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Category Archives: Men’s Shoes

Not all Shoe Laces are Created Equal!

Written on December 30, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

If you’re like me, you never think about shoe laces until one breaks on you. But when it does, keeping your shoe on properly becomes a big hassle. Footwear etc. carries several brands of laces, which can work on all sorts of shoes!

Need dress shoe laces? Check out the Mephisto replacement shoe laces in black. These 80 cm long cotton laces are specific for dress shoes and are a round, braided style. They’ll look great with all sorts of dress shoes!

For casual or walking shoes, Mephisto also makes replacement laces in tan, and black. These are 90 cm long and are flat and woven from 100% cotton. You can also get them in Birch or Espresso in 90, 115, 120, and 130 cm lengths.

Ecco also makes replacement shoe laces that are suitable for many types of casual walking shoes. Available in white and black in 32” lengths, these round braided laces are treated with wax for extra strength.

Cadillac has an interesting type of lace, called the Comfort Lace. These black rope-shaped laces are 30” long, but contain collapsible knots. These knots produce “tension zones” at each eyelet, which helps you maintain tension in particular areas. These laces eliminate the need to keep retying your shoes due to slippage. The Comfort Lace shoe laces are a great choice if you find you need to re-tie your shoes more than you’d like to.

Don’t be fooled by cheap knock-offs; the Mephisto, Ecco and Cadillac laces are very high quality and hold up well over time. Consider any of these when you need a new pair of laces!

 

Also posted in Accessories, Cadillac Products, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Ecco Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Mephisto Shoes, Shoe Care, Shoe Laces, Women's Shoes | Tagged , ,

New for Winter: More Rugged Shoes from Allrounder by Mephisto!

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

Sometimes you just need rugged shoes. Mephisto, a leader in quality footwear, has an entire division devoted just to these shoes: Allrounder by Mephisto. There are brand new styles ready and waiting for your outdoor activities, so take a look!

The Men’s Shogun is a fantastic shoe for those weekends in the Great Outdoors, or even as a casual yet rugged shoe for everyday wear. You’ll love the cushioned, anatomical footbed that makes walking so comfortable. (If you need to use an orthotic, you can always remove this footbed.) Shock absorption is outstanding in this model, as is the durability of the outsole. This is a great all-around rugged shoe for men.

In women’s styles, check out the Naroma. I love the Naroma because it’s waterproof! It’s a sporty-looking shoe with a black nylon and suede upper, and orange accents in the upper and in the outsole. The removable foam latex insole has a really helpful arch support, perfect for helping your feet stay comfortable during those long hikes. The shock absorber heel is also really handy for helping you avoid fatigue. The rugged outsole is just the thing you need for those uneven, slick surfaces.

 Allrounder by Mephisto even came out with a Mary Jane style, called the Niro. If there’s such a thing as a girly yet rugged shoe, this would be it. The Niro has a 1-inch heel, and a strap over the top of the foot, yet has all the properties of a rugged hiking shoe. The outsole has grip even on slick ground, the shock absorption is outstanding, and the soft latex foam padding provides additional comfort at the instep and ankle. Given it’s a Mary Jane style, it’s a breeze to get on and off too!

Before that next outing in the Great Outdoors, take a look at the rugged shoes of Allrounder by Mephisto. Your feet will appreciate the comfort over all sorts of terrain.

Also posted in Allrounder by Mephisto, Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , ,

New Balance 1123MC – For All of Us, Not Just for the Serious Runner

Written on November 28, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Given that I have assorted foot problems, I always look for athletic-styled shoes that provide exceptional support for whatever activity I might attempt. Most of the time for me, that’s just walking. I particularly needed a reliable shoe for all the walking I knew I’d do on my last vacation, and went back to my favorite brand of athletic shoes: New Balance. I have yet to go wrong with this brand, it has everything I need. I was intrigued by the 1123MC, even though it’s technically a running shoe, but it ended up being a great shoe for me! Here’s why:

This shoe is designed as a high-mileage trainer for runners who require maximum motion control and stability. While I am not a runner, I definitely need the stability. My right foot is prone to stress fractures, so having the extra stability and support is very helpful. This shoe contains Abzorb SBS, which is an engineered foam that provides outstanding shock absorption in the heel and forefoot. For enhanced stability, there is a rollbar that controls pronation and supination.

