Footnotes: The Official Blog of Footwear etc.

Category Archives: Athletic Shoes

Waterproof Shoes – Fun for Work, Play, Sport!

Written on August 1, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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!

Also posted in Arch Support, Birki, Boots, Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Keen Sandals, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Merrell Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Sandals, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MBT Fans: New Colors for the Mahuta Available!

Written on July 20, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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!

Also posted in Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., MBT Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Run Happy® in Brooks Shoes!

Written on July 10, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Need a new pair of running or walking shoes? Footwear etc. now carries a bunch of models from Brooks, and there’s a shoe to please everyone!

Brooks shoes have an extensive amount of technology incorporated so that they are environmentally-friendly, have outstanding shock absorption, great support and cushioning, as well as flexibility. Here’s a sampling: The BioMoGo midsole is not only long lasting, but it is actually biodegradable; once it encounters the heat of a landfill, anaerobic microbes attack the material and help it degrade as much as 50% faster than other materials. Progressive Diagonal Rollbar technology helps keep pronation under control. The outsoles, with their HPR Plus and HPR Green technology, promote excellent traction and outstanding durability.

Serious runners should check out the Beast. It’s an aptly named shoe for men. This is an outstanding shoe in terms of durability, stability, and support.

A great women’s running shoe is the Glycerin 8. The Brooks DNA technology disperses pressure throughout the shoe and provides individualized cushioning and support for any body build.

Men and Women walkers also have a wonderful choice in the Addition Walker. The nubuck upper is velvety soft and durable, while the sole is slip-resistant. It’s cushy and comfortable, and the roll bar provides outstanding stability.

Brooks feels that people will Run Happy® in their shoes and we agree! Treat yourself to a new pair of running or walking shoes!

Also posted in Arch Support, Brooks, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , ,

Put a Spring in your Step with Gravity Defyer Shoes!

Written on June 21, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Those of us with foot pain are always looking for new products to help us get through each day. Any type of shoe that can alleviate joint pain, or absorb shock, or reduce fatigue has to be good! Footwear etc. is excited to announce the arrival of Gravity Defyer Shoes, which help in all those areas.

The unique design of Gravity Defyer shoes provides a wealth of benefits for your feet. The VersoShock Trampoline Heel membrane provides outstanding shock absorption. The Smart Memory Master Spring works with the trampoline membrane to provide a smooth transition between movement, and comfort while standing still on hard surfaces. These shoes actually help propel you forward! Twin Stabilizers help keep your feet from pronating. The EVA midsole provides a gentle rocker motion while protecting your metatarsal bones.

Other benefits of the Gravity Defyer shoes include: a removable insole so that you can wear orthotics in them, and the AVS3 ventilation system to help keep your feet cool and comfortable.

Gravity Defyer shoes are available in athletic styles as well as dressy styles. There are even fisherman-style sandals!

Check out the new Gravity Defyer shoes at Footwear etc.  You’ll literally have a spring in your step as you alleviate foot pain.

Also posted in Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Gravity Defyer, Men's Shoes, Shoes | Tagged , ,

Vacations – Always a Great Excuse for New Shoes!

Written on June 20, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

It’s always so exciting to plan for a vacation – what to see, what to do, what to wear! Are my existing shoes up for the task at hand? How much walking will I be doing? Are there any formal occasions I need to plan for? What sort of attire will I need, and how can my shoes complement this? So many decisions…

Footwear etc. offers a myriad of types of shoes for many occasions. On my grand adventure, I’ll be doing lots of walking. Given that I have some foot issues anyway, I wanted to find a really stable, supportive shoe that I could count on. My choice? The New Balance WR1123MC. I’ve been a big fan of New Balance shoes for years, particularly since they come in different widths, always have a nice wide toe box, and are of excellent quality. Given my recurring stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, I wanted to have a really stable shoe with good arch support and a roll bar to help keep me from overpronating. This shoe fits the bill in all of those areas. I’ve been wearing them to walk around my neighborhood in preparation for our trip, and I think my feet should hold up just fine. I love the support and comfort, and they are lightweight too. Fabulous shoe.

