BarkingDogShoes | Reviews and Deals - Comfortable Shoes for Women

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Dansko Sissy Sandal

The buckle, the perfs, the shiny red patent. Dansko has made peace between the two camps of comfort and style with the addition of the Sissy sandal.  I'm gaga for this sandal but with all the shoes in my closet, it would be superfluous to add another pair. Or would it?

The author behind ByHillary.com has graciously allowed me to post her photo, but I highly suggest clicking over to her blog if you're looking for some eclectic, fresh wardrobe inspiration. Hillary is a librarian with gorgeous red locks (and Besame red lips), fab clothing and some mighty fine shoes. Here's what she had to say about her Dankso Sissy sandals:

I instantly was smitten with the patent leather red pair and in my mind red shoes are a neutral! I really loved the vintage cut of the sandals and they, like all danskos I've owned, were comfy from the word go.  I find I can wear them with a dress or jeans and feel appropriate.

The Sissy is from Dansko's Sausalito collection of footwear with padded footbeds and lightweight soles. So if you think a traditional Dansko clog is too hard on your feet, try one from the Sausalito line, such as the Sela sandal, Sally mary jane,  or the brand-new-for-fall Solstice and Solitaire.

A word on sizing ( feel free to comment below if YOU own a shoe from the Sausalito collection): I'm a 10 and ordered the 41 in the Sela which is listed to fit between 10.5-11--and it fits perfectly.

Where to buy the Dansko Sissy and other shoes from the Sausalito collection:

• Zappos: $110, free shipping both ways (over 200 reviews, 5 star average).
• OnlineShoes.com: $109.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Endless: $109.95, free OVERNIGHT shipping, free returns.
• PegasusShoes: $109.95, free shipping. Use coupon code TWITTER for 10% off purchase.
• ShoeParlor: black patent is $79 with free shipping! Search on "sissy."

Related Posts:

• Review of Dansko Sela
• Dansko Nolita collection review

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Clarks High Surf

It's not often I come across a closed-toe shoe appropriate for hot summer days. The Clark's High Surf is breezy with its t-strap upper and slingback heel yet conservative enough for the work place. I chose to feature this comfortable shoe due to the positive reviews by online customers: room for toes, great for wider feet, cushioned footbed with moderate arch support, lightweight flexible sole and overall good looks.

Available in whole and half sizes 5-11 from:

• Zappos:  $81, free shipping both ways.
• Amazon: $42-90, free super saver shipping.
• Shoemall: $71, free shipping.
• Endless: $56-90, free overnight shipping, free returns.

Other reviews of Clarks footwear:

• Clarks Alameda Wedge Sandal
• Clarks Korbin Sandal
• Clarks Radiant Pump

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Aetrex Montserrat Sandalistas

Watch out, Naot. Look both ways, Birkenstock. There's a new shoe in town. Meet the Aetrex Montserrat from the new Sandalistas line.  Now Aetrex has been around for quite some time specializing in foot health, orthotics and orthopedic footwear, but until recently, one would be hard-pressed to find a stylish option. Not so anymore. Aetrex now offers four fashion forward sandals with similar comfort technologies to their orthopedic line.

I was a bit suspect when I received by pumpkin orange Aetrex Montserrat sandalistas. I immediately crushed on the orange color, but the thong post worried me. My toes seem to reject anything between them except beach sand. This is the first thong shoe that my toes can tolerate for longer wearings.  If you absolutely can't do a toe post, try the Saona, Amalie or Mandehle styles.

What makes Aetrex Sandalistas to incredibly comfortable is the memory foam-covered footbed. Incorporating all the support of a Lynco® orthotic, the footbed molds perfectly to my moderately high arches providing all-day stability, shock-absorption and cushiony comfort. All Sandalista footbeds are removable accommodating a custom orthotic (might be a bit more difficult on Montserrat style).

