Makeda Saggau-Sackey, writing in the D.C. Fashion&Style Examiner section of the San Francisco Examiner, shares:

    Move over Dansko, there's a new kid on the block vying for the bragging rights to designing the most comfortable and stylish shoes. Asgi, a three year old Italian shoe line hit the U.S. market with the promise of scientifically designing comfortable shoes that women would want to wear.  The shoe brand, founded by Patrick Hogan, a podiatrist and Maggie Mercado, a shoe designer, is becoming a go-to brand for women looking for comfortable shoes that can go from the board room to the ballroom. The brand offers an assortment of loafers, booties, Mary Jane's and walking shoes all designed with a patent pending technology called Soleplex.

Footwear etc. carries a beautiful selection of this comfortable and stylish shoe. Here are a few styles to consider:





Marcy Mary-Jane -- Black Nappa Leather














Roma Bootie -- Black Calf Leather













Splendor Mary-Jane -- Black Suede

 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.

When Team Territory Takers asked if we'd sponsor their participation in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk we decided to send each member a pair of MBT Women's Boost (Rose colored, of course, in honor of the pink theme) to ease their long journey. Here is what they wrote after completing the arduous trek:

I am so happy to say that WE MADE IT!  The MBT shoes were absolutely terrific and 4 of the 5 ladies of our team managed to complete the full 60 miles without blister or problem (including no aching feet or muscles). 

In the end the event raised over 4 million dollars towards the fight against breast cancer and we were so happy to be able to contribute to this cause.  There were so many inspiring stories along the way from breast cancer survivors, their spouses or people walking for friends or relatives, as well as how the funds have aided in this fight.  It is an event that has profoundly affected my life and I am so glad to have been able to do it. 

MANY people asked about the MBT's and we saw some other walkers with them as well.  We made sure everyone knew that Footwear Etc. was the place to get them and also sported the logo on our t-shirts. 

 Thanks again for all your support.

 Sincerely,

Team Territory Takers

You too can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and the search for a cure. Consider participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day event when it takes place in a city near you. Take a look at their website for more information.


My sister, who works as an RN in labor and delivery, swears by her Dansko Professional Clogs. She claims she can stay on her feet for hours on end without pain appearing in her knees or back with these classic comfort shoes on.

Recently, however, she's been singing a new tune following her purchase of a pair of Dansko Sela sandals. "Most comfortable, versatile pair of sandals I've owned in years," she told me. "I can wear them with dresses, capris, or crop pants and they always look great."

After trying on a few pairs she recommends that you order one size above your measured size. They seem to run a little small.

Footwear etc. offers this style in a variety colors.

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:

John writes, "Choosing a single, versatile pair of shoes that meets all your needs is one of the keys to packing light. The Gore-Tex lined Ecco Track IV, described as a 'rugged hiking Oxford,' sports leather uppers that pass muster in West End theaters and lugged soles that perform well on pub walks in the Cotswolds."

Footwear etc. has a few styles of Ecco shoes Track IV. Take a look by clicking on the picture of the shoes.



Merrell Chameleon
:

John adds later in the article, "for hiking trips with just a little bit of city, I bring a pair of light hikers, as they're called, low-top hiking shoes such as Merrell's Chameleon."

Waterproof, sturdy, wonderfully comfortable -- what more could you ask for in a stylish hiking shoe? We have a few styles of Merrell shoes similar to the Chameleon at very good prices.



New Balance Country Walkers
:

John concludes his shoe recommendations with the following advice: "For trips more or less divided between city and country, I wear New Balance's Country Walkers, a good all-around compromise."

One great advantage of New Balance shoes is that they come in a wide range of widths and sizes. Footwear etc. is proud to carry a large selection of New Balance shoes in all widths from 2A to 6E.


What do you wear on vacation trips? We would love to hear your suggestions. Click on the word "comments" below and share your hard earned recommendations.





Yesterday I walked 5 Kilometers in my Keen sandals during the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Challenge in San Jose, California, and felt like I was strolling on soft clouds the entire distance. I love my Keen Newport sandals -- they're ultra-comfortable, form fitting, supportive, and the toe cap protects my vulnerable toes from bumps and scrapes (frequent for a klutz like me). I own this style in several colors and wear them for informal family gatherings as well as hikes with friends in the foothills.

Shoe mavens will talk at length about the advantages of this finely designed "outdoorsman" sandal: it's completely waterproof (and machine washable), has gripping non-slip tread, an anti-microbial in-sole, and so on. What sold me on these Keen shoes was COMFORT. If I can walk five kilometers on the asphalt roads of a major metropolis to help raise thousands of dollars for Cancer patient support and return home with happy feet and knees, I'm certainly ready to share how keen I am on Keen Newport.

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





My feet sweat. By the end of a day in a simple closed shoe I feel like I'm walking in puddles, fearing those striding beside me can hear the "squish, squish" emanating from my shoes with each step. Aside from the unwelcome discomfort of soggy feet, what most worries me is the stinky stench that may waft about when I take the shoes off to get some much needed ventilation. My simple solution has been to wear stylish sandals as often as possible, but I've always dreamed of a good looking shoe that would breath with each stride.

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'm a believer! I used to be a die-hard fan of Aerosoles for my daily office workhorse shoes, but I am a Geox convert now. . . [F]or anyone who suffers from hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet), these are just unbelievable."
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:
"Great, comfy shoe! This shoe is so comfortable and cute! The cushion is so soft and thick, it feels comfortable to walk in all day long! I put them on as soon as I got them and they felt comfortable right away."