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Category Archives: Waterproof Shoes

More Sandals to Expand Your Collection!

Summer is approaching, and you can never have too many sandals, can you? I need casual sandals, dressy sandals, rugged sandals, in all sorts of colors and styles. A sandal for every mood? Why not? Check out these new models from Olukai, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Chaco!

The Olukai Kukuna is one of those exceptional shoes that you can easily wear for both everyday purposes and for a night on the town. I love the pattern on the leather straps! Those straps are also soft and comfortable since they’ve been oiled, tumbled, and distressed. The anatomical compression-molded EVA midsole provides comfort as you go about your activities. I’m looking forward to taking these to work and then out to dinner!

Olukai has also come out with the Men’s Kono, a spiffy slide for casual wear. The hand-sewn leather or nubuck upper has decorative stitching for visual interest. As with all Olukai shoes, the anatomical, compression molded EVA footbed provides great support. Added bonuses are the removable and washable PU sockliner, and the anti-microbial/anti-odor treatment applied to the microfiber suede lining and footbed cover. This is a great all-around slide for men.

Dr. Andrew Weil has a women’s flip flop called the Restore, which I love because it’s girly! You get phenomenal support benefits from all of Dr. Andrew Weil sandals, and now you can also get stylish and feminine styles! Dr. Andrew Weil sandals are recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association and feature a motion controlling footbed, recycled slip-resistant outsole, and orthopedic footbed. These cute flip flops blow the stereotype of what people think orthopedic shoes should look like. You get far more support and comfort from these than you would from many other flip flops. And they’re available in a bunch of colors! The men’s version of the Restore has all of the supportive features of the women’s version, in a more masculine style.

Chaco has also come out with some great sandals, with Vibram outsoles! The Z1 (for men and women) and Z2 (for women) with the Yampa outsole is a fun sandal you can use for all sorts of outdoor activities! They’re slip resistant, and the platform sole helps you keep your body in proper alignment and provides excellent arch support. It’s the perfect shoe for water sports, or for going to the beach, or …you get the idea!

Don’t wait to expand your Sandal collection; Olukai, Dr. Andrew Weil and Chaco have a lot of fantastic models to choose from so you can have a different model for every occasion!

The Most Unique Footwear Ever: Vibram FiveFingers Shoes!

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!

Holiday Gift Ideas!

The holiday season is upon us, and with that always brings a sense of anxiety. What do you get for people who seem to have everything they need? How can you make their holiday special, with something fun to open? ‘Tis the season to splurge and pamper those you love, so here are a few ideas to help you navigate this busy time of year.

UGG Boots: The ultimate gift of warmth and comfort for the wintertime. My daughter specifically requested a pair of the UGG Australia Bailey Button Triplets. They are phenomenally warm and cozy, and along with the UGG Care Kit, make a wonderful gift for anyone. I went ahead and protected her boots with the Sheepskin Protector in the UGG Care Kit, so now I feel like my investment will hold up over time and the boots will be protected against snow, dirt, etc. I know this gift will be a big hit!

Slippers: Who needs cold feet either in the house, or if you’re running outside to get the newspaper? A new pair of slippers could be just the answer to your gift dilemma. My Dad’s favorite slippers are the UGG Australia Men’s Ascot – a classic style for any man. I’m lobbying for the UGG Australia Coquette in Chocolate; it’s great to just slip on and go. I would have no qualms wearing those to the store, or anywhere else! Mom wants a bootie style of slipper, so the Orthaheel Alaska is perfect for keeping her feet warm as well as supported. And for those with sensitive feet, Qwaruba has the perfect slipper: the Side Wrap.

Socks: These do not have to equate to the “lump of coal” in the stocking! There are some fabulous patterns and styles that are sure to please everyone on your holiday list. Marcmarcs and Goodhew make a variety of styles in different colors, and even patterns like argyle! So many choices are available for both men and women, in different heights as well. For sensitive/diabetic feet, consider the Jobst Sensifoot socks. These are specifically designed to reduce friction and provide cushioning. There’s a sock for everyone.

