Footnotes: The Official Blog of Footwear etc.

Category Archives: Boots

When You Really Want to Make a Statement: Try the UGG Over the Knee Bailey Button Sparkles

Sometimes boots just have to be front and center in your look. I’ve discovered the perfect boot for a night on the town: UGG Australia’s Over the Knee Bailey Button Sparkles. This dramatic boot is a phenomenal choice for staying warm while looking amazingly stylish.

Need a striking look for a holiday party? Consider wearing this boot with leggings and a warm, dressy top. Want to glam up some skinny jeans? Try these boots on top of them!  How about with a dressy dress? The possibilities are endless!

I love the fact that with this boot you can have all the fabulous benefits of authentic UGG boots: high quality sheepskin that stays soft and allows your feet to breathe, an ultra-soft insole, and a convertible shearling cuff. The flexible outsole makes this boot extra comfy. You also get the bling factor with hundreds of sparkly sequins, which will make anything you wear look a little glitzier. What’s not to love?

Also note that the over-the-knee look is entirely optional; you can cuff the top down for an entirely different look altogether. How fancy do you want to be? Let your mood dictate your look!

Glam meets comfort with the UGG Over the Knee Bailey Button Sparkles. Who has to suffer for high fashion? You don’t!

More Fall Boots, Some from Unexpected Sources…

I was astonished to find out that Olukai, one of my favorite manufacturers of flip flops, actually makes boots. So not only can you get outstanding quality in a boot, you can also get outstanding support!

What the different boot styles have in common is the outstanding anatomical footbed. High density EVA provides heel and midfoot support, as well as cushioning and flexibility. You can also rest assured that each model also contains high quality leather, for durability and breathability.

I particularly like the Olukai Women’s O Waho. It’s a sporty, rugged boot that has a water-resistant nubuck upper and full grain pigskin lining. I love the whipstitch detailing on the side of the boot! The sole also provides good traction in wet weather. Check it out in Fog or Black Nubuck!

Orthaheel, which also makes some of my favorite flip flops and sandals, has come out with the Emma Lace Up Boot. Available in Camel or Black synthetic, these boots will feel wonderful on your feet. The biomechanical orthotic footbed provides outstanding support and are designed to counteract the results of walking on hard and unnatural surfaces. They are easy to care for; you can wipe them off with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Not only do they provide great support, they also have excellent traction and keep your feet warm with all man-made materials. The Emma is recommended by well-known Wellness Specialist Dr. Andrew Weil and has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Merrell is known for providing outstanding quality in rugged shoes, and their boots are no exception. I really like the Vera Mid. Available in Black or Barnwood Leather, the Vera Mid has a zipper to help you get the boot on and off, full grain leather upper, and a an air cushion in the heel for stability and shock absorption. This is the perfect boot for outdoor fun.

I’m a sucker for beautiful leather boots. Naturally, Naot would come out with the Modesto, which screams out to me to try it on. I love the scrunched shaft, yet the boot is easy to get on and off due to its full-length zipper. As with all Naot shoes, the anatomical latex and cork footbed provides outstanding support. I also like the 2.5 inch heel; it’s not too big, yet still looks girly. (By the way, it also comes in a beautiful suede as well.) I’m definitely looking forward to trying this one!

Another gorgeous leather boot is the Hobart Buckle from Ecco. I particularly like the fact that the triple buckle closure gives you the option to adjust the width of the shaft. The Hobart Buckle has a very classic style, with shiny Riviera leather. This would definitely work with dressy as well as casual attire.

The wealth of styles of boots available this Fall is enormous, and some of them are from brands you wouldn’t expect to have them. Don’t make assumptions; look through the brands at footwearetc.com and you might find some surprising and delightful choices you might not otherwise have considered.

We’ve Got Bling!

Sometimes we’ve just got to engage our inner divas. I for one love to see a little bling and sparkle in my life from time to time. The folks at UGG Australia are smart enough to recognize this burning need in some of us, and as a result have come out with two perfect boots for this purpose: the Bailey Bling, and the Classic Short Sparkles!

As with all UGG boots, these two models contain the highest quality of sheepskin available. It remains soft after repeated wearings, and allows your feet to breathe and to stay dry while they stay cozy and warm. The EVA sole is flexible and light, so you won’t feel like you’re tromping around in clodhoppers. And of course these boots are warm and durable; perfect for Fall and Winter days. But they’ve got the added benefit of a little glitz as well.

The Bailey Bling, is very similar to the Bailey Button, but rather than a wooden button embellishing the side of the boot, UGG Australia has added a Swarovski crystal! How fantastic is that – you get all the great features of the Bailey Button with a little extra glamour to it. This boot comes in Grey and Black sheepskin, and is available exclusively from Footwear etc.

The Classic Short Sparkles really DOES sparkle. Take the Classic Short Boot, add hundreds of sequins all over it, and stand back! What a glitzy boot! Again, the Classic Short Sparkles has UGG’s usual genuine sheepskin, that makes your feet feel warm and cozy but not sweaty. This fabulous sheepskin won’t become scratchy over time like its synthetic counterparts. But what really makes this boot special are all of those sequins. I absolutely love the fact that you can create two different looks to this boot merely by rubbing the sequins in one direction versus the other. Give it a try; it’s fun, and gives you a little versatility with this style! Check it out in both in Black and in Champagne.

Need Bling? Love UGGs? Be sure to try out the Bailey Bling and Classic Short Sparkles. They are both limited edition boots, available only from Footwear etc. Get your minimum daily requirement of glitz before they become sold out!

Looking for Unique Design and Quality? Check Out Pikolinos Shoes!

