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Category Archives: Muscle Toning Shoes

Earth Shoes for the New Millenium!

Written on June 3, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

We all remember Earth shoes from decades ago. Comfortable, but a little clunky-looking. Earth has migrated into the New Millenium by creating updated designs using environmentally-friendly materials. These are not shoes from the ‘70s, these are fashion-forward shoes for today and now!

The key to Earth’s healthy benefits is the 3.7º incline of the sole. With your heel a little lower than your toes, your body weight becomes redistributed and allows you to utilize muscles differently – strengthening and toning them. Other benefits include an anatomic arch support to provide extra support to your foot and work together with the incline of the sole. And in all Earth shoes, there is Biofoam cushioning – which molds to the shape of your foot and provides great shock absorption. Don’t forget the environmentally-friendly materials used in these shoes; each pair utilizes 70% recycled materials. Your shoes can be politically correct!

But are they still clunky-looking? No! In particular, I’m fond of the Instinct in green leather. It’s a wonderful all-around shoe for everyday wear. I could really use these for dashing out to the store, or for casual outings. Fun, and easy to wear!

Another shoe I like is the Imply, in moss leather. The hook and loop strap on the top of the foot and around the heel make it adjustable for a custom fit. Perfect for a summer stroll, and you’ll feel those toning benefits as you walk.

Earth Shoes for today’s savvy shopper. Comfortable, environmentally friendly, AND stylish!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Sandals, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

MBT Jambo – A Great New Shoe for Casual Wear!

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

Here at Footwear etc. we get lots of calls from customers extolling the virtues of MBT shoes. They help with a litany of joint problems, foot problems, back problems, and fans of these shoes can’t say enough positive things about them. Many customers really like the models with the lower-profile soles; they provide all the benefits of MBT’s rocker-sole technology, yet don’t look clunky like the older models. I really like the improvements MBT has made in the appearance of its new models, and I have to say that one of my favorites is the new Jambo for men and women.

If you like the look of canvas lace-up shoes, you will love the Jambo. It’s casual, yet comfortable and versatile. I love the fact that it provides all the benefits of rocker-sole shoes, but doesn’t really LOOK like a rocker sole shoe. You definitely feel the rocker when they’re on your feet, but to just look at them you’ll notice that it’s very subtle and unobtrusive in appearance.

 I also really like the fact that the shoe is fairly lightweight. Many rocker-sole shoes can be heavy, and while they provide great benefits to your body, I prefer shoes that don’t weigh a lot. These fit the bill. I also really like the fact that the toe box is slightly wider than in many of the new MBT models; it gives my toes a little breathing room. And they’re cute; I can’t wait to take these on vacation!

 Available for women in Red, Black, and Military canvas, and for men in Black and Navy canvas, the Jambo is a great shoe for many occasions. Have fun with MBT’s stylish canvas shoe!

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

Finnamic by Finn Comfort – Rocker Bottom Shoes with Stability and Hand Craftsmanship!

Written on April 22, 2011 — 3 Comments Leave a comment

Toning shoes are typically designed to create natural instability, which helps you utilize muscles your body hasn’t been using already. This instability forces you to stand a little straighter, get more of a muscular workout in your feet and legs, and many customers have reported outstanding results from wearing these shoes. But the typical rocker bottom shoes aren’t for everyone. If you require exceptional arch support, a deep heel cup, etc., you won’t find these features in most toning shoes. If you crave the outstanding quality of a handcrafted shoe, your options have been nonexistent. If you want the benefits of rocker bottom shoes yet have stability issues of your own, you haven’t been able to get them. Until now; Finn Comfort has come to the rescue.

Finn Comfort is known for its outstanding quality shoes. Each pair is handcrafted in Germany. The orthopedic footbed is anatomically designed to provide exceptional support and comfort.  But now the Finnamic collection features a mild rocker sole to gently help you improve posture, alleviate stress on your joints, and tone your muscles. This is the first stable rocker sole shoe I’ve ever seen, and these shoes are incredibly comfortable!

The Sausalitois a cute summer sandal that you won’t want to take off! The hook and loop straps customize the fit around your foot, and the cork footbed provides phenomenal support. Who knew you could get all that in a rocker bottom shoe? These are incredibly comfortable and I can see wearing these as I trek around on my summer vacation.

