The Mephisto Women’s Niza: the ultimate easy-to-wear shoe. It’s a great casual slip-on with a nubuck leather upper. Mephisto’s Soft Air technology provides great cushioning as the shoe provides the outstanding support you’d expect from every Mephisto shoe. The leather lining allows your feet to stay cool and comfortable. This would be a fantastic shoe to wear with jeans, or even casual slacks. Available in Black Pearl, Dark Brown Pearl, or Dark Grey Pearl nubuck, this classic design is sure to be a hit.

Looking for a casual sandal? Check out the Mephisto Women’s Altina. You can walk for hours in this shoe! The sole and footbed are specifically designed to absorb shock. The cork footbed also provides outstanding stability. This could be that perfect shoe you want to take on a vacation where you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking, yet it looks like anything BUT a utilitarian shoe. Enjoy the stylish comfort of this beautiful sandal.

Men, if you need a dress shoe, consider the Gaetan. It’s a gorgeous shoe that you could wear with a suit, or even casual slacks. The classic design is made with smooth leather uppers, leather linings, and a cushioned footbed for added comfort. I really enjoy the bicycle-toe styled stitching on this shoe, it makes the shoe look very classy. This may be your new go-to shoe for work and beyond!

For a great new warm-weather slide, men will enjoy the Mephisto Men’s Zach. It has a mild rocker sole that really helps diminish leg strain as well as provide outstanding shock absorption.  You’ll definitely feel the support in the cork and latex footbed, and the soft leather upper feels great on your feet.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for the new Mephisto styles. Check out the web site and see what else might call your name!

Actually, Klogs Footwear makes more than just clogs. They also make Mary Janes, and clogs with open or closed backs. There are even unisex models to choose from!

What sets this brand apart is the superb slip resistance of the sole. Klogs actually exceed the standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) under dry, wet, and oily surface conditions. Isn’t it great to have peace of mind while you work that your shoes can help you avoid slips and falls?

All Klogs have cushioned, removable footbeds with deep heel cups that provide great shock absorption and support. The outsoles are non-marking, and the shoes are washable and durable. Available in either polyurethane or leather, they provide outstanding softness and comfort. You can even pop out the footbed to use your own orthotics or inserts. The polyurethane Klogs are even made in the USA!

I love the variety of styles available for men and women.  For an open back style, the Unisex Dusty is a great choice. This polyurethane model wipes clean with soap and water, and is a great all-around clog for extended wear. It’s available in a variety of colors, including white, chestnut, forest, and even “splatter.”

Fans of closed back shoes will love the unisex Naples. Comfort is assured with side elastic gores and a padded collar around the ankle. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, like lavender print leather, or taupe suede tapestry. There’s something for everyone in this model!

If you like Mary Janes, check out the Women’s Ashford. It has an adjustable hook and loop strap with a faux button detail to help you have a custom fit. As with the other Klogs models, the Ashford has a fantastic footbed that provides great arch support with antimicrobial, odor resistant properties.

Note on sizing: for unisex sizing, women should order their normal sizes. If a woman is a half size, go one half size UP. Men should order a full size up and WIDE. If a man is a half size, order up 1.5 sizes up and WIDE.

Not all clogs are alike! Take a look at the fantastic comfort and slip-resistant properties of Klogs Footwear. You’ll love how they feel over the course of the day!

The flagship Mary Jane, the Paloma, is now available in Pewter Charmer Leather, Western Romance Leather, and Black Etched Leather. The Pewter Charmer Leather is a dark silver-colored leather with a snakeskin texture. It’s a little shiny, and is versatile enough to wear with many colors in your wardrobe.  The Western Romance Leather is a gorgeous and subdued print of leaves and flowers in autumnal colors.  I really like the Black Etched Leather – the pattern is subtle, but definitely adds visual interest to an otherwise regular patent leather shoe. I could use this one as a dressy shoe!

Another cute Mary Jane is the Dayna. Available in Bronze Patent Leather, Chrome Patent Leather, Black Napa Leather, or my favorite – Friends White Leather. The latter is a happy pattern in blues, white and pink, depicting two women along with some flowers. How fun! This shoe is part of Alegria’s Nursing Shoe line.

The Classic, one of Alegria‘s original models, also has some new colors and patterns. If you like animal prints, check out the African Leopard Patent Leather. It’s a beautiful print, and while it’s interesting and easily recognizable as a leopard print, it’s not too “in your face.” The Classic also comes in Black Embossed Rose leather, which is subtle enough to go with everything in your wardrobe.

Like slip-ons? Try the Debra. I love how this shoe is easy to get on and off with its elastic gores, and still gives you all the fun and comfort of all Alegria shoes. This shoe is also part of Alegria’s Professional line for nurses, and is available in Copper Beauty Leather or traditional White.

The most unusual shoe in the 2011 models is the Abbi. Yes, it’s possible to have an Alegria shoe that is a lace-up oxford! This could be your next go-to shoe for everyday wear! Available in Black Nappa Leather,  Chrome Patent Leather, and Black Rose Leather (my favorite; I love anything with roses on it). You can really get a custom fit with these laces, and it’s a very versatile shoe! Can an oxford be girly? Yes!

