Barking Dog Shoes

Crocs Alice

Crocs have taken a beating in the high fashion media lately; I think I might have a sneaking suspicion why. The naysayers claim they're "plastic shoes," but we here at Barking Dog know they're made of Propreitary Closed Cell Resin (PCCR). And as far as the rumor that they cause your feet to stink; not true. The PCCR (Croslite TM) is anti-microbial. So THERE, you snobby fashion critics. We all know what goes on your feet when you kick off your Jimmy Choo's at the end of the day.

I've been wearing Crocs for about a year now. They have been my mainstay for wearing around the house, to the store and walking my son to kindergarten. The Croslite TM material molds to your foot and cushions any sore spots on your sole and is wide enough to accommodate those nasty bunions. My favorite style up until now has been the Mary Jane, but now we have a more streamlined Mary Jane/ballet flat called Alice. The featured color is NOT purple, it's "grape." $35.00 at Piperlime.

Tommy Hilfiger Boe

I present to you the Tommy Hilfiger Boe in frost grey. Since grey is the new black, I searched until I found the prettiest little flat in said hue. This is what you need peeking out under your new wide leg trousers that are all the rage.

For those of you on your feet all day, you'll be happy to know that this flat has good arch support, cushioned foot bed and flexible rubber sole. $75.95 at Zappos.

Hot Kiss Mary

Once I got past the name of this brand (does Britney now have her own shoe line??), I could start to appreciate the cuteness of these flats. If all you have hanging in your closet is a white tee and jeans, no worries--just put on your new sassy plaid ballet flats by Hot Kiss and you've got yourself a stylin' outfit!

How can you turn down these comfy, cushioned shoes when they're on sale at Famous Footwear for $34.99?

What's What (by Aerosoles) Revival

The Barking Dog works hard sniffing out great deals for you. This vintage black suede peep toe by What's What (an Aerosoles brand) is on sale now at Shoebuy.com for $54.99. I think what I love most about this shoe is the wide strap and classy brass buckle. And they most definitely give you a reason to keep your toes painted well into the fall.

As is standard with Aerosoles shoes,  the foot bed is cushioned and the sole is rubber.  The heel in the image looks a bit higher than actual height--2 3/4 inches.

Dansko Merrie

Dansko clogs are very close to my heart. Back in 1997 I bought my first pair after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. All the cute shoes I had worn previously had been cast aside in my closet as they caused me such pain. I was at a loss as to what to put on my achy feet.

I'll never forget the day I first laid eyes on the Dansko Kirsten; a  cute black Mary Jane clog...with my name. It was meant to be. The toe box was roomy and the heel rocked gently forward alleviating the pain in my forefoot. And they passed the style test with my students at school! Ten years later and Dansko is still making wonderfully comfortable and cute clogs like the Merrie. Available in red spinnabuck, brown and black oiled leather at OnlineShoes.com for $109.95; free shipping and returns.