I need motion control in my athletic shoes because I tend to overpronate. I also need outstanding stability and support, since my feet are prone to stress fractures. New Balance has just come out with an update to their popular 1123 model, the 1540. Available for both men and women, this shoe excels in stability for runners and is also a great shoe for walkers. The big difference between this model and the 1123 is that the 1540 is lighter. I love the fact that these are so easy to wear, I might even get up off the couch to do so! As always with New Balance shoes, there’s a nice high, wide toe box and great ventilation so that your toes aren’t squished and your feet stay cool and dry. They’re even certified under Medicare as a Diabetic shoe, so you know that they’ll be good to your feet. And they’re made in the USA!

ASICS makes some fabulous running and walking shoes. For walkers, the Gel-Tech Walker Neo 2 is a very supportive shoe that will make exercise walking or strolling very enjoyable. These are lightweight yet highly supportive shoes, and even have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They are designed to enhance your foot’s natural gait while providing maximum comfort. Definitely worth a try! ASICS also makes some outstanding running shoes, for your neighborhood or the trail. Check them out!

Need new hiking shoes? You can’t go wrong with Merrell products. They were designed for great support and rugged durability. I really like the Moab – my favorite version is waterproof and can take whatever trail has to dish out!  The anatomical footbed keeps your feet supported, while the breathable bellows tongue and mesh upper keep your feet cool and comfortable. The Moab is available in an oxford style as well as a mid-boot for both men and women, and are fantastic for those weekend outings.

Fans of Barefoot running shoes will be thrilled by the choices from Vibram Fivefingers. The KSO model for both men and women is a particularly nice all-around shoe, suitable for running, water sports, yoga, and other fitness activities. They’re flexible, are slip-resistant, and really let you feel the pavement under your feet. If you don’t know anything about barefoot technology, definitely check them out to see if they are right for you! Many runners swear by these shoes. If you don’t want a lot of support, these could be the answer to your prayers!

These are just a few models from some of our favorite brands to help entice you off the couch this year. Stay motivated, and treat your feet kindly with some new athletic shoes!

What the different boot styles have in common is the outstanding anatomical footbed. High density EVA provides heel and midfoot support, as well as cushioning and flexibility. You can also rest assured that each model also contains high quality leather, for durability and breathability.

I particularly like the Olukai Women’s O Waho. It’s a sporty, rugged boot that has a water-resistant nubuck upper and full grain pigskin lining. I love the whipstitch detailing on the side of the boot! The sole also provides good traction in wet weather. Check it out in Fog or Black Nubuck!

Orthaheel, which also makes some of my favorite flip flops and sandals, has come out with the Emma Lace Up Boot. Available in Camel or Black synthetic, these boots will feel wonderful on your feet. The biomechanical orthotic footbed provides outstanding support and are designed to counteract the results of walking on hard and unnatural surfaces. They are easy to care for; you can wipe them off with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Not only do they provide great support, they also have excellent traction and keep your feet warm with all man-made materials. The Emma is recommended by well-known Wellness Specialist Dr. Andrew Weil and has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Merrell is known for providing outstanding quality in rugged shoes, and their boots are no exception. I really like the Vera Mid. Available in Black or Barnwood Leather, the Vera Mid has a zipper to help you get the boot on and off, full grain leather upper, and a an air cushion in the heel for stability and shock absorption. This is the perfect boot for outdoor fun.

I’m a sucker for beautiful leather boots. Naturally, Naot would come out with the Modesto, which screams out to me to try it on. I love the scrunched shaft, yet the boot is easy to get on and off due to its full-length zipper. As with all Naot shoes, the anatomical latex and cork footbed provides outstanding support. I also like the 2.5 inch heel; it’s not too big, yet still looks girly. (By the way, it also comes in a beautiful suede as well.) I’m definitely looking forward to trying this one!

Another gorgeous leather boot is the Hobart Buckle from Ecco. I particularly like the fact that the triple buckle closure gives you the option to adjust the width of the shaft. The Hobart Buckle has a very classic style, with shiny Riviera leather. This would definitely work with dressy as well as casual attire.

