Frankenshoes

At Halloween, I am reminded of a story—a story of a man who thought he could improve on the human design, and sewed together parts of different people to create a new, superior creature.

The man was Dr. Victor Frankenstein.  I think we all remember how that turned out.

And yet, I keep seeing the same thing in shoe form.  Some designer, in a room somewhere, has a stroke of design genius (or just a stroke, I sometimes wonder), and the result is a shoe that honestly looks like it should be two different shoes.  Or three different shoes.  I christen these “Frankenshoes”: parts of many shoes sewn together to make a new, unnatural creature.  Take this one:

I see three different shoes in the Moya: an oxford (seen in the punched dot detail around the foot), a short boot (since the laces stop just above the ankle), and a tall boot.  But it’s got an air-cushioned insole, so at least you’ll be comfy while other people scratch their heads!  Yours from Dr. Martens for $157.

The Oruga is part Peter Pan boot, part moccasin, and, I don’t know, part fan boat, I think.  (Just look at the sole!  Definitely part fan boat.)  At least the yellow suede is very happy!  Find them at Camper for $150.

Okay, so the Sneek by Airwalk is definitely part sneaker and part wedge, but the thing that makes this a Frankenshoe for me is that it has both laces and one strap of Velcro across the front.  Why?  Why laces and Velcro?  How many different sneakers are we trying to make this be?!  Yours for $30 from Payless (and it’s BOGO time, so you can get another pair for half off while you’re there!).

But perhaps, like Frankenstein’s creature, these shoes are misunderstood and just want to be loved.  So if you ever come across a Frankenshoe, be kind to it.  It’s not its fault that the designer lost all sense.

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Boot sale-- up to 25% off select boots
Bakers: 50% off almost all boots
Bare Feet Shoes: Buy one pair of boots and get the second half off using code BOOTS12
Lord & Taylor: An extra 15% off regular and sale items with savings pass or code SAVEMORE
Macy's: An extra 15% off with code SAVE
Payless: Buy one, get one half off

New Store: Camper

Good news!  Philadelphia has a new shoe store!  If you head over to 17^th and Chestnut, you’ll see the only Camper store in Philadelphia.  Yes, we’re sad Scoop DeVille is gone (actually, they just moved to 13th and Walnut; no worries), but we get a shoe store instead, so I think it evens out.  And it’s too cold for ice cream now anyway.  But it’s not too cold for boots!

Oh my god, I love the blue sole on the Mil 46616-003.  It takes a simple, classic, elegant short bootie and makes it playful.  The curves of the brown leather are really perfect, and the buckle is a nice touch.  This is a winner, folks.  Yours for $220.

If you like your boots taller, the Mil 46618-001 might be for you.  It reminds me of those jackets professors wear, the corduroy ones with the elbow patches, since the boot is waxed cotton with touches of rich brown leather.  It says “Take me seriously,” but in a laid-back way!  Also available in black, but the brown is nicer—your choice for $265.

Take a good look at the Twins 21689-003—the right and left are actually different from each other!  One has purple suede across the front and brown leather along the outside, and the other is reversed.  It’s a cool idea, and it works instead of feeling gimmicky!  Yours for $170.

The Agatha 21860-005 feels so fall-y, what with the houndstooth-printed suede outer and the brown leather straps.  But the interweaving and criss-crossing of the straps really makes this little Mary Jane special, I think.  It has a 1.8 inch heel, and can be yours for $170.

The Kremer 46563-005 is such a beautiful color, the greenish-blue.  And the silhouette may be classic, but the sole is interesting, how the grips don’t meet in the middle.  It’s a skinny wedge too, and 3.5 inches high.  Yours for $275.

So go over and welcome the new store to town.  And who knows?  Maybe you’ll find a pair you can’t live without!

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: Buy one, get one 90% off clearance
Bus Stop Boutique: Fourth Friday party tonight from 5-7!
Lord & Taylor: 20% off regular, sale, and clearance with code SALE
Macy's: Extra 15% off with code LIST