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Category Archives: Naot Shoes

Fabulous New Shoes for Spring from BeautiFeel and Naot!

When it’s cold and sloppy outside, I like to think of how wonderful the warmer weather will be.  With warmer weather comes great new shoes! Seeing the new styles from BeautiFeel and Naot is a real morale booster and really makes me look forward to the spring. Need to indulge in a warm weather shoe fantasy? Here are a few models to help you get in the mood for Spring:

BeautiFeel is known for superb quality and outstanding comfort, and they don’t disappoint with the Stefania sandal. Available in Black or Champagne Luminous Suede, this slingback sandal is sure to become one of your favorite dress shoes. The footbed is pillow soft, and the latex rubber sole provides a comfortable and durable base. I really love the luxurious suede upper with its decorative button. This is an elegant style for those special occasions. I’m ready to use these for a night out on the town!

 An elegant flat from BeautiFeel is the Skyler. What sets this beautiful flat apart from the masses is the heel-to-toe footbed, which is anatomically contoured so that it reduces shock and stabilizes your arch. It’s like walking on memory foam! The anti-slip outsole is flexible and durable as well. This may be your most comfortable flat, and the gorgeous styling makes this a versatile show that can go with a variety of outfits. You can’t beat the quality of BeautiFeel shoes; check them out and see how they can change your life!

I absolutely LOVE Naot shoes. I have two pairs of sandals and I can’t wait to expand my collection with some of the new styles for the spring. A beautiful platform slide that is appropriate for both dressy and casual wear is the Enchant. Available in Polar Sea/Navy Patent Leather , Black Rave/Black Crinkled Leather, or Mirror/Metal Leather, the Enchant is an incredibly versatile shoe. As with all Naot shoes, there’s an anatomical cork and latex footbed that provides outstanding support for your feet . I love the 2 ¾” height of the heel yet the wedge makes it so easy to wear.

Need a shoe that looks great with dresses as well as jeans? Check out the Naot Revere. This Black Raven/Black Patent Leather shoe is perfect to go from a casual day at work to an exciting evening out. The 2” heel height is just high enough to be girly, yet low enough to be easy to wear. I love the cut-out details on the upper, they visually lighten up the shoe and provide some extra elegance. I rely on arch support and deep heel cups for comfort, and this shoe contains both. I’m excited to try this out!

Indulge yourself in some exciting shoes from BeautiFeel and Naot. I look for any ways that I can pamper my feet, why not do so and improve your mood at the same time?

 

More Fall Boots, Some from Unexpected Sources…

I was astonished to find out that Olukai, one of my favorite manufacturers of flip flops, actually makes boots. So not only can you get outstanding quality in a boot, you can also get outstanding support!

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.

Vacations – Always a Great Excuse for New Shoes!

It’s always so exciting to plan for a vacation – what to see, what to do, what to wear! Are my existing shoes up for the task at hand? How much walking will I be doing? Are there any formal occasions I need to plan for? What sort of attire will I need, and how can my shoes complement this? So many decisions…

Footwear etc. offers a myriad of types of shoes for many occasions. On my grand adventure, I’ll be doing lots of walking. Given that I have some foot issues anyway, I wanted to find a really stable, supportive shoe that I could count on. My choice? The New Balance WR1123MC. I’ve been a big fan of New Balance shoes for years, particularly since they come in different widths, always have a nice wide toe box, and are of excellent quality. Given my recurring stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, I wanted to have a really stable shoe with good arch support and a roll bar to help keep me from overpronating. This shoe fits the bill in all of those areas. I’ve been wearing them to walk around my neighborhood in preparation for our trip, and I think my feet should hold up just fine. I love the support and comfort, and they are lightweight too. Fabulous shoe.

But I can’t live with just walking shoes alone! I like wearing sandals in the warm weather, and I love some of the new styles out right now. Again, I need supportive, stable shoes, so I decided on the Naot Trovador. The cork footbed provides phenomenal support and feels absolutely terrific. I’m finding that they actually help alleviate some of my chronic foot pain. These are also the first sandals I’ve owned that my daughter has wanted to borrow! This gladiator-style shoe is very fashion-forward and looks great with both casual and dressier outfits.

We’ve got formal nights to contend with too. What should I wear with the ubiquitous Little Black Dress? I’m opting for the Beautifeel Women’s Star. These are truly special-occasion shoes. This elegant pump is adorned with little roses for a touch of extra femininity! These handmade shoes feature superior shock absorption and flexibility in a durable, stylish shoe. Ever have a shoe practically call out to you from your computer? This one did it for me. I adore the gorgeous styling of this shoe.

Don’t forget about helpful handbags! I’m trying out the AmeriBag extra small Healthy Back Bag. This should make it easy for me to carry around what I need every day, without being bulky or obtrusive. For a small bag, it really holds a lot. Perfect for the wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, passport, etc. I also love the fact that it’s practically maintenance-free. I’m using a microfiber version, and it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth. You can use it on one shoulder, or crossing your torso for added security.

Don’t forget to plan your footwear for your next vacation! There’s a shoe for every occasion, and your feet will thank you!

Retail Therapy at its Best!

Sometimes if I have a bad day, the only thing that cheers me up is some retail therapy. (Or Chinese Food, but I digress…) I needed some new sandals for the warm weather anyway, and I’m getting fussier about what feels good on my feet. I can’t wear huge heels anymore, my metatarsals just can’t handle that these days. But I want to have cute, stylish shoes, not something that Grandma would wear. Much to my delight, I found several new friends that my feet love wearing! And of course, wouldn’t you know it that they are from two very popular brands: Clarks, and Naot!

