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28 Amazon Shoes That Help Prevent Blisters And Pain

28 Amazon Shoes That Help Prevent Blisters And Pain

Buzz Feed2 days ago

A reissue of the iconic Steve Madden slinky sandal because the '90s called and demanded we *all* get back to our roots, i.e., try our best to look like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Next purchase up: a leather trench.
Promising review: "I've never had even an inkling of a blister nor any discomfort, stumbling, or anything even beginning to come apart. The stretchy upper fits snugly and comfortably, but not so stretchy as to allow your feet to slide around at all. They don't budge in these shoes, but instead are given a sort of foot-hug feeling as they're held in place." —JJ Price: $89 (available in sizes 5–11 and six colors)
Ariat leather Western boots that require zero break-in time right out of the box and conform to your foot more and more with each wear. A glove in shoe form.
Promising review: "I wore these boots for five hours and they were so comfortable--didn't even have to break them in and no blisters. I am sure the more I wear them, the more they will conform to my foot, but right out of the box? Perfect." —J. HarmanPrice: $159.95+ (available in sizes 5.5–9.5, wide fits, and four colors)
Chunky platform sandals to zhuzh up any outfit, whether a white tee and denim shorts or a fancier mini dress. The fashion world = now your oyster.
Promising review: "Comfortably soft leather without breaking in — I wore them for a girls' long weekend in Chicago where we walked 10+ miles a day. No blisters, no discomfort, good cushioning from the thick sole, and I really enjoyed the slightly chunky look." —Charlene AbramsPrice: $79 (available in sizes 5.5–10 and five colors)
Sporty hiking sandals with a similar grip to your favorite hiking books but take up a *fraction* of the space in your carry-on. Over 20,000 reviews rave that these provide excellent arch support and durable traction.
Adidas tennis shoes that are no-frills, no-fuss, and you'll never ever get sick of them. What more can we say? They're everywhere for a reason.
Promising review: "Got it for Europe trip, three weeks. I had my old pair from five years ago, and I love how comfy it is; I wanted a new pair for our vacation. It was comfy, no blisters...It looks good with everything and can go from day to night, even with a dress. I wore it walking the three cities in Cinque Terre, it got dusty but with a little soap and light brush/wash, it looks new again. Highly recommended. I would buy from here again." —ESJPrice: $70+ (available in sizes 4.5–14 and 26 colors)
Knit flats you can toss in the wash when they need a good cleaning, and et voila, they'll emerge looking brand spankin' new. Bonus points: the flexible knit fabric means they're easy to pack in a cramped carry-on.
Ankle strap flats capable of inspiring even Dorothy to ditch those ruby red slippers for a more practical (but still stylish) option.
Chic London Fog rain booties that have me contemplating a cross-country move to Seattle, Washington for an excuse to don these daily. All I want to do is wear. these. boots. and jump! in! puddles!
Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers we're dubbing our favorite travel shoe because not only are these great for hours-long walks through new cities, but they're also excellent for the airport security line — it takes a second to slip 'em off and put 'em back on.
Cushionaire sandals that have amassed over 55,000 5-star ratings, many of which call out the passed insole for providing supreme comfort and support. The best part? A knockout pricetag, currently going for $34.99.
Suede clogs with over 4,000 stellar reviews stating how undeniably comfortably these shoes are — your feet deserve nothing but the best comfort and support footwear can offer, and these deliver.
Reebok walking sneakers dubbed by one reviewer as a Jerry Seinfeld shoe — they didn't mean it as an insult and frankly neither do we.
Promising review: "I actually bought these after my co-worker let me borrow them during our trip to Vegas where I quickly realized my Vans were intolerable. Shoutout to her for putting me on these because I love them. They go with everything and they're my most comfortable shoe now." —MarleePrice: $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and three colors)
A pair of cowboy boots to put the "yee" in your "haw." Plus, reviewers note that these run wider than your average cowboy boots, i.e., your toes won't feel squished toward the front if you weren't born with a narrow footbed (neither was I, it's okay).
Blondo Villa ankle booties you'll be able to pack for casual sightseeing in the morning and afternoon and fancier, chic evening outings. Consider this the epitome of a "day-to-night" fashion stape.
A chunky ankle boot that should really start negotiating for PTO now considering you'll likely wear them every darn day. These babies are destined to become the ~little black dress~ of your shoe collection.
Teva sandals crafted with quick-dry technology so you can walk for hours without having to worrying about slippage due to *ahem* sweaty feet.
Promising review: "I bought these to wear on vacation to Japan. Walked in them every day for a week, about 20,000 steps a day in a very urban setting (using public transit etc.) and they were pretty great. When I first put them on there was a string rubbing around the toe area, but I trimmed it down and then had no problems. They didn't rub my feet or cause any blisters at all. I was amazed." —AriPrice: $55.73+ (available in sizes 5–14 and 51 colors)
