I’ve always had a thing for shoes with lug soles (thick, rubber, work-boot style soles). I’ve coveted gorgeous designer Stacy Lomman’s white “brothel creeper” shoes for several years. And in 2008, I pined for YSL Trooper Pumps that didn’t come in my size. Sigh. I still want a pump just like this.
The YSLs I admired.
I was psyched when the Wall Street Journal published a story in March on the increasing popularity of lug soles, figuring I’d finally find something that would fit if I had more options. My favorite from the story was the Stella McCartney ultra-lug shoe for Fall 2013, even though I usually don’t find Stella’s non-leather shoes very comfortable.
Stella’s giant lug sole, via the WSJ.
The boot version is fabulous too, isn’t it?
Courtesy Americana Manhasset. Click for source and to see other shoe colors.
If I hadn’t already loved this look, Robin Thicke’s controversial but sooooooooo sex-ay “Blurred Lines” video would have done it for me. There are two videos, actually. The scantily-dressed-with-lug-sole-shoes version …
Click to see the scantily-dressed version of the video.
… and the topless-models-in-lug-sole-shoes version.
Click to see half-naked models.
The videos convinced me that I needed my lug sole shoes in white, and I stuck with that idea until last month, when I saw a pair of black lace-up shoes in Opening Ceremony in London. I kept looking at them but wasn’t going to try them on because of the color until MrB — who has very strong opinions about shoes — said, “Those would look really cute with shorts.” Well! Who can resist a man who says that? The shoes came home with me.
My lug sole shoes, at last!
I’ve been excited to do an outfit post with these — I thought I’d wear them to last week’s Skylar Grey concert — but it’s been so hot here that I haven’t yet worn the shoes outside, even with shorts. For now, I’m just dancing around in them in an air-conditioned apartment while listening to clothing-optional Robin Thicke songs.
What else am I wearing with these? None of your business!
But as soon as the temperature falls below 85°, I’m going to be out on the town in these!
UPDATED TO ADD: I was browsing Saks.com and I see that Prada and Miu Miu have fantastic lug sole styles for fall. It’s a lug sole lovers paradise!
Super cute! I love how they look so innocuous from the top.
I feel like I’m branching out into new shoes styles lately!
I do so love your lugs!
At last you’ve given me the proper name for these. I’ve been wanting some super feminine shoes with heavy-duty lug soles for a long time, but I’d never seen them on heels before. Platform business-man style is awesome.
Oh, I could totally see you in a pair of shoes like this, for sure!
Too cute!! I actually just bought a pair of Lugz knee high boots in red. They have a fantastic little heel. I’m still keeping my eyes peeled for a pair in black and a pair of ankle ones in blue. Also keeping an eye on the weather because it’s totally too hot for any of that.
I’m excited to see what you have!
yes! business on the top, all party on the sole. MrB is awesome.
I mean, how many straight dudes ever say something like “Those would look cute with shorts”? I had to get the shoes then!
Hehe, love how you’re keeping us guessing with what you’ve partnered the shoes with! MrB is a real style adviser, I reckon you would so rock shorts with these lovely lugs- perfect weather for this look!! xxx
Living in a land of frigid winters and treacherous pavements, lug soles are a necessity, not a choice. I’m delighted that some are now being made that are actually desirable. I was thinking about these: http://www.barneys.com/Prada-Linea-Rossa-Brogue-Boot/502737045,default,pd.html?cgid=womens-boots&index=5…but then I saw that they were “imported,” which I understand to mean “made by the little hands of 12 year olds in Asia.” $720 for boots that were made by unprotected workers in unsafe environments– digraceful! I’ve never looked twice at an Alexander Wang shoe for the same reason. But Prada…it breaks my heart!
Could be imported from Italy.
BTW… when do we get to see them WITH your shorts? 😀
As soon as it gets below 98 degrees and you tell me what top to wear.
I don’t want to like them, but I do! Mr B (stylist to the stars)was spot on!
New career for MrB!
The title of this post scared me, as I have a fear of lug soled shoes from the 90’s! But I quite like your pair Wendy, they’re almost like a creeper lug sole hybrid!
Today’s lug soles are much sexier than the grunge-era ones, I think!
Well, I never thought ANYONE would look good in lug sole shoes. Back home, LUG sole boots are a necessity but hardly a stylish look. But I am very impressed with your and your lug shoes, and that fabulous picture of Stacy!
As for Mr B — can I hire him as my stylist? I am constantly amazed at what he says and does — as I am with you. The perfect couple!
xo
Yes, I think I will start renting MrB out for style consults!
I had some lug soled canvas sneaker/pump hybrids back in the grunge era, and I loved the style. Alas, they were so cheaply made that they had zero support. They hurt my feet and I transferred all the pain into hate for the shoes.
I’m happy to say that you make them look good again to my eye!
Your posts that feature MrB are my favorites. He always has that “yeah, she’s MINE” happy look on his face.
LOL, I’m going to tell MrB what you said 🙂