I don’t really consider myself a shoe fanatic. I’m not loyal to any particular brand; I just know what I like and what I need. This year, I’ve been sporting some trending pairs: New Balance 530s, UGG Tasmans, Puma Palermos, Dr. Martens Zebzag Mules, and Nike Tech Heras. My shoe choices usually start on Pinterest, make their way into an online basket, and eventually end up on my feet.
I don’t spend hours reading reviews, but I’m not shy about returning something that doesn’t feel right. I walk a lot and am on my feet most of the day, so factors like walkability, sizing, comfort, and price are key for me. Let’s dive into what I’ve discovered about each of these shoes over the past year.
New Balance 530s
There’s something special about this shoe. I’ve seen them every day, everywhere. The classic designs of ’90s sneakers bring a nostalgic yet stylish vibe to modern wardrobes. Among these, the New Balance 530s have surged in popularity. Their versatile design allows them to pair well with a variety of looks, from casual athleisure to polished streetwear and even business casual.
- Walkability: The New Balance 530s are designed with ample cushioning, making them highly comfortable for extended periods of walking. I cannot complain. The 530s have withstood the rigours of daily wear, and have held up well over the past year.
- Comfort: The 530s feature New Balance’s ABZORB cushioning in the midsole. Paired with the stable sole design and breathable mesh upper, it creates a cool and comfortable walking experience.
- Sizing: I found that my shoes run true to size. Like many sneakers, the 530s may require a brief break-in period. Mine fit my feet perfectly after a short adjustment period.
- Price: Considering the comfort, durability, and stylish design, the New Balance 530s offer excellent value for their price. They’re a solid investment for those looking for a reliable pair of everyday sneakers that can handle long walks and provide good support.
- Uses: Light Exercise and Walking; Athleisure; Casual Everyday Wear; Travel
Nike Tech Hera
The shift towards versatile, performance-oriented footwear caters to the need for shoes that offer both functionality and style. Nike’s Tech Hera exemplifies this trend by integrating comfort, support, and aesthetic appeal. The Tech Hera’s design makes it suitable for various activities beyond walking, including light running and casual wear. This versatility ensures that the shoe can handle different types of movement comfortably.
- Walkability: The Nike Tech Hera offers excellent walkability with its responsive cushioning, moderate arch support, and flexible fit. Its breathable materials and durable outsole enhance comfort and stability during walks.
- Comfort: The Nike Tech Hera is engineered to provide a high level of comfort, making it a versatile choice for various activities. The Tech Hera utilizes Nike’s responsive foam technology, which offers excellent cushioning and impact absorption.
- Sizing: Nike typically offers the Tech Hera in both whole and half sizes, allowing for a more precise fit. If you’re between sizes, like me, it’s often recommended to choose the larger size for a bit more room, if you prefer wearing thicker socks.
- Price: I got mine as a Christmas present and every time I see them, they’re on sale. The durable construction and overall design make the Nike Tech Hera a worthwhile option if you value both performance and comfort.
- Uses: Athletic Activities; Casual Wear; Urban and Lifestyle Activities; Parks and Light Trails
Puma Palermo
Puma Palermos resonate with me deeply: they’re the underrated, stylish sibling. If you’re looking for an alternative to Adidas Sambas & Gazelles, look no further. The trend of retro soccer-inspired sneakers involves classic elements like clean lines, minimalistic designs, and distinctive toe caps. The Palermos embody these traits, offering a stylish option that complements both sporty and everyday outfits. Their vibrant colourways are sure to challenge your style and add a bold touch to any outfit.
- Walkability: The Puma Palermo offers a comfortable, supportive, and flexible design. The rubber outsole offers a good grip and the padding helps absorb impact, reducing foot fatigue. They pass the vibe check.
- Comfort: The Palermo features a cushioned insole that provides a comfortable base for your feet. This padding helps absorb impact, which I found beneficial for walking and standing over extended periods.