Pointed toe, ankle-strap pumps you can consider the first step in building your capsule footwear collection. These beauties are impeccable in their simplicity, are available in several neutral hues, and are comfortable to boot.
Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy these heels. I decided to go for it, and I'm so glad I did!! They are super lightweight, comfortable, and stay on well without slipping. I love the adjustable strap around the ankle, too. They don't hurt my feet or ankles while walking. I'm probably ordering another color. I've gotten lots of compliments my first time wearing them!!" —Holly HobbsPrice: $33.29+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 13 designs)
Ergonomic FitFlops designed with an air-foam material that retains a lightweight, cushiony feel so you feel like you're springing into each next step.
Pillow-like slides so cloud-like, you'll forget you're not actually wearing clouds on your feet. Reviewers love how comfortable they are (look at that cushioning below 👀) and they'll be your go-tos for lounging at home or the pool.
A pointed-toe flat that is basically a blazer in footwear form. Throwing these on with any old outfit = instantly profesh.
Western boots I'd argue are better than a roundtrip ticket to Nashville (no security lines, no having to pay for a carry-on at the gate, etc.). A comfortable, chunky heel coupled with jersey lining, an anti-skid sole, and pull tabs make these knee-highs a dream.
Promising review: "These boots are great! Very comfortable. I have thick calves and they fit great, not tight at all. They stay up and don't slouch, so they keep their shape well. I am a mama of very active children, and these boots are perfect for when I want to look a little more put together and not have to worry about them getting scuffed and costing me a lot of $$$. Great to wear casual or dressed up." —Amazon Customer Price: $62.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and seven colors)
Columbia hiking boots because perfection really does exist, and it's both stylish *and* functional. Reviewers can't stop raving about the solid quality, out-of-the-box comfort, and excellent traction that these waterproof babies offer.
Psst, most reviewers recommend ordering a half size up! Promising review: "These shoes are phenomenal. The lacing holds tight, so if I wear light socks, my foot doesn't shift. However, there's plenty of room to wear wool or fluffier socks. For me, they DID NOT NEED BREAKING IN. This is huge. I hate buying any kind of shoe that has a 'breaking-in period.' These were great from the get-go. I tried them on a moderate 5-mile hike on a rugged Washington (state) trail. No blisters. I put them to the test today on an 8-mile hike up a steep incline, and holy cow. They were amazing." —Stevie Price: $48.14+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits, and 10 colors)
Doc Marten lace-up boots that I personally started wearing in high school and, well, never stopped. These require a short breaking-in period, but once completed, you'll be throwing on these all-weather shoes every day.
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Running Shoes with an ultra-supportive design for your cardio workouts and beyond — reviewers say they're comfy and don't require a break-in period. How great is it to have a shoe you can wear for running errands *or* actual running at the gym?
Thigh-high boots that are the perfect compromise: They look ultra-dressy but manage to be unbelievably comfortable, ergo you can look chic and put together without having to feel like you're wobbling around on stilts.
Promising review: "I decided to give these a try because of the price, and I'm so glad I did! I was very impressed by the quality of the material, as well as how comfortable they are. I am very picky about my shoes and typically do not buy shoes that are not name brand." —WhitneyPrice: $39.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and 18 colors)
Sanuk Yoga Mat flip-flops reviewers say "j'adore" to thanks to impressive durability and a cushioning that mimics yoga mat material. These babies have been worn by travelers throughout trips to Europe, Southeast Asia, and more, all with stellar marks.
Strappy platform pumps for your next night out or special occasion. Imagine you on the dance floor in these comfy babies? You definitely wouldn't miss those uncomfy black heels sitting in your closet.
Promising review: "I typically like to get shoes that are under three inches because I find high heels to be very uncomfortable. But these shoes are the exception. About 5 inches high, these heels are very comfortable and very, very cute. I wore these shoes during my graduation yesterday, and my feet did not hurt even after walking for much of the day. Note that I didn't even break these shoes in (it was my first time wearing them), and yet they were very comfortable on the first wear! I would 10 out of 10 recommend this! Get yourself these shoes if you are looking for an easy-to-wear pair of cute heels." —Danielle J.Price: $41.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 18 colors)
Chelsea boots that, despite having a generous heel, are comfortable enough to walk around in all darn day. These are perfect for weekends fueled by coffee runs and trips to the bookstore.
Promising review: "I really like these shoes a lot — they're incredibly comfortable for being heeled boots and I can stand in them all day at work. While I've only gone through one winter with these so far (in Chicago), they still look great! I also sprayed them with water protectant, and it didn't affect the suede material at all, so I would 10/10 recommend these." —SarasriPrice: $32.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and eight colors)