The Ikebukuro is a comfy oxford that again gives you the best of both worlds: stability and rocker bottom toning properties. This is a great all-around shoe that you could wear every day! Why not treat your feet to something feels GREAT, with styles that go with all sorts of outfits?

If you’re looking for some stability and support while getting rocker bottom benefits, check out the Finnamic collection by Finn Comfort. They are unique, and amazing!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Finn Comfort Shoes, Finnamic, Footwear etc., Insoles, Plantar Fasciitis, Sandals, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Make Sure Your MBTs are Real, not Fake!

Written on April 18, 2011 — 4 Comments Leave a comment

Here at Footwear etc., we get a lot of phone calls from customers who have been scammed. How is this possible? We all want to save money on shoes. Many disreputable companies take advantage of this by creating sites that carry knock-off shoes at deeply-discounted prices, and call them authentic MBTs. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly purchase shoes from these companies and don’t find out until it’s too late that they didn’t get the real deal.

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!

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Sandals, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bond with Your Terrain Using Barefoot Technology from Merrell and New Balance

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

There’s a new trend in footwear: less is more! Manufacturers are just beginning to follow the lead of Vibram FiveFingers, which emulate the effects of barefoot walking/running yet protect the soles of your feet. Merrell and New Balance have both come out with fantastic new lines of shoes subscribing to the philosophy of “connecting” you to the terrain and providing the benefits of walking and running barefoot, yet protecting your feet from rocks and other potentially painful materials.

These collections may be minimalist in terms of padding, weight, and allowing your foot to move as if it had no shoe on at all, yet they are stylish and provide excellent traction and protection for the soles of your feet. The durable Vibram sole helps you resist slipping, but is also flexibile. These are not overcushioned, overbuilt shoes; they provide you with the ability to run off your arches, and land on your whole foot – thus diffusing the impact as you run. You’ll use muscles in the way nature intended, and will notice that your feet and leg muscles will become stronger.

Merrell’s Barefoot Collection has a variety of styles for men and women that are attractive enough to wear anywhere! I particularly like the Mary Jane-styled Barefoot Pure Glove in Lavender. I would have no qualms wearing it shopping, or even for a walk in the woods. They really let me feel in touch with the terrain, while protecting the soles of my feet. It’s an incredibly comfortable shoe.

Men have a variety of choices as well. A great shoe for everyday wear as well as running is the Barefoot Tough Glove in black. The laces secure the shoe to your foot, yet do not undermine the minimalist feel of the shoe. There have been numerous reports from runners as to how good this shoe feels when they run! And it transitions well for everyday activities too.

New Balance’s Minimus Collection is New Balance’s entry into the barefoot running shoe market. These shoes also allow you to feel the terrain, and are marvelous for trail running as well as casual wear. The Vibram outsole protects the soles of your feet, while the synthetic mesh upper provides lightweight support and comfort. Designed to be worn with or without socks, the Minimus is great for neutral runners as well as those with chronic injuries or gait issues. I particularly like the WT10GG in gray.

Note that an adjustment to Barefoot Technology can take time; using conventional shoes with their cushioning and stabilizing mechanisms may actually have weakened your muscles. You may need weeks or even months to get used to this technology, so start out gradually. As running shoes, these collections stimulate muscles, allows your feet to find their natural landing pad, and helps you attain a more efficient stride.

The Merrell Barefoot Collection and the New Balance Minimus Collection give you give you all the benefits of walking/running barefoot, in some stylish and incredibly comfortable shoes. Give them a try, and experience Barefoot Technology at its best!

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Barefoot Footwear, Footwear etc., Merrell Barefoot Shoes, New Balance Minimus Shoes, Shoes, Vibram FiveFingers | Tagged , , , , ,

The Most Unique Footwear Ever: Vibram FiveFingers Shoes!

Written on March 3, 2011 — 2 Comments Leave a comment

Ever want a shoe that fits like a glove? Now you can have one – the Vibram FiveFingers shoes. These are by far the most unique-looking shoes I’ve ever seen, and I was anxious to try them out!

These are the only shoes you’ll find where each of your toes fits into its own “finger,” like the fingers on a glove. Why is this important? This allows your toes to move more naturally. It also helps to strengthen muscles in your feet and legs. The heel is not raised; rather, it’s lowered so that your body weight is distributed evenly across the shoe and therefore encourages spinal alignment and proper posture. All of these factors together help to improve balance and agility. You get all the benefits of walking barefoot, with the protection of a shoe.

