Footnotes: The Official Blog of Footwear etc.

Category Archives: Athletic Shoes

Athletic Shoes for the New Year!

Isn’t everyone’s standard New Year’s Resolution to lose weight or get fit? Seems like this is an annual event for many of us! If you actually plan to DO this, you need to have comfortable, supportive shoes for the activity you choose. Why not treat yourself to a new pair of athletic shoes? Footwear etc. has a wide variety of shoes that would be perfect for all of your exercise needs.

I need motion control in my athletic shoes because I tend to overpronate. I also need outstanding stability and support, since my feet are prone to stress fractures. New Balance has just come out with an update to their popular 1123 model, the 1540. Available for both men and women, this shoe excels in stability for runners and is also a great shoe for walkers. The big difference between this model and the 1123 is that the 1540 is lighter. I love the fact that these are so easy to wear, I might even get up off the couch to do so! As always with New Balance shoes, there’s a nice high, wide toe box and great ventilation so that your toes aren’t squished and your feet stay cool and dry. They’re even certified under Medicare as a Diabetic shoe, so you know that they’ll be good to your feet. And they’re made in the USA!

ASICS makes some fabulous running and walking shoes. For walkers, the Gel-Tech Walker Neo 2 is a very supportive shoe that will make exercise walking or strolling very enjoyable. These are lightweight yet highly supportive shoes, and even have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They are designed to enhance your foot’s natural gait while providing maximum comfort. Definitely worth a try! ASICS also makes some outstanding running shoes, for your neighborhood or the trail. Check them out!

Need new hiking shoes? You can’t go wrong with Merrell products. They were designed for great support and rugged durability. I really like the Moab – my favorite version is waterproof and can take whatever trail has to dish out!  The anatomical footbed keeps your feet supported, while the breathable bellows tongue and mesh upper keep your feet cool and comfortable. The Moab is available in an oxford style as well as a mid-boot for both men and women, and are fantastic for those weekend outings.

Fans of Barefoot running shoes will be thrilled by the choices from Vibram Fivefingers. The KSO model for both men and women is a particularly nice all-around shoe, suitable for running, water sports, yoga, and other fitness activities. They’re flexible, are slip-resistant, and really let you feel the pavement under your feet. If you don’t know anything about barefoot technology, definitely check them out to see if they are right for you! Many runners swear by these shoes. If you don’t want a lot of support, these could be the answer to your prayers!

These are just a few models from some of our favorite brands to help entice you off the couch this year. Stay motivated, and treat your feet kindly with some new athletic shoes!

 

New Balance 1123MC – For All of Us, Not Just for the Serious Runner

Given that I have assorted foot problems, I always look for athletic-styled shoes that provide exceptional support for whatever activity I might attempt. Most of the time for me, that’s just walking. I particularly needed a reliable shoe for all the walking I knew I’d do on my last vacation, and went back to my favorite brand of athletic shoes: New Balance. I have yet to go wrong with this brand, it has everything I need. I was intrigued by the 1123MC, even though it’s technically a running shoe, but it ended up being a great shoe for me! Here’s why:

This shoe is designed as a high-mileage trainer for runners who require maximum motion control and stability. While I am not a runner, I definitely need the stability. My right foot is prone to stress fractures, so having the extra stability and support is very helpful. This shoe contains Abzorb SBS, which is an engineered foam that provides outstanding shock absorption in the heel and forefoot. For enhanced stability, there is a rollbar that controls pronation and supination.

This shoe also contains the usual outstanding features found in all New Balance shoes, including a wide, high toe box to allow your toes room to move, exceptional durability, lightweight comfort and support, and mesh in the upper to help keep your feet cool. The 1123MC got me through Europe, and it gets me all through my neighborhood on my daily walks. I feel good about choosing a shoe that provides all the stability I need to avoid reinjuring my foot.

Runners tell me that this is a superb shoe for over and under pronators. Avoiding repetitive stress injuries is key to a successful athletic shoe, and the 1123MC provides as much stability and support as you can get in a running shoe.

