In someone else's shoes

Coming from a small town, the concept of “commuter shoes” was foreign to me. (So was paying $10 for a salad.) Chicago is largely a pedestrian city, so trekking multiple blocks to the bus, train or to work in devastatingly cute shoes is foolhardy. Especially when, like today, there’s a charming wintry mix dumping itself upon said cute shoes. And Chicago is a famously pragmatic city, where fashion is appreciated but not required.

Hence the commuter shoe: the pair that’s attractive, weather-proof, comfortable and easily shoved into a tote bag once at the office. It must be all these things, because it’s a fashion meat market waiting for the 134 bus in Lincoln Park. A ratty pair of Adidas doesn’t seem right. Instead, the trend is toward sleek urban trainers and ballet flats, preferably in feisty materials that won’t die a quick death out in Chicago’s famous elements.

A dilemma I’m still sorting out is: at which point do you switch to your work shoes? Outside the entrance to your building? Inside the lobby? In the elevator? For the most part, you just have to wait until you’re at your desk to sit down. I have a tenacious pair of Diesel urban trainers in cornea-searing yellow that attract many a raised eyebrow in the office. But I still wear them on occasion. (It pays off, too. The other day a friend driving to work recognized my shoes from afar and pulled over to offer me a ride, truly making them commuter shoes in every sense of the term.)

Best places online for cheap commuter shoes: LaRedoute.com, nordstrom.com, zappos.com, eBay.com

Check out my colleague Sara Fisher's recommendations for cold weather gear fit for the office and working moms.