"Where are the Mary Janes?" you are asking. Yes, I know...I have a thing for a strap over the foot. It all started with my black patent Thom McCann Mary Janes that my mom bought for me in the 70's. I've always liked the youthful, school-girlish charm they bring to an outfit. However, now that I'm 40 years old (said like Sally O'Malley), the purchase of a refined pump sans strap is in the offing. Here are seven comfortable pumps with 3" and under heels that caught my eye and most come in narrow, medium and wide widths. Enjoy.
1. Sofft Bordeaux: Architectural 3" wedge heel with just a hint of the trendy spectator look. The Sofft footbed stands in a class by itself for cushioning and comfort. $97.95 from OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges. Unfortunately, this is one of the Sofft styles that only comes in a medium width.
2. Vigotti Mariel: I find that a low platform provides stability and makes a heel more walkable. This quality made pump has a bit of a retro feel and comes in both medium and wide widths. $99 at Zappos, free, fast shipping and returns.
3.SoftWalk Rimini: I don't have space to list all the comfort technologies that have gone into the making of this SoftWalk shoe, but you can read more here. To sum it up, when you wear SoftWalk, it's like walking on a mattress (a comfy Stearns and Foster, not a 2 star hotel slab). I like the no-nonsense styling of the Rimini. Available in eight colors and three widths from Zappos for $113. Also available in six colors, three widths and sizes 5-13 at Shoebuy for $99.95, free shipping and returns.
4.Bella Vita Teeker: I came across this brand by accident when browsing wide-width shoes at Zappos. Customers comment on the comfortable footbed and sturdy platform of a similar style shoe by BellaVita. The retro-inspired Teeker comes in sizes 5-12 and medium, wide and extra-wide widths. $94 at Zappos, free shipping and returns. $77.95 at Shoebuy, free shipping and returns.
5. Sofft Milano: Ok, I broke the 3" rule. This simple yet chic pump measures in at 3 1/4" high. While this might seem like a skyscraper heel to many of my sore-footed readers (I'm with ya), some professional out there is starting to develop bunions after years of wearing teeter-totter heels to the office. These are for you, girlfriend. Come down a notch and join us. The Sofft Milano is available in narrow, medium and wide widths, leather and suede colors for $99.95 from Shoebuy.com, free shipping and returns.
6. Ros Hommerson Capital: I love the feminine ruching on the vamp of this pump. Ros Hommerson, maker of stylish comfortable shoes, offers the Capital in four widths and four colors. $89 at Zappos, free shipping and returns.
7. Clark's Aurora: If you just can't do a heel but need a shapely, classic slip-on for the office, try the Clark's Aurora. You can't beat the Clark's Artisan line for beautifully made yet comfortable shoes. Available in narrow, medium and wide widths for $89 at Zappos. Amazon has some amazing deals on certain color/size combinations of the Aurora.
