Everyone needs a pair of shoes that serve as your default. The ones that you pull on when heading out to the store, walk the dog, run some errands, or an afternoon antiquing.
ECCO makes those shoes, and they make them well. In fact, the privately held Danish company is the only major shoe manufacturer in the world that owns and manages every step of the shoe making process. As a reflection of that commitment, the company was just selected as the 2013 Best Shoe Manufacturer by the German footwear industry. The award was presented last month at the prestigious Schuhkurier & step Award event, in Düsseldorf.
What does that mean to us? For starters, it reinforces OTC’s commitment to being an ECCO brand ambassador, something we do very sparingly and only for brands with which we have a long relationship. In addition, it reminds us of the ECCO commitment to developing shoes you want to wear when you really need to go somewhere. While they have recently rolled out some very sharp business and business casual lines, we love their get-out-there-and-walk shoes.
First and foremost, ECCO’s shoes are made for walking and comfort, whether to a staff meeting or up a mountain. There is something to fit everyone’s need.
So, what’s our choice for the OTC ‘heading out’ shoes? ECCO’s Fusion Moc Toe. The combine the style of a low boat or camp shoe with the support and comfort of a serious walking shoe. Equally important is that they fit and feel great with or without socks. We have paired these with khakis, jeans, and cords and the ECCO’s functionally classic style has always worked well.
We love these shoes so much that when heading out Chicago to cover the Stella Artois Cidre launch party, they were the on shoes we took (below).
Wow if that is your preferred choice of ECCO shoes either their range is hideous or your style is. Either way… what an ugly shoe.
Well “seriously,” while I generally appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, throwing out an obnoxious trolling comment thinly disguised as something worth considering is, in fact, a waste of everyone’s time.
So, if you wish to have a serious chat, share a thoughtful opinion, or debate personal style, by all means, join in; but please be constructive.
Otherwise, you’re just being an ass – go bother someone else.
I have to agree with the first comment, those shoes are ugly. And if you are running a “style blog” you should be able to take criticism, or don’t respond at all.
Get off your high (free-of-charge) horse.
Thanks for your comment, Over-the-Counter. I was going to go with “OTC” but then realized that it would look like I’m talking to myself.
I am fine with criticism – that’s part of life and what keep things interesting. And if you find the shoes unattractive, that’s your opinion and one I am happy to hear. We happen think they are great casual shoes that have a different look while being incredibly comfortable and functional. You think they are ugly and would probably never wear them; fine by us. People like different things, and that’s great. Different opinions and different styles are the things that make personal expression so very personal.
However, this is my site and I do not abide personal attacks, personal insults, or arbitrary rudeness. Notice that I did not remove the post or ban Seriously; but I did make clear this site’s standard of decorum. And this is not necessarily about me – I have a very thick skin and have equally defended other commenters who have been similarly attacked by trolls. OTC is not a snarky site and it will never be a snarky site – in content or comments.
Engagement is a two-way street, so while we here are happy to receive comments, if someone is rude – I’ll reply. Too often commenters feel that they have the right to say whatever they want and become offended should the author actually deign to reply and even disagree.
By the way, I’m not sure exactly what your “free-of-charge” reference referred to. Perhaps you refer to the fact that ECCO provides OTC with some product at no cost? If so, that really has nothing to do with someone being rude in their commentary and I would have responded the same at full retail price.
I have to say that I find those shoes to be most unattractive. Hideous even.
Love the blog, but those are awful.