Even Diabetics can feel good about wearing this shoe given its outstanding support properties and roomy toe box. It’s even rated under Medicare/HPCS code A5500 as a bona-fide Diabetic Shoe. Available for both men and women, it’s a great shoe for everyone!

Don’t be intimidated by a shoe that’s advertised as “a high mileage trainer” if you’re not a runner. The New Balance 1123MC is a fabulous shoe for all of us.

Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy – What Do You Wear if You Have Both?

I received an interesting phone call from a customer a few days ago. Her situation was particularly interesting because she has both Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy. She has worn MBT shoes for several years, and it greatly helped her Plantar Fasciitis. She was actually looking for a new boot that she could wear in sloppy weather but was concerned about how her MBTs would hold up in snow.

This set off all sorts of red flags in my head, for a variety of reasons:

1)      MBTs are not designed for people with neuropathy. When you have sensory loss in your feet, your balance is adversely affected. Wearing a shoe that provides natural instability creates a huge risk of you falling. As a result, MBT does not recommend its shoes for people with neuropathy.

2)      MBT shoes, even the GTX models, are really not designed for tromping around in the snow. Yes, they are waterproof, but they do not provide the level of traction that a bona-fide snow boot does. So yes, you can wear your MBT shoes out in sloppy weather, but I’d stick to regular snow boots if you’ve got any level of accumulation on the ground.

3)      Neuropathy sufferers really need stable shoes. Regardless of what caused the Neuropathy, those folks should look for the same types of shoes as those folks with Diabetes. Generally, you should look for: a MILD rocker sole (to help propel you forward) but with a stable heel, and a high, wide toe box so that your toes won’t rub against the shoe. Any shoe with a lot of support is also excellent. Look for shoes that are soft and with cushioning if possible. It’s also helpful to find a shoe that can accommodate custom orthotics, just in case.

Generally, any shoe that is rated HPCPS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) A5500 compliant is acceptable for Diabetics under Medicare and Medicaid.  These are fine choices for people with Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis as well due to their excellent supportive properties.

Finding shoes that help both of these medical conditions can be a challenge, but Footwear etc. carries a bunch of shoes that are worth considering.

Drew Shoes are specifically designed for Diabetics, but also have many of the supportive properties needed for those with Plantar Fasciitis. Available for men and women, they come in a wide variety of styles.

Finding slippers for Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy is a little tricky. While they are not specifically rated for Diabetics, the Orthaheel slippers are definite possibilities. I would suggest you try them on and see if you have enough toe space for these to work for Neuropathy patients. They definitely have good supportive properties and can help Plantar Fasciitis. Qwaruba makes some front and side wrap slippers that are definitely gentle for your feet, although they are not particularly supportive. If you’re not going to do a lot of walking, these could be beneficial.

New Balance makes some great athletic shoes that address both of these issues.  I would particularly look at the models that have the HPCPS A5500 rating. I particularly like the New Balance MW927BK walking shoe (and the corresponding WW927BK for women). It’s very stable, has a roll bar for motion control, is lightweight, and has great cushioning and support. This is a great all-around shoe.

Don’t assume that the products needed to alleviate Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy symptoms are mutually exclusive. There are a variety of shoes out there that can be beneficial. Try different types of shoes to see what works best for you!

Get Off The Couch and Get Fit with ASICS Shoes!

A friend of mine refers to the extra poundage he starts to accumulate at this time of year as his “Winter Weight.” He’s great about getting exercise when the weather is nice, but during the sloppier winter months, it’s just more difficult to find the motivation. I can barely get myself off the couch when it’s cold and wet. But winter is no time to give up on your fitness plan, and a great way to help you stay motivated is with a little retail therapy. The items that will get me off the couch are some great models from a fantastic running shoe company: ASICS!