This shoe also contains the usual outstanding features found in all New Balance shoes, including a wide, high toe box to allow your toes room to move, exceptional durability, lightweight comfort and support, and mesh in the upper to help keep your feet cool. The 1123MC got me through Europe, and it gets me all through my neighborhood on my daily walks. I feel good about choosing a shoe that provides all the stability I need to avoid reinjuring my foot.

Runners tell me that this is a superb shoe for over and under pronators. Avoiding repetitive stress injuries is key to a successful athletic shoe, and the 1123MC provides as much stability and support as you can get in a running shoe.

Even Diabetics can feel good about wearing this shoe given its outstanding support properties and roomy toe box. It’s even rated under Medicare/HPCS code A5500 as a bona-fide Diabetic Shoe. Available for both men and women, it’s a great shoe for everyone!

Don’t be intimidated by a shoe that’s advertised as “a high mileage trainer” if you’re not a runner. The New Balance 1123MC is a fabulous shoe for all of us.

Also posted in Arch Support, Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, New Balance Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy – What Do You Wear if You Have Both?

Written on November 17, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I received an interesting phone call from a customer a few days ago. Her situation was particularly interesting because she has both Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy. She has worn MBT shoes for several years, and it greatly helped her Plantar Fasciitis. She was actually looking for a new boot that she could wear in sloppy weather but was concerned about how her MBTs would hold up in snow.

This set off all sorts of red flags in my head, for a variety of reasons:

1)      MBTs are not designed for people with neuropathy. When you have sensory loss in your feet, your balance is adversely affected. Wearing a shoe that provides natural instability creates a huge risk of you falling. As a result, MBT does not recommend its shoes for people with neuropathy.

2)      MBT shoes, even the GTX models, are really not designed for tromping around in the snow. Yes, they are waterproof, but they do not provide the level of traction that a bona-fide snow boot does. So yes, you can wear your MBT shoes out in sloppy weather, but I’d stick to regular snow boots if you’ve got any level of accumulation on the ground.

3)      Neuropathy sufferers really need stable shoes. Regardless of what caused the Neuropathy, those folks should look for the same types of shoes as those folks with Diabetes. Generally, you should look for: a MILD rocker sole (to help propel you forward) but with a stable heel, and a high, wide toe box so that your toes won’t rub against the shoe. Any shoe with a lot of support is also excellent. Look for shoes that are soft and with cushioning if possible. It’s also helpful to find a shoe that can accommodate custom orthotics, just in case.

Generally, any shoe that is rated HPCPS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) A5500 compliant is acceptable for Diabetics under Medicare and Medicaid.  These are fine choices for people with Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis as well due to their excellent supportive properties.

Finding shoes that help both of these medical conditions can be a challenge, but Footwear etc. carries a bunch of shoes that are worth considering.

Drew Shoes are specifically designed for Diabetics, but also have many of the supportive properties needed for those with Plantar Fasciitis. Available for men and women, they come in a wide variety of styles.

Finding slippers for Plantar Fasciitis as well as Neuropathy is a little tricky. While they are not specifically rated for Diabetics, the Orthaheel slippers are definite possibilities. I would suggest you try them on and see if you have enough toe space for these to work for Neuropathy patients. They definitely have good supportive properties and can help Plantar Fasciitis. Qwaruba makes some front and side wrap slippers that are definitely gentle for your feet, although they are not particularly supportive. If you’re not going to do a lot of walking, these could be beneficial.

New Balance makes some great athletic shoes that address both of these issues.  I would particularly look at the models that have the HPCPS A5500 rating. I particularly like the New Balance MW927BK walking shoe (and the corresponding WW927BK for women). It’s very stable, has a roll bar for motion control, is lightweight, and has great cushioning and support. This is a great all-around shoe.

