Footnotes: The Official Blog of Footwear etc.

Category Archives: Plantar Fasciitis

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, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , ,

More from the “Happy Shoes” Company: Alegria

Written on November 4, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Colors, and patterns, and models…oh my! Alegria, maker of shoes specifically intended to boost your mood, has come out with a bunch of new styles that are perfect for your every whim!  Who could possibly be unhappy wearing such amazingly vibrant, feel-good shoes? Check out these new models and patterns:

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!

Also posted in Alegria Shoes, Arch Support, Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Mary-Janes, 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, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Customers Agree: MBT Shoes Can Really Help Certain Medical Conditions

Written on September 8, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

We love getting feedback! It’s the best way we can keep improving our service, and carrying the most relevant products to our customers. We love to hear what works, what doesn’t, and how our shoes can really make a difference in your life. Lately, we’ve been hearing some amazing feedback about MBT shoes for folks who have an assortment of medical issues.

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!

 

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

Introducing MBT’s Most Technologically-Advanced Shoe: The Ari!

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

There’s a new kid on the block, so to speak. If you’re a fan of MBT shoes, you’ll find the newest addition to the family fascinating. It’s the Ari, and it’s truly in a class by itself.

Available for men and women, the Ari is radically different from other rocker-sole shoes (even other MBTs). It contains a dramatically superior ventilation system. It has a high performance outsole that’s designed to greatly improve traction. And it has biomechanical pillars in the midsole. The Ari has been recognized as a 2011 Red Dot Award  Winner for its innovative technological advancements in shoe design.

Sounds impressive, but what does this really mean?

The new ventilation system contains a highly-breathable mesh upper, lightweight sock liner, and inlay sole. The biomechanically-engineered pillars in the sole increase air flow as you step. (If you look at the shoe from a side view, you can see the pillars in action!). One layer of the midsole, the lasting board, actually contains ventilation portals that allow your feet to stay significantly cooler and drier than in other shoes. If your feet tend to get hot, these are the shoes for you!

Ok, so it will keep your feet cool and dry, but how does it feel? Fantastic! I wore them around the office, and they are phenomenally lightweight. I also noticed that the rocker motion is a little more pronounced than in other MBT shoes; the sole is a little thicker than some of the other relatively new models. As with other MBTs, the natural instability helps you improve your posture and therefore alleviates joint pain, and the rolling motion allows you to strengthen and tone your muscles. The other thing I noticed is that the shoe seems to be cut a little narrow (even for MBTs), so if you have a wider foot, you might consider going up ½ a size.

Yes, these shoes are more expensive than other MBT shoes. But you can feel the difference in comfort. Your feet are worth it! But don’t wait too long, there are only 1,000 pairs of this limited edition shoe available in the country! Give the Ari a try and discover what the best technology in rocker-sole shoes can do for you.

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

Waterproof Shoes – Fun for Work, Play, Sport!

Written on August 1, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Mother Nature never said that work, play or sports activities were always nice and neat and dry. If I want to go power walking in the rain, how do I keep my feet dry? What if I want to plant my veggie garden (which is always easier after it rains)? How about going white water rafting during my vacation – what shoes can I wear that can dry easily and still be comfortable as I’m getting doused by the river? What about if it snows?

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!

Also posted in Arch Support, Athletic Shoes, Birki, Boots, Clogs, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., Keen Sandals, MBT Shoes, Men's Shoes, Merrell Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Sandals, Shoes, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MBT Fans: New Colors for the Mahuta Available!

Written on July 20, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

Here at Footwear etc. we have SO many customers call us and tell us how much they love their MBT Shoes. They love the new styles, the superior performance over other brands, the way the rocker sole helps tone their bodies, and how this technology actually helps problem feet/joints/backs feel better. We seem to never have enough styles and colors to suit all who love them! But for those of you who love less conventional shoe colors, check out the MBT Mahuta and the new colors available for that model!

As with all MBT shoes, the MBT Mahuta provides all of the properties mentioned above, and in a very stylish shoe. But now, women can get them in not just white, black, or aqua, but violet and gull grey!

MBT Mahuta ShoesI for one absolutely love purple, so if you’re a purple fan, definitely check out the violet MBT Mahuta. The grey and aqua accents make this sporty shoe extra stylish. Rest assured that the combination of these colors is completely tasteful. You’ll love wearing them out on the town!

MBT Mahuta Gull GreyFeeling a little more subdued? The gull grey MBT Mahutaversion with its pink accents help make this shoe a little more feminine, yet doesn’t shout out from your feet! Gull grey goes with so many other colors that you’ll find this shoe really versatile.

Flaunt some new colors in your wardrobe with the new colors of the MBT Mahuta. Put some fun on your feet!

Also posted in Athletic Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Footwear etc., MBT Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Flip Flops in any Color, for any Occasion!

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

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Footwear etc. carries over 300 models/colors of flip flops. You could have a flip flop in your closet for each day of the week! You could have a flip flop for each color in your wardrobe. You could practically get a new flip flop each time your mood changes! There’s no shortage of comfortable flip flops in our catalog; here are a few that “called out” to me:

Want rocker sole technology in your flip flops? Check out the models by FitFlop. The Microwobbleboard technology activates muscles in your legs and helps you tone. FitFlops are also superior in shock absorption and help realign your body as you walk. The Walkstar 3 comes in neutral as well as fashion-forward colors and is a great addition to your wardrobe.

For a luxurious, cushioned feel, try the Clarks Latin Samba. It’s a flexible shoe that has extra cushioning and intake vents to help channel out warm, moist air to keep your feet cool. I also like it because it has a flower on the top – definitely a girly flip flop!

Think makes a beautiful flip flop suitable for dressy occasions. The Soso has really cute metallic accents, and a stylish 1 ½” heel. The cork/latex footbed is anatomically contoured for your comfort. You can feel the support and cushioning while you wear a fun-looking sandal.

Men have many choices in flip flops, including those from Olukai. The Ohana is a terrific casual flip flop with a comfortable nylon webbing toe post. The anatomical EVA insole provides support and feels great on your feet.

I also really like the Chaco Flip X Ecotread. This is a waterproof sandal that has a great arch support, and the outsole contains 25% recycled material. I feel so politically correct wearing these shoes! And they’re really cute!

The choices in flip flops are almost limitless, so check out what’s online at Footwear etc. and have fun!

Also posted in Arch Support, Chaco shoes, Clarks Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Flip-Flops, Footwear etc., Men's Shoes, Muscle Toning Shoes, OluKai Footwear, Sandals, Shoes, Think! Sandals, Thongs, Waterproof Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vacations – Always a Great Excuse for New Shoes!

Written on June 20, 2011 — Leave a Comment Leave a comment

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!

Also posted in AmeriBag, Arch Support, Athletic Shoes, Bags, BeautiFeel Shoes, Comfort Shoes, Dress Shoes, Footwear etc., Handbags, Naot Shoes, New Balance Shoes, Sandals, 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, Muscle Toning Shoes, Shoes, Women's Shoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
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