I’ve got the Trippenlust
Posted on July 24th, 2008 by shoesense under Mary Janes, TrippenI’ve become some sort of a big fat snob regarding shoe brands. When you spend so much time with shoes or writing about shoes or thinking about shoes as I have, it’s inevitable. But rather than crave the high-end luxury brands everybody and their sister are coveting (Louboutin, Blahnik, Zanotti, the usual suspects), my lust wanders off the beaten path. I crave more obscure, though not necessarily cheap brands (in fact, almost never cheap), partly because for me comfort is the true luxury and a pretty good measure of independence in a woman.
These days I’m in love with these Trippen shoes:
Trippen is a German company using the softest leathers and completely devoted to your walking in comfort AND quirky style. These molded rosette Mary Janes fit the bill and are SO me I’m not sure what’s preventing me from snagging them right now. Oh, I know: it’s the price tag ($288 at Ped Shoes)–less friendly to my wallet than the shoes would be to my feet. However, considering how unique and comfy these shoes are, it’s not so bad.
- Dreaming of Trippen
- Trippen Shoes
- Shoe Deal of the Day: Teva Ryley for $14.99
- Fabulous AND comfortable??? Umm….
- Cute, comfortable, supportive shoes: Do they exist?
- Paul Green Goes Western
Piperlime
July 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I just saw these on sale somewhere the other day. I’m going to do whatever I can to remember where.
Personally, my latest Trippen acquisition is (very, very sadly) going back to the store this afternoon. The Trippen Sleek in Smog (http://www.oliveshoes.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-5091 and so much more flattering to one’s ankle than they look like they should be) were too big for me. Note - Trippen typically run large. But not always.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I know… They are fabulous, aren’t they? I live in Berlin and I went to their shop and tried some on and oh they are so unique and comfortable!!
I wish they are in my poor student price range though
(it’s 180 euro here). Soon after I graduate then it will be another story 
July 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I almost bought a pair of Trippens on sale. Comfortable? Oh my. But then I looked down at my feet and could think of only one word: hobbit.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Bought a pair but am not a fan cause they squeak when I walk.
Did you read the instructions that came with the shoes? It’s as if the shoe is afraid to be used - don’t get it wet!
July 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Why do comfortable shoes have to be ughly??
July 25th, 2008 at 6:34 am
fab fab fab shoes, most interesting ive seen in a while!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Yep, so ugly. Comfort shoes always appear to be on some sort of hippie mission to undermine your silhouette and make you dumpy and a bit clownish.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
You could get them and then save money on gas by walking everywhere.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I am the same way! While I’d love to own a pair of Louboutins or Diors, I am more intrigued with little-known, handcrafted shoes, such as the adorable Trippen shoes you’ve featured here. I also love Angeleigh Anastasio and other Italian hand-painted brands. I would much rather have a one-of-a-kind shoe than a super-expensive designer shoe that anyone else could have.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I bought my first pair of Trippen shoes last year, and, seriously, they were so comfortable I almost didn’t take them off all winter. What I like best about Trippens (admittedly, the aesthetic isn’t for everyone–very European) are the colors!! Truly, so beautiful. There is a plum pair of shoes (the “Donna”) where the straps rap around your ankles at Pedshoes.com that are THE most beautiful color. They’re not yet on sale, although I notice that a lot of the other Trippen styles are. I’m now thinking I might have to buy that other ankle strap style, the “Tint,” in the “Washed Melon” color (looks like green and soft brown marbled) since it’s now $199 down from $298. Believe me, Trippen’s quality is worth the splurge.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
What about the care instructions that come with Trippens? Don’t wear them in the kitchen or get them wet or walk on uneven terrain with them and don’t wear them every day, etc. They are comfortable enough to wear all the time, but they come with so many warnings & prohibitions, it seems like the makers prefer that we wear them lightly and mostly indoors. Did you guys read it? Do you mostly ignore it? What’s your experience? The care guidelines are also on their web site.
September 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
The care guidelines are definitely a turn off but I have had a pair of Trippen boots for about 3/4 years now and have worn them everywhere from working behind a busy bar to splashing through British rain and puddles! The one thing that I wish I had paid attention to is their advice about sealing the leather to the sole with polish because it does tend to dry and lift. Other than that I think the use makes them look even cooler, although I am now at a stage where they need a shoe doctor cos there are a few seams coming apart and some wear to the interiors of the heels. It doesn’t look like the company does any kind of repair work, which is disappointing!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and to my eyes Trippens are quite beautiful. Much more preferable than overpriced and uncomfortable brands. I own ONLY 5 pair and intend to buy as many pair as possible.
Nothing wrong with standing out from the crowd of Choos, Blahniks and whatever else women have been conned into spending small fortunes on.