From Guest Blogger: Kirsten Borrink of barkingdogshoes.com


And you thought Earth shoes looked oddball! Take a gander at these bad boys! Perhaps you've seen these on the feet of over-zealous power walkers and thought, "What is UP with those shoes??" Well, I'm about to tell ya. Say hello to the mother of all rocker-soled shoes, the MBT.

     MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. The shoe is engineered to create natural instability, similar to walking in sand or other soft surfaces, which in turn activates the muscular system to stabilize the body in a natural way.  The first time I wore my MBT Kaya's, it felt like I was standing on mini wobble boards. I had to stand up straight and tighten up my abs and glutes in order to find my balance. But once I took a few short walks, I started to get the hang of my new shoes. In fact, over the last week, I've preferred taking power-walks in the MBT over going to the gym. Not only are these shoes comfortable, I can totally feel my whole backside toning up--from calves, to thighs to bum. And my joints? No pain. My knees, hips, ankles are all feeling FINE.  You know what's so wonderful?  I see the hard sidewalk, but I don't FEEL it. At all. It's almost as if I'm really walking barefoot on the beach...except it's 32 degrees and I'm wrapped in polar fleece.

Hear what Sharon Seagrave, two time Olympian and MBT spokesperson, has to say about her "anti-shoe" experience:

In recent weeks, the blogosphere has been abuzz - and surprisingly so - over the presidential candidates' choice of footwear -- particularly that of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Politics aside, one has to admit it is great to see her pull off a variety of styles that have inspired women everywhere to view sensible footwear as chic.  Whether you agree or disagree with her personal and political views, you've got to admire her choice of shoes that feel as good as they look!  "Feel good and look good" is a mantra Footwear etc. believes in and aims to share with the world.

We've been paying close attention to Palin's comfy clogs, signature wedge slides, fashionable patent and croc leather heels, and the notorious knee high boots. In an effort to build on her stylish influence, we offer here a short selection from our popular Dansko, Mephisto, BeautiFeel and Ecco lines that we feel are worthy of a nomination for Election '08 favorites!
 




Dansko Professional Pull-up Clog













Mephisto Naiade  












BeautiFeel Celine Brown Crocodile Leather













Ecco Bremen Boot

 USA Today recently published a wonderful piece on the very busy Tina Fey,  star of 30 Rock and now famous Saturday Night Live Sarah Palin impersonator.

A busy woman clearly needs comfortable shoes, and the article notes her footwear choice:

"In an industry in which a woman can be either gorgeous or funny but rarely both, she's the rare exception. Fey can star in her own American Express ads, chasing Martin Scorsese through an airport, and rock a fancy David Meister frock on the red carpet. But she's still a comedy nerd, not entirely at home in the spotlight and still most comfortable in her broken-in Dansko clogs, which she slips into on set when the camera stops rolling.

And therein perhaps lies the key to Fey's appeal. Even when she was first garnering attention for her writing on Saturday Night Live, Fey came across not as a ham, but as the smart, polite girl next door — even as she gently layered on the sarcasm and wit."

Take a look at what Footwear etc. has to offer in the way of Dansko clogs. We can't guarantee you'll be transformed into the next SNL writer/performer when you slip them on, but we've heard from many customers that Dansko shoes offers great comfort for those on their feet all day.

The folks at MBT shoes have come up with 30 reasons to walk that will get you up out of your seat. Go to mbt30reasons.com to find them all, as well as to find out how to download 30 free songs perfect-for-walking. Take the "30 Walks in 30 Days" challenge, too.

Once you commit to the challenge, visit Footwear etc. to find a stylish, comfortable pair of MBT's that fit your needs and you'll be safely on your way.

MBT Shoes have made it onto the radar of O Magazine this month!  Check out the article from the September 2008 issue.  The author talks about her own experiences trying out the MBT M. Walk Pink Shoes and the experiences of others including "a chic art gallery owner, a fellow beauty editor, and my own mother."  As we consistently hear from our own customers about MBT Shoes, the article's author heard familiar comments about better posture, toner muscles and a firmer fanny! 

