My relationship with shoes isn't simple. To be more precise, there is a big difference between the types of shoes that suit my lifestyle (slip-on, weather- and toddler-resistant, somewhere between an athletic shoe and a slipper) and the types of shoes that draw my attention (tall, cute details like buckles or laces, with an easily stained but gorgeous material). I work from home, so I have to switch from working out, writing, dashing to kid-related events, and sometimes even visiting people. All of these tasks require me to wear practical yet uninspired footwear.
Still, I enjoy feeling cute. And like a lot of individuals who work from home, I've discovered that when I genuinely put effort into how I look, I feel better about myself and more engaged to my day. Therefore, even though I live in comfy layers and soft jeans most of the time, sometimes all it takes to transform me from a homebody to a Writer at Work is to put on real shoes.
My favorites? Clogs and mules. And these shoes from Beek's autumn line have been really helpful to me in improving my WFH every day.
Concerning Beek
Beek's goal is to create elegant and cozy shoes by utilizing slow, environmentally friendly methods. The company's founders, Birgit Klett and Kenna Florie, are seasoned veterans of the shoe and fashion industries. They recognized a significant vacuum in the market for women's leather sandals: exquisite leather shoes that were both ageless and instantly wearable. They just could not find what they sought elsewhere, so they took matters into their own hands.
Every Beek shoe is painstakingly handcrafted by hand in Mexico, with designs created in California. Each pair is handcrafted over a 48-hour period using premium, incredibly soft, sustainable leather. Beek leather is entirely recyclable and biodegradable; it is a byproduct of the meat industry, made from the hides of sheep and cows. One of just fourteen tanneries in all of Mexico to receive a Gold Certification from the Leather Working Group, they have also attained this feat. About half of their collection is made entirely of leather items, and only vegetable-tanned leather is used—it's the most environmentally friendly kind of tanning available.
Every Beek shoe is painstakingly handcrafted by hand in Mexico, with designs created in California. Each pair is handcrafted over a 48-hour period using premium, incredibly soft, sustainable leather. Beek leather is entirely recyclable and biodegradable; it is a byproduct of the meat industry, made from the hides of sheep and cows. One of just fourteen tanneries in all of Mexico to receive a Gold Certification from the Leather Working Group, they have also attained this feat. About half of their collection is made entirely of leather items, and only vegetable-tanned leather is used—it's the most environmentally friendly kind of tanning available.
Because it values its employees, the business hires craftspeople in just and morally respectable circumstances. On their website, they state that they are 75% of the way toward obtaining a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certification, which they aim to accomplish by 2024. One more interesting fact. Beek is dedicated to ending childhood hunger in the US. The company has contributed to the Childhood Hunger Strategy with the Second Harvest Food Bank the equivalent of five meals for each pair of shoes sold since its start in 2015.
Okay, so this is what I attempted.
Sanderling Saddle Leather Mule | $260
These shoes immediately drew me in since they seemed like a basic, go-to shoe that would go well with leggings, skirts, and even jeans. For those of us who don't really want to wear ballerina flats, here is Beek's take on the style. (Its backs frequently dig into my heels, and I find them a bit too precious.) With all the natural ease of a mule, the Sanderling Mule has the same exquisite, sleek design.
I went with the hue "Saddle," a stunning shade of neutral brown that complements almost everything. To the touch, the leather is incredibly rich, buttery, and soft. It's so comfortable to slip into and instantly gives my look a refined yet warm vibe. The tiny stud accents on the side add just the right amount of flair—not too much to be garish, but noticeable enough to be appreciated.
I went with the hue "Saddle," a stunning shade of neutral brown that complements almost everything. To the touch, the leather is incredibly rich, buttery, and soft. It's so comfortable to slip into and instantly gives my look a refined yet warm vibe. The tiny stud accents on the side add just the right amount of flair—not too much to be garish, but noticeable enough to be appreciated.
To be honest, I don't really feel the gentle molded arch support, but the all-leather sole is padded with natural rubber. I wear these mainly around the house, but I also feel really nice and put together when I walk the dog in them.
Go up if you are a half-size, according to the brand. My typical size fit me well, and they needed a lot of breaking in, which is a huge plus for brand-new leather shoes!
Over the years, as a 5'1" person, I have frequently resorted to clogs as a comfortable, work-appropriate shoe that also gives me some height. But frequently, that height can have a price, especially when it comes to Danskos, one of the staple clogs, which have such an unforgiving design that by the end of the day, my foot is covered in red markings. I'm happy to report that these clogs lived up to their online appearance—they looked quite comfortable in person.
The shearling inner and incredibly soft suede upper give these winter socks the feel of the coziest, fluffiest socks I've ever seen. The shoe is heavy, with a rubber sole and a base made of Chilean pine, and it surely clops around my hundred-year-old house. (But in my opinion, that's kind of the thing with clogs!) The platform's height provides the ideal height, and the color "stone" is a lovely neutral. It seems to be around half as tall as a conventional clog.
I did wind up getting a size larger in them since I needed the extra room for thick, comfortable socks, layered sweaters, and soft slacks with these babies for the winter. Remember that I'm not even a half size, therefore the following size up fits me exactly!
Overall, these sneakers have won my heart. These are classic shoes that I know I will be wearing for years to come because they are so exquisitely made, instantly wearable, and quite comfy.
ESSENTIAL NOTES
High-quality leather is used in the handcrafted shoes made by workers who are paid decently.
All leather is Gold Certified by the Leather Working Group and is a byproduct of the livestock industry, derived from sheep and cow hides.
The supportive, elegant, and instantly worn nature of Beek shoes eliminates the need for an uncomfortable break-in period.
If you are between sizes, consider going up a size!
If you're searching for height as well as informal appearance, I suggest clogs and mules. (Take note that the clogs are noisy footwear!)
Get 10% off your total order when you use the coupon Fashion Tips 10!
All leather is Gold Certified by the Leather Working Group and is a byproduct of the livestock industry, derived from sheep and cow hides.
The supportive, elegant, and instantly worn nature of Beek shoes eliminates the need for an uncomfortable break-in period.
If you are between sizes, consider going up a size!
If you're searching for height as well as informal appearance, I suggest clogs and mules. (Take note that the clogs are noisy footwear!)
Get 10% off your total order when you use the coupon Fashion Tips 10!
Writer Stephanie H. Fallon is a native of Houston, Texas. She graduated with an MFA from Hollins University's Jackson Center for Creative Writing. She writes on motherhood, art, and work culture from her home in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains with her family. You can visit her website for more information or find her on Instagram.