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Category Archives: Dansko

Expand Your Dansko Collection with Great New Sandals!

I love Dansko shoes. I have 3 different pairs. They are my go-to shoes whenever my feet hurt. I love the support they provide, and the mild rocker sole action that occurs with every step. I’m really excited to see that Dansko has added several new sandals to its line, and I can’t wait to try them!

I can easily see myself wearing the Dansko Rowena with jeans or skirts. The Rowena is a causal style that is definitely feminine but not too girly. Available in Brown Crazy Horse Leather and Black Full Grain Leather, the Rowena makes a statement that the wearer is fashion forward and carefree. Even though the heel height is 3 inches, it’s incredibly comfortable. You can also count on Dansko to have a contoured fotobed and outstanding arch support in all of its shoes, and the Rowena is no exception.

For an easy-to-wear slide, check out the Sophie. It has a pillow-soft footbed for luxurious comfort, and two adjustable straps for a custom fit. This shoe migrates from your daily activities to your evenings out with ease, and you can be assured for comfort all day long due to its lightweight construction. Casual enough to wear with shorts, or dressy enough to wear with slacks or a skirt, the Sophie can easily become an integral part of your wardrobe.

Sometimes you just need to really pamper your feet, and the Dansko Tasha does that with ease. The upper is made with Veg Leather, which is a buttery-soft leather that has a rich luster. The upper is lightweight and molds to the shape of your foot. I particularly love the unusual styling of this shoe; the curved lines, cut-out in the heel, and 2 ¾” heel are elegant and beautiful. I also really love the soft, padded insole that provides great support.

The shoe I’m expecting to really take off this spring is the Dani. This is a really versatile, all-around sandal that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood for your attire of the day. The 1 ½” heel provides outstanding shock absorption, and the sock lining wicks away moisture to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Available in brown or black leather, this shoe is something you could wear every day with almost anything. And as always, the Dansko quality and comfort makes this shoe so comfortable you’ll want to wear it all the time.

If you love Dansko shoes as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out these new sandals. If you’ve never experienced the outstanding ccomfort and style of a Dansko product, what are you waiting for?

 

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.

 

Time to Update the Footwear Wardrobe with Dansko Shoes!

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!

Got Plantar Fasciitis?

One of the ailments we hear about the most is Plantar Fasciitis. It can hit you completely out of the blue; one morning you can just wake up with tremendous heel pain. Pain can occur at any time of the day, but it tends to be most prevalent when you first wake up – even before your feet hit the floor! Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by inadequate arch support, obesity, stress on the feet due to walking and standing, and even running. Inflammation of the Plantar Fascia sheath (which runs from the heel to to the toes) can be debilitating! This is a very common problem, and Footwear etc. carries a lot of products that address this issue.

Toning shoes like MBTs, Skechers, and Sano by Mephisto are extremely helpful in terms of keeping the plantar fascia stretched as you walk. This can alleviate the pain in your heel and arch, and can dramatically improve your quality of life. Other types of shoes that are helpful include rocker sole shoes, including Dansko, Aravon, Alegria, and FitFlop. Shoes with outstanding support (thus protecting the arch and having deep heel cups for comfort) include Orthaheel/Dr. Andrew Weil, Mephisto, and Naot. You’ve got lots of choices of styles to choose from.

 A specific product that many doctors recommend is the Strassburg Sock. This sock keeps the foot flexed, so that the plantar fascia can remain in a stretched position. The ideal time to wear this product is at night, so that pain can be alleviated first thing in the morning. Some users even report that the Strassburg Sock helps them heal faster!

The Strassburg Sock is essentially a tube sock with adjustable straps that keep your foot in a neutral (or slightly flexed) position. It’s easy to use, and over time can actually help strengthen the arch of your foot. An especially nice feature is that the Strassburg Sock does not lock your ankle in any one position so that you can move the joint around as your comfort level requires you to.

Another product that many find helpful in alleviating symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis is the Pedag Holiday ¾ Insole. Pedag products are endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can feel confident that they’re good for your feet. This particular insole is thin enough to fit into most shoes, yet has a firm longitudinal arch. The soft heel cushion relieves pressure on the heel, soft pads support the metatarsal area, and the overall design helps relieve pronation and flattening of the foot. This product is highly recommended for those with Plantar Fascia since it provides excellent support and helps keep your feet in alignment. Definitely worth a try to see if it helps you!

You don’t have to suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. Consider these products to help you get back on your feet again – without pain!

The Perfect Socks for Everyone!

Footwear etc. carries many brands of socks for your comfort and style needs. But which to choose? So many options, so many socks. Here’s a tour of the many socks we carry:

iT Comfort Socks: These products were designed in collaboration with orthopedists who work with athletes. Their unique fiber formula provides for non-irritating non-constricting, extra padded, anti-slip, anti-bacterial, and well ventilated socks. Available in unisex sizes, these socks are perfect for all athletic activities as well as for those with various foot conditions. Try them in crew or ankle heights!

