Comfy mom shoes that don't look like mom shoes? Answers from a stylist.

Q: I need some new ideas for cool comfy mom shoes so I'm not in my gym sneakers every day this summer but still can run around all day. Help! -Erin L


There are so many great options for busy moms these days. Your instinct is right: keep your gym sneakers in the gym and try one of these 15 cool options instead.

 

Espadrilles
This old classic feels so right now. The rubber sole is a must in their homeland of Spain where cobblestones abound. At J Crew you'll find the affordable Soludos Espadrilles flats in red and white striped canvas (shown at top), blue chambray and more. ($36)

Glitter espadrilles are more glam but have the same sturdy rubber and jute sole. ($118) And I really love this snake print espadrille, also at J Crew. (on sale for $79.99)


Clog Sandals
Some clogs can be frumpy, but these Loeffler Randall Ankle Wrap Clogs are anything but. They have the comfort of a clog combined with the look of a sandal. With this fabulous hit of color you don't even need to accessorize above the ankle. ($235)


Ballerina Flats
If you're a fan of flats, go for an unexpected twist like a fun print or interesting fabric on a ballerina shoe so they add more pop to even a basic outfit. These Corso Como ballerina flats come in around 20 fabrics and colors. (on sale for $47.99 at Zappos)

I also like these open toed ballet flats from Blowfish shoes which comes in two cute floral patterns and the price is terrific. Wear them with flowy skirts or cuffed jeans. ($39 at Zappos)

Flip-Flops
If you're a fan of easy on/easy off shoes, these Yosi Samra Flip Flops look terrific in three different snakeskin prints. ($66 at Piperlime)

TKEES flipflops are a big hit with Cool Mom Picks, and now they're amazing in bright neon like these TKEES Zincs in yellow. ($48 at Shop Bop)

Gladiator Sandals
Yes, they're still in and they look great in tan leather (or 4 other colors) by DV by Dolce Vita ($69 at Zappos)

I also really like these Steve Madden Sandals which will be so comfortable and cute whether you're running errands, wrangling kids, or running out to Sunday brunch. ($79.95 at I Found A Secret, PLUS a 10% discount with code SMSTYLIST at checkout!)


DV also makes these fantastic Archer Sandals which are like a stripped-down gladiator in a fun snakeskin print. The ankle strap offers more support than your standard flip-flop. ($69 at Piperlime)



Sneakers
If you want to stay stylish, stay away from fat lace-up running shoes and instead opt for a comfy slip-on like these Bensimon Tennis Flats which comes in several colors. ($58 at Shop Bop)

Finally, if you're not above a sneaker splurge, these Phillip Lim sneakers are like a Teva, only better! In all black with a white sole, or with a bright red strap that's not shy at all. (On sale for $259 at Barneys NY down from $425. Wow.)
ED NOTE: We tried them and unfortunately...they look cute but not as comfy as the other choices on this page.

Contributor Stacey Mayesh is a successful editorial and celebrity stylist and personal shopper whose work has be seen in Vogue, Marie Claire and InStyle. If you have fashion questions for her, email us at info@coolmompicks.com with ASK A STYLIST in the subject. If you want to hire her for personal shopping or styling help you can do that too!

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