Barking Dog Shoes

Bonnie Marcus Expecting in Style Flip-Flops

While everyone else is showering the mom-to-be with burp clothes, pastel layette sets and Diaper Genies, you waltz in and present her with Bonnie Marcus Expecting in Style flip-flops.

Bonnie Marcus is the epitome of mompreneur extraordinaire. In the last trimester of her first pregnancy she started her own stationery business,  Bonnie Marcus Collection, Where Fashion Meets Paper. When New York Magazine featured her holiday greetings as a "Best Bet" five years ago,  her business took off. Since then her collection has grown to include wedding and baby announcements, party invitations and most recently, darling flip-flops for every occasion.

What I love most about Bonnie's business? She donates a portion of all proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Many of  the Bonnie Marcus flip-flops are available at Shoebuy.com for $32.95, free shipping and returns (check out the graduation ones).

Want to Help Relief Effort in China and Myanmar? Donate Your Shoes!

Have you been wondering how you can help the relief efforts in China and Myanmar in a tangible way? Open your closet, pick out a pair of shoes in good used condition (keeping in mind comfort) and donate them to Soles4Souls Inc. The international shoe charity has sent 50,000 shoes so far to victims and rescue/recovery workers in both countries yet urges Americans to keep donating.

Type in your zip code here to find out if there is a Soles4Souls drop off box near you. If not, you can send your gently worn shoes to one of their three warehouses or make a monetary donation.

My sons and I will be making a trip to our nearest drop off box to make our donation this weekend; heaven knows their feet don't stay the same size for more than a month!

Suzanne Barlyn, free-lance writer for the Wall Street Journal, highlights Soles4Souls Inc. plus three more shoe charities that accept gently worn shoes (including Crocs) in her article, "Making Good Use of Old Shoes."

Dr. Scholl's Flex Sandals: Flexible Update on Classic

If you wore Dr. Scholl's original wooden sandals as a teenager in the 1970's, you probably didn't have their intended use as exercise footwear in mind. You were young, toned and had problem-free feet. Your goal? To look hippie-chic.

Fast forward 30-some years. The Dr. is still making those wooden sandals that remind you of younger days, but he has your aging feet in mind. Enter Dr. Scholl's Original FLEX slide. Everything is the same as your 1976 sandals except for a clever EVA insert (see below) that provides some bend as you walk, and of course new prints and colors like yellow polka-dot, giraffe and rose-gold metallic. $55 at Zappos, $48.99 at Shoes.com.

Sofft Magnolia: Perfect Black Career Pump

Like I've said before, there aren't many high-heeled shoes that my troublesome feet can tolerate, but Sofft shoes stand in a class by themselves when it comes to comfort and support. In need of a tailored pump for the office that you''ll actually be able to walk in without hobbling by the end of the day? The Sofft Magnolia has a cushioned footbed and comes in narrow, medium and wide widths. The extra cushioning in the metatarsal area truly helps if you have ball of foot pain.

Check out the solid black leather and pewter patent options too. $101 at Zappos.com, free shipping both ways.

If  a three inch heel is out of the question for you, but you still need an understated yet refined pump for work, try the Sofft Simone (1.5 inch heel). $94 at Zappos.

Related posts:

• Sofft Rena Sandal
• Comfortable Power Heels
• Closed-Toe Shoes for Summer
  

Cole Haan Air Bria Flats: 50% off Plus Free Shipping

You've seen Cole Haan flats with Nike Air technology and hear they're super comfortable, but sticker shock has kept you from trying a pair. I hear ya. Now's the time to pick up a cute pair of cherry red  Cole Haan Air Bria suede flats for almost 50% off the retail price at SmartBargains.com.

With over 52 styles of Cole Haan Air shoes marked down up to 67% off, you're sure to find a pair to accommodate your budget. SmartBargains.com is even offering free shipping through July, no minimum order.

Merrell Relay Tour After-Sport Shoe in Pink Mesh

I've seen this shoe many times before and it never caught my eye until I saw it in pink. I would never consider it in white, black or blue, but I like the pink, I really do. I'm an absolute believer in the health benefits of Merrell footwear with their patented Q-form footbed that aligns your feet, knees and hips while you walk. My Merrell Siren's are the most comfortable fitness shoes I've ever owned (I have bunions and hammertoes--yikes!) and I expect the Relay Tour will not disappoint. It seems the perfect summer after-sport shoe with its breathable mesh outer. $79 at Zappos, free shipping and returns.

Related posts:

• Merrell Encore Mary Jane
• Merrell Tetra Sprite Mary Jane
• Merrell Siren Sport