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Category Archives: Clogs

Feel Good About Your Choices with Vegan Shoes!

Written on September 5, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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.

 

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Barefoot Footwear, Birki, Comfort Shoes, Dansko, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Merrell Barefoot Shoes, OluKai Footwear, Sandals, Shoes, Thongs, Vegan Shoes, Vibram FiveFingers, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

Orthaheel Melissa – a Girly Slide with Outstanding Support!

Written on August 23, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I am a sucker for any shoes that have girly patterns on them. Flowers, hearts, stars…all of them are wonderful. But to find that in a really supportive shoe is tough to do. Enter Orthaheel with one of the cutest slides I’ve ever seen: the Melissa. This could become my new favorite!

Available in black or brown, the Melissa contains Orthaheel’s patented Tri-planar Motion Control footbed, making this an incredibly stable shoe. The deep heel cups and arch supports make my feet feel rejuvenated! The toe box is wide, so my toes don’t feel confined.

It’s always important to me to try out shoes that are podiatrist-designed, and endorsed by wellness professionals I trust. Orthaheel shoes are recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, who is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. Orthaheel shoes have also received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval. I love that I can feel good about cute shoes that are good for my feet!

For a great new slide, check out the Orthaheel Melissa. You’ll love how it looks and feels!

Also posted in Arch Support, Celebrity Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Orthaheel, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , ,

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, Athletic Shoes, Birki, Boots, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Time to Update the Footwear Wardrobe with Dansko Shoes!

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

I absolutely love Danskos. They are my go-to shoes for any time my feet hurt. And while they feel good, I really love the variety of styles they come in. I adore my Dansko Professionals; they are the perfect “anytime” shoe, and I use that model for dressy as well as casual occasions. The Kelsey is incredibly comfortable; it’s a wonderful casual shoe that feels like I’m walking on memory foam! And I have an ancient pair of Mary Janes that is still holding up beautifully after years of wear. Is this enough Danskos for one person? Absolutely not, and I’ve found two more models that are calling out to me!

The Dansko Becca is a gorgeous dress shoe with a 2 5/8” heel, yet has all the wonderful properties you’d find in any Dansko. The adjustable strap and buckle provide a custom fit, and the insole is soft and absorbs shocks. It feels really stable and comfortable, and I can wear this for hours on end without worrying about my feet hurting. How many dress shoes can you say that about?

For a great shoe that you can use to just slip on and go, try the Shyanne. I love the embellishment across the top of the foot! I can wear this with almost anything in my wardrobe, it’s incredibly versatile. The footbed is really soft, yet very supportive. And the shock absorption is fabulous! Now I just have to hope that my daughters don’t keep “borrowing” them from me…..

With the change in seasons, it’s time to change up your wardrobe and change your footwear. Dansko has models for every occasion!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Dansko, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

The Ultimate in Luxurious Walking Shoes: Finn Comfort!

Written on February 16, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

All too frequently I hear people say that they don’t WANT a walking shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, they want a walking shoe that they could wear to work, or out on the town, or anywhere! They want shoes that look nice, but would be perfect for travel and sightseeing. Such shoes do exist, and they are made by Finn Comfort.

Finn Comfort shoes provide outstanding orthopedic support, and are made from the finest materials available. Handcrafted in Bavaria, these shoes are specifically designed as luxury walking shoes for the sophisticated consumer. They are also specifically suited for orthotics. The comfort and support that these shoes offer is unparalleled. I’m anxious to take these on vacation! Some of my favorite designs are:

The Phuket, in Chili Selena leather. Gorgeous thong-style with an orthopedic firm footbed produces an incredible shoe for the summer. The hook and loop strap ensures a secure fit, the leather lining is soft and comfortable, and the PU outsole absorbs shock and reduces joint and muscle fatigue. All this in a handcrafted shoe…what a way to pamper your feet!

The Stanford, in Black Napa leather, is a beautiful slide with Mary Jane details. There is a hook and loop strap over the top of the foot to ensure a custom fit, and the footbed cradles your heel, provides arch support, and is hand washable! The polyurethane outsole provides great shock absorption and lets you feel like you can walk forever! Stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear!

The most comfortable shoe I have ever tried on, hands down, is the Tofino. I particularly like the Cigar Sprite leather version. It has phenomenal support, softness, shock absorption, and it fit my foot beautifully. I can wear this with dressy slacks or casual clothes, and can walk for miles in these shoes with comfort. I like the soft leather upper, and love the fact that the footbed is hand washable (as it is in all Finn Comfort shoes). This is truly a classic shoe that you can get a lot of wear out of, for many situations.

