Barking Dog Shoes

Budget Fudge-it: Rockport Sherylee vs. Donald J. Pliner Guenna

BarkingDogShoes.com's new feature, Budget Fudge-its, will showcase two shoes of similar style and comfort; one expensive and the other budget friendly.

I love the chic, simple profile of Donald Pliner sandals and slides, but I honestly can't afford $250 even if I did wear them every day. So I was thrilled to find Rockport's version for $84 (whether they meant to replicate the style or not), while checking out the new arrivals at Zappos. Rockport, maker of formerly stodgy comfort footwear, is now able to compete with more fashion forward designers like Pliner with shoes like the Sherry Lee.

The Sherry Lee thong features a Dynamic Suspension® DMX foam chamber® which is fancy speak for a chamber of moving air in the latex footbed that cushions your foot while you walk. $84 at Zappos, free shipping both ways and $79.99 at Onlineshoes.com, free shipping and exchanges.

The Dogs are Back! Who Let the Dogs Out? Feature Shoe

These appear to be made out of scraps from Holly Hobby's (or Mrs. Sunshine's) dress.

more at twiigs.com...

Born Carlisle Mary Jane: Rave Reviews at Shoeline.com

Update 10/2/08: See the Born Carlisle on photographer Kerrin's feet and read her review.

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Oh, I'd love to wear French Sole flats here, there and everywhere...if I didn't have problem feet. So, I thank Born for making such a funky, comfy flat that comes in 10 colors! You can catch a video review of some chick wearing these with skinny jeans over at Shoeline.com and observe their interesting "Return-O-Meter." This scores a "low" on the meter's scale.  Read the customer reviews and you'll see why I featured the Born Carlisle today.

$77 at Shoeline.com, free shipping. Sign up for their email club for special sales and promotions.

Four Comfortable Flip Flops for Summer Fun

Headed to the beach and need a pair of comfortable flip-flops? Try out a pair of these heel-slappers.

1. Best for wide feet--Privo Dulce 2: A polka-dot take on last season's popular plaid Dulce, this flip-flop features Privo's trademark Soleassage insole (little cushiony bumps that massage your feet), a neoprene lining that flexes with your foot and moderate arch support. $51 with free shipping and returns at Zappos, $44.95 at Endless with free overnight shipping.

2. Best for narrow to medium width feet--Clark's Bora Bora: Wrapped in full-grain leather for breathability, the Bora Bora's EVA midsole will reduce leg fatigue. $46 at Zappos, $39.99 at Shoes.com, free shipping and returns.

3. Ultimate waterproof comfort--Crocs Athens: You just can't beat Crocs for comfort. Perfect for flip-flopping your way over the boardwalk to the beach; rinse the sand off and they're ready for another day of  fun in the sun. $29.95 at Shoebuy.com, free shipping and returns.

4. Preppy comfort--White Mountain Tennison: Nice, soft, suede-lined footbed with a madras plaid canvas upper. I was fortunate enough to have two pairs of these cute flip-flops sent to me courtesy of the company; one in madras, the other in polka-dot canvas. I love the comfort and simplicity of the Tennison. $29.95 at Shoemall; free shipping.

Related Posts:

• Crocs Capri Canvas Flip-Flop

• Good for You Thongs
  

Indigo Hydrangea Roman-Inspired Sandal: $49.95

If you haven't fully bought into this season's gladiator sandal trend because you feel the style works solely for runway models and Russell Crowe,  then consider Indigo's more subtle Hydrangea.

I prefer the term "Roman-inspired" to describe the Hydrangea. While it lacks the buckles, medallions and (gasp) fringe of true gladiator sandals, the strappy vamp and ankle buckle give it an old world look. Made by Indigo (a division of Clark's), the Hydrangea features a leather-wrapped polyurethane footbed which absorbs shock and provides support.
Price Points:

• OnlineShoes.com offers black and brown for $49.95 and white for $59.95 (currently running their "Buy One Get One 25% Off" promotion.
• Shoes.com: bronze, black and brown for $59.99, free shipping and returns.
• Zappos: black, bronze, brown and white: $64.99, free shipping and returns.