Remember that all Alegria shoes have outstanding support properties, like: an anatomically-correct footbed that provides outstanding arch support, removable insoles made out of latex, memory foam and cork, and a mild rocker sole to alleviate joint pain and help you attain better posture. So check out the new, happy, colorful shoes from Alegria. Let your shoes boost your mood!

I can never get enough easy-to-wear shoes, and the Berries collection fits the bill. You can get clogs, mary janes, slip-on shoes, and even zip-up shoes in great colors. These shoes conform to your feet, giving you a truly custom, outstandingly comfortable fit. They’re casual, but light and stylish. Want something that fits like a glove? The Berries collection contains memory foam and 4-way stretch fabrics. Seems pretty glove-like to me!

If your feet really need a break, these shoes are particularly useful due to their Mozaic® insoles. These customizable pads let you have extra cushioning and pressure relief right where you need it. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the Aegis® anti-microbial lining in each of these shoes, which protects against fungi, bacteria and algae. The slip-on has elastic side gores to help you get the shoes on and off, and the mary jane has an adjustable hook and loop strap. Your feet won’t want to slip into anything else!

Ok, so they’re comfortable. What about style? I adore the colors in this collection. Who wouldn’t love colors called Cocoberry, Raspberry, or even Blueberry? Berries are sweet, and these are like eye candy for your feet!

The nice folks at Aetrex are really into the concept of Berries being “berry” beneficial to your well being. They’ve even provided us with some delicious and healthy berry recipes, just for fun! Enjoy them with your Berry-licious shoes from Aetrex .

Berry Best Muffins – yields 12 muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, 2 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. salt, 4-5 ½ c. fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or cranberries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425° F. Grease muffin tins beyond the rim cups as the batter expands. Berries should be well rinsed, drained and well dusted with flour. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time and blend thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to creamed mixture. Blend thoroughly and fold in the berries. Sprinkle generously with sugar over the batter tops.

Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of baking, turn oven temperature down to 375° F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until muffins are done in center and the muffin tops are a rich golden color.

Triple Berry Banana Yogurt Smoothie – yields 2 servings

Ingredients:

8 oz. frozen mixed berries, 2 small frozen bananas – peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces, 6 ounces yogurt, 1 cup whole milk, 2 Tbsp. honey

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour evenly into glasses.

Triple Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

½ cup strawberries, ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup raspberries, 1 banana, ½ cup yogurt (plain), 1 cup milk, ½ cup ice cubes

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour evenly into glasses.

Thick Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

6 large strawberries, ½ cup plain yogurt, ½ cup vanilla or strawberry ice cream, ½ cup whole milk

Directions:

In a blender, blend the strawberries with milk until strawberries are well incorporated. Add the ice cream and yogurt & whip a little longer so the smoothie remains thick. Pour evenly into glasses.

Crunchy Munchy Parfaits – yields 2 servings

Ingredients:

1/3 cup reduced fat granola, 1 (8 ounce) carton reduced fat vanilla yogurt, ½ cup fresh raspberries, ½ cup fresh blackberries or blueberries

Directions:

On the bottom of the parfait glasses, place 2 tablespoons of granola. Top each with 2 tablespoons of reduced fat vanilla yogurt. Combine the berries; divide a third of the mixture between the two glasses. Repeat yogurt and berry layers. Top with the remaining yogurt, berries and granola.

SoftWalk shoes come in widths ranging from Slim (AAA) to XX-Wide (EE). These widths should cover just about everyone! Don’t assume that because there are many widths, these look like stereotypical orthopedic shoes. They don’t!

The other great feature of these shoes is the patented SoftWalk “Eggcrate” footbed. Have you ever slept on an egg crate pad on your bed? These shoes emulate that feeling…for your feet!  I loved how the cushy footbed felt as I walked in them. It feels like you’re walking on pillows – and you are! SoftWalk shoes are great for pampering your feet. Apparently these are very popular among flight attendants, who spend many hours on their feet each day. You could experience that level of comfort too!

There are several models in particular that caught my eye, including:

The Adora – an elegant slip-on shoe that can go with dressy and casual attire alike. I noticed that my physician has a pair of these, and she loves them! Available in Navy and in Black, the Adora is the perfect all-around shoe for any occasion.

The Murietta – a lovely clog that is available in a variety of colors. I really like the Cognac Croc Leather – that would work with most of my wardrobe. The padded collar provides additional comfort on the top of your foot, and the rich croc leather upper is stylish and fashion forward. The folks at SoftWalk are also smart enough to have color coordinated footbed linings, so that the upper and footbed look cohesive.

Like booties? Check out the Trieste. It’s available in black leather or brown suede, and has a convenient side zipper to help you get it on and off. I’m also a sucker for bows, and the mini tassel bow adds that dash of femininity I love to see.

Dressy shoes don’t need to be uncomfortable; SoftWalk has filled that bill with the Dani. Available in Wheat or Black Distressed Leather, this shoe is a beautiful leather oxford with a 2 ¼” heel. This is a great shoe to wear to work or out to dinner! The lug sole is slip resistant, and this shoe even has a removable footbed should you need to insert an orthotic or insole. I love the versatility of this shoe!

Even if you don’t have an unusual-width foot, you can still enjoy the cushy comfort of SoftWalk shoes. And if you do need a width other than “B,” rejoice! You’ve finally got a variety of options for all sorts of occasions.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!