Another feature which I have yet to try is the Mozaic™ Customization Technology. If you unbutton the toe post from the nubuck upper, remove the footbed and turn it over, you'll see some green pads. The idea is this: peel away the pads where you experience the most discomfort for more customized comfort and relief. If you own a pair of Aetrex, could you leave a comment telling us if this customization is helpful to the overall feel of the shoe?

Two concerns: the light colored footbeds dirty-up fast; go with black if you have chronically dirty feet. The size on me above is a 10.5 which fits perfectly in the heel area, but I have some room to spare above the toes--this doesn't affect the overall comfort of the shoe, however. I can't find any other reviews about this issue, but promise to update when I do. Fits my medium width foot fine, would also accommodate slightly wide feet.

Where to buy the Aetrex Montserrat and other Sandalista styles sizes 5-11:

• OnlineShoes.com: $134.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• HealthyFeetStore.com: $129.97
• PegasusShoes.com: $129, free shipping.
• ShoeMart: $134.95, free shipping
• Although Zappos doesn't currently carry the Sandalista line, they do offer supportive Aetrex fitness styles and some dressier shoes too.

Follow @Aetrex on Twitter!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Birkenstock Madrid, City Fun and Fatigue

In photo: Birkenstock Madrid sandal in peridot patent. Affordable, comfortable, and cute.
We never made it to church today. Instead we packed up the kids and headed due east straight into the heart of Chicago for a day of fun in the sun (therefore making up for our gray and dreary 4th). I ignored my RA pain for five hours and romped with the kids through Lincoln Park Zoo, played in the fountain at Garfield Conservatory, gave my 7 year old a piggy-back ride for two city blocks and hoofed around Adler planetarium. I'd love to say I'm none the worse for wear, but as those of you with chronic illness understand all to well: the fatigue is sometimes worse than the pain. Was it worth it? You bet.

My rheumatoid arthritis has slowly come out of a 10 month remission over the last few weeks. It's not terrible (like the first few years after diagnosis), but it's there. It's definitely there. My fingers are more swollen and it feels like I have tight bands around my knees. Of course, bringing the moonwalk out of retirement to honor Michael Jackson was probably not the best idea.

I can't say my feet were completely pain-free in my Birkenstock Madrid sandals today, but that's the nature of this disease: have flare, dogs will bark. But my arches were supported and my toes could spread out, and I just couldn't resist the lime patent pop of color when I opened my closet. Had I known how much walking we were going to do, I might have worn my Wolky Jewel or Merrell Siren kicks for more ankle support. You may recall I walked in my Madrids for 3 miles when visiting San Diego two months ago...this was before the flare, obviously. 

If you like the look of the Madrid and want to find out more about fit and feel, read my review from this spring. I just noticed that FootSmart carries the green for $49.99 with free shipping (this color is going fast). I'll be back tomorrow with a review of my new Aetrex sandals; if you've ever slept on a memory foam mattress, then you know how the footbed feels already. Wowza. 

Mom and wild boys outside Lincoln Park Zoo earlier today.

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Crocs Patricia and Blueberry Buckle

Happy Independence Day weekend. I wish you a relaxing and joy-filled time with family and friends. I'll be wearing my Crocs Patricia low wedge sandals to the parade in hopes of getting a super cool foot tan.

Since my mind is more focused on food than shoes this weekend, I leave you with a recipe for my mom's blueberry buckle. I make it at least 22 times between June and August. The best. 

Pat's Blueberry Buckle:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Cream 3/4 c. sugar and 1/4 c. butter
• Add 1 egg and 1/2 c. milk, mix well.
• Blend together 2 c. flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt. Add to creamed mixture and mix.
• Add 2 c. fresh blueberries and stir gently.
• Spread into 9x9 pan that has been greased and dusted lightly with flour
• Crumb topping: cut in 1/4 c. butter to 1/2 c. sugar, 1/3 c. flour and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Spread over top.
• Bake 45-50 min. Cool  or serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cool-whip...and strong, dark coffee :-)