Barking Dog Shoes

Born Carlisle on Photographer Kerrin's Feet

Couldn't this photo be in a catalog? I'm no photographer, but I know a good shoe shot when I see it. This is Kerrin in her Born Carlisle Mary Janes. I found this image in her Flickr photostream and she graciously allowed me to post it on the Barking Dog. Kerrin is a photographer in the Washington DC metro area--take a minute to check out her awesome shot of this well-traveled shoe juxtaposed against Mt. Vesuvius. Here's what she had to say about the Born Carlisle:

They are adorably cute and pretty comfy. My feet are narrow with somewhat high arches. The arch support works well for me and the insole is kinda squishy so I don't feel like I'm walking directly on the pavement. The toe box is pretty roomy but with narrow feet I can't say how big it would be on someone with wide feet. Because they are all leather they need to be broken in. I got some nasty blisters when I first started wearing them so I bought some heel guards to stick in the back. I probably could walk around without them now but I've grown used to them and find them comfortable enough to leave in. The sole isn't as flexible as, say, a tennis shoe but it's not completely stiff either. The more I walk around the more flexible they become. I've worn them with stockings but usually wear them without anything. I wore them all summer with skirts, capris, and dress pants. I dressed them up and down, they really can go with almost anything. My favorite thing is how cute they are and how many compliments I get! Everywhere I go people react to them, even the guys! Admittedly I was initially bothered by the blisters and had to tough it out for a couple weeks but they were worth it.

If you love the shoe but keep hearing mom's voice of reason telling you to table the white shoes until spring since it's after Labor Day, why not get them in red, or black patent? Available at Zappos for $80.10 with free shipping and returns. OnlineShoes.com carries the Born Carlisle in black leather and black, brown and blue patent for $79.95, free shipping and exchanges.

Related Born Posts:

• Born Carlisle
• Born Mandrill

All Earth Footwear $49.95 at 6pm.com

Take the pressure off your painful forefoot with Earth footwear. Have pain in the ball of your foot due to neuroma, metatarsalgia or capsulitis? Try a pair of Earth shoes with Kalso Negative Heel Technology,
which shifts your weight back relieving pressure on the forefoot and toes. Even if you don't have a foot condition but want a great workout while you walk, give Earth a whirl.

I've never seen prices like these on Earth footwear before--347 styles for women and 75 for men marked down to $49.95 (or less) at 6pm.com until 9/26.

Privo Puffer: $2 of each sale goes to Breast Cancer Research Foundation

You may declare, "TMI!" or, "Stick to the shoes!" but I must tell you that I went in for a baseline mammogram this morning. I asked the tech if anyone had ever fainted from the compressing pain and she said, "Once." I vowed to hold on tight and not be second. It's over and I'm still standing.

When I got home, I checked the new arrivals in the comfortable shoe section at Shoebuy, as is routine for me. And look what I found!  This darling pink nubuck shoe by Privo called the Puffer (that's faux-wool apparently). I love the pretty rose color and pink ribbon in back. The lucky penny detail on the heel bumper is signature for Privo--I don't get it, but it's a conversation starter--about pennies I guess.

The best part about the Puffer is the donation of $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every pair sold. And if you don't think you can find a thing in your closet to go with pink shoes, you'll be happy to hear that the Privo Puffer comes in black, brown and olive nubuck also for $59.95 at Shoebuy.com, free shipping and returns.  Also available for $59.95 at Endless.com with free overnight shipping.

Dansko Madrigal Clog: Not the Marcelle, But Cute Enough

 

I went shoe shopping today...in my own closet! I had forgotten all about my Dansko Madrigal clogs and found them hiding behind flip-flops and other summery footwear (which was quickly banished to the hot weather bin not to be seen again until, sigh, May). Then I remembered my new Hot Sox that I received as a birthday gift from my friend, Beth. She and I were inspired by Katrina at PuglyFeet who can pull of the Hot Sox look like nobody's business. So I matched them with my Dansko's--and am instantly throttled back to 1995 when I never left home without patterned socks on my feet. Why can't I do this look?

I purchased my Madrigals two years ago; right after parting with my very first pair of Dansko's that I bought in 1997 after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I have no idea why I didn't save them...or have them bronzed. The model name was "Kirsten"--my first name. Unfortunately when I tried to find another pair, it was too late; the style had been discontinued.

But then I found the Madrigal which had the same closed-toe sandal look with the rocker sole of the Professional. They're a respectable replacement for the Kirsten and are every bit as comfortable.  The toe box is roomy, the instep strap keeps my heel in place and the rocker sole is heavenly as it gently rolls my feet through the stride relieving pressure on metatarsals. Now I find out that THIS style has been discontinued, but is still in stock at a few online retailers. Zappos carries three colors for $107.10, free shipping and returns. Sierra Trading Post has four colors available in certain sizes for $74.95 with $9.95 shipping.

$20 off $50 or more when you use Paypal at Shoebuy

Wow, this is a pretty decent deal if you have a PayPal account! I like Shoebuy. They offer free shipping and returns and have a great selection of comfort shoes. I wish I had posted this earlier seeing as how there are only three more days to take advantage of this deal.