Couch potatoes like me can rejoice in the fact that ASICS makes a wide variety of fitness shoes to choose from. How do you know which shoe is best for you? Here are some guidelines:

If you’re going to do predominantly fitness walking, consider a bona fide walking shoe like the ASICS Gel-Tech Walker Neo® 2. Walking shoes tend to be a little stiffer than running shoes, and are designed for maximum heel protection since walkers tend to land on their heels as they stride. The ASICS Gel-Tech Walker Neo® 2 shoe does this and more. It also has the benefit of being a lightweight shoe while having two layers of memory foam. The design and materials of this shoe really provide outstanding stability and comfort while you walk. It’s available for both men and women too!

The Women’s Gel-Kayano 17 is a fabulous all-around running shoe. It excels in helping you move efficiently through your gait cycle. There is even a cushioned platform feel in the forefoot, which is specifically designed for women. It even has a 3 mm additional height to help relieve Achilles tension. This lightweight shoe helps your feet stay cool and dry, while providing exceptional support.

Overpronators, the shoe that’s just for you is the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 13. Available for both men and women, this running shoe has gender-specific forefoot cushioning and full-length Solyte® midsole material to provide extra stability. It’s the perfect shoe for mild to moderate pronators.

Are you a trail runner? Try the ASICS GT-2160 Trail. Both men and women will enjoy the extra traction and durability of this rugged shoe. It contains reversed lugs for uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain. I really like how that can help you stay safe as you run. And as with all ASICS shoes, your feet will stay cool, dry, and supported.

Note that all of these shoes have received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. That’s quite an endorsement!

So get up off the couch and try out the new shoes from ASICS. Even lousy weather this winter can’t outweigh the outstanding benefits of these shoes.

Announcing the Fall 2011 Collection from MBT Shoes!

For those of you who love MBT shoes and have been anxiously awaiting the new styles for the fall, your wait is over! The new collection from MBT is out and available! There are a bunch of new styles available that you can use for a variety of purposes; check these out and see what you think!

My favorite shoe in the new collection is the Chakula. Available for both men and women, this Gore-Tex shoe is fantastic for those times you want a shoe to use for exercise walking, or a stroll around town. You don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain with this shoe! The Gore-Tex lining may be waterproof, but it’s permeable so that your feet can stay cool and dry. As with all MBTs, the rocker-sole bottom creates natural instability and can help you improve your posture and balance while you tone your muscles and reduce pressure on your joints. The rubber outsole is perfect for shock absorption and traction, and I love the athletic styling of this shoe. It’s available in a variety of colors as well!

Other great athletic shoes are the Mila for women, and the Siku for men. They both come in several colors, and are wonderful all-around athletic shoes. You’ll definitely feel toned and may notice alleviation of pain in your joints when you walk in these.

Men, do you need a dress shoe? Check out the Bosi. It’s an elegant leather lace-up shoe that’s available in brown or black. You could easily wear these with a suit. These are the perfect dress shoes if you need to be on your feet. (Trial lawyers, this could be your ultimate work shoe!) The Bosi is a fabulous shoe for any dressy occasion. Just because you need to dress up doesn’t mean that your feet should hurt!

A nice oxford shoe for women is the Pata. Available in smooth leather or split leather/suede, this shoe works well for casual wear without looking like an athletic shoe. I particularly like the Taupe Grey Split Leather Suede version; I could wear that one with most of my wardrobe. It’s a really nice all-purpose shoe.

Boots are a big part of the 2011 Fall Collection. MBT has created several boots in a variety of heights, for men and women. Keep your feet cozy and comfortable with MBT’s rocker-sole technology in any of these boots:

For women, check out the Kisiwa. It’s available as an ankle boot as well as a high model. This style is elegant enough to wear to work or out on the town. The high boot is available in black leather and taupe nubuck, while the ankle boot comes in black leather. I could easily see wearing the high boot with a dress or skirt. The ankle boot is really comfortable not only because of the rocker-sole bottom, but the elastic gore on the side helps you get the boot on and off easily. Beautiful, comfortable, and practical!