Gilden Tree Foot Care Products: This new line of creams, exfoliants, and lotions is gluten free and safe for Diabetics and Celiacs. And they smell good too! Great for pampering your loved ones. I particularly like the Healing Foot Cream – it’s very creamy but doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. It’s a great gift for those with feet that need a little extra TLC.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg of the wealth of potential gifts available from Footwear, etc. this holiday season. Why fight crowds at the mall? Shop online and pamper those you love, or splurge for yourself. Aren’t you worth it?

‘Tis the Season for Waterproof Boots from UGG Australia!

I heard from two friends that their respective areas just got slammed with their first snowstorms of the season. Given that I’m thinking of visiting those areas this winter, it’s clear to me that I need some warm, waterproof boots. And wouldn’t you know it, UGG Australia has some fantastic choices for keeping my feet warm and DRY in the snow and slush!

The ultimate snow boot for women, the UGG Adirondack II gives you the cozy comfort you’d expect with any UGG product, and you can slog through the slush with it. The Grade-A Sheepskin lining keeps your feet warm and dry, and the removable sock liner wicks away moisture from your feet. The full-grain leather upper is completely waterproof, and the outsole is rugged and flexible and helps you have as much traction as possible. Available in sand leather, blackberry wine leather, and black/grey leather, this boot has a 7” shaft (calf-high) so you can definitely stay comfortable out in the sloppy weather.

Another option for women is the UGG Ashdale. It’s perfect for the rain, since it’s a shoe rather than a boot. Easy to slip on, the Ashdale upper is patent leather with a leather tongue. Your feet will be warm and dry due to the sheepskin sock liner that wicks away moisture. Be assured that you’ll have great traction and durability with this shoe. What a cute shoe to just slip on when you’re running out for errands in the rain! And it comes in several stylish colors: Indigo/Chestnut, Chive/Chocolate, and Red/Fawn. I can see myself wearing them when I do my holiday shopping!

Men don’t have to feel left out; UGG Australia has several models perfect for sloppy weather. The Butte makes walking through the snow a breeze, with its waterproof full grain leather upper and flexible yet durable Vibram outsole. The sheepskin lining and waterproof membrane keep your feet warm and dry. The boot shaft is 9”, but you can cuff it down to 7” depending on your mood and how high the snow is! It’s the perfect snow boot for men. Available in Worcester Leather and Black Leather, men have stylish choices in boots for mucky weather.

Another great option for men is the UGG Beacon. This style comes in both After Dark (black) Leather and Obsidian (brown) Leather. The twin-face sheepskin in the upper makes this rugged boot breathable as well as durable. The rubber outsole is especially tough in slick weather, and the 7” boot height keeps more than just your feet warm. Definitely a style to check out for inclement weather!

Let UGG Australia keep your feet warm and dry, even during a snowstorm! I’m looking forward to using them to play in the snow (but not to scrape off the car’s windshield!).

UGG Boots and Shoes – Not Just for Women!

Men can rejoice at some fantastic new styles of UGG Boots just for them! UGG Australia has introduced a variety of boots and shoes, perfect for every situation. You don’t have to just watch the ladies get new stylish footwear, men can have their choices too! Here are just a few to check out:

The Ladigo and Calafia are perfect shoes for everyday wear. Made with interchangeable leather and sheepskin insoles, you can wear them for casual occasions, or even to the office. The outsoles provide excellent traction during sloppy weather.

For the coldest and sloppiest weather, try the UGG Butte. It’s warm and cozy with its high-quality sheepskin, and has waterproof leather to keep your feet dry. The Vibram outsole is specifically designed for wet and snowy weather. It’s the ultimate winter boot!

The UGG Australia Men’s Rockville II is a stylish motorcycle boot. You can choose which insole to wear depending on the weather; leather for warmer temperatures, sheepskin for the cold. The molded rubber outsole provides great traction, and the buckles provide an edgier look!

