Manolo the Columnist

Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post

Dear Manolo,

Iâ€™ve recently taken a job waitressing to help me through the tough economy, and as a result Iâ€™ve been searching for some good inexpensive shoes to wear while working. I was hoping to find some platforms that would keep my little peds comfy, but still give me two or three inches of height. Any suggestions for the working girl?

Denise

Manolo says, it is no secret that the times are tougher than they were the mere months ago, back in the early-to-mid-late 2000s, when the designer water flowed like wine and we were consumed with the trivial travails of such emblematic frivolities as Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell.

And, then, just like that, the New Age of Seriousness, and the second jobs that accompany it, were thrust upon us by doleful economic circumstances.

Naturally, the Manolo sympathizes with the newly impoverished, for he knows what it is like to be poor, so poor that you must fashion your own Depression-era, Brother-Can-You-Spare-The-Dime work boots out of potato peelings, chicken bones, and cigarette butts you have spirited home from your job as the dishwasher, dried in your closet, and then laboriously woven into shape.

Look, here is the Drew Mary Jane from Dr. Martens, comfortable, tough, cute, all for under $100.

Comments

bearing 16 years ago

Oh Manolo, finally you have approved of the Doc Martens!

Anyone who has worn them knows that they are among the best combinations of super fantastic (in a certain style), super comfort, and super price.

But I did not know about these till today, and I say: just in time for Christmas, you have made my day.

Jennifer L. 16 years ago

I am pleased to see the Manolo operate within the confines of the constricting economy. I held my breath for a second as I wondered what price his suggested souliers would command. PHEW! I tip my woven braids to you, Manolo, you are a man of appropriate sensibilities.

angelhair 16 years ago

I’ve never been able to shake the image of Doc Martens as the shoes of choice for skinheads and neo-nazis. I’d sooner wear Crocs. But if you’ve got to wear Doc Martens then these are marginally better than the jackboots.

I also can’t imagine that these would be very comfortable or even very safe for carrying large trays of food. I predict that after a few uncomfortable nights the waitress will come to her senses and realize that an extra 2 or 3 inches of height isn’t worth the pain and possible injury of wearing 3-inch platforms. So unless the new job is at Hooters better find some comfy yet cute shoes with good support.

rabrab 16 years ago

Why I admit that they are very nice looking shoes, and within a reasonable price range for someone working under budget restrictions, my experience as a waitress compels me to point out that neither platforms nor heels above an inch are a good idea for waitressing shoes. She will be not only standing, but walking for six to eight hours at a time, on hard (usually tile) possibly slippery floors, carrying an out-of balance load. When I was still in the business, it was not uncommon for me to rack up seven to ten miles of walking on one shift. She will also want at least two pairs of whatever she buys, since it’s vital to alternate so that the footbed, lining, and insole have a chance to dry out in between wearing, unless, of course, she likes blisters.

BarkingDogShoes 16 years ago

The Barking Dogs approve.

Nariya 16 years ago

Hmm, those look almost manageable for my cafe job as well! A little too high-heeled for a long day of standing (my feet start to hurt in custom-fit flats with strong support), but the mary-jane style is cute and appropriate for waitressing.

Signout 16 years ago

Lots of people both in medicine and kitchens favor Danskos. They’re incredibly comfortable and add anywhere from 1 to 2 inches (actually, some of their fancier offerings add even more). The line offers huge variety in look–not all are equally comfortable, so try before you buy–and runs in the $100-120 range.

Roni 16 years ago

I’m a huge fan of the Danskos, having worn them over many a restaurant floor and never having slipped once!!! Really, the writer of the letter should check with her employer regarding the need for nonslip footwear. The plus of the Danskos is THEY NEVER WEAR OUT!!! I no longer wait tables and I use my last pair as a great pair of gardening shoes…the last I’ll ever need.

dangster 16 years ago

angelhair, the offerings from Doc Martens have greatly improved in recent years. They still have their “butch” shoes, of course, but they have many more feminine styles. I’m wearing a pair of Doc Marten t-strap oxfords as I speak.

It’s kinda silly, IMHO, to put Doc Martens in the same category as Crocs. At least Doc Martens are good for your feet (orthotic-friendly) and are much more appropriate for everyday wear.

Rubiatonta 16 years ago

I, too, would recommend Dansko’s for any jobs requiring more than 15 minutes at a stretch on your feet. When I work trade shows, my colleagues and I always start out in “pretty shoes” but invariably change into our Dansko’s by the middle of the morning. And they are available in a lot of cute styles, all with non-slip soles.

Theodora 16 years ago

I loooove the danskos, but be a little careful — you can fall off of them, too! If you put your foot down just a tiche on the side, or you hit an uneven patch of floor, the shoes can tip you over. This is because they do have the 1″ sole under the front of the foot and the 2″ heels. But they’re great, and some of the newer fashions are not at all clunky.

kata 16 years ago

so, where can those dr.martens be bought? anywhere in europe ? :D

pandora 15 years ago

I love this shoes!!!!! Im looking all over for it!.
Ohh dear.. where do i get them anywhr, anyone?????