So head over to O's website for a quick read, and then get back to Footwear etc. so that you can start enjoying the many benefits of MBT Shoes for yourself!  Even though you already know, it can't hurt to remind you that all MBT Shoes receive Free Shipping and Free Return Shipping.  In addition, we are proud to offer our Low Price Guarantee and Lifetime Return Policy on all orders at Footwear etc!

It’s amazing how miserable those running blisters can make you. Sadly, I had taken the time to fill my iPod with the latest John Grisham novel, but I hadn’t properly cared for the most important part: my feet! Then I came across the Thorlo Thick Cushion Running Socks, and let me tell you, I had met my sole mate. They are the perfect running socks, with a comfort-cushioned footbed that reduces shock and chafing, while preventing blisters. And what about the blisters that I already had? Well the Thorlos are also made with performance fibers that keep the foot amazingly cool and dry. Without any extra moisture in the sock, my heels could heal in no time.

Summer is the time for a lot of things… but most of all, it is the season of love. I’ve certainly had something get my attention this summer, and I’m not just talking about the cute guy who works at the coffee shop down the street. Yes, in addition to my infatuation with that java-brewing Matthew McConaughey look-alike, I’ve also fallen for the Taos Serena Sandal. The Serena leather T-strap is adorned with rugged metal grommets and stitching and is secured by a buckle that is embellished with earthy, colored stones. They’re casual yet trendy, classy yet funky and perfect to show off my freshly pedicured toes. When I find myself walking to the corner for yet another iced vanilla latte, I dress to impress in a tank top, denim skirt and my red leather Serenas. In addition to the red, you can also get them in colors similar to the iced coffees that my beautiful blonde barista serves… in mocha brown, black or with cream!

Once I’ve had enough caffeine, I get on my health kick and walk a few blocks past the coffee shop to the juice bar. Luckily the Serenas are such great walking shoes, I don’t have to worry about going the extra quarter mile for my healthy protein smoothie. Taos sandals give such great support with the molded EVA footbed that contours and cushions like no other, and the Serena sandals are no exception. They’re so breathable, so durable and so comfortable that it’s hard to believe they can feel as good as they look. And the rubber outsoles absorb shock and provide traction, it’s almost as if they’re giving as many benefits as the extra vitamin boost that I add to my Banana Berry Blast.

The Taos Serena Sandals are the perfect blend of something that has both good taste and is good for you. Now if we could invent a beverage to do both things, I’d only have to make one stop!

Footwear etc. offers this style in a variety colors.

They also make more of an orthotic insole with a cast on the base to give a much firmer feel to the foot.

Try Spenco, you wont regret it.

Summer is the best season. With all of the barbecues and beach days, picnics and peach pies, fireworks and family vacations- it’s all so much fun.

But my favorite parts of summer (though the peach pies are a close second) are the SHOES. And what, my friends, is the consummate summer footwear? Why, the sandal of course! This summer, I was on a mission to find the ideal sandal… one that would be comfortable enough to be on my feet at those beach days and picnics, but also stylish enough to wear with shorts and flowy dresses.

Well that mission proved to be not impossible when I came across the Geox Tori Sandals. The black leather T-strap upper is adorned with a ring detail and is so smart and stylish (and sexy!), that they make the perfect transition from a day shoe to a night shoe. I just wore them for the entire day on the 4th of July: from early morning walking the parade route, to an afternoon of window shopping and all the way into the evening of trekking to the optimum fireworks viewing spot. And let me tell you, I had an independence day of my own as I was free from the blisters and bruises that usually plague me when I spend so much time on my feet.