The UGG Beacon is another rugged, waterproof boot for men. The combination of sheepskin and leather in the upper makes for an even more durable and breatheable boot.  The genuine sheepskin sockliner wicks away moisture, so your feet stay warm and dry.

And if you need a comfy slipper to relax in, consider the UGG Ascot. But it’s not just a slipper; it has a reinforced heel and toe, and the outsole is molded rubber so that you could wear it around the town if you wanted to. And as always, the plush sheepskin keeps your feet warm, yet wicks away moisture so that they stay try and comfortable. What’s not to love?

 Men, don’t assume that the women have all the choices. UGG Australia has just the right shoe or boot for you too!

Take Care of those UGG Boots this Winter with the UGG Care Kit!

Let’s face it, UGG boots are an investment. You’re getting the best quality sheepskin available, in very high quality boots. You could get some cheap knock-off, but those don’t hold up the way that Authentic UGG boots from UGG Australia do. So if you’re going to spend the extra money to get the best quality boots you can find, why not protect them so that they’ll last as long as possible?

This is precisely why the UGG Care Kit was developed. When you’re investing in a good pair of boots, taking care of them is important. The UGG Care Kit contains everything you’d need to ensure that your boots look and feel fabulous for as long as possible. The kit contains the following:

Sheepskin Cleaner – this solution removes tough stains, and gives the sheepskin a clean and bright look.

Sheepskin Protector – protects against damage caused by rain, snow, dirt, and stains.

Sheepskin Freshener (my personal favorite) – helps keep your boots from smelling like FEET. It eliminates odor caused by bacteria and keeps your boots fresh smelling.

Also included in the kit are a sheepskin brush and a stain/scuff eraser.

I’m certain that this kit is going to come in handy for me this winter. I don’t want my boots to look good for just a couple of weeks until the weather gets sloppy, I want them looking great all season long (and beyond). So protect your investment with the UGG Care Kit. A little care will keep your boots looking great for a long time!

On Sale! Limited Availability! Get ‘Em While They Last!

Footwear etc. has a bunch of brands on sale that have limited quantities available. Check out these brands for some fabulous deals!

Acorn: these slippers are perfect for insulating your feet against cold tile, or even to just slip on when you go out to get the paper! Comfy and durable, these slippers contain Poliyou® open cell PU foam that is breathable, wicks moisture, and fights odor and bacteria with natural active carbon and Aegis® anti-microbials. The Wooly Scuff in particular is a wonderful all-around choice for a slipper.

Asgi: among the styles still available, check out the Carina bootie. The Soleplex technology provides comfort and a very unique look. This is definitely a great dress shoe! For Mary Jane fans, there are several choices available. I particularly like the Splendor Mary Jane; the strap comes across the top of your foot diagonally, which adds visual interest as well as comfort.

Dunham: men don’t have to be left out of a great sale. Dunham shoes excel in their waterproof and slip-resistant properties as well as support. For a slip-on, look at the Holyoke – it’s available in brown and black. For a lace-up shoe, check out the Oakdale Sport.

Teva: these shoes are well-known for being superb for the Great Outdoors. You won’t bat an eye if you get them wet while on the trail, or on the boat! The Women’s Cerellais a really cute “ballet flat.” Who’d have thought these could be so stylish?

Xsensible: the perfect shoes if you need a little “give” to the uppers, Xsensible’s claim to fame is that these shoes stretch if you need them to! If you get swollen feet during the day, these shoes can help alleviate the discomfort you might feel by the evening. Available in both casual and dressy styles, I really like the Esmerelda in Brown Stretch Leather – perfect for a weekend outing! Also check out the Style in Pampas Grass Leather/Suede – it has beautiful detailing and can give your wardrobe a new look!

Don’t miss out on these incredible prices! Check out these amazing deals while they last!

Fun In The Sun With Keen Sandals!

Fun in the Sun with Keen Sandals!

I’m so looking forward to more warm-weather activities, and Spring/Summer shoes can be very cute, but I often need something a little more rugged. I’ve noticed more and more families wearing Keen sandals, so I had to check them out!