- Sizing: Puma Palermo is known to run true to size, but your desired colourway might not be available. If possible, try on the shoes in a store to get the best fit, I had to return my initial order because I sized up.
- Price: The Puma Palermo is a budget-friendly option, often priced lower than most Adidas shoes, offering great style without breaking the bank.
- Uses: Seasonal Wear; Work and Business Casual; Sporty Outfits; Casual Wear. To keep your Puma Palermos looking fresh, use a suede protectant to guard against stains and water damage.
Dr. Martens Zebzag Mule
Functional slip-ons: where convenience meets contemporary design. Dr. Martens have brought their signature toughness to this trend with the Zebzag Mule. Available in Olive, Black, Tan and Magenta these mules embody both the practicality of a slip-on and the resilience of Dr. Martens’ renowned craftsmanship. Over the past month, I’ve worn my Olive pair to a festival, at work, on walks, and beyond—they’ve proven to be an easy, no-fuss option that doesn’t sacrifice style for practicality.
- Walkability: For long walks, it’s best to put your Mules, in ‘sports mode.’ The slingback offers enhanced support and stability. The elevated sole helps absorb impact and provides a cushioned feel, making the Zebzag Mule suitable for extended periods of walking.
- Comfort: The Zebzag Mule provides a supportive and cushioned feel for extended wear, making them a practical choice for daily activities and moderate walking. I found that wearing thicker socks provides extra cushioning which can enhance the overall fit of the shoe.
- Sizing: The open-back design of the mules means they have a relaxed fit. They generally run true to size, but it’s advisable to try them on. Dr. Martens don’t typically come in half sizes so I spent a while in the store but decided on the size 7.
- Price: The price of the Dr. Martens Zebzag Mule, typically between £100 and £130, is reflective of their high-quality materials, robust construction, and comfort. The brand’s reputation for durability makes any pair of Docs a worthwhile investment in the premium footwear category.
- Uses: Casual Wear; Travel; Outdoor and Casual Activities; Seasonal Wear. Avoid heavy rain or snow due to their open-back design and suede material. I’ve used a suede protectant thus far and my shoes look as good as new!
UGG Tasman
The noticeable shift towards comfortable, cosy footwear reflects a broader movement towards relaxation and well-being, with a rising demand for footwear that offers warmth and ease. UGG, renowned for its ultra-soft sheepskin boots, has become synonymous with cosy footwear, making its products a staple for many during Autumn and Winter. The UGG Tasman perfectly embodies this trend. Its easy slip-on design and stylish colour options ensure it fits effortlessly into a variety of outfits and occasions.
- Walkability: The UGG Tasman provides good walkability with its cushioned insole, lightweight sole, and moderate support. It’s a comfortable option for casual walking and daily wear, though it’s best used in dry conditions due to its suede material and open back design.
- Comfort: The easy slip-on design of the Tasman allows for quick and effortless wear. It features a cushioned insole made from EVA foam which helps to absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue, making the shoes comfortable for extended wear.
- Sizing: The Tasmans do not have adjustable features like laces or straps – they’re slip-ons. The fit is generally reliant on the initial sizing, so getting the right size is crucial. My pair fit perfectly at first, but they have stretched slightly with wear.
- Price: If you value cosy, durable footwear and plan to use them frequently, the investment is likely justified. The caveat of being suited for indoor and dry conditions means that the UGG Tasman primarily functions as a house slipper as it is less suitable for outdoor or wet environments.
- Uses: Indoor Comfort; Casual Outings; Travel; Seasonal Wear; Remote Work
Conclusion
Over the past year, I’ve explored a range of shoes, each offering its own unique benefits. My standout favorite has been the New Balance 530s for their incredible versatility and overall value. I’ve also enjoyed the Puma Palermos for their bold colorways that have added a vibrant touch to my wardrobe. Meanwhile, the Dr. Martens Zebzag Mules have been a great choice for their blend of convenience, security, and comfort.
Now, I’m curious about your shoe preferences! Do you have any favorites or standout finds in your own collection? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for discovering the perfect pair. Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or questions below!
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