Two other boots for women are the Nafasi mid and the Wia. The Nafasi Mid has a unique lace-up design, giving you a custom fit. It makes for a very sporty boot; perfect to wear with jeans or other casual attire. I love the richness of the leather. The Wia looks a little more rugged, and has a few laces at the very top of the boot so you can hold the top snug around your calf. The Wia is available in both coffee leather and moonstruck leather; as soon as I saw the photo of the moonstruck, I had a flash of Julie Christie in Dr. Zhivago. While she didn’t wear the Wia, you can still feel like a movie star in this boot!

Men also have some great choices in boots. The Kitabu comes in both an oxford shoe as well as a high (just over the ankle) boot. It’s sporty and rugged-looking, perfect for casual wear. The GTX model (the oxford, not the boot) is very handy for sloppy weather since it contains Gore-Tex. You’ll love the informal style in this lace-up boot or shoe.

The Kizingo is a beautiful dress boot for men. Available in black leather or coffee nubuck, it’s elegant and easy to wear. This ankle-height boot is a great alternative to conventional oxford-style shoes for the office or dressy occasions. Isn’t it great that men finally have lots of options in dressy shoes too?

Lastly, MBT’s flagship shoe, the Ari, is already getting rave reviews from customers. This completely redesigned sole is the winner of this year’s Red Dot Award for Product Design. The Ari is a limited edition shoe, and has the most advanced ventilation system on the market. See why this shoe is radically different from all the rest, and why customers think it’s a phenomenal investment.

So there they are. The Fall 2011 Collection from MBT has something for everyone. I know which will be my favorites; how about you?

 

Customers Agree: MBT Shoes Can Really Help Certain Medical Conditions

We love getting feedback! It’s the best way we can keep improving our service, and carrying the most relevant products to our customers. We love to hear what works, what doesn’t, and how our shoes can really make a difference in your life. Lately, we’ve been hearing some amazing feedback about MBT shoes for folks who have an assortment of medical issues.

The most feedback we’ve gotten is for the alleviation of plantar fasciitis symptoms. The rocker sole of MBT shoes helps keep the plantar fascia stretched, yet the rigid sole does so gently. Dozens of customers have called to tell us how MBTs are the only shoes that they can wear, particularly for those people who have to walk or stand a lot during their days.

Arthritis sufferers also extol MBT’s virtues. The natural instability that the rocker sole creates actually takes pressure off your joints and helps you realign your body. We’ve had numerous reports of hip, knee, and back pain being dramatically reduced just by the use of these shoes.

People with ankle fusion have had significant issues with conventional shoes, since walking without your ankle bending is tremendously difficult in those. The rigidity of the sole of MBT shoes makes movement much easier, without putting too much pressure on the ankle. Some customers have reported phenomenal results in this way.

Even people with hip replacements have reported outstanding results with MBT shoes. Here’s an example from one of our customers, Martha:

I discovered Footwear etc. only about a month ago. I have ordered 6 pairs of shoes during their MBT sale and am so very happy with the purchases. I wear a size 12 women’s shoe — a size that is virtually impossible to find in most shoe stores and especially in MBT styles. MBT is the ONLY shoe I can wear since hip replacement surgery left me with a leg length discrepancy and lower back pain. But I cannot find them in my size. Also, I can’t really affort to buy them at the regular price and Footwear etc.’s sales are a Godsend for me. That is why I have bought 6 pairs while they are on sale. MBT’s last a long time and I am hoping that by stocking up, it will keep me shoed until the next sale. Also, whenever I call Footwear etc. for help, I get a REAL PERSON on the phone who never fails to be truly helpful and polite — a rarity in today’s busy world with too many customer service people whose first priority is to convince you that your problem is not theirs!

We love hearing that we can make a difference in our customers lives, both with our outstanding service as well as our top-notch products like MBT shoes. Let us know how we can make a difference for you!

 

Feel Good About Your Choices with Vegan Shoes!

