Barking Dog Shoes

Stylish, Comfortable Shoes for the Pregnant Woman

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

As an adoptive mom, I never got to experience the swollen, tired feet that accompany pregnancy. Bummer, eh? But for all of you wonderful women that are carrying babies through the heat of the upcoming summer, let me suggest a few stylish footwear options that will provide comfort and support during your 40 week journey.

1. For the working mama: Privo Step slip-on. A closed-toe option with decorative cut-outs, the Privo Step has a shock-absorbing Soleassage TM footbed. That's a fancy word for cushiony little bumps that massage your foot. Privo's tend to run a bit large, so if you order your normal size, you should find they accommodate your swollen foot well. $84 at Zappos, $79 at PlanetShoes.com: free shipping and returns.

2. For the casual mama: Birkenstock Gizeh. Ok, I really tried to stay away from the Birkenstock's, but what better footwear to support stressed-out arches? Plus, wouldn't these look so cute with a hot pink pedicure? $74 at Zappos, $69.95 at OnlineShoes.com (comes in red and silver too).

3. For the casual mama who doesn't like posts between her toes, but favors a slip-on: Dansko Della. If you've never tried Dansko, why wait any longer? Now's the time when your feet need extra cushion and support and good posture is so important. The rocker sole lets your foot rock forward gently and naturally alleviating pressure on your forefoot. I find the Dansko sandals run a bit small, so order up if you're a half size. I'm a 10 and wear a 41 in Dansko sandals. $124 at Zappos, and currently $69.99 at OnlineShoes.com, $63.25 at 6pm.com for black and brown.

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion for New Subscribers

It's almost that time again! Time to pick a winner at random to win a full size Fair Trade Foot Lotion from Lush Handmade Cosmetics. This stuff smells just like peppermint ice cream; so much so, you may be tempted to eat it, but don't. Rub it into the soles of your feet every morning and your tootsies will be summer sandal ready. All you have to do is sign up for daily updates from BarkingDogShoes.com and you're entered to win. Winner will be chosen at random on May 1.

Fit-Flops, Orthaheel and Bite Spirit: Good for You Thongs

My yogurt has bifidus regularis, my Pepsi has ginseng and my cereal has little soy things in it. Now my flip-flops have micro-wobbleboard TM technology, patented toe guards and built in orthotics.

Here are three "good for you" flip-flops that claim do everything from toning your legs to correcting pronation to cradling your foot like your favorite cushy running shoe.

1. Fit-Flop Walkstar: They may look as cumbersome as romper-stompers, but Fit-Flops were developed by biomechanists at London's Southbank University. As you walk, your Fit-Flops will strengthen your legs and glutes while providing excellent arch support. $49.99 at Footsmart.

2.  Orthaheel Wave:  Designed by Australian podiatrist, Dr. Phillip Vasyli, the Orthaheel Wave is designed to realign your feet to their natural position and improve posture. If you have plantar fasciitis, this flip-flop should provide relief. $49.99 at Footsmart.

3. Bite Spirit Thong: A flip-flop with a removable footbed to accommodate your own prescription orthotic. Adjust the straps for a customized fit. Excellent customer reviews for arch support and footbed comfort--like your favorite cushiony running shoe. $59.99 at Altrec.com.

Save 20% off Clearance Shoes Today at OnlineShoes.com

Clark's sandals for under $25! Birkenstocks for under $50! Aerosoles and Born for over half price! Head on over to Onlineshoes.com, click on the red clearance banner and see what deals you can find. This isn't your typical picked-over clearance of ugly shoes, there are plenty of diamonds and not much rough. My favorite? The Kaya slip-on sandal by Me Too for $36 after 20% discount (similar to Aerosoles with a padded footbed and flexible sole).

Just use promo code SATCLR20 on the final checkout page to receive 20% off your favorite clearance shoes--shipping is free with a 90 day unconditional return policy.

Stonefly Shoes: Then and Now

I used to have an image of Stonefly shoes that was burned into my brain after seeing one frumpy Mary Jane after another sitting on the shelves of my local comfy shoe store. Soon I learned to overlook the display completely on my way to check out the new Donald Pliner and Franco Sarto styles. Well, Don and Frank ain't got nothin' on these babies by (gasp!) Stonefly! Kudos to the designers for believing that comfortable can be stylish.

Featured: Stonefly Party 6 Sandal, $120.60 at Zappos.

More Comfortable, Stylish Sandals:

• Aerosoles Picnic
• Dansko Sela
• Sanita Wooden Slides