Finn Comfort excels in making your feet feel like they’re in the lap of luxury as you walk. Try out some classic elegance today!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Finn Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Insoles, Mary-Janes, Orthotics, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Birkenstock and Birki’s Shoes – They Mold to Your Feet!

Written on February 11, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Did you know that Birkenstockhas been making shoes since 1774? While there have been a few style changes, the overall design is much as it was back then. Birkenstock’s premise is that they use REAL products, like cork, jute and leather. These products allow your feet to breathe, and mold to your feet, thus providing a custom fit. And their patented footbed really sets this brand apart: there is a pronounced arch support, deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box. The footbed adapts to the shape of your feet! And the EVA sole is flexible and durable. Another great feature of Birkenstocksis that they come in narrow and regular widths. I’ve heard of many people who feel that Birkenstocks are the most supportive shoes they’ve ever owned! You can also have these shoes rebuilt once they show signs of wear!

Birkenstock’s flagship shoe is the Arizonasandal. The two buckle straps allow you to adjust the width of the shoe, and since it’s a slide the shoe is easy to get on and off. Available in smooth leathers in Hunter Brown, Cortina Brown, Antique Peat and Hunter Black, and in suedes in mocha, taupe, cocoa and black, these shoes are basic, classic, and extremely comfortable.

Clogs are also part of Birkenstock’s collection. The Boston has that great footbed that molds to your foot, but with an enclosed toe box. Yet even though it’s a clog, you can still adjust the fit with the buckle. I’ve seen people wear these shoes with dressier clothes, particularly the models that have smooth leather uppers. I like the versatility that this style brings to the collection. Available in smooth brown leather or in a variety of suede colors, there’s a clog here for everyone.

Birki’sare considered part of the Birkenstock brand, but are designed for casual family use. The cork footbed is moldable to your feet, and is replaceable when it wears out. The biggest difference in the Birki clogs is that the uppers are made from polyurethane, which makes them not only very durable but also water resistant. These are great clogs to wear out in the garden or in the kitchen!

One popular model is the Birki’s Profi. It has flexible polyurethane uppers, the moldable/washable footbed, and is lightweight and shock absorbent. It’s a great clog to help reduce fatigue if you need to stand a lot during the day. I love all the color choices of this clog: black, blue, red, white, and green! Lots of happy colors for happy activities!

Birkenstock and Birki’sare terrific sandals and clogs that mold to your feet and use natural cork in the footbed for outstanding support. Check out the shoes that have some of the most loyal customers there are!

Also posted in Arch Support, Birkenstock, Birki, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Insoles, Men's Shoes, Sandals, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

Clarks’ Unstructured Line: Ultimate Comfort in Contemporary Styles

Written on February 4, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I’ve always been a fan of Clarks shoes, and I’ve noticed recently many new models begin with “un.” Like “Un.Actual,” or “Un.Crow,” or “Un.Jib.” It seemed like a strange way to name shoes, so I did a little checking…

Turns out all the names of the shoes beginning with “un” are part of Clark’s Unstructured line. This particular class of shoes excels in keeping your feet cool and dry, with technology specifically designed to make you as comfortable as possible. The Clarks ACS (Air Circulation System)specifically brings in fresh air to your feet, while venting warm, moist air out of the shoe. And on top of that, the shoes are extremely flexible, lightweight, produce good traction, have very good shock absorption, and have really soft, leather uppers with lambskin linings. What’s not to love?

My favorite dressy sandal is the Clarks Un.Crow. With its stable 2 ¼” heel, the Un.Crow was great when I had to stand for hours at my high school reunion. My feet stayed cool and comfortable, even in heat and humidity! I also love the fact that I can wear them with both dressy clothes as well as casual clothes. A phenomenal all-around sandal that I wear year-round.

Like clogs? Check out the Clarks Un.Actual. It has a beautiful t-strap design, with all the comfort properties of the Unstructured line. Don’t be fooled by the wood-appearance of the sole; the outsole is made of lightweight PU with EVA filler and rubber strike pads. No heavy, clunky shoe here! Beautiful, easy-to-wear clog for any occasion.

My next sandal purchase will be the Un.Jib. I need another pair of casual sandals for warm weather, and the Un.Jib is fantastic. The two adjustable straps will give me a custom fit, and the soft leather insole and upper will feel fantastic. What a cool, comfortable, stylish sandal for everyday wear. I can’t wait to get my pair!

