Walking Cradles Faulkner

Finding the Perfect Pair of Comfortable and Stylish Walking Shoes

Hey everyone! I’m back with another buying guide, this time for the Walking Cradles Faulkner line of women’s shoes. As someone who is on their feet all day, I know how important it is to have comfortable yet professional shoes that can take you from work to the weekends. After testing out numerous brands over the years, I’ve found that Walking Cradles really hits the sweet spot between comfort, style, and durability.

Specifically, the Faulkner line has become my go-to for cute walking shoes that still offer great arch support and cushioning. But with so many styles, colors, and size options, it can be tricky to figure out where to start. So in this walking shoe buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before purchasing your next pair of Walking Cradles Faulkner shoes!

An Overview of the Walking Cradles Brand

First, let’s do a quick overview of the Walking Cradles brand itself. Launched in 1995 by husband and wife design team, Leo and Kiki, Walking Cradles was created to provide women with fashionable footwear that still prioritizes comfort. Unlike some other women’s shoe brands that just focus on style, Walking Cradles aims to give you the best of both worlds.

Over the past 25+ years, the brand has perfected shoes made with high quality leathers, adjustable closures, padded collars, flexible soles and full cushioning. While they have expanded their offerings over time, comfortable walking shoes remain the heart of the Walking Cradles line. Their shoes also feature thoughtful details like stretch panels and tiny polka dot linings to add a playful touch.

The Faulkner collection specifically channels the modern, feminine spirit of the brand. So in addition to premier comfort features, the Faulkner shoes also have trendy embellishments like tassels, grommets and burnished leathers. Now let’s look at exactly why the Faulkner makes such a great walking shoe!

Why Choose the Walking Cradles Faulkner for Walking Shoes?

There are a few key things that make the Faulkner line my top choice for comfortable yet polished walking shoes:

All Day Comfort – The Faulkner has a lightly cushioned footbed that provides pillowy soft support right where you need it. The padded collar and tongue prevent blisters while the flexible sole moves with your foot.

Great Arch Support – These shoes have excellent arch support built right into the contoured footbed. This prevents fatigue that can come from flat shoes without any arch reinforcement.

Shock Absorption – The rubber sole has extra cushioning at the heel to absorb shock with every step. This saves wear and tear on your joints.

Cute Styling – Unlike clunky orthopedic walking shoes, the Faulkner has trendy embellishments like buckles, grommets and contrast stitching for fashion-forward style. The sleek silhouette also elongates your leg.

Variety – With different heights, fabrics and colors, there are so many Faulkner styles to choose from. You can select shoes for work, weekends and everything in between.

Well-Made Construction – From premium leathers to durable rubber soles, these shoes are made to last. The stitching and seams hold up well over time.

Good Value – Considering the comfort, quality and design, Faulkner shoes are very reasonably priced. They compare favorably to similar brands.

Great Reviews – Across the web, Faulkner styles consistently earn rave reviews and high ratings for their perfect balance of comfort and style.

So if you’re looking for shoes that seamlessly combine support, cushioning and cute style, the Walking Cradles Faulkner collection is a fabulous choice. Now let’s get into the specifics of what to look for when buying your pair!

Key Buying Considerations for Walking Cradles Faulkner Shoes

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting your perfect pair of Walking Cradles Faulkners:

Sizing and Fit

Walking Cradles shoes run true-to-size for the most part. I usually wear a size 8 and the 8 consistently fits well across different Faulkner styles. Some customers do say to size up if you have a wider foot. There are both standard and wide width options available to ensure a good fit.

I’d recommend ordering your normal shoe size to start. Try them on with the socks you’ll usually wear them with and walk around the house to make sure they aren’t tight anywhere. If you need more room in the toe box or have spillage over the sides, size up 1⁄2 size or go up to a wide width. The leather will also stretch a bit over time.

Style and Height

One of the best aspects of the Faulkner line is the variety of silhouettes available:

Flats – These come in both classic ballet flat styles along with more unique designs like gladiator sandals andMary Janes. The flats offer great ground feel while still having cushioning and arch support.

Low Heels – From chunky stacked heels to slender kitten heels, Faulkner low heels range from 1-2.5 inches in height. They elevate your look while still being walkable.

Mid Heels – For more formal occasions or nights out, Faulkner mid heels go up to 3 inches. They have the same comfort features as the lower heels but with more lift.

Wedges – Faulkner wedges are a godsend in the summer – you get the height without having to balance on a skinny heel! Options range from demure kitten wedges to espadrille and cork wedges nearing 5 inches tall.

Loafers – Both leather and suede loafers are available, ideal for casual Fridays at the office. The slip-on ease makes them perfect for women on the go.

Slip-Ons – These casual slip-ons styles ranging from textured metallic mules to cap toe sneakers are perfect paired with jeans or trousers.

So think about when you plan on wearing the shoes most to narrow down what height and style works best for you. The Faulkner line has so many options to fit any wardrobe.

Color and Material

Faulkner shoes comes in a range of leather shades like classic black or navy along with metallics like bronze, silver or pewter. Printed hair calf options feature fun patterns like polka dots or floral. Suede textures add rich visual interest.

