When I go out on the weekends to run errands, take DD on outings, etc., I always wear tennis shoes because they are the most comfortable. I have back issues and if I'm doing a fair amount of walking, I need something with rubber soles and which has a lot of padding/cushion to minimize the pressure on my back. Also, I don't wear heels.
I've tried wearing rubber-soled dress flats but they don't really have enough cushion. I also bought some Sketchers similar to the ones linked but they also don't have enough cushion. I've also tried inserting various types of shoe inserts into my regular shoes but that doesn't usually work because if I get a really thick insert with plenty of cushion, it makes the rest of the shoe really tight on the top.
It's like I need something that has at least a half-inch of cushiony goodness on the inside so that it "gives" when I walk. Does anyone have any ideas of non-tennis shoe and non-orthotic options? Please help a mom not be frumpy.
Re: Need Comfortable/Stylish Weekend Shoe Ideas
Stand up for something you believe in.
TTC #2: BFP 12/17/11, m/c 1/7/12 and D&C 1/12/12
baby blog/cooking blog

You could also try to find some cuter sneakers that are made for casual wear, not athletic use. Puma has some good ones.
*remembering waaaaay back when you hosted a "Champagne and Sexy Shoes" brunch*
lol, those were the days! ;-)
Haha, I TOTALLY forgot about that. You have a good memory.
Yeah, carrying an 5lb Snugride with a 17 lb baby in it while holding a 2-year old's hand with a purse on my shoulder while walking up a flight of stairs has cured me of my need to wear heels. It's an accident waiting to happen.
I second the recs for Privos. I have ones these in black and love them:
http://www.zappos.com/privo-by-clarks-p-cosign-grey-avocado
Thanks ladies for all of the ideas. Actually, I haven't looked at any of those brands because in the past, I mainly shopped for shoes at discount places like Target, TJMaxx, Kohls, etc. However, if I want comfort, I guess I'll have to splurge a bit. I will check out some of those options. I'm determined to find an alternative to my tennis shoes.
See, I really like that style but what do you do in the winter? Can you wear socks with those? I always thought you shouldn't wear socks with a shoe like that which is open on top but maybe I'm wrong.
These have become my weekend shoe. They are not fashionable but they are very comfortable. Plus, the added height makes it so my jeans don't drag on the ground.
edit: Wrong link- I have this pair
Definitely! But check out DSW before you buy from a department store or online. I got some really comfy (and cute) Pumas on clearance for $25 a few weeks ago. I'd bet a lot of the Privo-types will be on clearance soon too, since they're more summery.
It's definitely harder for me to find stuff for the winter because of the sock issue.
My favorite pair of Born wedges came from Nordstrom Rack and were less than $25- you can definitely find them discounted if you look around.
Stand up for something you believe in.
I wouldn't wear socks with those personally (although I will wear flats all winter if I'm not outside for too long). Clark's, Merrell, Born, and (I think) Sofft all make boots as well. Perhaps those would work for winter?
As far as price goes, I would also check whether there is a Clark's outlet nearby; I know the one by my parents (DE) carries Privo.
Baby248 - ETA 1/10/13
I love Merrell shoes. One of the shoes I bought was ranked best walking shoe
I love rocketdog too but I dont think they'll have enough cushion
I have some Lands End shoes sorta like that (they don't seem to make them anymore to link them) that I wear with socks. As long as the socks are similar in tone, they don't stand out weirdly. Either that, or people are too polite to tell me how fug my outfit looks
I second that.I really like Privo Cosign. They aren't super supportive, but they are very comfortable.I plan to get another pair in a different color.