Friday, June 24, 2016

Chunky Statement Shoes: Favorite Brands and Styles

I absolutely love chunky, quirky, statement shoes that are also comfortable to walk in.  Here is a short guide to some of my favorite brands and styles, the pros and cons of each product, and why I don't recommend buying the less expensive shoe dupes from Asia.  
Jeffrey Campbell Lita
The Jeffrey Campbell Lita comes in a variety of textiles, textures, colors, and prints to suit whatever your heart desires.  The Lita in black leather however, is undeniably a new classic boot.  While major retailers sell these around for around $160, there are options on eBay for $120 or even less.  There are many individuals who are selling their gently worn Litas for very affordable prices.  The Jeffrey Campbell Lita is known for its thick platform in the front of the shoe which makes the towering pair of boots very easy to wear. 

Because of how popular the styles, there are many significantly cheaper versions sold by sellers from China.  I would not recommend buying any of those however as I had a friend who purchased a pair and one of the heels ended up breaking off after two weeks of wear. 
TUK Creepers
I absolutely love TUK creepers, they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own despite how heavy they initially feel.  The chunky creepers come in thin, thick, and wedge styles.  Its manmade sole is rubber-like and offers a cushioned feel.  They range from $60 to $100 and come in a large assortment of colors and textiles.  There are often fun limited edition versions such as the pastel colored Hello Kitty collection.  While I do think highly about the shoe brand, I think the high price is more because of its unique style than quality.  Nevertheless, TUK creepers are still a very durable shoe.   

Same with the Litas, there are many cheaper versions of creepers from sellers in Asia.  Some of these have very cute prints that even TUK doesn't offer.  The problem with some of these alternatives is their soles.  Instead of the cushiony, flexible, rubber-like sole found in TUK creepers, these have stiff, foam soles that are not flexible and don't feel durable, though they are significantly lighter.  
Dr. Martens Oxfords
While, the Dr. Martens boots are obviously a classic, I also love their range of quality-made oxfords.  These shoes are extremely durable and comfortable and also come in a an awesome range of leathers and prints.  As great as these shoes are, the price usually is at least $150. 

Despite this, I don't recommend finding a cheaper, less durable dupe, as with careful searching on eBay you can most likely find Dr. Martens at significant discounts.

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