Dansko socks: Yes, Dansko makes socks as well as clogs, shoes, and sandals! Even with entirely different materials, the Dansko quality is readily apparent. As with all Dansko products, these socks don’t skimp on style. In fact, you can have socks with all sorts of colors and stripes, as well as “Safari” prints! Many of the Dansko socks are made with Merino wool and Lycra for superlative warmth and breathability, others are made with –get this – recycled plastic bottles that have been turned into yarn! How awesome is that? And all of them have superb moisture wicking properties to keep your feet comfortable.

Kunert socks: Here are some socks that will truly pamper your feet. Kunert products are not only extremely soft (made predominantly of cotton or wool), they also include Aloe Vera and Gingko extracts to help moisturize your skin without the use of creams or lotions. Kunert socks also are designed with a pressure-resistant, non-restricting band, and contain hand-linked toes to prevent pressure there as well. There are even special socks designed for travelers to improve circulation in their legs!

Feetures socks: These socks provide those who want an athletic sock with superior performance AND less bulk! Available in a variety of heights, Feetures socks are lightweight and breathable. You’ll love how they make your feet feel!

Goodhew socks: Want some high-quality socks in a variety of colors and patterns? There’s something for everyone with Goodhew products. But they’re not just great looking; they are made with Merino Wool and Spandex. Some models even contain Bamboo for an extra luxurious feel. What also sets this brand apart is that each sock contains arch support, flat toe seams, and superior moisture wicking capabilities to keep your feet comfortable. Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and heights, Goodhew socks are perfect for every occasion.

Marcmarcs socks: Fine craftsmanship is obvious in these beautiful socks. Made predominantly from soft cotton or virgin wool, Marcmarcs contain non-binding tops and hand sewn toe seams. Many contain Aloe Vera for ultimate softness. Available in a variety of heights and colors, Marcmarcs are silky soft, incredibly comfortable, and are designed to be kind to your feet. Think of them as the spa experience for your feet!

Thorlo socks: Designed for maximum protection of the fat pads on your feet, Thorlo socks provide the ultimate in cushioning for active or everyday wear. You can find socks with cushioning appropriate for walking, running, hiking, assorted sports, and even dress socks. Thorlo socks are made predominantly from acrylic, which wicks moisture from your feet as the cushioned pads provide exceptional shock absorption and help prevent blisters. They are also made in the U.S.A.!

Feetures socks: These socks are specifically designed to provide a perfect fit for athletes so that the chance of blistering is greatly reduced. Lycra bands all through the socks ensure a great fit. The “Perfect Toe” technology” provides a hand-linked fabric so that the inside and outside surfaces are completely flat and smooth, eliminating the irritation that seams can sometimes cause. The iWick and Durasoft fibers also provide superior wicking capabilities so that your feet stay dry and comfortable. Available in black and white, as well as varying heights. Feetures socks are perfect if you need high performance and durability. Feetures is so confident you’ll love these socks, they offer a lifetime guarantee!

Jobst socks: Do you have “special needs” feet? Then check out the variety of medical socks from Jobst. Recommended by many doctors, Jobst socks are especially designed for Diabetics, people with vascular issues, and those who just have sensitive feet. Jobst excels in compression hosiery with wide toe areas, flat seams, and contains an antibacterial additive to reduce odor. Available in several colors and heights, Jobst socks are easy to wear when ordinary socks aren’t.

Aetrex socks: Another great brand that provides cushioning, flat seam construction, elasticized arch support, and shock absorption! Made from polyester and spandex, Aetrex socks give you the performance you’d need in an athletic sock, yet can be used for dressy purposes. The soft yarn provides a luxuriously soft feeling on your feet. Available in a variety of colors and heights, Aetrex socks are comfortable, versatile, and affordable!

Merrell socks: Just as you’d trust Merrell with shoes appropriate for many outdoor activities, you can now trust them for producing high-quality socks as well! These athletic socks are available in solid colors as well as some fun patterns, and are perfect for that weekend hike, or your daily run, or even regular everyday wear. Blended with wool, polypropylene, nylon and lycra, Merrell socks are not only durable, but fashion forward! They provide excellent cushioning to add comfort and shock absorption, and have superior moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry. As with all Merrell products, you can be certain that they’ll be durable and stylish for a long time!

Footwear etc. carries a sock for everyone! Check out these brands to see which suits your needs best!

Make No Mistake: Danskos Aren’t Just Clogs!

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!

Dansko Professional Pink Ribbon Clog for the Cure!

I love Dansko products. My Mary Janes have gotten me through work, and some long parties. The Kelsey is my ultimate casual comfort shoe. My go-to shoe for whenever my feet hurt (for any reason) is the Professional. And now, I have another reason to love Dansko. They’ve come out with a Professional in pink ribbon patent leather to support Breast Cancer Research.