Don’t assume that the products needed to alleviate Plantar Fasciitis and Neuropathy symptoms are mutually exclusive. There are a variety of shoes out there that can be beneficial. Try different types of shoes to see what works best for you!

Also posted in Arch Support, Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Drew Shoes, Footwear etc., MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, New Balance Shoes, Orthaheel, Qwaruba Slippers, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Just in Time for the Holidays: Men’s Dress Shoes from Bostonian!

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

My dad wore dress shoes to work every day. My husband breaks out dress shoes just a few times a year. With the holidays coming up, more and more men are going to need comfortable dress shoes, and Footwear etc. now carries a brand steeped in tradition: Bostonian.

Bostonian has been around for a long time – over 110 years. This is the first brand that introduced flexible dress shoes, and over the years has come up with new technological and styling innovations to keep men happy.  Currently, Bostonian features models that combine athletic-shoe technology with dress and casual shoe styles, so this brand is a great choice for men seeking comfort as well as beautiful craftsmanship.

Men have a huge variety of styles to choose from.  Like slip-ons? Consider the Ballard Bit, or the Martin. I particularly like the Evanston since I love tassels. How about a lace-up shoe?  Check out the Pollino, or the Howes. For all you wing tip fans, there’s the Luglite Wing or the Andover. How about Penny Loafers? There’s the Pershing. These models are just the tip of the iceberg; Bostonian makes many more styles in a variety of colors. All of them are made with leather uppers, soft linings, and flexible outsoles that have great traction and stability. There’s a tremendous amount of versatility in this line; you can wear them with anything from khakis to a tuxedo!

Don’t assume that men’s dress shoes are uncomfortable. Bostonian has been making comfortable dress shoes for many years, and has perfected the art of creating comfort footwear.  Give them a try this holiday season, and beyond!

Also posted in Bostonian Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Shoes | Tagged ,

Dansko Professional Clogs: The Premier Choice of People On their Feet All Day!

Written on November 7, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

One of the side effects of working for a shoe company is that I now notice what people wear on their feet. Every time I visit the Dr.’s office, I am struck by the sheer quantity of Dansko Professionals I see. It seems to be THE choice of medical professionals everywhere. I’ve also noticed a lot of teachers who wear them as well. Why do they choose Danskos? Let me count the reasons:

They are outstandingly supportive and comfortable. The toe box is wide, so your toes can move comfortably. The heel counter lets your heel move up and down as you walk. The heel cup cradles your heel and provides lateral stability. I feel arch support as well, which is particularly helpful on those days when my plantar fasciitis flares up. The rocker sole propels your foot forward as you walk, and the outsole provides excellent shock absorption.

They are durable. Dansko products are made from the highest quality leather available, and that always holds up better than the cheaper knock-offs. The polypropylene inner frame can take a lot of abuse, and the outsole is practically bomb proof. You’ll get a lot of mileage out of these shoes.

They are stylish.  The Professional model is available in a ton of colors and patterns to augment your wardrobe or your mood. You can wear a whimsical style one day, and a conservative-looking model the next. Your feet won’t feel a difference in the outstanding quality, but you have many options in appearance to choose from.

I started wearing the Professonals years ago when I was teaching, and they were the only shoes I owned that I could use to get through the whole day on my feet. I was gratified to see my podiatrist wearing the same model. This is a hugely popular model at my local surgery center; I’ve seen a variety of colors and patterns worn there.

Need to be on your feet all day? Try out the Dansko Professional. You can be stylish and comfortable while constantly on your feet!

 

Also posted in Arch Support, Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Boat Shoes are BACK!!!

Written on October 28, 2011 — 1 Comment Leave a comment

I love Boat Shoes. They are so easy to wear, look great with casual outfits, are perfect for slipping on to run outside for the paper, and are rugged and durable. Sebago has a full line of attractive styles, perfect for both men and women.

Sebago shoes are known for their outstanding slip-resistant properties. The non-marking rubber  soles really help ensure stability as you walk. You can also feel secure that the brass eyelets won’t corrode, and the rawhide laces will hold up over time. These are great shoes for wet, sloppy conditions, and are preferred by sailors everywhere. They are made from a single piece of form-fitting leather and are durable and comfortable.