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28 Amazon Shoes That Help Prevent Blisters And Pain
28 Amazon Shoes That Help Prevent Blisters And Pain

Buzz Feed

time2 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

28 Amazon Shoes That Help Prevent Blisters And Pain

A reissue of the iconic Steve Madden slinky sandal because the '90s called and demanded we *all* get back to our roots, i.e., try our best to look like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Next purchase up: a leather trench. Promising review: "I've never had even an inkling of a blister nor any discomfort, stumbling, or anything even beginning to come apart. The stretchy upper fits snugly and comfortably, but not so stretchy as to allow your feet to slide around at all. They don't budge in these shoes, but instead are given a sort of foot-hug feeling as they're held in place." —JJ Price: $89 (available in sizes 5–11 and six colors) Ariat leather Western boots that require zero break-in time right out of the box and conform to your foot more and more with each wear. A glove in shoe form. Promising review: "I wore these boots for five hours and they were so comfortable--didn't even have to break them in and no blisters. I am sure the more I wear them, the more they will conform to my foot, but right out of the box? Perfect." —J. HarmanPrice: $159.95+ (available in sizes 5.5–9.5, wide fits, and four colors) Chunky platform sandals to zhuzh up any outfit, whether a white tee and denim shorts or a fancier mini dress. The fashion world = now your oyster. Promising review: "Comfortably soft leather without breaking in — I wore them for a girls' long weekend in Chicago where we walked 10+ miles a day. No blisters, no discomfort, good cushioning from the thick sole, and I really enjoyed the slightly chunky look." —Charlene AbramsPrice: $79 (available in sizes 5.5–10 and five colors) Sporty hiking sandals with a similar grip to your favorite hiking books but take up a *fraction* of the space in your carry-on. Over 20,000 reviews rave that these provide excellent arch support and durable traction. Adidas tennis shoes that are no-frills, no-fuss, and you'll never ever get sick of them. What more can we say? They're everywhere for a reason. Promising review: "Got it for Europe trip, three weeks. I had my old pair from five years ago, and I love how comfy it is; I wanted a new pair for our vacation. It was comfy, no looks good with everything and can go from day to night, even with a dress. I wore it walking the three cities in Cinque Terre, it got dusty but with a little soap and light brush/wash, it looks new again. Highly recommended. I would buy from here again." —ESJPrice: $70+ (available in sizes 4.5–14 and 26 colors) Knit flats you can toss in the wash when they need a good cleaning, and et voila, they'll emerge looking brand spankin' new. Bonus points: the flexible knit fabric means they're easy to pack in a cramped carry-on. Ankle strap flats capable of inspiring even Dorothy to ditch those ruby red slippers for a more practical (but still stylish) option. Chic London Fog rain booties that have me contemplating a cross-country move to Seattle, Washington for an excuse to don these daily. All I want to do is wear. these. boots. and jump! in! puddles! Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers we're dubbing our favorite travel shoe because not only are these great for hours-long walks through new cities, but they're also excellent for the airport security line — it takes a second to slip 'em off and put 'em back on. Cushionaire sandals that have amassed over 55,000 5-star ratings, many of which call out the passed insole for providing supreme comfort and support. The best part? A knockout pricetag, currently going for $34.99. Suede clogs with over 4,000 stellar reviews stating how undeniably comfortably these shoes are — your feet deserve nothing but the best comfort and support footwear can offer, and these deliver. Reebok walking sneakers dubbed by one reviewer as a Jerry Seinfeld shoe — they didn't mean it as an insult and frankly neither do we. Promising review: "I actually bought these after my co-worker let me borrow them during our trip to Vegas where I quickly realized my Vans were intolerable. Shoutout to her for putting me on these because I love them. They go with everything and they're my most comfortable shoe now." —MarleePrice: $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and three colors) A pair of cowboy boots to put the "yee" in your "haw." Plus, reviewers note that these run wider than your average cowboy boots, i.e., your toes won't feel squished toward the front if you weren't born with a narrow footbed (neither was I, it's okay). Blondo Villa ankle booties you'll be able to pack for casual sightseeing in the morning and afternoon and fancier, chic evening outings. Consider this the epitome of a "day-to-night" fashion stape. A chunky ankle boot that should really start negotiating for PTO now considering you'll likely wear them every darn day. These babies are destined to become the ~little black dress~ of your shoe collection. Teva sandals crafted with quick-dry technology so you can walk for hours without having to worrying about slippage due to *ahem* sweaty feet. Promising review: "I bought these to wear on vacation to Japan. Walked in them every day for a week, about 20,000 steps a day in a very urban setting (using public transit etc.) and they were pretty great. When I first put them on there was a string rubbing around the toe area, but I trimmed it down and then had no problems. They didn't rub my feet or cause any blisters at all. I was amazed." —AriPrice: $55.73+ (available in sizes 5–14 and 51 colors) Pointed toe, ankle-strap pumps you can consider the first step in building your capsule footwear collection. These beauties are impeccable in their simplicity, are available in several neutral hues, and are comfortable to boot. Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy these heels. I decided to go for it, and I'm so glad I did!! They are super lightweight, comfortable, and stay on well without slipping. I love the adjustable strap around the ankle, too. They don't hurt my feet or ankles while walking. I'm probably ordering another color. I've gotten lots of compliments my first time wearing them!!" —Holly HobbsPrice: $33.29+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 13 designs) Ergonomic FitFlops designed with an air-foam material that retains a lightweight, cushiony feel so you feel like you're springing into each next step. Pillow-like slides so cloud-like, you'll forget you're not actually wearing clouds on your feet. Reviewers love how comfortable they are (look at that cushioning below 👀) and they'll be your go-tos for lounging at home or the pool. A pointed-toe flat that is basically a blazer in footwear form. Throwing these on with any old outfit = instantly profesh. Western boots I'd argue are better than a roundtrip ticket to Nashville (no security lines, no having to pay for a carry-on at the gate, etc.). A comfortable, chunky heel coupled with jersey lining, an anti-skid sole, and pull tabs make these knee-highs a dream. Promising review: "These boots are great! Very comfortable. I have thick calves and they fit great, not tight at all. They stay up and don't slouch, so they keep their shape well. I am a mama of very active children, and these boots are perfect for when I want to look a little more put together and not have to worry about them getting scuffed and costing me a lot of $$$. Great to wear casual or dressed up." —Amazon Customer Price: $62.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and seven colors) Columbia hiking boots because perfection really does exist, and it's both stylish *and* functional. Reviewers can't stop raving about the solid quality, out-of-the-box comfort, and excellent traction that these waterproof babies offer. Psst, most reviewers recommend ordering a half size up! Promising review: "These shoes are phenomenal. The lacing holds tight, so if I wear light socks, my foot doesn't shift. However, there's plenty of room to wear wool or fluffier socks. For me, they DID NOT NEED BREAKING IN. This is huge. I hate buying any kind of shoe that has a 'breaking-in period.' These were great from the get-go. I tried them on a moderate 5-mile hike on a rugged Washington (state) trail. No blisters. I put them to the test today on an 8-mile hike up a steep incline, and holy cow. They were amazing." —Stevie Price: $48.14+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits, and 10 colors) Doc Marten lace-up boots that I personally started wearing in high school and, well, never stopped. These require a short breaking-in period, but once completed, you'll be throwing on these all-weather shoes every day. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Running Shoes with an ultra-supportive design for your cardio workouts and beyond — reviewers say they're comfy and don't require a break-in period. How great is it to have a shoe you can wear for running errands *or* actual running at the gym? Thigh-high boots that are the perfect compromise: They look ultra-dressy but manage to be unbelievably comfortable, ergo you can look chic and put together without having to feel like you're wobbling around on stilts. Promising review: "I decided to give these a try because of the price, and I'm so glad I did! I was very impressed by the quality of the material, as well as how comfortable they are. I am very picky about my shoes and typically do not buy shoes that are not name brand." —WhitneyPrice: $39.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and 18 colors) Sanuk Yoga Mat flip-flops reviewers say "j'adore" to thanks to impressive durability and a cushioning that mimics yoga mat material. These babies have been worn by travelers throughout trips to Europe, Southeast Asia, and more, all with stellar marks. Strappy platform pumps for your next night out or special occasion. Imagine you on the dance floor in these comfy babies? You definitely wouldn't miss those uncomfy black heels sitting in your closet. Promising review: "I typically like to get shoes that are under three inches because I find high heels to be very uncomfortable. But these shoes are the exception. About 5 inches high, these heels are very comfortable and very, very cute. I wore these shoes during my graduation yesterday, and my feet did not hurt even after walking for much of the day. Note that I didn't even break these shoes in (it was my first time wearing them), and yet they were very comfortable on the first wear! I would 10 out of 10 recommend this! Get yourself these shoes if you are looking for an easy-to-wear pair of cute heels." —Danielle $41.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 18 colors) Chelsea boots that, despite having a generous heel, are comfortable enough to walk around in all darn day. These are perfect for weekends fueled by coffee runs and trips to the bookstore. Promising review: "I really like these shoes a lot — they're incredibly comfortable for being heeled boots and I can stand in them all day at work. While I've only gone through one winter with these so far (in Chicago), they still look great! I also sprayed them with water protectant, and it didn't affect the suede material at all, so I would 10/10 recommend these." —SarasriPrice: $32.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and eight colors)

