I was just brewing a post in which I was asking out loud the question, "What is your ultimate shoe wish for this gift season?" when–oops! I had the good fortune of gifting MYSELF the very DREAM GIFT that I was about to hope for. Hope that makes sense.

In short, my dream was to own a pair of Thierry Rabotin shoes. Thierry Rabotin used to work for Taryn Rose, until they had a non-amicable parting of ways, from what I understand. These days, from what I understand from various shoe salespersons, Taryn Rose is foraying more into fashion and putting comfort second, whereas Thierry Rabotin is unwavered in his pursuit of comfort with simple, classic cuts that will fit anywhere on the walk of life.

Thierry is famous for using the "saccheto" construction and lightweight materials such as Poron. What is "saccheto"? Well, I’m glad you asked! The answer is right there on Rabotin’s website:

What does "sacchetto" mean? During the sewing phase, the lining, which substitutes the innersole is assembled to the upper by fixing it like a sac along its edge. It differs from the other working porcedures because it does not use a metal reinforcement and thermoplastic glue and this way the shoe becomes lighter. A lighter weight means that it becomes easier to walk, the shoe permits the natural movement of the foot since all the components that usually make it rigid are missing. During the hand assembly, the lining, for which only the best nappa is used, is fixed in two steps to the upper, conserving in this manner softness and capacity of transpiration and providing a perfect ambience for the foot. Only water solvable glues that once dry do not develop harmful vapours are employed. A shock absorbing and transpiring material is inserted between the sole and the lining, to lighten the articulations all along the foot, which thanks to its open cellular structure maintains its volume for a long time.

I had tried a pair of his shoes and found them heavenly–just like walking on clouds. Superbly constructed, very lightweight, supremely comfortable–in short, a dream! However, the price for this foot Nirvana is quite substantial, usually between $300 and $400 (more for boots). I was forced to admire them at a distance, especially since they’re almost never on sale.

This morning, however, almost on a whim, I entered the Benjamin Lovell store downtown Philadelphia–and found this this model, Colette, on sale, for $139! They originally go for $325, so you can see how I couldn’t resist them, especially as they did have them in my size!

Now, let’s be clear: these are not exciting shoes. They’re not cutesy, or pretty, or jaw-dropping in any way. At best, they are classy and elegant, at worst, a whisker shy of stodgy. This model is quite nice, in my opinion–has the peep-toe, a classic cut, will go with virtually anything, and hopefull last a lifetime. However, the comfort is unparalleled, and just the thought of it makes me burst into song:

I’m singing in the street–
Singing in the street,
What a glorious feeling,
It’s heaven for my feet!

Or something like that…. At any rate, highly, HIGHLY recommended….