When it comes to materials, full grain leathers make up the majority of Faulkners. However, you can also find styles in patent leather, stretchy knit fabrics, or vegan materials. I’d suggest going with leather for the most durable, comfortable pair. But it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and wardrobe needs!

Price

Faulkner shoes range from $100-$150 for flats on the lower end and $150-$200 for heeled boots and wedges on the higher end. This puts them in an attractive middle sweet spot – much less than designer brand prices but still offering quality craftsmanship. The MSRP prices are a good value considering what you get.

Of course, you can sometimes find Faulkners on sale which makes them an even better deal! Department stores often run promotions on Walking Cradles styles. It’s worth signing up for newsletters and rewards programs so you’ll be the first to know when sales pop up. With a good discount, you may be able to grab Faulkners for under $100.

Customer Reviews

One of the best ways to evaluate any shoe is by reading through customer reviews. Faulkner styles consistently earn 4+ star ratings across major retailers like Nordstrom, DSW and Zappos. Women love how the shoes combine fashion and comfort.

Those with jobs that require a lot of walking say the Faulkners provide rare all-day support without causing foot pain. Customers also say the shoes are so well-made and durable, they last for years of steady wear. The most common compliments are how comfortable they are right out of the box with no need to break them in. That’s music to my ears!

Of course, sizing inconsistencies or quality issues can arise with any mass produced shoe. But overall, customer reviews indicate these are extremely well-made shoes that stand the test of time. The positive feedback gives me confidence I’m making a solid investment with Faulkner shoes.

Return Policies

If you do end up with any sizing or comfort issues with your Faulkner shoes, the return process is quite simple. Most major retailers allow returns within 30-90 days of purchase, often with free return shipping. Walking Cradles also has a limited 90 day manufacturers warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Just be sure to keep the shoes in salable condition and in the original box. Break them in at home rather than outdoor wear to keep them pristine in case you need to send them back. As long as you order from a retailer with a good return policy, you can purchase your Faulkners risk-free.

Sales and Discounts

As mentioned above, signing up for email lists with the major shoe retailers will allow you to snag Faulkner shoes on sale. Department stores like Nordstrom, DSW and Macy’s run special promotional events throughout the year with discounts up to 50% off or more. Zappos also puts selected Faulkner styles on sale each season.

Following Walking Cradles on social media can clue you into upcoming sales or coupon codes. For the best bargain, aim to purchase at end-of-season clearances in December/January and June/July. Discontinued styles get marked down dramatically. With a good sale discount, you can get Faulkners for under $100 which is a steal!

The Best Places to Buy Walking Cradles Faulkner Shoes

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in your ideal pair, here are the top retailers I recommend purchasing Faulkners from:

• WalkingCradles.com – As the official brand website, you can browse the full range of current season styles here. Sign up for emails to get 15% off your first order.
• Nordstrom – With free shipping and returns, Nordstrom is a prime place to buy shoes online. You can earn Nordy Club points towards future discounts too.
• Zappos – Zappos carries most Faulkner styles and offers fast free shipping and returns along with stellar customer service.
• DSW – For discounted prices, DSW will be your best bet. They run sales on Faulkners regularly. You can also find deals shopping their clearance section.
• Macy’s – Macy’s often has Faulkners on promotion for 25-40% off. You can stack these sale prices with coupons for extra savings.
• QVC – On QVC, you’ll find unique Faulkner styles you can’t find elsewhere. Their budget-friendly ValuePay installment plans make higher priced shoes more affordable.

I recommend comparing prices across these authorized retailers to find your chosen Faulkner style at the best price. Sign up for e-newsletters so you never a miss a sitewide or Faulkner-specific sale!

Caring for Your Walking Cradles Faulkners

To keep your Faulkner shoes looking fabulous for years to come, here are my top tips for care:

• Use shoe trees between wears to maintain the shape. Stuff with tissue if needed for a snug fit.
• Rotate your shoes so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row. Let them rest between wears.
• Spray suede styles with a protective coating before wearing to prevent stains.
• Wipe leather shoes down regularly with a leather lotion or protectant. Avoid using harsh cleaners.
• If shoes get wet, allow them to air dry fully rather than drying with heat that can damage the leather.
• Have heel tips and soles replaced once they start looking worn. This preserves the life of the shoe.
• As needed, take to a cobbler for stretching, resoling or repairs. Well-made Faulkners are worth investing a few bucks into.

With proper care, your Faulkner shoes should hold up for seasons and seasons of use. The full grain leathers will develop a beautiful patina over time. And the rubber soles are far more durable than delicate leather soles. Just be sure to give your Faulkners a little TLC now and then.

The Bottom Line

For any woman seeking fashionable walking shoes with all-day comfort, Walking Cradles Faulkner is an excellent choice. With endless style options, premium materials, cushioning features and ideal arch support, these shoes effortlessly combine form and function. Just determine your ideal height, color, and size based on your needs.

And with a bit of searching, you can likely score Faulkners on sale for under $150. Given the quality and comfort return you’re getting, that’s a steal! So whether you’re a nurse who is on your feet all shift or simply love strolling around town in style and comfort, the Walking Cradles Faulkner collection is sure to put an extra spring in your step.