Men and women have a variety of options to choose from.  I enjoy different colors in the upper, so I particularly like the Women’s Spinnaker in Navy/Lagoon Nubuck/Leather. The upper has both navy blue nubuck as well as a lighter grey-blue smooth leather by the laces.  It’s a very attractive boat shoe, and I can feel secure that the slip-resistant properties will help keep me on my feet during sloppy weather. I can easily see myself slipping into this shoe during those precious weekend days when I just want something easy and comfortable to wear.

The Men’s Schooner is a boat shoe with a stroke of elegance. The Brown Oiled Waxy Leather actually gives this shoe a formal look; perfect to wear with khakis or other casual slacks. This is a perfect shoe for those times when you want something slightly dressier than a sneaker, but want all the comfort you can get.

Not into boat shoes? No problem! Check out the Sebago Men’s Triton Shore or Triton Sport models. These sneaker-styled shoes even have a removable anatomical footbed, so you’ll not only  get some support, you can also use an orthotic if need be. These two styles have full grain leather and mesh uppers to help keep your feet cool. The Triton Shore has some attractive striping details as well. The rubber cup sole on these shoes provides outstanding traction so you don’t have to worry about slippage.

Sebago shoes are perfect for those casual days when you want a stylish shoe to just slip on and go. Discover the joys of marine-styled footwear!

 

Also posted in Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Sebago Shoes, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , ,

Get Off The Couch and Get Fit with ASICS Shoes!

Written on October 21, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

A friend of mine refers to the extra poundage he starts to accumulate at this time of year as his “Winter Weight.” He’s great about getting exercise when the weather is nice, but during the sloppier winter months, it’s just more difficult to find the motivation. I can barely get myself off the couch when it’s cold and wet. But winter is no time to give up on your fitness plan, and a great way to help you stay motivated is with a little retail therapy. The items that will get me off the couch are some great models from a fantastic running shoe company: ASICS!

Couch potatoes like me can rejoice in the fact that ASICS makes a wide variety of fitness shoes to choose from. How do you know which shoe is best for you? Here are some guidelines:

If you’re going to do predominantly fitness walking, consider a bona fide walking shoe like the ASICS Gel-Tech Walker Neo® 2. Walking shoes tend to be a little stiffer than running shoes, and are designed for maximum heel protection since walkers tend to land on their heels as they stride. The ASICS Gel-Tech Walker Neo® 2 shoe does this and more. It also has the benefit of being a lightweight shoe while having two layers of memory foam. The design and materials of this shoe really provide outstanding stability and comfort while you walk. It’s available for both men and women too!

The Women’s Gel-Kayano 17 is a fabulous all-around running shoe. It excels in helping you move efficiently through your gait cycle. There is even a cushioned platform feel in the forefoot, which is specifically designed for women. It even has a 3 mm additional height to help relieve Achilles tension. This lightweight shoe helps your feet stay cool and dry, while providing exceptional support.

Overpronators, the shoe that’s just for you is the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 13. Available for both men and women, this running shoe has gender-specific forefoot cushioning and full-length Solyte® midsole material to provide extra stability. It’s the perfect shoe for mild to moderate pronators.

Are you a trail runner? Try the ASICS GT-2160 Trail. Both men and women will enjoy the extra traction and durability of this rugged shoe. It contains reversed lugs for uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain. I really like how that can help you stay safe as you run. And as with all ASICS shoes, your feet will stay cool, dry, and supported.

Note that all of these shoes have received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. That’s quite an endorsement!

So get up off the couch and try out the new shoes from ASICS. Even lousy weather this winter can’t outweigh the outstanding benefits of these shoes.

Also posted in ASICS Shoes, Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , ,

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

Written on October 6, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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!

 

 

Also posted in Boots, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Pikolinos Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , ,

Announcing the Fall 2011 Collection from MBT Shoes!

Written on September 30, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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?

 

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Boots, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Gore-Tex, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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