Barking Dog Shoes

El Naturalista Iggdrasil on Meg's Feet

Update 12/08: Visit this post to find out where to buy the Iggdrasil open-back clog for under $40!

Update 11/o8: Shoes.com continues to carry a wonderful selection of all shoes Iggdrasil (clogs, mules, boots). Save $10 on orders of $50 or more with promo code NOV08SAVE through November.

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A self-described "artsy-fartsy-hippie graduate student, wife and mom to 3 four-legged critters," Meg C. not only has an interest in Frida Kahlo and multicultural folklore, she loves shoes! Not just any shoe, rather stylish, eco-friendly footwear that will support her high arches and help to relieve chronic back pain. Read Meg's review of the El Naturalista Iggdrasil on her thoughtful blog about green living, GoNaturale.

The El Naturalista Iggdrasil mary jane is available in green for $119.99 at Shoes.com, free shipping and returns (use promo code fallsale08 and save $20 off $100 purchase through 10/6). PlanetShoes.com has a great selection of El Naturalista footwear--they carry the Iggdrasil mary jane in four colors (not green) for $160, free shipping and returns (save 10% when you use promo code tenoff at checkout).

Haflinger Happy Embroidered Wedge Clog

The cork footbed with superior arch support guarantees to make the feet happy and embroidered flowers and leaves on Haflinger's boiled wool wedge clog will cheer the heart also. Available for $99.95 at OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges.

7 Best Comfortable Tall Boots for Winter '08

This post is dedicated to women everywhere who can't quite grasp the ankle bootie or shootie trend. Whether you disdain the look due to cankles or a general mistrust of a boot that can't manage to cover any part of your leg--this one's for you. I've rounded up seven of my favorite stylish yet comfortable boots--all given high scores for comfort in customer reviews.

1. Timberland Charles Street Tall boot: Waterproof leather and rubber lug sole make it possible to look great without slipping and tripping your way to work this winter. $159.95 at OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges.

2.Sofft Mela Suede Slouch boot: If you thought slouch boots were a thing of the past, or to be more precise, a thing of the 80s, take a look at this photo. Think you could pull it off? I think so. I've said it before, I'll say it again--nothing beats the Sofft footbed for comfort from toe to heel. Available in sizes 6-12 at OnlineShoes.com for $151.95.

3. Sofft Tyla: You can't see this feature very well from the photo, but there is lacing all the way up the back, which makes this boot, for lack of a better word...HOT. The heel may look impossibly high (3 1/2"), but there is a 1/2" platform to offset the height a bit. You can read the glowing reviews for yourself at OnlineShoes.com, $169.95. Also on sale at Shoebuy for $135.95, free shipping and returns. Nordstrom carries the Sofft Tyla II which has a wide shaft for wider calves.

4. Naot Divine: Not a budget boot, but Naot excels in comfort technology, so well worth it. Cork-latex insole molds to your foot and provides excellent arch support. $294.95 at Shoemall, free shipping.

5. Ugg Classic Tall: over 500 five star reviews at Zappos. If you suffer from Raynaud's or just have chronically cold feet in the wintertime, there's nothing like Ugg shearling boots--soft, cozy and super warm. $164 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.

6. Merrell Spire Peak Waterproof: I'm a firm believer in the Merrell Q-form alignment system™.  The footbed keeps feet from pronating and aligns feet, knees and hips while walking. The waterproof leather and Polartec® lining make this a great winter commuter boot. $154.95 at OnlineShoes.com.

7. Born Persimmon flat boot: With barely an inch heel and a generously padded footbed, the Born Persimmon gets my vote for best comfy flat boot. Comes in a really pretty charcoal nubuck too. $159 at Shoeline.com, free shipping.

Hush Puppies Demure Oxford: Granny, Vintage or Menswear Chic?

• On my feet: Hush Puppies Demure cap-toe oxford from the eco-friendly Harmony collection.
• How they fit: true to size and width (medium). Laces give a little leeway across midfoot.
• How they feel: plenty of room for toes, no aggravating rubbing of toes or heel, cushioned footbed but not as much as I'd like in the ball of foot area. Sturdy 2 1/1" heel with crepe sole for traction makes this oxford able to handle slick surfaces.
• Other thoughts: Fun and trendy but could look matronly if not put together with some colorful tights and kicky skirt. So many of the heeled oxfords are either too high for me or the heel is to wobbly--the Hush Puppies Demure is just the right height and is very walkable.
• Where to buy: Zappos for $95, free shipping both ways.

Related Post:

• Hush Puppies Poised Ankle Strap Dress Shoe

All Aerosoles $29.95 at 6pm.com

If your feet are basically healthy and you're looking for affordable, comfortable shoes to get you through the work day, Aerosoles footwear is a safe bet. Although the arch support is negligible, the footbed is cushioned well and the sole is extra flexible. Now until September 30th, you can find all Aerosoles shoes and boots marked down to $29.95 at 6pm.com (owned by Zappos).

Printz Charming ballet flat pictured at right.