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.

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!

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

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!

Olukai’s high quality and comfort stems from its wrap construction which consists of an “anatomical midsole” wrapped in premium leather skin which is bonded to the leather and rubber outsole. The exclusive Anatomical Midsole – with its excellent arch and heel support – positions your foot naturally allowing it to move through the stride comfortably and correctly. This in turn reduces leg fatigue so you can truly enjoy those long, leisurely summer strolls.

Footwear etc. is proud to offer Olukai in a variety of styles and colors for both men and women. Find your perfect pair today!

Footwear etc. is proud to carry a variety of Auri shoes to suit any occasion – including the red carpet!

Olukai Mahana – Jungle/Toffee	Olukai Hiapo – Dark Java/Kona

But my favorite parts of summer (though the peach pies are a close second) are the SHOES. And what, my friends, is the consummate summer footwear? Why, the sandal of course! This summer, I was on a mission to find the ideal sandal… one that would be comfortable enough to be on my feet at those beach days and picnics, but also stylish enough to wear with shorts and flowy dresses.

Well that mission proved to be not impossible when I came across the Geox Tori Sandals. The black leather T-strap upper is adorned with a ring detail and is so smart and stylish (and sexy!), that they make the perfect transition from a day shoe to a night shoe. I just wore them for the entire day on the 4th of July: from early morning walking the parade route, to an afternoon of window shopping and all the way into the evening of trekking to the optimum fireworks viewing spot. And let me tell you, I had an independence day of my own as I was free from the blisters and bruises that usually plague me when I spend so much time on my feet.

Best of all, the adorable Tori Sandals are the perfect shoe for braving those hot summer days. Just like with the Noah Flats, the patented Geox insole wicks away the moisture one can so easily accumulate in a heat wave to keep you dry and comfortable. So if it’s the high temps that are making you sweat, or the nerves before a blind date on the boardwalk, either way you’re in the clear.

If you want to get a little fancier (something I am ALL for), the Geox Tori Sandals also come in a version with a sassy buckle. Those come in black and cognac, perfect to match those flowy summer dresses of any color. They’ll be sure to become your #1 summer loves… the peach pies may just have to settle for second place.

Also, hurry and save 10% off all regular priced sandals and an extra 10% off of sale priced sandals! The offer ends July 31, 2008!

Until now, I’ve had two uses for cork. It’s the material on the back of my bulletin board that I tack shopping lists to, and it’s the little stopper that seals my champagne. So when I hear that cork can also be comfortable on the soles of my feet, I become as bubbly as a bottle of brut.

Allow me to introduce you to the Mephisto Babata sandal. It turns out that the same low-density, high-elasticity, near-impermeable cork material that holds up my list of supermarket needs, also contours to my foot and cushions to offer arch support like no other. So that’s good. But then the real question that I know is on your mind:

Can a shoe this therapeutic also be cute? Well, I’m so glad you asked!

While the footbed is cork, the upper is soft calfskin leather that comes together to form a fun and flirty flower. Thanks to the floral accent, the Babatas can easily be dressed up or dressed down. The 1-inch heel also offers a nice slimming effect to the legs, so don’t be afraid to pair them with that cute short skirt either.

So whether you’re running errands to cross items off your grocery list, or at an event where you’re popping open bottles of bubbly, the Mephisto Babatas with the cork support are the perfect combination of comfort and style, both casual and dressy. Anyone who tells you differently… you can tell them to put a cork in it.

Footwear etc. offers a wonderful selection of Mephisto shoes; if the flower on the Babata is too ornate for your taste, take a look at the simpler Mephisto Helen.