Barking Dog Shoes

Moszkito Archy Thong Sandals: Flip Flops with Arch Support

One of the main reasons I steer clear of flip flops is the lack of arch support (the other is the general hatred of things between my toes).

For the past two days I've been traipsing about suburbia in Moszkito Archy thong sandals in pink crocodile. Check out the arch support on these babies (note arch bump on top sandal)! It took a few hours to get used to the feeling, but after wearing my new comfortable shoes all day, I was thankful for the extra 16 mm of EVA rubber under my arches. Here I am at left in my new Archy flip-flops. I think I may have prepped them up a little too much with outfit choice.

I'm wild about the pink faux crocodile uppers (made from cows not crocs). For a gal that tends to avoid flip-flops because of the uncomfortable toe post, I have to say the canvas post on the Archy doesn't bother me a bit!  Available in pink, red, green croc or solid brown for $59.99 at Footsmart.com.

Budget Fudge-it: Taryn Rose vs. Naot

In our second installment of Budget Fudge-its, we'll take a look at the Naot Mars and the Taryn Rose Taylor, both lug sole strappy sandals from well-known comfort brands.

Both comfortable shoes have adjustable Velcro instep straps--a plus if you find buckles tedious. They also both feature their own unique comfort footbeds with superior  arch support. The Taryn Rose Taylor has a concealed orthotic built into the sole while the Naot Mars has a shock absorbing suede-covered contoured footbed. Other than the price, the biggest difference between shoes is the width--the Naot runs narrow.

Taryn Rose Taylor: $375 at Zappos. Naot Mars: $66.70 at 6pm.com (check out the whole Naot collection--most styles are under $80).

Crocs Santa Cruz Canvas Slip-On: Keep the Canvas Crocs Comin'!

 

Perhaps it's time to retire the ugly Crocs Cayman forever now that the company has introduced more natural looking comfortable shoes with canvas uppers. If you like the cushiony feel of Crocs on the soles of your feet, but hate the neon colors and holes, the Santa Cruz is the perfect shoe for you.  Folks will stop you on the street and say, "Those are CROCS??" Available in whole sizes 6-12 for $59.99 at Shoes.com (order up if half size).

Related Post:

Crocs Celeste Canvas Slip-On

 

Comfortable Closed-Toe Sandals

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

It's almost July and your dogs are barking for a new reason: heat exhaustion. Your feet have been confined too long in loafers and pumps, yet your office requires a closed-toe shoe. Here are six comfortable shoes with open mid-foot styling; what I like to call the "closed-toe sandal."

1. Rockport Sedgewood: Described as a "two-piece dress wedge," this round-toe sandal has an EVA footbed that contains a cushion of moving air that absorbs shock while you walk. Available in red, black and navy from Shoes.com for $89.99.

2. Skechers Bikers Caliper: Good choice for casual Friday. If you've worn Skechers before, you know they don't have much in the way of arch support, but are otherwise comfortable on the average, healthy foot. I thought this model was so cute and affordable, I'd feature it. $44.95 at Shoebuy.

3. Lassen Arabella: For the hard-to-fit foot. This strappy closed-toe sandal has a roomy toe box and comes in narrow-WW widths. $79 at Zappos.

4. Born Angel:  This darling cushioned platform sandal is currently on sale for $69 at Shoeline.com, free shipping.

5. Timberland T-strap Kadri: A far cry from the Timberland work boots that I associate with growing up in West Virginia, the strappy Kadri has a 2 3/4" stacked heel and memory foam footbed. Available in tan and dark brown leather; $94 at Zappos. 

6. Naturalizer Hoffman: Comes in sizes 5.5-12, narrow-WW widths. $69.95 at Shoemall.com, free shipping.

Related Posts:

• Aravon Closed-Toe Sandal Review
• Closed-Toe Shoes for Summer

Haflinger Gets in on the Gladiator Action

Indubitably the most comfortable gladiator sandal yet. Haflinger has branched out beyond boiled wool scuffs into unchartered territory with the Dahlia gladiator.  With a generous toe box and contoured cork footbed, even those with problem feet can enjoy this summer trend. So prepare your feet for the hard surfaces of life's arena in the Haflinger Dahlia. $107.95 at OnlineShoes.com.