For every pair of Professionals in pink ribbon patent leather purchased, Dansko will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, up to $25,000. Even your shoe choice can help support this incredibly important cause.

The Dansko Professional is the premier clog for all-around use. I regularly wear mine to work, with dressier clothes as well as jeans. I see lots of medical professionals and teachers wearing them; they’re great for when you have to stand on your feet all day. They are slip resistant, perfect for slick environments at work or during sloppy weather. They provide exceptional support and stability. Using the rocker sole has helped keep my feet stretched and alleviates my issues with plantar fasciitis. I love the soft, high-quality leather used for the upper, and the durability of the polyurethane outsole. And now, you can get them in pink patent leather to support Breast Cancer Research. Comfort shoes to benefit cancer research? How can it possibly get better?

Check out the stylish Dansko Professionals in Pink Ribbon Patent Leather. They’re not only good for your feet, they’re great for your conscience too. And who knows, maybe increased awareness to the cause might help someone you love.

Dansko New Arrivals: Hello, “Sole” Mate!

I am in love again. The object of my affection is the new Dansko Adele in Coral Nappa Leather. This flirty wedge sandal comes with a 2 3/8 inch heel and a tortoise shell buckle detail that creates a retro flair. As soon as I saw them in the store, I said to myself, “Hello Lover!” à la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. I was giddy with excitement. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one – apparently the entire store staff has been buzzing about the new Dansko Collection. Thirty-three NEW and exciting styles just in time for spring and Footwear etc. is proud to be among the first to receive them!

Dansko Adele Coral Sandals

Prior to my “sole mate” encounter, I’ve spent my entire life with shoes that weren’t the right “fit”. My motto was – if the shoe didn’t fit, I’ll make it fit…until I found Dansko.

Dansko. What a funny name, I thought. My inquiring mind provoked me to find the meaning of this wonderful sole mate of mine. Within a few clicks, I found that Dansko means “Danish Shoes” in Danish! Why, wouldn’t you know!

So here are my top picks.

The Dansko ‘Serena’ is soon to be your next spring (and summer) staple. It features intricate flower embroidery and is absolutely gorgeous in turquoise – the hottest new color for spring! The Serena is available in five vibrant colors including Turquoise, Sangria, Brandy, Java and Black.

Dansko Serena Turquoise Sandals

The Dansko ‘Carmen’ sandal has an adjustable in-step strap that contours to the feet and comes in seven sophisticated colors – Sangria, Espresso, Stone, White, Black, Lilac and Toffee. With subtle details like the flower embellishment on the side, you’ll ditch your boring flip-flops in a heartbeat!

Dansko Carmen Lilac Sandals

Finally, the Dansko ‘Surraya,’ in Crinkle Patent Leather, is a strappy, lightweight, versatile sandal. Available in three essential colors: Red, Toffee and Black.

Dansko Surraya Toffee Sandals

And here’s the icing on the cake – all these sandals carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval, so you can trust that these shoes are good for your feet. So what are you waiting for? Hurry and find your “sole mate” before it’s too late!

Dansko has re-tooled the popular Professional Clog

Be the envy of all your friends with this new Professional Clog. The stylish new Brown Tooled styling offers a fun spin on a popular favorite. Dansko’s flagship style offers total support and comfort. They use the highest quality leather uppers that have a heavily-oiled finish which create a durable and moisture-resistant surface. It is a rugged leather that can take on many outdoor environments, while still maintaining its beauty. Be prepared when trying on these shoes because the fit may be snug when stepping into the clog due to the generously padded instep collar. However, the heel should move freely up and down. The 1 ¾ inch heel height looks good with almost any pants and the true aficionado of these shoes will even wear them with a dress. The polypropylene inner frame provides stability, reduces torque and pronation, while the toe box sturdy reinforcement adds durability and toes protection.

Dansko-Professional-Brown-Tooled-Leather

These Boots Were Made for Walking

In recent weeks, the blogosphere has been abuzz – and surprisingly so – over the presidential candidates’ choice of footwear — particularly that of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Politics aside, one has to admit it is great to see her pull off a variety of styles that have inspired women everywhere to view sensible footwear as chic. Whether you agree or disagree with her personal and political views, you’ve got to admire her choice of shoes that feel as good as they look! “Feel good and look good” is a mantra Footwear etc. believes in and aims to share with the world.

We’ve been paying close attention to Palin’s comfy clogs, signature wedge slides, fashionable patent and croc leather heels, and the notorious knee high boots. In an effort to build on her stylish influence, we offer here a short selection from our popular Dansko, Mephisto, BeautiFeel and Ecco lines that we feel are worthy of a nomination for Election ’08 favorites!

boots-walking1 boots-walking2 boots-walking3 boots-walking4
Dansko Professional Pull-up Clog Mephisto Naiade BeautiFeel Celine Brown Crocodile Leather Ecco Bremen Boot

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