 Vibram FiveFingers makes shoes for a variety of activities, such as:

The KSO- a great general-purpose fitness shoe. The patented Vibram sole is slip resistant, and razor siped for extra flexibility. (The Vibram sole material extends up over the ends of the toes, adding protection.) This is a fine shoe to wear for running, water sports, yoga, and even light hiking. The upper is a thin, breathable and abrasion resistant polyamide fabric that stretches to conform to your foot shape. The antimicrobial microfiber insole adds a little bit of cushioning. I can easily see myself wearing these to go rafting, or boating, or for a short trail hike. And it’s machine washable!

The Komodosport– the ultimate shoe for the serious fitness enthusiast.  Take the KSO and ramp it up with functional improvements to get this shoe designed with the athlete in mind. The durable 4mm Vibram outsole makes this shoe perfect for running and cross training. The footbed is stitch-free and seamless to ensure as little friction as possible. You can get a custom fit by using the hook and loop closures over the top of the foot and around the heel. Machine washable like the KSO, it’s a rugged shoe that you can feel great about as you train.

The Performa Jane – women have a great option to wear for indoor activities. The Performa Jane was designed specifically for indoor fitness activities, yoga, and pilates. You get all the great benefits of all the Five Fingers shoes with added flexibility in the sole plus a Kangaroo Leather upper. You can customize your fit with the hook and loop closure over the top of the foot. You also get maximum feel of the exercise surface along with a slip-resistant sole. Just note that this shoe is not designed for extended outdoor wear.

If you love walking barefoot, you’ll really love the Vibram FiveFingers collection. Protect your feet while strengthening the muscles in your feet and legs. Just be sure to wear them just a few hours at a time at first; since you’re probably not used to using these muscles, you’ll need to strengthen them gradually. But in the long run, it’s worth the wait!

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Men's Shoes, Shoes, Vibram FiveFingers, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Got Plantar Fasciitis?

Written on February 14, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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!

Also posted in Alegria Shoes, Aravon Shoes, Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Dansko, Dr. Andrew Weil, Footwear etc., MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Naot Shoes, Orthaheel, Orthotics, Pedag, Plantar Fasciitis, Sano Shoes, Shoes, Skechers Shape Ups, Strassburg Sock, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New MBT Models for Spring!

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

MBT fans can rejoice at the gorgeous new styles from MBT this spring. Long gone are the days of few choices; there are literally loads of shoes you can wear for all different occasions. Men and women both have many styles to choose from, so there’s a great feeling shoe for every occasion, and every person! And all of these shoes have MBT’s patented rocker sole, which takes pressure off your joints, creates natural instability to make you walk and stand straighter, help you tone muscles, and can alleviate many types of back, hip, and foot pain.

Women’s styles include:

Katika – a great little sandal for warm weather. You can get a truly custom fit from the hook and loop closures on top of the foot and around the ankle. It’s a sporty and versatile sandal available in black, brown, and birch.

Kesho Mary Jane – a classy-looking Mary Jane in soft nubuck leather you can use for sporty or dressy applications. This shoe is available in black, tan, and military to give you lots of fashion choices.

Mahuta – sporty athletic-styled shoe that’s perfect for those power walks, or even power shopping at the mall. Available in aqua and white mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

Meli – rocker sole technology meets “boat shoe” style! Available in navy or tan, this shoe lets you have some fun with this very different style for MBTs!

Nafasi – a great little oxford that you’ll want to wear all the time. Pamper your feet in this stylish shoe that’s available in white or black with full and split-grain leather.

Pia – a dressy, streamlined sandal perfect for work or a night out on the town. Available in black and beige, the Pia offers a customized fit with hook and loop closures at the top of your foot and around the ankle.

Tabia – now MBT makes sporty slides! So easy to wear, so versatile for your wardrobe. Available in caviar black and tan, this comfy slide will be a summer favorite!

Men also have some fantastic new styles available:

Asante- if you love loafers, you’ll really love the Asante. It has the classic loafer style we all love, combined with MBT’s phenomenal rocker sole technology. This shoe looks great with a suit, or even with jeans. You’ll love this comfortable, versatile shoe that’s available in black full-grain leather.

Jawabu – a light and airy sandal that will keep your feet comfortable all summer long. Available in black and chocolate.
Mahuta – a great all-around athletic-styled shoe that you’ll love wearing anytime. Available in blue mesh or white mesh, this stylish shoe will have you looking forward to those fitness walks!