Summer Outfits So Chic, You'll Want to Copy Them All
Summer Outfits So Chic, You'll Want to Copy Them All

Elle

time2 days ago

  • Elle

Summer Outfits So Chic, You'll Want to Copy Them All

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Don't look now, but summer is here, which means the time has come to showcase your hot-weather style with some fresh 'fits. Whether you plan to hit the beach with your crew or stay in with the A/C blasting, there's no reason you can't do it wearing something cute. If inspiration is lacking, you're in luck, I found the best casual summer outfit ideas out there, inspired by major celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner and street style mavens alike. Stick to basics with an airy sundress and summer sandals or perhaps—if you're feeling newly inspired by the NBA playoffs—opt for something sporty like a summer tracksuit and heels. At the end of the day, a cute outfit can make all the difference (at least, that's what I believe!). Check out the stylish summer outfits you can all season long, below. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a pair of jeans and a baby tee. Take notes from Kendall Jenner, who accessorized this classic combo with loafers and a baseball cap for an effortlessly cool and casual look you can wear on repeat. Jean shorts and summer just go together, and what better time to wear your favorites? Throw on your trusty Adidas Sambas, like Hailey Bieber, and your go-to denim jacket for when the temps start to dip, and you're set. Take a page from Bella Hadid and tap into the Western trend. Center your outfit around a pair of chic cowboy boots, and then style them with a fun graphic tee and cutoff shorts. You'll have a trend-worthy outfit ready in no time. Don't feel obligated to dress up if you're planning to lay low this summer. Sometimes, a sweatshirt and comfy sweatpants are the move. A monochromatic look like this one from Jennifer Lopez still looks put-together and elevated, even when you're in a loungewear set. I anticipate no regrets. An all-black ensemble is perfect for any occasion, including a barbecue or picnic. A romantic dress and ballet flats paired with a dainty necklace come together for an ensemble fit for a daytime outing. Feeling like a woman on the move? A lightweight tracksuit is just what's in order. And if you want to give it a fashion-girl twist, style it with this season's trending aviator sunglasses and a pair of metallic sandals. Sports jerseys are trending for summer—and if you're looking for an unexpected way to style yours, consider a cute bubble skirt. Spice things up with metallic accessories, and I guarantee you'll be primed for a post on the grid. For something that feels casual but still elevated, consider a fitted cardigan paired with Bermuda shorts. Polished details like ballet flats and a leather designer bag will take things up a level. Nothing beats the heat quite like a sundress, which makes it a great option for your summer uniform. It's easy, effortless, and chic—not to mention versatile. Wear it to dinner alfresco or for your neighborhood barbecue. This is a staple that can be as dressed up or down as you want it. No doubt, a long black skirt is the most underrated MVP of your everyday wardrobe. For a go-to look, you can wear again and again, opt for a denim jacket, a classic white T-shirt, and easy flats (like the ones shown here, in the ever-popular butter yellow hue). It's a classy and casual look that'll work for nearly any summer occasion.

