As an American mom living in Italy, let me tell you the difference I noticed between European and American parents: shoes. Yes, Italian shoes look stylish, but have you ever pushed a stroller, chased a toddler, and balanced a full diaper bag on the sidewalks, cobblestones or steps of a medieval town? you need Comfortable shoes (style is a huge plus too).
Soft leather and beautiful designs are hallmarks of Italian footwear and I often see them on the streets of Italy. From Adidas sneakers to chic boots and mules loafers, I’ve rounded up 10 comfortable Italian-inspired shoes that will keep me on my toes (but not literally—when hanging out with my kids this fall. There are no stilettos on this list).
Fericzot velvet mules loafers
Velvet loafers inspired by Venetian gondoliers are very popular in Northern Italy and I love their convenience and style. The embroidery adds a touch of old-world elegance and quirkiness, making it the perfect pairing with a T-shirt and wide-leg jeans. Although I also love pairing them with my favorite silk pajamas.
adidas sambas sneakers
I’ve seen a lot of moms in Europe wearing Adidas Sambas, whether paired with socks and a pretty slip dress, or wearing bright neon styles on the playground. As a former samba dancer, I have been considering purchasing a pair of classic samba shoes.
My current “cool” sneakers were a splurge and a gift, but they remind me of samba. You can wear these adidas all day long and still be comfortable – even if you have to suddenly push your stroller uphill on cobblestones (you can at least pretend effortlessly).
Dolce Vita Fynn Fashion Boots
Leather knee-high boots were one of my biggest fashion takeaways after studying abroad in Milan. They are mature, tough, and a little bit charming. I was dying for these Bottega Venet knee-high boots, but at over $2,000, they just didn’t fit into my budget. These Dolce Vita boots are $100 and I love the bohemian style of the suede material.
These knee-high boots are stylish and I can move around in them. They also extend the life of your summer clothes into fall.
Beaupas patent leather over-the-knee boots
Whenever it rains, I wear flat patent leather boots. Judging from this fall’s Fendi, Gucci and Bally shows, they’re set to make a comeback in Italy. I bought a pair of faux leather boots a few years ago and they have served me faithfully every fall and winter ever since. These boots on Amazon feature rubber soles for traction and a zippered shell for easy on and off.
The best part? They are very affordable at $44.
TN Tangnest Mary Jane Flats
When I saw that ballet flats were back, I dug deep into my closet to find the pair of leather shoes I bought on a trip to Milan years ago. Now, after some browsing on Amazon, I’m excited to incorporate these Mary Jane flats into my wardrobe. The leather material gives them a classy, classy look, so you might be left wondering, “Who wore it better?” On the playground with a child.
Calvin Klein Women’s Grant Loafers
It all started with the Gucci loafer; it spread from the streets of Milan to the corridors of Capitol Hill. I’m in the land of stylish loafers that are taking the world by storm. Calvin Klein Grant loafers make you feel like you’re wearing an expensive leather glove on your feet.
Now, with the popularity of the ’90s, all-terrain loafers are a great look, and these loafers are perfect for the playground. I love pairing lug-soled loafers with wide-fit jeans for a sophisticated casual look.
Ugg Ashton Chelsea boots
These UGG Chelsea boots are a classic and easy transition from fall to winter wardrobe. They are one of the stylish rainy-day alternatives to waterproof leather and rubber soles. Paired with jeans or an ankle-length maxi skirt, I love these boots, they’re perfect for day hikes but stylish enough for a stylish aperitif in the evening.
Mona Flying Oxford Brogues
My favorite pair of brogues are beautiful, but honestly, years later, I’m still waiting to break in them.
Style tips? Swap the leather laces for black ribbons for a cool “art-school girl” look.
london fog riding boots
Horse girl style may be trendy right now, but riding boots have always been a fall must-have for me, especially a pair of chocolate brown boots that my mom and I discovered at Daffy’s on 59th Street in 2006 (as New Yorkers know them). I wear riding boots with a dress and tuck them into jeans. Available in three colors and regular and wide size options.
Faux fur-lined Cushionaire clogs
With plans to start my daughter in daycare, and knowing that our family can run a little late at times, I’m currently on the hunt for a cool, comfortable pair of slip-on shoes that I can wear out of the house. Store window featuring wide-leg jeans and comfortable fall knits in neutral colors. This shoe is super soft with its faux wool lining and real suede upper.