Best of all, the adorable Tori Sandals are the perfect shoe for braving those hot summer days. Just like with the Noah Flats, the patented Geox insole wicks away the moisture one can so easily accumulate in a heat wave to keep you dry and comfortable. So if it’s the high temps that are making you sweat, or the nerves before a blind date on the boardwalk, either way you’re in the clear.

If you want to get a little fancier (something I am ALL for), the Geox Tori Sandals also come in a version with a sassy buckle. Those come in black and cognac, perfect to match those flowy summer dresses of any color. They’ll be sure to become your #1 summer loves… the peach pies may just have to settle for second place.
 
Also, hurry and save 10% off all regular priced sandals and an extra 10% off of sale priced sandals! The offer ends July 31, 2008!

The San Francisco Chronicle Travel editor, John Flinn, has written a wonderful article on packing light for travel. With airlines now charging for check-on bags, the tips given by John are well worth considering.

One suggestion given in the article is to pack fewer pairs of shoes, choosing styles that can serve several purposes. Here is what John, an avid traveler, recommends based on his experiences:

Ecco Track IV:

If you've never heard of Plantar Fasciitis consider yourself blessed.  If you are familiar with the foot burning symptoms caused by this painful strain, you are not in need of an explanation here. You may, however, be looking for solutions to this often debilitating syndrome. The video below appears to offer some assistance:



As the video shares, shoes can make a difference. Our customers have shared success in alleviating pain related to PF utilizing the following products from our stores:




Merrell Encore:




Superfeet Premium Insoles:



For more information on Plantar Fasciitis, try turning to plantar-fasciitis.org.

Share with us what shoes or orthotics have helped you with plantar fasciitis. Click on the "Comments" button below and leave us your recommendations.

Footwear etc. has many Keen choices (many surprisingly stylish) worth trying on. Visit us on-line or in one of our many stores.

So whether you’re running errands to cross items off your grocery list, or at an event where you’re popping open bottles of bubbly, the Mephisto Babatas with the cork support are the perfect combination of comfort and style, both casual and dressy. Anyone who tells you differently… you can tell them to put a cork in it.

Footwear etc. offers a wonderful selection of Mephisto shoes; if the flower on the Babata is too ornate for your taste, take a look at the simpler Mephisto Helen.

Geox shoes claim to have designed "the shoe that breathes." I find their television advertising delightful -- worth watching a few times over (click the play button below) -- and frightfully close to home.



Customer reviews on a variety of websites are compelling:
I have to admit that the designers of these shoes have devised a seemingly clever system -- micro-holes in the rubber outsole that let perspiration from the feet out of the shoes with the protective breathable membrane keeping water out and the feet dry.

What is clear from the comments of those who wear Geox shoes is that they are comfortable:

UGG Knightsbridge… where do I begin? They're basically the Classic Tall UGG, which I swear I wear every single day in the winter months, but with a zipper in the back!


Because here's the thing, UGGs are here to stay. They are insanely comfortable and warm and convenient and they look cute with everything.

I love the mini-skirt with tall UGGs, UGGs with a tunic and leggings, UGGs over skinny jeans, UGGs with the sweats tucked in, and then my personal fave -- UGGs under pajama pants when my sweetheart Miley (the labrador retriever, not the pop star) wakes me up at 5 a.m. to go for a walk.

I'm as snug as a bug in my UGGs. And now, with a zipper, there's less of a fight to take them off... because yes, sadly, sometimes you do have to take them off.

Footwear etc. sells this style in Espresso, Black, Sand, and Chestnut Sheepskin colors. With free shipping, the price can't be beat.

Buzzillions.com reviewers give this Naot shoe a 4.7 out of 5 star rating. It's worthwhile reading the overwhelming praise shared on this site. But if you're the type that goes for professional input, look no further than TV Guide's April 14 - 20 issue in which the costume designer of Desperate Housewives, Cate Adair, picks Naot Ashley as the perfect sandal for a "mom on the go" like Lynette, played by Felicity Huffman.