The wealth of styles of boots available this Fall is enormous, and some of them are from brands you wouldn’t expect to have them. Don’t make assumptions; look through the brands at footwearetc.com and you might find some surprising and delightful choices you might not otherwise have considered.

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!

Clarks Un.Beam – the beauty of Clarks shoes is that they tend to be very cushioned, so your feet feel like you’re walking on clouds! The Un.Beam is no exception; the soft, leather lining and footbed cradle your feet in cushioned comfort. This is also a great shoe to wear from work to a night on the town; it goes great with jeans or dressier attire. I also love the available colors: black, graphite, and bronze metallic. I think they’ll go with everything I own!

Indigo by Clarks Berry Blossom – the Indigo by Clarks collection is specifically designed for those of us who love to mix and match clothing and accessories to create a look that’s all your own. The Berry Blossom is an adorable, yet dressy shoe that provides all the comfort you’d expect in a Clarks shoe. Easy to slip on, easy to wear with a lot of different types of outfits. I particularly like it with skinny jeans, or skirts. My favorite color is the purple leather, but it also comes in brown and black.

Privo by Clarks Doting – this particular collection excels in casual style. What sets it apart is its unique soleassage technology. Imagine a built-in massager in your shoes! The insole has numerous textured bumps that are intended to massage your feet and help reduce fatigue throughout the day. The Doting has all of these features along with a cute, casual leather and nubuck upper that you’ll love to sink your feet into. These could easily be my perfect “let’s go shopping” shoes. No mall could beat me in these comfy flats! I’m especially fond of the grey, but they also come in eggplant and black.

Ecco Bouillon – I LOVE these dressy flats. They can be girly, they can be dressy, they can be casual. A flat for every mood? Why not? The Bouillon comes in both a casual and a dressy form (the “Casual Bouillon” vs. the “Bouillon”). Yet even some of those called “Casual” can still work as dressy shoes. A great example of this is the Ecco Casual Bouillon. The red leather version is especially fun, and would lift anyone’s mood! Ecco is known for having very good support and cushioning in its shoes, so you can’t go wrong with this brand either.

Mephisto Kalmina – Who doesn’t love superior quality, hand-made shoes? That’s the way to truly pamper your feet! You can get this with Mephisto models like the Kalmina. This is a fabulous, easy-to-wear flat that comes in black suede, brown suede, and black nappa leather. Mephisto shoes are wonderful for walking, and are known for their stability, comfort, and durability. The high-quality materials used in Mephisto shoes include leather, cork, latex and rubber, which makes all of their shoes – including the Kalmina – feel fantastic. The Kalmina is an elegant slip-on flat that is versatile enough to wear for a variety of occasions. You won’t be disappointed in the superior quality of these shoes.

Allrounder by Mephisto Estelle – I have to admit, the first thing I noticed about this shoe is that it has the same name as my mother! But when I looked further, I really loved the style. The Allrounders differ from other Mephisto shoes only in that you can’t replace the insole, but these durable shoes will last a long time anyway. The Estelle has a breathable lining that keeps your feet cool and dry, and the caoutchouc rubber outsole provides excellent traction. The stylish cross strap helps you get a custom fit! I’d feel very comfortable wearing these shoes if I need to do a lot of walking during my day, yet I won’t be sacrificing style for comfort. The Estelle is available in black as well as off-white for your fashion choices!

Merrell Marina – here’s a happy, summery shoe! The Marina is one of those shoes you’d love to just slip into on the weekends. Merrell makes rugged shoes, and this shoe is no exception, but it doesn’t look like you need to go tromping through the woods. This cute “boat shoe” style has great cushioning and a rugged sole, with an air cushion in the heel for added comfort. The footbed is soft to the touch and treated with an antimicrobial solution to help prevent odor. And I love the sporty style! Check it out in ivory, ink, and brown leather.

So many flats, so easy to wear! Choose one of the many flats available from Footwear etc. to augment your wardrobe. One for every mood? One for every color in your wardrobe? One for every day of the week? Why not?