For the ultimate in casual comfort, check out the Clarks Unstructured Line of shoes. The hardest decision you’ll have is choosing which pair (or pairs!) to wear!

Also posted in Clarks Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , ,

Make No Mistake: Danskos Aren’t Just Clogs!

Written on February 3, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I love Dansko shoes. I even own 3 pairs of them. And each of them is wildly different from the other. Two of them are clogs (and each is radically from the other), but “one of these things is not like the others….” Yes, Dansko makes shoes that bear little resemblance to clogs! Yet with every Dansko product, your feet will have the same phenomenal benefits from these marvelously supportive shoes. What makes these shoes so special?

Rocker bottom sole – the back of the heel and the toe box are curved upward, so that as you walk, you rock forward. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia, and can alleviate foot pain. Yet this sole does provide outstanding stability, allowing you to stand for hours!

Superlative shock absorption – the wider heel provides lateral stability and more supportive heel strike. And the durable outsole actually provides shock absorption similar to that of athletic shoes!

Many models are certified slip resistant, and Danskos are endorsed by the American Podiatric Association. These stylish shoes are really good for your feet!

My first pair of Danskos is a Mary Jane style, similar to the Marcelle. I’ve been able to wear them with dressy clothes, with jeans, to work, out on the town, etc. I can stand for hours (and I have!) in these shoes. Their support is outstanding.

I recently got a pair of clogs that are different from any I’d seen before: the Kelsey. The outsole is more cushioned than any other clogs, and the insole actually has soft foam that conforms to my feet! These are phenomenally comfortable, and are the perfect casual shoe for everyday wear.

My all-time favorite, however, is Dansko’s flagship shoe: the Professional. I have it in Cordovan Cabrio Leather, which is a great color to wear with lots of different outfits. This is my go-to shoe for when my feet hurt. In fact, when I visited my podiatrist, these were the shoes she was wearing! I’ve also noticed these shoes on many medical professionals at our local clinic. The sole is fairly rigid, yet you can feel the support and they are incredibly comfortable even if you have to stand for long periods of time. I can truly understand why the American Podiatric Association endorses this shoe; my feet always feel better when I wear these. You can even choose colors and patterns to reflect your personality! (Green snakeskin, anyone?)

I am delighted to see that Dansko also offers boots, shoes that look like pumps, sandals and slides, and an assortment of shoes for men and kids as well! Dansko is always coming out with new styles, and I’m always excited to see what’s available. I feel like any style they come up with is going to pamper my feet, so I try to get styles to reflect my mood. Check out the wide variety of possibilities with Dansko!

Also posted in Arch Support, Boots, Comfort Shoes, Dansko, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Kids Shoes, Mary-Janes, Men's Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Sandals, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Warm and Cozy Slides from UGG Australia – the Gael and the Isabella!

Written on November 19, 2010 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Sometimes you just want to slide into a cozy shoe and just dash out the door. Sometimes you want a shoe that’s a little dressier than a typical sheepskin boot. Sometimes you just want a versatile sheepskin shoe that you can wear with a variety of outfits. Naturally, UGG Australia has a couple of options to choose from for exactly these purposes. Great sheepskin style is not just for boots; take a look at UGG’s Gael and Isabella.

The Gael is a wonderful slide that works with so many different types of outfits. It looks great with jeans, with skirts, with dressier pants outfits, etc. Being a slide, it’s easy to wear and the fact that it has UGG’s typical high-quality sheepskin lining only makes it more cozy and attractive. The molded rubber outsole and the suede covered Poron insole provide unparalleled comfort. The soft leathers and suedes are beautiful, and will stay that way since they are protected with Scotchguard. I can easily see this as my go-to slide for all occasions; and knowing how I live, I’d probably keep them right by my purse so I can grab them both and go. These are available in black suede, gravy leather, or my favorite – chestnut suede.

UGG Australia has an even dressier style slide that’s also incredibly versatile. The Isabella has been given top ratings by customers who are both “style driven” as well as “comfort driven.” Its 3-inch rubber heel and brass buckle detail make it a clog that you can wear with dressy outfits as well as casual. And warmth is never sacrificed with the curly sheepskin-lined insole. I could easily see myself wearing these with dressy slacks, or even a suit! And for those of us who are used to wearing heels all the time, these are particularly comfortable. Check them out in black or espresso leather.

UGGs…not just boots anymore! Look for dressier slides with the Gael and Isabella. Now there’s truly an UGG shoe or boot for every outfit, every occasion, every mood!

Also posted in Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Insoles, Shoes, UGG Australia, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , ,
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