But I can’t live with just walking shoes alone! I like wearing sandals in the warm weather, and I love some of the new styles out right now. Again, I need supportive, stable shoes, so I decided on the Naot Trovador. The cork footbed provides phenomenal support and feels absolutely terrific. I’m finding that they actually help alleviate some of my chronic foot pain. These are also the first sandals I’ve owned that my daughter has wanted to borrow! This gladiator-style shoe is very fashion-forward and looks great with both casual and dressier outfits.

We’ve got formal nights to contend with too. What should I wear with the ubiquitous Little Black Dress? I’m opting for the Beautifeel Women’s Star. These are truly special-occasion shoes. This elegant pump is adorned with little roses for a touch of extra femininity! These handmade shoes feature superior shock absorption and flexibility in a durable, stylish shoe. Ever have a shoe practically call out to you from your computer? This one did it for me. I adore the gorgeous styling of this shoe.

Don’t forget about helpful handbags! I’m trying out the AmeriBag extra small Healthy Back Bag. This should make it easy for me to carry around what I need every day, without being bulky or obtrusive. For a small bag, it really holds a lot. Perfect for the wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, passport, etc. I also love the fact that it’s practically maintenance-free. I’m using a microfiber version, and it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth. You can use it on one shoulder, or crossing your torso for added security.

Don’t forget to plan your footwear for your next vacation! There’s a shoe for every occasion, and your feet will thank you!

Also posted in AmeriBag, Arch Support, Bags, BeautiFeel Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Handbags, Naot Shoes, New Balance Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Sandals, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , ,

The Lightest Running Shoes You May Ever Own: The New Balance 890s

Written on June 7, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

New Balance has a reputation for putting out high quality, well-built, supportive athletic shoes. I have been a big fan of the wide toe box and outstanding support qualities; these shoes have always felt wonderful on my feet. Runners now have a new option that’s even more attractive: The 890 series is 30% lighter than comparable running shoes of other brands. If you’re running for many miles, every ounce makes a difference. Why not treat your feet to the lightest high performance running shoe out there?

The lightness of this shoe is created by the REVlite midsole foam compound. The 890s are 1.6 oz. lighter than even the Nike LunarGlide. This midsole is very durable and long lasting, making this shoe an exceptional value.

Another feature that sets this shoe apart from the masses is that it is specifically designed for those with neutral gaits (or even those who slightly underpronate). In fact, the May/June 2011 issue of Women’s Running magazine awarded it “Best Neutral Shoe.”

Available in both men’s and women’s models, the New Balance 890 series offers optimal ventilation, stability and support, shock absorption and durability. While it was designed for serious runners, it’s a great shoe for anyone who has a neutral gait.

See what a difference a 30% less weight makes as you run! Check out the New Balance 890 shoes!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, New Balance Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

MBT Jambo – A Great New Shoe for Casual Wear!

Written on May 30, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Here at Footwear etc. we get lots of calls from customers extolling the virtues of MBT shoes. They help with a litany of joint problems, foot problems, back problems, and fans of these shoes can’t say enough positive things about them. Many customers really like the models with the lower-profile soles; they provide all the benefits of MBT’s rocker-sole technology, yet don’t look clunky like the older models. I really like the improvements MBT has made in the appearance of its new models, and I have to say that one of my favorites is the new Jambo for men and women.

If you like the look of canvas lace-up shoes, you will love the Jambo. It’s casual, yet comfortable and versatile. I love the fact that it provides all the benefits of rocker-sole shoes, but doesn’t really LOOK like a rocker sole shoe. You definitely feel the rocker when they’re on your feet, but to just look at them you’ll notice that it’s very subtle and unobtrusive in appearance.

