The idea for this story came as many of mine do — seeing a stranger at work wearing something functional but still stylish and making a mental note to Google their shoes. The stranger here was a host at Philadelphia’s Bok Bar, an incredibly popular seasonal rooftop lounge with completely outdoor service. The shoes in question appeared to be a cool pair of Keens — a sporty sandal that covers your toe and gives you ample foot support, while still being breathable and summery.
They’re designed to be the perfect pair of shoes for walking and standing in the elements, whether you’re working a double at the bar or there pulling out a stool for yourself. Thinking about the Keens and the varied labor that goes into running outdoor events, I considered farmer’s market vendors, small business owners and event planners who work outside. I wanted to know their suggestions for supportive and durable shoes that are comfortable for lots of movement, but lightweight enough to wear in warmer seasons. So I asked.
I went through some of my favorite farmer’s markets and general outdoor dining/marketplace pop-ups and inquired about everybody’s kicks. Most people seemed happily surprised by the query, but everyone was generous with their suggestions.
“I recommend shoes that are comfy, can withstand getting wet and maybe mud, and that cover the toes in case something heavy is dropped on your feet,” says Holly Collins owner of Universal Energy Healing, an herbal products vendor at the Marblehead Farmer’s Market in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
“For me, it’s really about the season,” Matt Saperstone, owner of Philadelphia-based specialty coffee roaster Nilla Coffee told HuffPost. “Comfort is key as you are standing in one position (or moving slightly) for hours at a time.”
Saperstone added that with attending so many markets, he often doesn’t stop to think about his shoes. To me, this felt like the ultimate endorsement — supportive summer footwear that’s so comfortable and easy to wear, that you don’t need to stop and think about it, you just put it on.
We hope you find your next pair of comfy kicks to wear to your favorite local pop-ups this summer, whether you’re vending or shopping.
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While he didn't name a specific style, these New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite sneakers offer responsive cushioning and a supportive outsole for support as you walk and stand. They come in black in men's sizes 7-16 and women's sizes 5-12.
A durable shoe for all sorts of outdoor activities, Keen's Newport sandals will protect your toes and give you ample arch support wherever you go. They dry quickly, are machine-washable and have a performance fabric lining that won't give you blisters. These come in a bunch of colors in men's sizes 7-17 and women's sizes 5-11.
Perrin didn't give an exact style, but we love these sporty Merrell sneakers with a Gore-tex membrane and breathable mesh lining. It's made with an air cushion that absorbs shocks and a special lining to prevent odors. This comes in seven colors in women's sizes 5-11.
"They're sturdy for loading and unloading market items and standing for hours on end, waterproof (if you remember to oil them with some regularity) and they have a touch of class to ensure I make a good impression," Drucker told HuffPost.
While Blundstones come in a bunch of great styles, the original Chelsea (pictured) is a unisex shoe that will always be a classic.
Made for the trail but equally as supportive in the city, Hoka's Challenger 7 is made with a breathable mesh upper and soft foam. It offers a rubber outsole inspired by gravel tires to keep you steady as you move. These come in a bunch of colors in men's sizes 7-15 and women's sizes 5-12.
A modern take on the classic Toms shoes, these slip-on sneakers have a supportive rubber outside and a supportive insole. These come in eight colors in women's 5-12.
A super wearable statement shoe, these Chelsea boots have elastic gore panels with grooved heels and the brand's timeless yellow stitching. The air-cushioned rubber outsole is oil-, fat-, acid-, petrol- and alkaline-resistant with extra slip and abrasion resistance for stability. These come in women's sizes 5-12.
Danner boots, of Reese Witherspoon movie fame, are made in the U.S. with imported components. The Cascade boot was designed with help from Oregon State Park Rangers, with a full-grain leather upper and gore-tex waterproof liner. They're a tough boot for the trails but still stylish and light enough to wear around town. These come in three colors for men in sizes 7-15 and in two colors for women in sizes 5-11.
Inspired by a late '90s sneaker, the Fila Disruptor gives you a little height with a chunky midsole and leather upper. These come in a bunch of colors in women's sizes 5-11.
Rebecca Ruplin, owner of Fiddler's Green Farm in Plymouth, VT which sells at various markets around Vermont says that her staff is also team Croc, for their waterproof-ness and comfort.
These come in a ton of colors in men's sizes 4-13 and women's sizes 6-12.
Deemed a "caffeinated" version of the classic Croc, these work shoes offer slip-resistant treads with an enclosed toe and heel for support and safety. These come in black in men's sizes 4-13 and women's sizes 6-12.
Made from fabric sourced from eucalyptus tree fiber, Allbirds are machine washable and breathable. They come in a variety of colors in men's sizes 8-14 and women's sizes 5-11.
Loved by chefs and street stylists alike, Birkenstocks are known for their contoured footbed and superior sole support. We love this super grippy clog with an adjustable backstrap and high traction sole. These come in black and white in men's sizes 6-15.5 and women's sizes 4-12.5
Made with elastic laces, these running shoes are designed in a slip-on style with a shock-absorbing sole. The zero-gravity foam sole distributes your weight evenly, making each step feel light and buoyant. These come in a bunch of colors in men's sizes 7-14 and women's sizes 5-11.
Hands-free and coming in a large size range, these slip-on shoes are made for the trail and the city. These come in black and brown in men's sizes 6.5-16.
"Everyone's favorite insole," he said. "Especially if you have Plantar Fasciitis like some of us do!"