1. MBT Baridi

2. Allrounder by Mephisto News

3. Clarks Wave Cruise

4. Ecco Yameo

5. Privo by Clarks Devine Light

6. Naot Bramble

7. Mephisto Leidina

8. Skechers Shape-Ups Sleek Fit

9. Merrell Women’s Circuit

10. BeautiFeel Filippa

1. Merrell Women’s Haven

2. Merrell Men’s Big Sky

3. Merrell Moritz Scarf

4. Merrell Pearl Beanie

5. Merrell Women’s Destination

6. Merrell Women’s Natasha

7. Merrell Women’s Pika

8. Merrell Men’s Mammoth

9. Merrell Men’s Roam

10. Merrell Cortina Flap-Cap

As fall turns into winter and rain turns to snow, we remember the importance of waterproof footwear. And when it’s time to gear up, there’s certainly no shortage in selection — there are winter-ready walking shoes, muscle-toning shoes, boots, clogs, and more. Though there are over 100+ waterproof styles to choose from, here are our top 10 waterproof footwear styles for winter weather.

1. Women’s UGG Australia Women’s Wallingford

2. Women’s MBT Chapa Gore-Tex in Ebony

3. Women’s Ecco Rise Boot Gore-Tex in Black Leather

4. Women’s Mephisto Linda in Stretch Gore-Tex

5. Women’s Clarks Bold Crystal in Black Leather

6. Men’s Merrell Radius in Nubuck

7. Men’s MBT Moto Gore-Tex in Black Nubuck

8. Men’s Ecco Cusco in Espresso Gore-Tex

9. Men’s MBT Shuguli Gore-Tex in Leather

10. Men’s Stone from Allrounder by Mephisto

One of things we’ve noticed this season is a definite trend of the color grey. And while we have plenty of other grey footwear to showcase, we’ve found these to be our favorite amongst our top sellers and rising stars this fall. Without further ado, here’s our top ten list of grey fashion forward fall footwear.

1. UGG Australia Knightsbridge – Shadow Grey

2. MBT Nama – Grey Leather

3. BeautiFeel Filippa – Graffiti Patent Leather

4. Naot Trendy – Grey/Navy Leather

5. Clarks Diamond Sparkle – Pewter Suede/Leather

6. UGG Australia Bailey Button – Grey

7. Merrell Arabesque – Gunsmoke Mesh / Leather

8. Ecco Elba Mary-Jane – Titanium Nubuck

9. Allrounder by Mephisto Nimbo – Graphite Suede / Leather

10. Naot Allure Boot – Grey Patent Leather

Clarks, Keen, and Merrell brands meet all the requirements above with soles providing excellent traction for those slippery conditions.

With a variety of MBT styles constructed of 100% waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membranes or Ecco’s “Hydromax” – exceptional leather with highly water resistant properties – you can be sure your feet will stay warm and dry this season!

MBT Chapa Gore-tex	Men’s Ecco Fusion Moc Toe Shoe (black/brown)	Women’s Clarks Devon Boot (black/brown)	Women’s Merrell Spire Boot

One suggestion given in the article is to pack fewer pairs of shoes, choosing styles that can serve several purposes. Here is what John, an avid traveler, recommends based on his experiences:

Ecco Track IV:

John writes, “Choosing a single, versatile pair of shoes that meets all your needs is one of the keys to packing light. The Gore-Tex lined Ecco Track IV, described as a ‘rugged hiking Oxford,’ sports leather uppers that pass muster in West End theaters and lugged soles that perform well on pub walks in the Cotswolds.”

Footwear etc. has a few styles of Ecco shoes Track IV. Take a look by clicking on the picture of the shoes.

Merrell Chameleon:

John adds later in the article, “for hiking trips with just a little bit of city, I bring a pair of light hikers, as they’re called, low-top hiking shoes such as Merrell’s Chameleon.”

Waterproof, sturdy, wonderfully comfortable — what more could you ask for in a stylish hiking shoe? We have a few styles of Merrell shoes similar to the Chameleon at very good prices.

New Balance Country Walkers:

John concludes his shoe recommendations with the following advice: “For trips more or less divided between city and country, I wear New Balance’s Country Walkers, a good all-around compromise.”

One great advantage of New Balance shoes is that they come in a wide range of widths and sizes. Footwear etc. is proud to carry a large selection of New Balance shoes in all widths from 2A to 6E.

What do you wear on vacation trips? We would love to hear your suggestions. Click on the word “comments” below and share your hard earned recommendations.