Shoes, glorious capsule wardrobe shoes.

I’ve taken great care to fill my wardrobe with shoes that withstand any trek while remaining true to my personal style.

While not an easy feet (I’m so sorry for this but it made me laugh), I’m sharing my best ideas to build a shoe capsule wardrobe for those who are on their feet.  

Read on for must-have capsule wardrobe shoes, ample styling ideas, and a formula for finding your perfect heel height.

My Summer Capsule Wardrobe Shoes

I’m exercising. I’m avoiding wearisome traffic. I’m saving the environment. I’m getting some fresh air. I’m one with nature.

All of these thoughts pat me on the back when I decide to walk to any destination and, as someone whose superiority complex must be fed, I find myself walking often.

This means the shoes on my feet must be equipped to go on an unknown journey, nearly every day.

The following summer capsule wardrobe shoes keep me comfortable while on the go, without sacrificing style.

Scroll on for the go-to kicks for a versatile closet.

Flat Sandals  

Sandals may seem the obvious summer shoe but they are not all created equal. When finding your perfect sandal for strolls, keep in mind arch support, comfy footbeds, and straps.

As you can see I have quite an affinity for straps. Why? Not only do they add a delicacy to footwear, but straps will keep your foot from slipping out mid-stride. Very important for those of you with long walks on the beach on your dating profile.

Espadrilles

There’s no shoe more perfectly suited for the summer than the espadrille.

These earthy shoes are defined by their woven sole but can be found paired with cotton, leather, or suede, usually in the form of slip-on sneakers or chunky wedges.

This versatility means the right espadrille for you is out there! I’ve opted for an ankle-strapped espadrille with thin suede in a lavender hue to cover the tops of my feet.

Not every summer shoe has to showcase your pedicure (or whatever may be left after a day in salt water). 

White Sneaker

A white sneaker is a staple in a shoe capsule wardrobe, a safe finishing touch to virtually every outfit imaginable.

As a fastidious walker, I enjoy both slip-on and lace-up kicks, focusing on the comfort and support of the sneaker since the style is so classic it’s hard to go wrong there.

You’ll notice the white slip-on makes an appearance next to a bright heel and stunning summer dresses in this summer capsule wardrobe.  

Classic Heels

Year-round, I reach for the heels in my capsule wardrobe. As a walker and a fashion icon, I am torn between the impracticality of a heel and its indisputable beauty (and power, I mean there’s nothing like strutting down a walkway in a pair of heels).

When purchasing pumps you mean to walk some distance in, keep heel height in mind. There’s a helpful formula for finding your perfect heel height further below. Block heels and wedges will not let you down for about 6-8 hours, depending on personal endurance.

If I may make a small confession, even though I will stand by summer as my favorite season, I secretly love the fashion winter brings just a smidge more (check out the full winter capsule wardrobe here).

It feels good to be my truest self with you all <3

Now that we’re all a little bit closer, I hope you’ll trust me when I say I have cracked the code for the best capsule wardrobe shoes for winter walkers. 

For superb winter capsule shoes and styling ideas, just keep reading.

Knee High Boots 

Frigid temperatures are not so bad, because they hail the start of knee-high boots season. As walkers, we should steer clear of stiletto-heeled boots.

Opt for no-heel, barely-there equestrian heels, block heels, or lug soles instead.

Styling Idea: Pair your lengthy footwear with simple skinny jeans if you’re hoping to elongate your frame, or pair with a dress that shows some leg between the boot and the hemline.

Here, I’ve styled a cream-colored knee-high boot with a mini skirt and trench. 

Ankle Boots

You can wear ankle boots at the dawn of fall, all throughout winter, and into spring until the sunny days outnumber the rainy ones. 

For this reason my capsule wardrobe contains both a white, textured pair and a sock-style black pair of ankle boots. I take care to find water-resistant boots that will not tarnish in the rain or snow.

However, my best advice is to walk slowly no matter the shoe when the weather is inclement, or you may find yourself an enemy in the slick sidewalk.

Here, I’ve styled my booties here with straight-leg jeans.

Loafers

My favorite thing about loafers is the accompanying socks.

It is not necessary to style your loafer with socks but it is the pairing that forces me to walk to my nearest chic cafe so that the patrons can sip hot coffee and admire my ensemble.

Lug sole loafers have won the hearts of many in the past couple seasons for their durability and shape.

But other loafer looks include sleeker options with pointed toes, flatter soles, or even the heeled variety. 

Rain Boots

Depending on the weather in your city, you may be able to do without a dedicated rain boot in your capsule wardrobe.

However, I am not so lucky. I must keep rain boots in the shoe capsule wardrobe rotation.

Rain boots used to be known for bright yellow colors and an awkward fit, but today we can find completely waterproof boots that elevate our attire.

You can go for a classic calf-high black boot with a chunky platform sole to ground your look in a functional, yet trendy silhouette.

How to Pick Your Perfect Heel Height 

Heels are essential shoes that give our legs (and our confidence levels) a nice lift. But how can you find the ideal pair? 

Here’s an easy-to-use formula for finding a comfortable heel height. 

1. Measure the full length of your foot in centimeters. 

2. Divide this number by 7. 

3. This number is your ideal heel height. 

Say your 7.5 size feet measure 25.5 centimeters. When you divide 25.5 by 7, you get approximately 3.64. This means that a heel height of around 3.5 to 4 inches would be your ideal and most comfortable heel height.

This formula comes courtesy of the lovely Audrey Coyne who serves up superb style videos on the regular. 

Go Through Your Current Shoes 

Pull out all the shoes you own. Separate the ones you wear on repeat. Look for common themes between the pairs you love. These can be colors, materials, or styles that they share.  

Personally, my favorite shoes tend to be solid colored with great arch support and little details that make me smile. Think a small buckle, bow, or embroidery that gives my shoe personality while remaining classic enough to wear until the soles fall away. 

Match Shoes to Your Lifestyle 

If there’s any section of your wardrobe where functionality is king, it’s shoes. As you pick your capsule wardrobe shoes, consider how you spend most of your time. 

Are you on the go? Do you attend meetings? Are a lot of formal events on your calendar? Your shoes should serve your needs. So pick them accordingly. 

I frequent upscale restaurants and events. Naturally, a few pairs of heels are essentials in my shoe capsule. For casual days, I have a pair of reliable sneakers which is all I need.

Make Your Shoes Last: Capsule Shoe Maintenance

So you have your stellar shoe staples. Now let’s cover how to keep them in tip-top shape.

Clean Shoes Regularly

Keep dirt and scuffs at bay by routinely cleaning your shoes. Reach for a soft brush or cloth to wipe away surface dirt. If you run into stubborn stains, always consult the brand’s cleaning instructions before using any removal products. 

Use Shoe Trees

Creases can kill the look of even the chicest shoes. Fortunately, you can invest in wood or plastic shoe trees to maintain your shoes’ shape. 

Store Shoes Properly

If you’re not using a pair of shoes, store them in a cool dry place. Instead of crowding all your shoes on an overflowing rack, use boxes or dust bags to put them away. This extra effort is well worth the life extension your favorite soles will get. 

Repair Your Shoes

As we discussed in our sustainable capsule wardrobe guide, it’s best to repair items rather than toss them out.  If you notice signs of wear, scuffs, or damaged soles, take your shoes to a cobbler for timely repairs.