Buying shoes online has never been easy, but thanks to associate editor Sierra Mayhew, now it is. She zips around the stores of New York City, trying on all the trending shoes to report on their comfort, fit, and style so you never have to make a return again.
With an astounding array of 21,000 pairs of shoes, Nordstrom is a paradise for shoe enthusiasts like myself seeking the perfect pair. You'll often find me browsing the lower level of their New York store, looking for my next gem. As a self-proclaimed shoe lover, I embarked on a mission to find the ultimate styles for summer within this vast collection. And boy, were my prayers answered.
I headed out for my seasonal try-on of Nordstrom shoes and found some styles that are definitely worth reporting on. My top picks stand out from the rest and are, most importantly, comfortable. From classic staples to trendy statement pieces, these shoes provide exceptional style and offer an unparalleled quality you can't always ascertain when shopping online. Happy scrolling!
Have you ever had a pair of shoes stop you in your tracks? That's what happened to me when I hopped off the escalator onto Nordstrom's designer floor and saw this 3D floral style from Prada. Although I'd noticed this pair while scrolling Nordstrom's online site, seeing it in person was a completely different experience. It reminded me of Zendaya on the red carpet in a Valentino gown in all the right ways.
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Were they comfortable?
Surprisingly so. I worried they'd hurt my feet since they appear to be rigid, but it felt great to walk in them. It helps that the heel is the perfect height, especially if you have an event on your calendar. Honestly, these would be in my shopping cart if I was getting married this year.
How was the sizing?
Usually, Italian shoes require me to size up, but these Prada sandals were as true to size as humanly possible. Prada knows how to make good shoes.
I'd been eyeing pair of shoes while shopping online for a few months. Each time I saw them, I was shocked at how cute they look for the price point. If you're looking for a minimal sandal, this pair is a winner.
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Were they comfortable?
These met my expectations and were a very walkable option. If they were mine, I'd wear them to dinner in New York City and comfortably walk off my meal afterward. I must warn you that I felt a bit of tension at the toes that would require some breaking in before fully taking off on a long walk while wearing them.
How was the sizing?
This was another pair of shoes that surprised me on sizing, which is why I started this column in the first place. You can go half a size down and fit perfectly into these heels.
I have been loving the return of the Adidas Gazelles, and seeing them with a platform made me even more excited. This might be the first pair of shoes I order from this story because of how comfortable and cool they are. The bright flash of color will make them stand out from the sea of Adidas shoes that will be everywhere this summer.
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Were they comfortable?
Yes, these sneakers were made for walking. They were very soft at the heel, meaning no pesky blisters.
How was the sizing?
These sneakers run true to size.
These shoes already have Gigi Hadid's stamp of approval, so I was excited to try them. Finding the right pair of loafers to wear in the summer can be difficult, but I think I found a winner. They've rightfully been dubbed the Ballet Loafers because they remind me of a classic ballet flat that scrunches up at the heel. The scrunch leaves room for growth and movement which I love to see.
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Were they comfortable?
Walking in these felt like walking around in my favorite pair of ballet flats. The sole is already molded to your foot, which makes them a comfortable option for days when you'll be on your feet. The leather was soft, and I didn't feel any tension while walking around in these shoes.
How was the sizing?
I went up a half size for comfort and was grateful for the extra room. This was not required, but I was glad I did it.
I've been looking for the perfect designer beach shoes, and I think we have a winner. If you're booking a European summer vacation, these are the shoes for you.
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Were they comfortable?
The platform provides a cushion at the sole that I love. There is some tension at the top of my foot, but I expect that would also be resolved by breaking them in.
How was the sizing?
As previously mentioned, Prada is a designer brand that gets sizing right. I tried on my true size of 38.5 and was very happy.
I hadn't tried Birdies before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Their reputation for making very comfortable shoes ended up being proven to be true. Ballet flats are all the rage right now, but I like how this one stands out with a pointed toe.
Were they comfortable?
The memory foam padding at the bottom of this sole is such a blessing. I often struggle with getting blisters on my heel from ballet flats but not in this case. These slipped right on and felt perfect against the back of my foot.
How was the sizing?
Another win for the true-to-size people.
In the Nordstrom shoe department, these Birkenstocks can be hard to come across. They told me they go out of stock the minute they are released on the sales floor. Luckily for us, they currently have a full-size run online. I highly suggest making moves now.
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Were they comfortable?
They're Birkenstocks. Is comfort even a question?
How was the sizing?
We love a true-to-size moment.
If you're looking for a timeless iteration of the Prada raffia sandals I mentioned earlier in this article, you must see these Steve Madden shoes. I think Sofia Richie would love these.
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Were they comfortable?
Raffia can be itchy, but these felt amazing. I love any shoes that slide on and off during the summer when I like to have options.
How was the sizing?
Another true-to-size pair!
These shoes immediately stopped me in my tracks. When I see a statement gold accent on a pair of shoes, I click the add-to-cart button. These slides from Tory Burch exude luxury in all the right ways, so I'm naturally obsessed.
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Were they comfortable?
This is another pair that was molded to the foot's natural shape. I always look for that over a flat surface when I need a comfortable shoe.
How was the sizing?
I wouldn't stray from your usual size as these fit just right.
Clogs are the shoe trend that gets the ultimate stamp of approval. When you style them right, they make any outfit look very cool. Plus, they tend to be comfortable. Aeyde is a brand I've been eyeing for a while, so I was excited about these.
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Were they comfortable?
They were comfortable but most notably sturdy. I feel like I could walk on any surface in them, and it would be a breeze.
How was the sizing?
I went up a half size and loved how they felt.
This fun shade of green reminds me of Prada and immediately caught my attention. These are the shoes you wear if you want to make jeans and a T-shirt look instantly elevated.
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Were they comfortable?
Without being too puffy, these have some padding on the sole, making for a comfortable kitten heel. I could be on my feet in them all day and never be bothered. There was a bit of tension at the toe that I would hope would break in.
How was the sizing?
Another win for the true-to-size fans.
Wedges are back and better than ever, which makes me very happy. They're a great swap for stilettos if you're hoping for something sturdy. I highly recommend them.
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Were they comfortable?
I felt a little unsteady in them, but I knew I wouldn't get blisters if I wore them for a long time.
How was the sizing?
Order these a full size up. Like traditional Italian shoes, they require some extra room.
Shop more chic Nordstrom shoes:
The shoe of the summer is finally in stock at Nordstrom.
If these shoes had been available in-store, I would have insisted on trying them on. They're so cute.
Thong sandals for the win.
Help! I can't stop staring at these flip-flops.
These are officially the coolest Veja's I've ever seen.
These would be my go-to shoes for office days.
I'm obsessed with this new take on Birkenstocks.
An immediate add-to-cart situation for me.
The perfect summer sandals.
These are so '90s to me.
I've relied on Tory Burch flip-flops for pool days for years.
I'll take as many ballet flats as I can get.
Blazers are classic.
I've been obsessed with these for so long.
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