At Sante Fe's Native American Fashion Week, It's 'Not Just About Style, It's About Presence.'
At Sante Fe's Native American Fashion Week, It's 'Not Just About Style, It's About Presence.'

Forbes

time2 days ago

  • Forbes

At Sante Fe's Native American Fashion Week, It's 'Not Just About Style, It's About Presence.'

Relative Arts NYC runway Tira Howard "Native people are still here. We always have been. But too often, this country acts like we're not. That erasure doesn't just happen in textbooks. It happens on runways, in museums, in the media and in fashion houses," says Amber Dawn, founder of Native Fashion Week. Though Indigenous practices, cultural values, and art have long been marginalized and forcibly distanced from the Western mainstream, the emergence of an Indigenous Fashion Week asserts its' presence, and keeps the culture very much alive. In Santa Fe, over the course of four days filled with fashion, panels, and parties, Native Fashion Week opened at the Santa Fe Railyard, a clever homage to Native peoples' complicated history with the railroad systems built throughout the 19th century. These tracks remain symbolic of colonization, territorial expansion, environmental devastation, and cultural erasure. During the event's opening, 'Runway on the Rails,' designers Nonamey and Ayimach Horizons previewed snippets of their collections aboard the Sky Railway during a two-hour ride into the desert. From this moment, it became clear: the clothes showcased throughout the week would be less about craftsmanship or spectacle, and more about storytelling and history. Runways to Rils Tira Howard "Native Fashion Week is not just about style. It's about presence. About pushing back on invisibility with creativity, excellence, and joy," says Amber Dawn. She continues, "Unlike the common theme in the US, which are featuring Indigenous designers in museums and making us out to exclusively be of times past, we're building a platform for the future. The exposure of modern Indigenous design is so important to this work." For Dawn, a feeling of erasure, even from runways, has happened for Indigenous culture. "Native Fashion Week Santa Fe is a reclamation of space. A space where Indigenous designers lead. And it's happening here in Santa Fe, a city that already holds a reputation for art, culture and storytelling," she says. "This is about bringing new eyes and new energy to Santa Fe. Fashion editors, buyers, stylists, celebrities, photographers, major industry figures from places like New York, LA, and beyond." One of the key figures and new eyes paying attention was CFDA CEO Steven Kolb. 'Coming to Native American Fashion Week has given me the chance to step into the community and get a sense of Indigenous culture and Native design,' Kolb said. While the CFDA currently has no plans to provide funding for Santa Fe's Native Fashion Week, Kolb emphasized, 'We can bring knowledge, advice, connections, and awareness, we want to create visibility for this within the greater fashion world.' Native American Fashion Week Tira Howard Outside of Warehouse 21, a large event space in Santa Fe, Korina Emmerich wrapped up her runway show, which featured large tassels, tribal prints, and earthy tones. 'This collection was called Seeds, and was based on the concept of 'they tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds.'' She continues, 'I wanted to focus on reinvigoration and reclamation of Indigenous culture, I used orange a lot to bring attention to Orange Shirt Day and boarding schools. Every Native person knows someone who went to those boarding schools, so I wanted to bring attention to that.' Possibly the most memorable piece was a closing statement of rebellion: a dress made out of the Palestinian flag. 'I think it's important that we keep paying attention to what's happening in Palestine, in Gaza, as they keep blocking out the news. It's an act of genocide, and it's something we [Native people] have also gone through.' Native American DFashion Week Tira Howard Emmerich, who says she was 'working on her collection until the very last minute,' draws inspiration from her heritage: the Palouse people of Washington state. She credits her father, an art teacher, as her biggest inspiration, encouraging her to embrace both her Indigenous identity and creativity. 