Keens were originally designed as an alternative to traditional boating shoes – better than “river” shoes since they protect the toes, and very water and slip-resistant. The styles have expanded to include boots, Mary-Janes, slip-ons, as well as their extremely popular sandals.

I can see why my sister-in-law’s entire family wears them all summer long. They’re quick to get on and off, they can get wet/sandy/muddy with no consequences, you can go hiking in them, and your feet will have lots of support. Plus they’re cute!

Keen Venice H2 Earth SandalsI’m particularly fond of the Venice, which is casual yet incredibly versatile for all sorts of activities. The trademark look of the Keens has the rubber sole coming up over the toes, which provides protection, and I like the way it looks. The metatomical footbed provides great arch support and cradles the foot so it’s really comfortable too. But the absolute best feature to me is the Aegis Microbe Shield – which helps fight odors and deterioration caused by bacteria. (Ever notice how some of your warm-weather shoes just end up smelling bad after a while? Keens fight against that!) Always a good thing when you have an active family!Keen PTC Mary Jane Shoes

You don’t have to limit your Keens to strictly rugged outdoor activities; they make boots, Mary-Janes,  slip ons, and even lace-up shoes that you can wear to even dressier venues! So if you love the feel Keens, don’t limit them to just the great outdoors, there’s a shoe for almost everywhere!

Function Meets Fashion with the Allrounder by Mephisto Winter Snow Boots

Light snow this evening will give way to heavy snowfall later tonight. Chances of snow 100%. Expect snowfall around 2 or more inches. Snow flurries tomorrow morning. If you live on the east coast, this is probably all too familiar to you! The best thing you can do is to equip yourself with the right shoes and wardrobe. When it comes to searching for the best snow boots we have many options. And if you’re a snow bunny like me, you would easily vouch for the most fashionable snow boots. But with several years of neglecting my feet, I simply cannot sacrifice comfort. I thought, there has to be a comfortable boot designed to weather any kind of storm without sacrificing style! This sparked my quest to find the ultimate comfort boot for snow.

I admit when it comes to winter snow boots, Mephisto isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. I mean, they only make walking shoes and sandals, right? WRONG! To my surprise, I stumbled upon the Allrounder by Mephisto Nord Waterproof Boot.

Allrounder by Mephisto Nord

These boots really are stylish compared to other snow boots, in my opinion. Function meets fashion with the Allrounder Nord – the waterproof nylon upper is insulated to keep your feet warm and dry. The brown suede lining adds durability and the adjustable strap for a secure fit. I really fancy the fur closure at the top of the shaft. The fur adds a bit of fashion-forwardness to an otherwise plain looking snow boot. The interior of the boot is also lined with plush fur. (Don’t worry PETA supporters – it is lined with faux fur. So no cute animals were hurt in the process!) The outsole is made of a flexible, latex rubber sole designed to absorb shock and anti-slipping.

For those who are not familiar with Mephisto, here’s a quick scoop. Mephisto is a world-renowned footwear manufacturer originating in France. All Mephisto shoes are designed with comfort in mind, and composed of only high quality, technologically advanced materials. Believe me, the French really know their shoes!

So don’t let the weather report keep you indoors. The Allrounder Nord Snow Boot by Mephisto will motivate you to get out and walk your dog in the snow or wear them to the store. Besides, it would be a waste to keep such stylish and comfortable boots in your closet, wouldn’t you agree?

Top 10: Waterproof Footwear for Winter Weather

Top 10: Waterproof for Winter Weather

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

UGG Wallingford

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

MBT Chapa

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

Ecco Rise

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

Mephisto Linda

5. Women’s Clarks Bold Crystal in Black Leather

Clarks Bold Crystal

6. Men’s Merrell Radius in Nubuck

Merrell Radius

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

MBT Moto

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

Ecco Cusco

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

MBT Shuguli

10. Men’s Stone from Allrounder by Mephisto

Allrounder by Mephisto: Stone

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