 I also really like the fact that the shoe is fairly lightweight. Many rocker-sole shoes can be heavy, and while they provide great benefits to your body, I prefer shoes that don’t weigh a lot. These fit the bill. I also really like the fact that the toe box is slightly wider than in many of the new MBT models; it gives my toes a little breathing room. And they’re cute; I can’t wait to take these on vacation!

 Available for women in Red, Black, and Military canvas, and for men in Black and Navy canvas, the Jambo is a great shoe for many occasions. Have fun with MBT’s stylish canvas shoe!

Also posted in Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

More Sandals to Expand Your Collection!

Written on April 25, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Summer is approaching, and you can never have too many sandals, can you? I need casual sandals, dressy sandals, rugged sandals, in all sorts of colors and styles. A sandal for every mood? Why not? Check out these new models from Olukai, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Chaco!

The Olukai Kukuna is one of those exceptional shoes that you can easily wear for both everyday purposes and for a night on the town. I love the pattern on the leather straps! Those straps are also soft and comfortable since they’ve been oiled, tumbled, and distressed. The anatomical compression-molded EVA midsole provides comfort as you go about your activities. I’m looking forward to taking these to work and then out to dinner!

Olukai has also come out with the Men’s Kono, a spiffy slide for casual wear. The hand-sewn leather or nubuck upper has decorative stitching for visual interest. As with all Olukai shoes, the anatomical, compression molded EVA footbed provides great support. Added bonuses are the removable and washable PU sockliner, and the anti-microbial/anti-odor treatment applied to the microfiber suede lining and footbed cover. This is a great all-around slide for men.

Dr. Andrew Weil has a women’s flip flop called the Restore, which I love because it’s girly! You get phenomenal support benefits from all of Dr. Andrew Weil sandals, and now you can also get stylish and feminine styles! Dr. Andrew Weil sandals are recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association and feature a motion controlling footbed, recycled slip-resistant outsole, and orthopedic footbed. These cute flip flops blow the stereotype of what people think orthopedic shoes should look like. You get far more support and comfort from these than you would from many other flip flops. And they’re available in a bunch of colors! The men’s version of the Restore has all of the supportive features of the women’s version, in a more masculine style.

Chaco has also come out with some great sandals, with Vibram outsoles! The Z1 (for men and women) and Z2 (for women) with the Yampa outsole is a fun sandal you can use for all sorts of outdoor activities! They’re slip resistant, and the platform sole helps you keep your body in proper alignment and provides excellent arch support. It’s the perfect shoe for water sports, or for going to the beach, or …you get the idea!

Don’t wait to expand your Sandal collection; Olukai, Dr. Andrew Weil and Chaco have a lot of fantastic models to choose from so you can have a different model for every occasion!

Also posted in Arch Support, Chaco shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dress Shoes, Flip-Flops, Men's Shoes, OluKai Footwear, Sandals, Shoes, Thongs, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Make Sure Your MBTs are Real, not Fake!

Written on April 18, 2011 — 4 Comments Leave a comment

Here at Footwear etc., we get a lot of phone calls from customers who have been scammed. How is this possible? We all want to save money on shoes. Many disreputable companies take advantage of this by creating sites that carry knock-off shoes at deeply-discounted prices, and call them authentic MBTs. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly purchase shoes from these companies and don’t find out until it’s too late that they didn’t get the real deal.

How can you tell a scam? There are several tell-tale signs to look for. First, does the web site in question have a phone number where you can speak with a human being? If not, don’t order from them! Second, does the site sell any models or colors that are not listed on MBT’s web site (www.mbt.com)? If so, don’t order from them! Third, has your credit card been billed by an address in China? If so, you’ve been scammed. (Do note, however, that even some authentic MBT models are made in China. However, you shouldn’t be billed by a company in the far east.)  Did the shoes fall apart fairly quickly? They probably aren’t real MBTs. Finally, is the web site listed as an authorized dealer on MBT’s web site ? If not, don’t order from them!

