Barking Dog Shoes

Comfortable Shoes for Bunions

1. Arcopedico: Zappos customers agree that the soft leathers conform to the foot making room for a bunion without causing pain. Great arch support and extra heel cushioning.  Styles to check out: Shawna, Rose and N17.

2. Naot: With an anatomical contoured footbed and generous toe box, Naot is a customer favorite for accommodating bunions while providing excellent support for rest of the foot. Closed-toe styles to check out: Gardenia and Bramble.

3. Wolky: You have to see the Jewel sandal on Katrina's feet at Puglyfeet.com to envision the full cuteness potential (she also has a pair of Arcopedico's on in the same post). With rocker soles and arch support, the Jewel makes a great walking sandal. Just adjust the straps over your bunions and go! Click on the logo above to see the Jewel style and other comfy and very European shoes by Wolky.

Related Post: Stylish Bunion-Friendly Shoes

Dansko Professional in Claret Patent

I was more than a little worried last year when Sanita effectively ended their contract with Dansko to supply them with their flagship flexible stapled clog. But see here! The Dansko Professional flexible stapled clog LIVES--not in a cached archive from 2007, but in the actual here and now at Zappos! Rocker sole? Check. Roomy toe box? check. PVC inner frame that provides stability and reduces torque and pronation? CHECK!

I received my first pair for Christmas '98 when my feet were wracked with pain from rheumatoid arthritis. I was a middle school teacher that had to be on her feet--try teaching 7th graders sitting down--it doesn't work. The professional model was a true godsend at that time in my life. The rocker sole kept pressure off my forefoot which was the point of pain for me.

I have yet to try on the non-Sanita made stapled clogs, so I can't say whether they feel exactly the same as the ones that I used to wear. I'm waiting to hear from customers at Zappos, or from you, kind readers! If you've been a Dansko flexible stapled clog wearer in the past and happen to order these, let me know how they compare. Thank you from the bottom of my clog-loving heart.

J-41 Escapade Ankle-Strap Sandal: On Sale at Garnet Hill

While we're on the subject of J-41, take a look at these summery ankle-strap sandals on sale at GarnetHill.com. With a velcro quick-closure strap and moderate arch support, this comfortable closed-toe sandal is airy, lightweight and would look great with capris. $56 at GarnetHill.com. Just type in "J-41" in the search box to find the Escapade sandal. Although there is a nominal shipping charge, use promo code ENT to save $10 off a $50 purchase.

J-41 Seville Sporty Wedge: Vegan Style for Fall '08

Update 9/7/08: This extremely popular style is flying off the shelves at Zappos. Try Endless.com where you can pick up the Seville for $109.95 with free overnight shipping and returns.

When I contacted J-41 to see if they'd be willing to  let me try one of  their sporty wedges that I saw on  Zappos, they were  kind enough to send me a brand new style from their fall  line.  Let me introduce you to the Seville; my favorite city in Spain and now my favorite in the closet of comfortable shoes. The Seville reminds me of the round-toe shoes worn by flamenco dancers minus the clicky-clacky heel. Instead it sports a partially recycled rubber platform and wedge heel which has a rocker sole effect (takes pressure off forefoot during stride), similar to Dansko.

Not to belabor my bunions again, but these are wide enough in the toe box as not to aggravate them. The contoured footbed with moderate arch support is made of memory foam which cushions the heel and metatarsals. One of my favorite features of the J-41 Seville is the adjustable strap that runs along the side and back of the shoe customizing the fit in the heel area (which is fabulously cushioned to avoid rubbing). The J-41 Seville is vegan-friendly with its faux patent upper that comes in black, burgundy, brown and olive. Runs true to size. $113 at Zappos, free shipping both ways and $109.95 at Shoemall.com, free shipping.

Related Post:

• J-41 Rome Mule on my foot
  

Merrell Plaza Line for Fall '08

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I still laugh when I see BarkingDogShoes.com listed among the elite fashion blogs on Alltop (thanks again, Guy Kawasaki)! I blog about Merrell's and somehow avoid getting kicked off. Maybe no one has noticed...

Merrell has introduced some new styles and colors to their Plaza line of sporty wedge-loafers. I appreciate Merell for utilizing their comfort technologies when designing the dressier shoes seen above.  The only feature I would change is the rubber that seems to grow around the toe and up the back of the heel--sort of like Keens, no? But when it comes to all-day comfort and support, you really can't beat Merrell. The Q-Form™ footbed assists in proper alignment of hip and knee while you stride.  If you over or under pronate when walking, Merrell Q-form shoes are for you.

The styles above are available at Shoes.com, free shipping and returns.

1. Merrell Plaza Ballet: $90
2. Merrell Plaza Strap: $89.99
3. Merrell Plaza Glide: $100
4. Merrell Plaza Emme: $90