casual looks... |
Bonus points for athletic or wide calves---Bernie Mev boots are made to fit you!
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| All leather upper in rich tones... |
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| front zipper-ez on/off |
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| equestrian style=brass studs are nice touch…zipper inside for easy on off…love these to wear with leggings |
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| cool look-thick laces on a wedge ref the popular wedge sneaker look-and make it Fall ready |
ALSO new to us…but new to the market, generally speaking-is EDDIE BAUER's own branded footwear…a venture that has a few styles we previewed.
Like the outdoor credible, well respected First Ascents line of performance wear/gear---and the company's travel/lifestyle clothing ---the Eddie Bauer footwear collection-aimed at the travel/casual market-is equally as well thought out and made. This company has been revived well. We are surprised they don't have a store in NYC.
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| Lukla Pro Men's (11oz) and Women's (10 oz) |
For hikers-the LUKLA PRO $130-pictured above, left…is a lightweight waterproof lace-up boot…made with a cushioning EVA insole (INSOFIT) and midsole (MIDLITE), exclusive rubber outsole of Vibram® XS Trek rubber (MULTIPITCH PRO)..and really impressively and exclusively- waterproof/breathable rated membrane lining (WEATHEREDGE PRO) - 20,000/20,000---a distinction we see in outdoor apparel-but never before in footwear.
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| don't do this at home---but can see the layers of cushioning/construction…very impressive and delivering at very fair price points…imo |
A lower cut-travel shoe-Full Circuit-is a hybrid.all day, performance/comfort kick- but isn't waterproof.
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| AVAILABLE NOW $100-Full Circuit-with a heel cup and full foot cushioning of ultralight polyurethane support-SprotGrip™carbon rubber put sole for traction. Breathable mesh upper |
Also coming soon-adorable flats…can see how the footbed is supportive and coddles the feet=SWEET…$100
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| Travex Christine Ballet..also Travex Slip-On and Mary Jane styles |
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| rubber outsole-durable and energy returning for all day wear |
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| men's DEPARTURE chukka boot style…Eddie Bauer's hipster offering-split suede leather upper $130 Lgihtweight, wide platform rubber outsole for stability-rivals all day performance shoes-but look a lot cooler. |
http://www.eddiebauer.com
Footwear giant DSW has the exclusive line called BM New York
ALSO new to us…but new to the market, generally speaking-is EDDIE BAUER's own branded footwear…a venture that has a few styles we previewed.