A while back, a reader responded to my blog post about selling my car and asked me: What are your favorite shoes for walking around the city?
I answered her personally, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much my shoe collection has changed over the past year; not just in style, but in purpose.
When I moved and became far more walk-dependent, I also became far more intentional about what lives in my closet.
I don’t have endless storage space in my apartment, and honestly, I’ve never really needed a huge shoe collection. Add in the fact that I’m heavy on my feet and have what I’m convinced is a slightly unique gait (my shoes wear down fast), and that whittles down the shoe styles I actually wear.
From Occasion Shoes to Life Shoes
When I moved, I got rid of at least half my shoes — including any remaining high heels (I didn’t have many left).
I knew that since I’d often be walking more than a few blocks, most of them were unrealistic. In a car-based lifestyle, you can get away with super-tall heels. But, I just knew I wouldn’t be making many trips in anything remotely uncomfortable, especially in the colder months!
Now, I look for shoes that can handle at least half a mile, but ideally more. They also need to work with multiple outfits, survive questionable sidewalks, and not require a painful break-in period.
My Most-Worn: Rothy’s
If I have to give one top answer, it’s Rothy’s.
I’ve worn Rothy’s for years — I even wore them while working retail, when I was on my feet for entire shifts. That alone says a lot.
I have several different styles, and in the fall, I rotated through my flats constantly. They’re polished enough to look put together but comfortable enough to actually live in.
In the winter, I switched to their boots — and they’ve been perfect. They’re waterproof (huge win), structured without feeling stiff, warm, and easy to walk in for longer stretches.
And yes, I absolutely love that they’re washable. City streets are… not pristine. Being able to toss my shoes in the wash is a game-changer.
Because I’m walking so much more now, I’ve also become mindful about what I track into my apartment. I keep a shoe rack in my coat closet and a pair of slippers right by the door.
The second I walk in, the outside shoes come off. I wore slippers in my Austin apartment, too, but it feels more necessary now since I’m covering so much more ground each day.
My Go-To Sneaker: Nike Air Max
For longer walks or days when I know I’ll be out for a while, I reach for my Nike Air Max.
I bought my first pair on Poshmark a few years ago and loved them so much that I picked up a second pair in another color when I moved.
They’re supportive, cushioned, and hold up well to my heavy-footed tendencies. Plus, they’re versatile enough to wear casually without looking overly athletic.
They’re the pair I don’t have to think about — and that’s invaluable.
The Heel Reality (and a Small Compromise)
That said, I’m not anti-height.
During my move, I kept one pair of neutral wedges because they’re surprisingly comfortable and can elevate (literally) an outfit without punishing my feet.
Wedges have always been my loophole — they distribute weight more evenly and feel far more stable for walking.
I also recently thrifted a pair of boots with a two-inch heel. I walked about half a mile in them and wore them to a concert, fully prepared to regret my decision… and I didn’t. Small victories!
Now that I’m spending more time out and about, I’ve considered adding one truly “dressy” heel back into my collection — but it would have to be intentional, likely for special occasions only.
And if needed? I’d absolutely call a rideshare.
Spring and Summer: TBD
I’m curious to see what I’ll wear most as it warms up. Many of my Rothy’s styles will be perfect for spring and summer, especially since they’re breathable and easy to clean.
I suspect my rotation will become pretty clear after a few months of real-world testing.
One thing I know for sure: I’m not rebuilding a massive collection. I want durable, versatile, hardworking shoes that make sense for my real life.
Living without a car has quietly reshaped how I think about style. My shoes aren’t just accessories anymore. They’re infrastructure. They carry me through errands, canal walks, coffee runs, concerts, and everything in between.
And if they can handle all of that, and still look good with most of my closet, they’ve earned their spot on the rack.
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