Footwear etc. is proud to be one of the largest authorized dealers of MBT shoes. You can always rely on us to carry authentic MBTs. Not only do our retail stores and our online shop have an extensive variety of MBTs, we even have a concept store devoted to MBTs within The Core by Footwear etc. (located in Palo Alto, CA). We take MBT authenticity very seriously and work hard to ensure that you get the quality you expect from these shoes.

Even our customers have remarked about how good it feels to not have to worry about whether the MBTs they order from us are authentic. Here are a couple of samples:

“This is my second time ordering from this website. I was afraid of getting fakes, so I made sure to order from a place that also had actual stores. I was more than pleased with my MBT shoes as well as the shipping and packaging.”

“I chose to shop at Footwear etc. because I felt secure that I am getting the “real thing” (MBT’s). In my thorough research, Footwear etc. seems to be the most popular and trusted site for ordering a wide selection of real MBT’s at reasonable prices.”

Don’t take a chance on getting fake MBTs! Be sure you purchase from an authorized dealer, like Footwear etc. Many people have learned the hard way, save yourself a lot of grief!

Also posted in Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Sandals, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bond with Your Terrain Using Barefoot Technology from Merrell and New Balance

Written on March 21, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

There’s a new trend in footwear: less is more! Manufacturers are just beginning to follow the lead of Vibram FiveFingers, which emulate the effects of barefoot walking/running yet protect the soles of your feet. Merrell and New Balance have both come out with fantastic new lines of shoes subscribing to the philosophy of “connecting” you to the terrain and providing the benefits of walking and running barefoot, yet protecting your feet from rocks and other potentially painful materials.

These collections may be minimalist in terms of padding, weight, and allowing your foot to move as if it had no shoe on at all, yet they are stylish and provide excellent traction and protection for the soles of your feet. The durable Vibram sole helps you resist slipping, but is also flexibile. These are not overcushioned, overbuilt shoes; they provide you with the ability to run off your arches, and land on your whole foot – thus diffusing the impact as you run. You’ll use muscles in the way nature intended, and will notice that your feet and leg muscles will become stronger.

Merrell’s Barefoot Collection has a variety of styles for men and women that are attractive enough to wear anywhere! I particularly like the Mary Jane-styled Barefoot Pure Glove in Lavender. I would have no qualms wearing it shopping, or even for a walk in the woods. They really let me feel in touch with the terrain, while protecting the soles of my feet. It’s an incredibly comfortable shoe.

Men have a variety of choices as well. A great shoe for everyday wear as well as running is the Barefoot Tough Glove in black. The laces secure the shoe to your foot, yet do not undermine the minimalist feel of the shoe. There have been numerous reports from runners as to how good this shoe feels when they run! And it transitions well for everyday activities too.

New Balance’s Minimus Collection is New Balance’s entry into the barefoot running shoe market. These shoes also allow you to feel the terrain, and are marvelous for trail running as well as casual wear. The Vibram outsole protects the soles of your feet, while the synthetic mesh upper provides lightweight support and comfort. Designed to be worn with or without socks, the Minimus is great for neutral runners as well as those with chronic injuries or gait issues. I particularly like the WT10GG in gray.

Note that an adjustment to Barefoot Technology can take time; using conventional shoes with their cushioning and stabilizing mechanisms may actually have weakened your muscles. You may need weeks or even months to get used to this technology, so start out gradually. As running shoes, these collections stimulate muscles, allows your feet to find their natural landing pad, and helps you attain a more efficient stride.

The Merrell Barefoot Collection and the New Balance Minimus Collection give you give you all the benefits of walking/running barefoot, in some stylish and incredibly comfortable shoes. Give them a try, and experience Barefoot Technology at its best!

Also posted in Barefoot Footwear, Footwear etc., Merrell Barefoot Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, New Balance Minimus Shoes, Shoes, Vibram FiveFingers | Tagged , , , , ,
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