Put Your Foot Down … and Pick Up Some Casual Shoes

By Susan Rich

Finally! The hot days of summer have arrived — which means the cooler days of autumn are not far behind. Here at Walk About we know you’re not giving one inch to the change of seasons: Some of you are hot-footing it around the Northwest while others are planning a dream vacation overseas. That means it’s time to put your foot down — and pick up some casual shoes to carry you across the continent.

Dansko, Veda Step aside, Keds! These playful lace-ups will surely bring out the kid in you. Vegan-friendly canvas pairs with Dansko comfort to create the shoe that is bound to be your season’s favorite. www.dansko.com
Chaco, Local Ecotread This strappy leather sandal is a summer delight. Simple, sturdy styling features Custom Adjust’Em: High arch or flat foot, this adjustable toe post allows you to stride across sidewalks or sandstone with equal ease. www.chacousa.com
Hotter, Magical Cross the continent with Hotter’s two-in-one comfort shoe. Heel strap converts the shoe from urban walker to hotel slip-on. Soft leather uppers, roomy toebox, removable insoles, and 1” heel make this a traveling charmer. www.hottershoes.com
Taos, Jump No kidding: You’ll be jumping for joy in these ultra-comfy flips by up-and-comer Taos. Adjustable strap closure and metatarsal support delivers endless, almost-barefoot romps. Nubuck leather, eye-popping colors. Footbed treated with a no-stink, no-stain shield. www.taosfootwear.com
Simple, Women’s Take On Elastic This no-heel, vegan-friendly, slip-on secures with a colorful band of stretchy elastic. Made from partially recycled materials, this is a shoe you won’t even know you’ve got on – and the landfill won’t notice when you take it off. www.simpleshoes.com
Ahnu, Dolly Dig this commuter classic: Breathable fabrics take you from bike rack to footpath, office cubicle to Happy Hour. Even better: Buy a pair, and Ahnu will donate $5 to the Breast Cancer Fund. www.ahnu.com
Tsubo, Sirona My Sirona! Gorgeous platform slide is inspired by the organic forms in nature. This work-to-play shoe fuses big city styling with ergonomic common sense. Wedge heel lends stability to urban strolling. www.tsubo.com
Novacas, Jenny B Novacas means “no cow” but the shoe screams “hot now!” with its sexy, gladiator styling. From cushy footbed to double-ankle straps, the sandal boasts all-vegan and 100% PVC-free materials. Shoes are manufactured in Portugal at worker-friendly factories. www.novacas.com
Ahnu, Reyes II (M) Ahnu’s lightweight water-fun sandal is designed for walking, hiking, and wading. Updated styling boosts underfoot support and comfort, plus enhances natural stride and wearability. Rubber toe cap offers no-stub protection. www.ahnu.com
Chaco, Dilemma (M) Sandal or shoe? End the dilemma by packing Chaco’s latest. Fisherman’s styling features full grain leather strips, adjustable Z sandal instep strap, and a Vibram® outsole. Finally, an all-purpose travel shoe that can stride from Seattle to Spain. www.chacousa.com