Hopp to it!
Le Duc sent me the link to a piece in the New York Times, introducing Hopp shoes, with the note, "I think you will like this".
Like? My first thought was, "How fast can I get them?" My second was to convert the price ($250 US) into Canadian dollars, and add estimated duty; double ouch! Third was to rationalize that Hopp do not charge postage. If I bought them now, they would be well broken-in for autumn in Paris, and, well, and...
In Paris, I will cavort with the fashionable Huguette, she of the visit to the Boutique Where Nothing Fit Me. Huguette was recently prescribed a walking regime, as part of a cardiac health program. So, she bought a pair of Gelato suede ballerines, little shells that flopped like free pedi slippers. She loves them, saying, "I can walk in them! They are so comfortable." I guess moving from Michel Perry three-inch heels to these is an improvement, but it's relative.
She will no doubt be appalled by the utilitarian, nerdy silhouette of the Hopp Essential Oxford, the sole style of the fledgling company:
But obviously someone wants them; after the NYT piece, the shows they are now so sold out that there is a waiting list for the ramped-up production.
I might spring for the Hopps but am also eyeing the Arche Ceonia, in pungent mustard, which would be fun to wear with my black-based travel palette. And you can wash Arche nubuck, which I've done for over 20 years, from sandals to boots.
A better ballerina
Huguette is a long way from accepting a serious walking oxford, but when I checked the SAS site (parent company to Hopp), I found a ballerina that has an arch, shock absorption, and a no-bite back.
The "Lacey" ballerina is a similar price, about $245. (These look like fabric but are textured leather.) She'll be visiting me this summer, so maybe we can at least look.
She also wants me to set up her FitBit Flex. I sent her the French manual, but she says, "zees things are 'ard for me", so I'll get her logged in.
Regardless of what shoes she'll bring, we will walk through Montréal together. She is proud when she cracks thirty minutes, and I hope to gently egg her beyond that—but we shall see, and I'll report. One step at a time!
Like? My first thought was, "How fast can I get them?" My second was to convert the price ($250 US) into Canadian dollars, and add estimated duty; double ouch! Third was to rationalize that Hopp do not charge postage. If I bought them now, they would be well broken-in for autumn in Paris, and, well, and...
In Paris, I will cavort with the fashionable Huguette, she of the visit to the Boutique Where Nothing Fit Me. Huguette was recently prescribed a walking regime, as part of a cardiac health program. So, she bought a pair of Gelato suede ballerines, little shells that flopped like free pedi slippers. She loves them, saying, "I can walk in them! They are so comfortable." I guess moving from Michel Perry three-inch heels to these is an improvement, but it's relative.
She will no doubt be appalled by the utilitarian, nerdy silhouette of the Hopp Essential Oxford, the sole style of the fledgling company:
But obviously someone wants them; after the NYT piece, the shows they are now so sold out that there is a waiting list for the ramped-up production.
I might spring for the Hopps but am also eyeing the Arche Ceonia, in pungent mustard, which would be fun to wear with my black-based travel palette. And you can wash Arche nubuck, which I've done for over 20 years, from sandals to boots.
A better ballerina
Huguette is a long way from accepting a serious walking oxford, but when I checked the SAS site (parent company to Hopp), I found a ballerina that has an arch, shock absorption, and a no-bite back.
She also wants me to set up her FitBit Flex. I sent her the French manual, but she says, "zees things are 'ard for me", so I'll get her logged in.
Regardless of what shoes she'll bring, we will walk through Montréal together. She is proud when she cracks thirty minutes, and I hope to gently egg her beyond that—but we shall see, and I'll report. One step at a time!
Comments
Once upon a time I had a pair of Waldläufers, but I've never seen them here; if I recall I bought them in Europe, on sale. Very good shoes.
Love Oxfords. I have two pairs, one Gucci blue suede, flat heel, thin sole, and a pair of Tod's, black calf, flat heel, thin sole. I'll despair when the Guccis wear out (and I got them at a consignment store). The Tod's are sadly a little uncomfortable after a full day's wear, so I don't reach for them as often as I could.
It' such a pity that I can't order from the US b/c of the additional costs.
Lately I was tempted by a shirt, but shipping was $ 65,-- and customs 20%...
So I only can admire.
Use a plastic bucket with Ivory diluted in cool water, as if washing lingerie, and fully immerse them to soak for maybe a half hour. (A sink would work too, but not a washing machine, too much agitation.) You can •gently• scrub any stubborn spots. Pat dry to remove the sopping water, then place plastic shoe trees in them and air dry so air circulates, for example, in a dishrack.
I have washed them like this for 25 years or so (not the same pair!) When I bought my first pair the salesperson told me how. This is especially good to know for the light colours like beige. I only wash the colours that look dirty, not black.
Leslie: I really like those Cole Haan oxfords; a friend has two pairs- but the last isn' right for me. They do look wonderful.
annie: Maybe? They change every time I look at their eyes. But definitely higher quality than Hush Puppies.
Barbra S.: I feel the same way and heavy things like shoes cost a lot to return!
Nancy K. and lagatta: I will check out Waldlaufers. I have been musing about the thin line between "nerdy, but kind of cool" and "definitely orthopedic". What a thin line... that is why I have long bought Arche.
Murphy: I am wondering if they will get into stores, I'd love to try them on.