Joan married David Helpern in the 1960s, she fulfilled multiple roles as of wife, mother, teacher, and student, and desired a women’s shoe that was not just a gym shoe, slip-on, loafer, or stiletto – which were the only readily available styles at the time. She needed a shoe that would look stylish yet allow her to get about the city in comfort. The solution was to design the shoe herself: an oxford style still available in a modified form to this day.

 

The brand of Circa Joan and David Shoes feature many eloquent and beautiful designs, these women’s shoes were first manufactured in Italy as it was there that Joan found craftspeople willing to produce limited editions of her designs. Numbering from 12 to 120, per her specifications. Joan’s entry into the design field was not planned, and she had no formal design training. But most importantly she knew exactly what she wanted in her dress shoes, so she researched the market and technology involved until she was able to produce footwear that could meet the needs of sophisticated women like herself – who work and race throughout the day, serving in many different roles who also just like her value good quality and style. Joan has a simple less-is-more philosophy when it comes to design; she concentrates on classic, usable styles such as oxfords, patent leather pumps, as well as boots, flats, sandals and more. Continually raising the bar with amazing chic designs evolving from year to year. The colors she uses are subtle with the emphasis on interesting textures, and comfort is essential. Neither flat shoes nor shoes with low heels have extraneous details or extreme designs. In 1978 she was given the Coty award for her designs.

 

Joan has been influential in the field of shoe design. By successfully creating both comfortable and stylish shoes, she helped open up a new way of thinking about shoe design for women. Professional women wanted what Joan herself originally searched for—a fashionably comfortable shoe that would not be an obsolete design the next season—something more stylish than sneakers but more comfy on your feet than stilettos. By providing herself with such shoes, Joan, along with her husband David, were able to fill this need and develop the successful business named Joan & David.

 

Today you can find the collection of Circa Joan & David shoes brand at many online stores. A good customer service oriented shop will offer a price guarantee, along with free shipping both ways (on all brands they carry) just in case there’s a problem with the lining, footbed, toe platform, buckle, strap, or any other part of that stunning new black leather suede shoe you excitedly custom ordered to match your favorite pair of stunning jeans. Sometimes shoes look great online, but when you put them on you can’t feel your toes or there might not be quite enough width to them. So be sure to read up on many of the great customer reviews and unique details about how well they fit, product measurements, potential personal discomfort areas, and of course the many fun compliments others have received while showing off their new pair of official Joan and David shoes.