Animal products do not always have to be part of your shoes. For some folks, having vegan shoes is important to them. But what’s a “vegan” shoe? It’s a shoe made with all man-made materials; no animal products of any kind are used in the manufacturing of the shoe at all. The comfort properties of leather shoes (softness, breathability) are indisputable, but is it possible to have these properties in a vegan shoe? Absolutely!

Do vegan shoes look like they’re made for hippies? Absolutely not! In fact, Footwear etc. carries over 100 styles of vegan shoes in assorted brands, both for athletic wear and casual wear. Your choices aren’t limited in this genre of shoes at all! They’re available for both men and women, depending on the model. Here are a few examples of stylish and comfortable vegan shoes:

Dansko, known for its superior comfort and support, makes several models of vegan shoes. In its flagship Professional line, there are five different patterns you can choose from while obtaining that fabulous feeling of support. I love my Professionals; they are my shoe of choice if I know I need to be standing a lot during the day, or if my feet hurt in general. Somehow they always make my feet feel better. And the vegan models have happy-looking fabrics; I particularly like Vegan Blue Tapestry. I could wear that one with about 85% of my wardrobe! Other cute choices outside the Professional line are the Volley Vegan and the Veda Vegan – both of which have canvas uppers and are perfect for casual wear.

Interested in Barefoot Technology? These shoes emulate the feeling of walking without shoes, yet protect your feet from rough, hot asphalt, etc. Both the Vibram Fivefingers and the Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove models are made with all man-made materials and are washable, durable, and breathable for your comfort. These are fabulous shoes for running “barefoot.”

Birkis makes some terrific clogs that are perfect for wet, sloppy conditions. What I love best about them, however, is that they contain a cork and latex insole that molds to the shape of your foot. This is a great shock-absorbing shoe that you could wear all day long. And if the cork insole were to wear out after prolonged use, you can always pop it out and replace it, thus saving the price of an entirely new shoe. They’re economical AND eco-friendly!

Looking for a cute flip flop you can feel good about? Try the Olukai Amo. The water-resistant, synthetic leather straps are lined with jersey knit that dries quickly. The EVA footbed and midsole are anatomically-designed for superior comfort. The gum rubber outsole provides great traction as well. This is a great vegan shoe for anytime you want to wear a flip flop.

Don’t want to wear animal products? No problem – try out some of the many vegan shoes offered by Footwear etc. You can feel great about your choices without sacrificing style and comfort.

 

Introducing MBT’s Most Technologically-Advanced Shoe: The Ari!

There’s a new kid on the block, so to speak. If you’re a fan of MBT shoes, you’ll find the newest addition to the family fascinating. It’s the Ari, and it’s truly in a class by itself.

Available for men and women, the Ari is radically different from other rocker-sole shoes (even other MBTs). It contains a dramatically superior ventilation system. It has a high performance outsole that’s designed to greatly improve traction. And it has biomechanical pillars in the midsole. The Ari has been recognized as a 2011 Red Dot Award  Winner for its innovative technological advancements in shoe design.

Sounds impressive, but what does this really mean?

The new ventilation system contains a highly-breathable mesh upper, lightweight sock liner, and inlay sole. The biomechanically-engineered pillars in the sole increase air flow as you step. (If you look at the shoe from a side view, you can see the pillars in action!). One layer of the midsole, the lasting board, actually contains ventilation portals that allow your feet to stay significantly cooler and drier than in other shoes. If your feet tend to get hot, these are the shoes for you!

Ok, so it will keep your feet cool and dry, but how does it feel? Fantastic! I wore them around the office, and they are phenomenally lightweight. I also noticed that the rocker motion is a little more pronounced than in other MBT shoes; the sole is a little thicker than some of the other relatively new models. As with other MBTs, the natural instability helps you improve your posture and therefore alleviates joint pain, and the rolling motion allows you to strengthen and tone your muscles. The other thing I noticed is that the shoe seems to be cut a little narrow (even for MBTs), so if you have a wider foot, you might consider going up ½ a size.

