Barking Dog Shoes

The Keen Sienna MJ is Back; This Time in Canvas

 

Up until this week, there were only five pairs of Keen Sienna MJs left in the whole, wide world. Three scuffed up pairs on eBay and two on Sierra Trading Post: both size 5. All right, so maybe that's a stretch, but I had come to accept that I'd never see this formerly discontinued style again.

After a two year hiatus, Keen is reintroducing the Sienna MJ; this time in canvas. I've always loved the streamlined (for Keen) look of the Sienna, but how does it feel? Since the canvas version is brand new, reviews are scant. However, I was able to find plenty of reviews for the former Sienna in nubuck leather. 

Pros:

• Lightweight, yet durable ballet style shoe for spring/summer.
• No break in time needed/no blisters.
• Strap holds shoe in place for those with narrow heels.
• Feels like a cushioned slipper (latex/cork footbed).
• Insole is removable. Accommodates a thin orthotic/insole. 
• Versatile style; goes with jeans, skirts, capris, shorts. 
• True to size (read about width below).

Cons: 

• Lacking decent arch support. Insole may be needed. I recommend the Powerstep Slim Tech 3/4 Insole--it's lightweight, fits in most shoes and provides great support. 
• Although few complained of bunion issues, some mention the toe box is not as roomy as other Keen styles. 
• Narrower than other Keen styles which generally run a little wide. 

The Keen Sienna Canvas MJ is available in whole and half sizes 5-12, medium width:

• KeenFootwear.com: $75 plus $5 FedEx ground shipping.
• OnlineShoes.com: $74.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Piperlime: $75, free shipping and returns.
• Amazon: $75, free super saver shipping. 

Do you have a pair of the original Keen Siennas in nubuck? How do you like them?

Dansko Rylan Boot

 

Photo credit: Dean Powell from Footwear Plus Dansko Supplement 

 

 

Isn't she lovely?

 

Isn't she wonderful?

The Dansko Rylan from the Rio collection...

...for the gal who loves the western-chic look of Frye, yet needs the all-day comfort and support of Dansko. 

Valentine's Day is in three weeks. Print this out and put it by your sweetheart's laptop. Other than the Rylan's drop-dead good looks, here are four reasons why it's better than chocolate, roses or a new blender.

1. Arch support and then some. 

2. Accommodates wider calves.

3. Genuine wood midsole provides stability (if too much bend in your footwear causes toe pain, the Rylan is a stylish solution).

4. Provides height without the pain of heels. Generous platform (1 1/4") balances out heel height (3").

Where to read more customer reviews and possibly pick up a pair if the feeling's right:

• Zappos: $235, free shipping both ways.
• Planet Shoes: $235, free shipping and returns. Save 10% at checkout with promo code BARK10.
• Amazon: $177-200, free super saver shipping. 
• OnlineShoes.com: $234.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• FootSmart: $234.95, free shipping. 

5 Comfortable Sandals for High Arches and Bunions

Hey Kirsten, love your website! I live in Modesto, CA and summers are long, hot and dry (think Arizona). I recently acquired a bunion and have high arches. I am only able to wear my tennis shoes now because all of my boots, heels, flats and flip flops HURT SO BAD! Could you please recommend a spring/summer shoe for my dawgs?  

 Just as I was tiring of boots and fuzzy clogs, I received this email from Modesto. Upon opening, I could almost feel a burst of dry, hot desert air whoosh into my insulation-starved living room on our coldest day of winter yet. A welcome assignment. Our warm-hearted reader mentions she's a busy mom and needs a shoe for dog-walking, errand-running and volunteering at kids' school and church.

It was pure joy sifting through the toe-exposing, strappy sandals knowing one day in early June, we Chicagoans will be able to wear them again too. The following comfortable shoes and sandals all provide good to excellent arch support and a wide toe box to accommodate bunions. Some even have straps placed to cover them up comfortably. 

1.  Alegria Verona: Excellent arch support. Rocker sole takes pressure off forefoot through the stride. Adjustable straps across bunion area and instep for customized fit. Last season, the Verona came shiny patents with a big, glitzy jewel on the forefoot strap. I prefer the simple black napa leather sans jewel. Available in Euro sizes 35-42 (5-11) and best fits a medium to wide width foot. $89.95 at OnlineShoes.com, $89.95 at Zappos, $47.97-99 at Amazon, $49.97 at FootSmart. 

 

2. Naot Rachel: The cure for everything that ails your feet: plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain and arch issues, high instep. Soft leather won't aggravate bunions and may even cover them up! Fits a narrow to medium width foot best. Euro sizes 35-42 (4-11). 71% of Zappos customers state the shoe runs a half size small, so order accordingly. $132 at Zappos or find a deal on the Naot Rachel on eBay. Locate a retailer near you by calling 1-800-NAOT-USA.

3. Dansko Sam: A new member to the Sausalito family of cushioned, lightweight Danskos, the Sam comes in soft, muted shades of the ocean. I'm a fan of this style because it covers the toes, but still classifies as a sandal. The arch support is excellent and the rocker sole will take pressure off the forefoot. Available in Euro sizes 35-43 (4.5-13). $120 at Zappos,  $119.95 at OnlineShoes.com and The Walking Company. Find a pair near you by filling out form at Dansko.com.

  

 

4.  Mephisto Violette: Prettier than Birkenstock and do I daresay more comfortable? Online reviews make it clear: this sandal provides excellent support for women on their feet all day. Get ready for these to outlast all your other sandals...by years. The leather strap between the toes does soften with wear. Available in whole sizes 5-12, medium width. $105-150 at Endless, $94-150 at Amazon, $150 at MephistoUsa.com. 

 

5.  Clark's Wave.Swivel: Not as feminine as the rest, but a great kick-around shoe providing support and roomy toe box. Clark's Wave collection features a supportive EVA footbed and rocker sole for ease of walking. Available in multiple widths, sizes 5-12. Some reviews state the shoe runs a half size small, so order accordingly. $55-110 at Amazon, $89.99 at OnlineShoes.com, $69.99 at Endless.

Anne Klein Drella and Shevanie Wedges

Yes, I agree, the shoe in the previous post does look like it belongs on a kindergartner's foot. But I still contend it would be cute on the right full-grown person; perhaps an artist with a quirky personality? 

How about this sensible but chic wedge by Anne Klein? That's more like it, right?

The Drella's been awarded five stars for comfort by happy customers at Zappos. What makes the shoe a winner?

• Stretch fabric upper accommodates foot bumps: bunions, tailor's bunions, hammertoes.
• All-day comfort for women that stand on-the-job thanks to cushioned insole, shock-absorbing 1.5" wedge heel.
• Great fit. Runs true to size.
• Doesn't slip off heel
• Affordable comfort at $59.99

Available in sizes 5-11 for $59.99 at Zappos and Endless with free shipping and free returns.

 

If you don't like the look of the stretchy fabric of the Drella, consider the dressier Shevanie wedge. The upper is man-made with a leather look and comes in animal prints and solids. The Shevanie earns praise for its stability, cushioned insole and great looks (but not recommended for bunions as the upper is not exactly soft). Some customers recommend ordering down a half-size as it runs a little big. Available in sizes 5-11 at Zappos for $69; $55-69 at Endless.

• Daily Deal: Save 25% off purchase at Shoebuy with code BDAY (exclusions apply).