Men and women can rejoice! There’s a new kid on the block with beautiful, unique designs. Pikolinos shoes and boots are handcrafted in Spain, and utilize the latest technologies to produce amazing models. Pikolinos prides itself on being a leading brand for comfort, yet with a unique identity.

Men have several designs to choose from, including the beautiful Oviedo Slip-On. Available in Black or Brown leather, this shoe is a wonderful shoe for casual or dressy occasions. It has elastic gores that make the shoe easy to get on and off, a removable insole, and a foam gel padded flange. It’s also hand sewn!

Women not only have several shoe choices, but there are a couple of pairs of fabulous boots that I love! For a full-length boot, check out the Brujas. This is a fantastic boot that you could wear every day. The removable insole is cushioned for outstanding comfort, the zip fastener gives you easy on/off access, the 1” heel makes the boot comfortable to wear all day long, and the beautiful leather is treated with Scotchgard for protection against inclement weather. The best feature, in my opinion, is the elastic gore in the top of the boot that stretches a little if you need just a little more room in the calf. Outstanding!

The Verona is a classy-looking short boot. I love the detail of the two straps with buckles. You could wear this boot with all sorts of attire. I particularly think that it would look fabulous with jeans; the 2” stacked heel adds some femininity. Of course the comfort aspect is not lost on me either; the foam gel padded flange and the cushioned insole make this boot a fantastic choice.

Pikolinos prides itself on being a company committed to the environment and to efficiency, with its compliance to several management ISO certifications. I like the idea of this, but what really appeals is their high-quality, attractive shoes. Take a look at Pikolinos shoes and see how you like them!

 

 

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?

 

Back Again for Fall 2011 – Ariat Shoes!

If you like cowboy-styled boots, chunky clogs, or equestrian-inspired designs, this is the brand for you. Ariat shoes are specifically designed for equestrians, so you can wear them both at home and on the range!

I particularly like the Ariat Shada boot. The laser cut design and stitching details make this boot highly decorative and stylish. My equestrian friends think it’s perfect to wear when they ride, and although I’m a city slicker I still enjoy the western styling to wear with jeans or a denim skirt. The Duratread™ sole is made from composite materials and is durable and flexible. It’s even resistant to oils and slippage! But the full-grain leather is what really sells me on this boot. It has fantastic quality and fantastic style for your inner or outer cowgirl.

I love clogs with backs, and the Ariat Bella fits the bill perfectly. The full-grain leather upper has a padded collar and elastic gore for comfort, yet also has hand-stitched embroidery. What’s not to love? Another great feature is the arch and heel support by the ATS® shank. This shank also cushions the foot, promotes good posture, and enhances stability. And it’s cute!

For a sleek, ankle boot, check out the Ariat Spat 3. You could easily wear this when you ride, or when you play. It’s a very classy design that also contains the ATS® footbed, with the leather upper’s spat detailing and embossed basket weave panel. There’s even a foldover flap with a three-snap closure and hidden elastic gore for extra flexibility. This gorgeous boot would be suitable not just for riding “English style,” it would be lovely for a night out on the town.

Like equestrian-styled designs? You’ll love the new styles available from Ariat. They’re not just for the horsey crowd, there’s a place for them in every wardrobe.

New for Fall: the 2011 Collection from UGG Australia!

I love the fall. I love how the weather becomes cool and crisp, and the leaves on trees change color. That cool weather makes my feet cold, so I’m delighted to see the new arrivals from UGG Australia! Here are just a few of the new collection:

The Broome II is a fantastic rugged-looking boot with a molded rubber outsole. It’s durable, and provides great traction. The soft leather gives you a luxurious look and feel, and the zipper makes it easy to get on and off. Best of all, there’s a removable and replaceable sock liner that keeps your feet wicks away moisture and keeps your feet comfortable and dry. You can get serious mileage out of this boot!

Like booties? Check out the UGG Classic Mini. Available in chocolate, chestnut or black sheepskin, it has all of the features of the Classic series in a boot that’s shaft is about 5” high. It has the same grade A sheepskin, the cushioned foam covered with a sheepskin sock liner that wicks away moisture, and the light and flexible EVA outsole found in all of the Classic boots.

Even the Classic Short is available in two new fun colors: Nopal Dark Green, and Lapis Blue. These beautiful jewel tones give you more options to play with in your wardrobe. But as always, the fabulous cozy sheepskin makes your feet feel totally pampered. (And I for one live to be pampered.)

More styles will be arriving soon! So check out the new arrivals from UGG Australia. There’s an UGG boot for everyone!

 

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!

 

Multiple Looks from the UGG Cardy Series!

Sometimes I just get bored with shoes. Maybe that’s why I love to peruse what’s new and exciting, or switch around shoes from my collection frequently. But getting shoes as frequently as I’d like can sometimes be a little cost-prohibitive, so I love it when a single shoe can provide a couple of different looks. That’s why I really love the Cardy series from UGG Australia.

How many ways do I love the Cardy? Let me count them….I love how soft the merino wool looks and feels. I love how if I feel like wearing an ankle boot, I can fold over the the top to create a cuff. I love how I can have a casual look by slouching down the top of the boot. I love how I can wear the boot all the way up to keep my legs warm. I adore the versatility of this boot!

Not only do the Cardys come in a variety of colors, you can even get them in two different styles: the Classic, and the Lattice. And as with all UGG boots, they are durable, have a cozy sheepskin sockliner that helps keep your feet warm and dry, and a flexible EVA outsole.

I can’t wait for the cool, fall weather to kick in so that I can break mine out! For sweater-like comfort in a stylish boot, check out the UGG Cardy series from UGG Australia. They’re the perfect boots for maximum versatility!

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!

Categories