Boring footwear question

[ACBP]

So, I am mother of a two year old and slinging a 7 week old. My converse aren't cutting the park...filthy too soon and not comfortable enough. Walking boots too clumpy, too much of a bind to put on, no good to kick a ball with. I still have not reached the stage where I will wear my sports trainers out unless I'm exercising! What do you wear??

I need comfy, not tragic footwear.

Sure there must be a mumsnet discussion on this akin to the coat one but easier to ask you all!

Thanks

A

[MrsR]

I love my Sketchers - feel like slippers

[ess]

ditto, I have skecher boots which are perfect for taking out 2 yr old and slinging my 8 week old. My question to you ACBP is what are your plans after sling? As we have the same age gap I'm curious what other mums are doing. 2 is too young to go pram less but too old to buy a double... cheers:)

[EmilyPie]

I have flat leather ankle boot which stand up fairly well. Pretty easy to clean minor mud with a baby wipe,although I do sometimes think wellies would be useful on more serious mud bath days.

On the sling question we have recently moved from older in buggy and younger in sling to older on scooter or buggy board and younger in maclaren. There was a period in the middle when the youngest would go in the maclaren until the oldest got tired then he'd go in buggy and baby would move to sling. My two are now 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 and we still occasional use a sling. As long as they're supportive they can be used for a long time.

[vch]

What about slip-on/off or zip-on/off Doc Marten boots? The patent leather ones are easy to maintain.

[srisky]

Re: sling and buggy - we have the same age gap and did sling and buggy, then buggy and scooter/buggyboard from age 6months and 2.5y, respectively. Didn't go down the double buggy/Phil'n'Ted's route and never once regretted it, saved a few bob, too. However, if my youngest happened to be the first-born then we would definitely need a double of sorts, as he refuses point blank to walk anywhere but then runs non-stop when we reach the park :/

Depending on the personality of the your kids, you try the cheaper option and if it doesn't work out then look into others.

[sillywoman]

My personal favourite: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fly-London-Womens-Chelsea-P143195002/dp/B00LD38S20/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1420987986&sr=8-17&keywords=fly+london+ankle

I also really like these as a waterproof alternative to converse, though I'd pop a sheepskin lining inside for warmth. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Camper-Portol-46620-009-Ankle-boots-Women/dp/B00HZQU2AK/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1WZ1VQ4T8JW3N

[Peachpie]

A favourite of mine is http://www.hotter.com/gb/en/womens/womens-active/helium

:)

[Ole]

I use Ecco calf length boots, I have had several over the years of buggy pushing around the parks and pavements of SE London.

[ACBP]

Thanks for all replies. SW I wish my budget would extend to those funky camper high tops!

Ess I'm playing it by ear at the moment. In the newborn haze I panic bought a double from the forum (so not too much) just incase I needed it or wanted my partner to take out both. In hindsight I can't see myself ever using it and I doubt he would want to take both or be able to for some time anyway. At the moment I'm using maclaren and moby.

Given how attached I am to wearing I'm cross with myself that I bought the double but hey ho. I suppose I can still use it as a single as the buggy is taken to nursery on some days.

I think what I'm going to do as time goes on is swap as per emilypie above. Although when youngest is able to use the maclaren and if toddler gets tired I will just wear him on my back in my boba if he doesn't want to go on the buggy board, walk or scoot...I can chat to him easily then...

I actually wore both briefly the other day which was rather pleasant...!

[Fragolina]

If you go directly to the Camper website those high tops are on sale & are still available up to a size 5. http://m.camper.com/en_GB/women/shoes/portol/camper-portol-46620-009

I have a pair and love them BUT the toe caps are suede so not so great for muddy ball kicking!

[SuperNanny]

Hello ACBP

Since 2011 I use only vivobarefoot shoes. It is like walking with no shoes on, so comfortable and amazing. I now have my own baby but I worked as a nanny for nearly 10 years so I was also in desperate need of comfort. There is a little store in Covent Garden and you must get fitted the first time around. I hope it helps!