'The first dress I made was my jingle dress for my powwow regalia, and I think a lot about putting stories into the clothing. For me, it's about storytelling more than it is about commerce.' 'Growing up, we didn't see any Native fashion designers besides Dorothy Grant, so how did you know it's a possibility if you don't see it? But the recognition is phenomenal,' she says. 'We're so lucky that we have room for everyone.' Native American Fashion Week Tira Howard On the second day of Fashion Week, in the same event space, Nonamey, who originally premiered on the Skyrails train, debuted a larger collection aimed at telling a more fully realized story. 'The name of this collection is Threaded Lineage, and it's the story of my family,' he says. 'It's an Indigenous story—my story. It begins with the Ancestor Dress, a story about my grandmother and a relative of mine who was shot by police.' Midway through the show, Nonamey presented a blinding orange, structured jacket emblazoned with the words 'DON'T SHOOT' across the back. This piece, like others in the collection, serves as a kind of "connective tissue"—memories and histories that have either directly affected him or live on through his lineage. Nonamey, who is of the Anishinaabe people of Northern Wisconsin, tells a deeply personal story of his family's forced relocation, his time in the foster care system, and the loss of identity that came with it. That journey intensified after learning he had lost both his mother and grandmother. 'It was this loss I didn't know what to do with, so I started applying it to my art,' he says. Originally trained in sculpture, Nonamey ultimately discovered that the language of clothing spoke to him more. Throughout the collection, he presented pieces that followed traditional 18th-century European dress silhouettes, layered with tribal prints, a visual merging of histories and heritages that reflect both his identity and the complex, often painful relationship with Native ethnicity in a colonized world. "I am a result of colonial action, I am an attempt at cultural genocide, but by reconnecting I stepped further away from an edge and I feel that by creating art and sharing it, i'm decolonizing this industry." Nonamey for Native American Fashion Week Tira Howard That spirit carried throughout the week. While Indigenous traditional wear is far from a monolith, with many of the designers representing diverse tribes and regions across the Americas, the shared goal of representing their heritage across time and geography remained central. Acts of rebellion, fine tailoring, streetwear, tribal prints, traditional tassels and suedes, moccasins, and sustainable fashion approaches like fur and multi-use materials were all present on the runway. 'The industry needs to know more and invest in the original designers of America. There is not one way to define Native fashion arts; the diversity is beautiful and complex,' says Amber Dawn. 'We had over 25 nations represented among the 30 Indigenous designers this season at Native Fashion Week Santa Fe. Within each of those nations, there are specific designs, colors, and intentional symbolism. Our designers blend their personal fashion with these traditional motifs, creating a modern interpretation of Indigenous fashion that embodies such a personal journey for everyone.' Nonamey NAFW Tira Howard As the week came to a close, the audience was left with a powerful message from the creator of the programming: 'From the streetwear motifs to the use of furs, which are all sustainable and sourced from Indigenous farmers in Canada, the meaning behind what our designers do, and the incredible attention to detail and purpose, must be understood through context as we enter a global forum. ' She continues, 'That's where you begin to see the vast range of performances down the runway, from Apache Skateboards to Shoshoni's Nar Rew Ekar, which went viral on social media, to the protest staged by Alex from Scrd Thndr. There was so much beauty and so many different expressions of fashion to witness. That background information is essential as we scale our exposure. We can't wait to continue expanding next season with more symposia and auxiliary events to keep sharing our designers' stories and work.'

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