Meli – now you can have a “boat shoe” style for casual wear. Try them out in navy or sand for complete wardrobe versatility.

Nafasi – this casual oxford is available in several colors that you’ll love: black, white, charcoal, and syrup! You’ll have a hard time deciding which one you like best. Check out this fantastic new style for comfort anytime.

All of the Spring 2011 models are available for pre-order right now, and will be in stock and ready for delivery by mid-February. Get ready for warm weather with these great new styles! Your feet will love the TLC that these shoes provide. MBT is the gold standard for rocker-sole shoes; make the investment for yourself!

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fit Flops – Not Your Everyday Flip Flops!

Written on October 28, 2010 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I don’t know about you, but I like to wear flip flops year round. There’s nothing better during warm weather, and they’re so easy to slip on when the weather is cool and you just want to run out to get the newspaper. But I hate flip flops that have no support, and fall apart easily. My feet were so happy when I discovered FitFlops; they are everything I love in flip flops.

Let’s face it, most flip flops are boring. But FitFlops are anything but boring! Where else can you get shoes like this with interesting metallic leathers, or patent leather, or even suede? There’s a style for every look in your closet! And you don’t sacrifice comfort for style. In fact, you may want to stay in them all day long!

Thanks to its Microwobbleboard technology, FitFlops create muscle toning properties while also providing outstanding support. They actually increase the amount of time that your muscles are engaged as you walk, and therefore allow your muscles to get a better workout than in conventional shoes. They also absorb shock, and can help reduce foot pain and pressure from plantar fasciitis. You can feel the arch support, which I really love. And they’re fun to wear!

The FitFlop Walkstar 3 in Bronze is a particular favorite of mine. Who knew that there could be dressy flip flops that provide toning properties? I love that you can have dressier attire and still have flip flops to go with your outfit! Perfect for a night on the town. Another favorite is the Oasis in Chocolate – the suede is soft and feels great on my feet. These are wonderful all-around flip flops, great for any occasion or attire.

Don’t sacrifice comfort and potential toning properties just for the ease of a flip flop. Check out the great styles and colors of FitFlops. You’ll never purchase a pair of no-support flip flops again!

Also posted in Arch Support, Comfort Shoes, Flip-Flops, Footwear etc., Plantar Fasciitis, Sandals, Shoes, Thongs, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

True Balance Technology in New Balance Athletic Shoes, and for Aravon’s Riley and Ria!

Written on October 21, 2010 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

I love New Balance shoes. They consistently fit my feet well, through a variety of styles and a variety of sizes as my feet have changed over time.

Now there’s another new style for me to love: New Balance’s True Balance. Another great toning shoe from my favorite athletic shoe company!

As with all New Balance shoes, the True Balance models come in narrow, medium, and wide widths. There’s no sacrifice in comfort here, there’s a width for everyone.

But the exciting part about these shoes is that they are terrific toning shoes! Using their True Balance Sole, these shoes create natural instability so that you unconsciously work a little harder with each step. The solid rubber outsole provides superior durability, and the balance board technology contains a spring system design that helps you tone as you walk. The ABZORB insert also provides great shock absorption, protecting all of your joints. We can all use that, can’t we? And True Balance technology also helps those of us with plantar fasciitis, keeping that sheath stretched as we tone our glutes and calves.

The New Balance True Balance shoes come in several styles, including: the WW850 (which comes in silver, white, black, or light blue mesh), and the WW1100 (which is available in silver with blue, silver with black, or white).

But it’s not just New Balance coming out with the True Balance technology; you can also get more formal shoes that utilize it as well. Enter the Aravon Riley and Ria for everyday wear!

The Aravon Riley (sneaker style) and Ria (Mary Jane style) utilize all of the True Balance benefits but in a shoe you could even wear to the office. The hook and loop closures ensure a custom fit, the antimicrobial sock liners help keep your feet dry and odor-free, and the removable Velocor footbeds allow you to use custom orthotics if you need them. Here are the toning shoes you can use for everyday wear, without them looking like they belong in a gym!

Discover the benefits of the True Balance technology in New Balance and Aravon shoes. There’s a toning shoe for every aspect of your life!

Also posted in Aravon Shoes, Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Insoles, Mary-Janes, New Balance Shoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
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