Yes, these shoes are more expensive than other MBT shoes. But you can feel the difference in comfort. Your feet are worth it! But don’t wait too long, there are only 1,000 pairs of this limited edition shoe available in the country! Give the Ari a try and discover what the best technology in rocker-sole shoes can do for you.

Waterproof Shoes – Fun for Work, Play, Sport!

Mother Nature never said that work, play or sports activities were always nice and neat and dry. If I want to go power walking in the rain, how do I keep my feet dry? What if I want to plant my veggie garden (which is always easier after it rains)? How about going white water rafting during my vacation – what shoes can I wear that can dry easily and still be comfortable as I’m getting doused by the river? What about if it snows?

There are a lot of waterproof shoes out there for many purposes. Where do you start? Think of what your “wet” activity is. Do you need them strictly for outdoor use, or for a wet indoor work environment? How rugged do you need your shoes to be? Think about how you’ll use your shoes so you can make the best determination for what you’ll need.

For exercise walking, I particularly like the MBT GTX shoes, like the MBT Fora GTX (for women) or the MBT Kimondo GTX (for men). These shoes have wonderful toning properties, help alleviate joint pain and assorted foot problems, and make walking a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I love the fact that I can get caught in a downpour and not have to worry about a little water ruining the Masai sensor. These shoes are specially treated to resist water, which I believe will help them last a lot longer.

For rugged shoes, you can’t beat Merrells. The Women’s Siren Sport GTX is a terrific shoe suitable for hiking. Encounter some sloppy terrain? No problem; these shoes are durable as well as water resistant. The anatomical footbed and air cushion in the heel provide comfort and cushioning as you walk. Perfect for the Great Outdoors!

Gardening, anyone? Check out the Birki Unisex Active Birki. I love wearing these shoes in my garden; they provide great support due to the cork and latex footbed, yet are lightweight and great for walking in mucky areas. They’re easy to keep clean too!

Another rugged, water-resistant shoe is the Keen Newport H2 series. Available for both men and women, these are the perfect shoes for rugged, sloppy terrain, or even for boating or rafting. They provide fantastic traction, and have Keen’s patented toe protection so you can feel confident that you won’t injure your toes as you play. They withstand the abuse that saltwater and dirt can bring to your shoes.

What’s a little snow? Your feet can stay warm and dry with the UGG Adirondack or Butte. These are fantastic boots for the snow, and have UGG’s usual high quality sheepskin interior to keep your feet comfortable. They also have excellent traction, and can make trudging through the snow a far more pleasurable experience.

What kind of waterproof shoe do YOU need? Take a peek at the many options Footwear etc. carries. Sloppy weather can’t stop you!

MBT Fans: New Colors for the Mahuta Available!

Here at Footwear etc. we have SO many customers call us and tell us how much they love their MBT Shoes. They love the new styles, the superior performance over other brands, the way the rocker sole helps tone their bodies, and how this technology actually helps problem feet/joints/backs feel better. We seem to never have enough styles and colors to suit all who love them! But for those of you who love less conventional shoe colors, check out the MBT Mahuta and the new colors available for that model!

As with all MBT shoes, the MBT Mahuta provides all of the properties mentioned above, and in a very stylish shoe. But now, women can get them in not just white, black, or aqua, but violet and gull grey!

MBT Mahuta ShoesI for one absolutely love purple, so if you’re a purple fan, definitely check out the violet MBT Mahuta. The grey and aqua accents make this sporty shoe extra stylish. Rest assured that the combination of these colors is completely tasteful. You’ll love wearing them out on the town!

MBT Mahuta Gull GreyFeeling a little more subdued? The gull grey MBT Mahutaversion with its pink accents help make this shoe a little more feminine, yet doesn’t shout out from your feet! Gull grey goes with so many other colors that you’ll find this shoe really versatile.

Flaunt some new colors in your wardrobe with the new colors of the MBT Mahuta. Put some fun on your feet!

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