Clarks is a really reliable brand for me, I own several different models. My latest addition to the family is the Clarks Owl Boost in Black Nubuck. It’s a really comfortable slide, and it’s even available in narrow, medium and wide widths! The OrthoLite foam footbed with Active Air is covered in soft nubuck, and feels very cushiony and absorbs shock. I particularly love how this shoe works well with casual or dressy clothes! It’s a great all-around shoe for the warm months, and I can’t wait to take it out on the town!

I’d heard that Naot was a terrific brand in terms of support and style, but I’d never tried a pair. Once I put my feet into the Naot Petal, I didn’t want to take them off! What an amazingly supportive and comfortable sandal! While I don’t usually wear orthotics, the removable footbed works well with them if you do need them. But I can really feel the support in the footbed, which is made from cork – a superior product for this application. Naot is known for its comfort and stability in its shoes, and these are no exception. I love the feminine styling of the cutouts in the upper, and the softness of the leather. These will get a lot of use this summer!

Next time you need some retail therapy, check out some of the latest styles from Clarks and Naot. So many shoes, so little time….

Got Plantar Fasciitis?

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!

Top 10: New Mary-Jane Styles for Spring

What’s that you say? You’re ready to be done with Winter? So are we! This top 10 list features some of our favorite Mary-Janes from MBT, Clarks, Ecco, Mephisto, Skechers Shape Ups, Merrell, BeautiFeel and more! So here it is… our Top 10: New Mary-Jane Styles for Spring — if you’re ready for seasonal change, it could very well be your thing!

1. MBT Baridi

MBT Baridi

2. Allrounder by Mephisto News

Allrounder by Mephisto News

3. Clarks Wave Cruise

Clarks Wave Cruise

4. Ecco Yameo

Ecco Yameo

5. Privo by Clarks Devine Light

Privo by Clarks Devine Light

6. Naot Bramble

Naot Bramble

7. Mephisto Leidina

Mephisto Leidina

8. Skechers Shape-Ups Sleek Fit

Skechers Shape-Ups Sleek Fit

9. Merrell Women’s Circuit

Merrell Women's Circuit

10. BeautiFeel Filippa

BeautiFeel Filippa

Challenge #10: The Naot Giveaway Contest

Footwear etc. Twitter Challenge

Being one of our top tier brands with styles in practically every genre of footwear, we thought even more contestants would find some wonderful winter use out of this next giveaway. These classy, comfortable styles showcase a contour fitting removable footbed, which is a soft, luxurious feel your feet are sure to love.

Challenge #10: The Naot Giveaway Contest starts 12/26/2009 and runs through 1/6/2010. The winner will receive a brand new pair of Naots from our selection here at http://www.footwearetc.com/Naot-Shoes/.

If you’re new to the weekly Footwear etc. Twitter Challenge, you can read the (very simple) rules here. If not, you’re all set: Follow Footwear etc. on Twitter to get started!

Top 10: Grey Fashion Forward Fall Footwear

top-10-grey-title2

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

1-ugg-knightsbridge

2. MBT Nama – Grey Leather

2-mbt-nama

3. BeautiFeel Filippa – Graffiti Patent Leather

BeautiFeel Filippa

4. Naot Trendy – Grey/Navy Leather

Naot Trendy

5. Clarks Diamond Sparkle – Pewter Suede/Leather

Clarks Diamond Sparkle

6. UGG Australia Bailey Button – Grey

UGG Bailey Button

7. Merrell Arabesque – Gunsmoke Mesh / Leather

Merrell Arabesque

8. Ecco Elba Mary-Jane – Titanium Nubuck

Ecco Elba

9. Allrounder by Mephisto Nimbo – Graphite Suede / Leather

Allrounder by Mephisto - Nimbo

10. Naot Allure Boot – Grey Patent Leather

Naot Allure

Naot Rahina – New for fall with classy burnt copper leather uppers

We love how charming these Naot Rahina shoes are. They have class and style, but the comfort of your feet will never be compromised. The rich leather and suede uppers have an elegant cutout detailing with an adjustable in step strap. The features inside the shoes make them feel like they were customized especially for your feet. There is a removable cork and latex footbed that absorbs shock and molds to the natural and specific contours of your feet. In addition, they have a superior arch support that evenly distributes your body weight to prevent spinal column and joint stress, and makes you feel like you’re standing just a little taller. Deep heel indentations helps with body balance and protects the heel bone. With the heel being a modest 1 1/2″ and the outsole made of rubber and latex, it is easy to see why these shoes are lightweight and durable. 

Naot Rahina Shoes

Naot Shoes Fit for the Environment

Green Street Naot Shoes ArticleFor most of us a stylish pair of comfortable shoes is a dream come true. They look good, fit well, and make me look fantastic. What more could I ask for?

How about a shoe line that fits the above bill AND walks lightly upon the environment! It’s not enough to think about ourselves these days. With each purchase we now need to ponder, “How will this affect my children’s future on this fragile planet. Is this product ‘green’?”

Naot is a line of footwear we’ve carried for quite some time and now two of their styles, the Naot Matai and Esteem, were featured in the 2008 Going Greener issue of Footwear Plus.

Give these Naot styles a try and comfort of feet can be accompanied by comfort of conscience.
Naot Mary Jane

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