Barking Dog Shoes

Palladium Inglewood: Comfortable Slingback Wedge Mary Jane

Palladium's tagline for the Inglewood is, "A modern Mary Jane with wedge heel. Urban tested for utility and mobility." Well, I tested mine out at the church potluck. I stood in line for Paula's meatballs, chased after my toddler, walked to and from the coffee urn a few times, and hoofed it up the stairs and across the parking lot while schlepping a 9x13 pan and diaper bag. Urban tested? Maybe not. But an urban commuter has NOTHING on a suburban mom with rheumatoid arthritis when it comes to test driving comfortable shoes. The Palladium Inglewood provided arch support, a nicely cushioned footbed and a hefty dose of cute for my busy Sunday feet.

What I like about the Palladium Inglewood:

•  Although it comes in black, walnut and orange leather, I chose the gray fabric because of its cozy looking texture.
• Plenty of room for toes and soft fabric didn't irritate my moderate-size bunions.
• Good arch support.
• Elasticized slingback strap stays PUT and doesn't slip off heels.
• Perfect fit and true to size and width (best for narrow to medium width feet).
• Footbed is lined with leather and is nicely cushioned.
• Rubber wedge heel is sturdy and durable while remaining lightweight.
• Embossed instep strap fastens with velcro--easy on, easy off.
• Looks great with tights and shows off fun socks.
• Makes me size 10 feet look dainty...or at least makes them look like a 9.5.

Itty Bitty Concern:

• Not the shoe for you if you have bad ankles. While the arch support is decent, there's not a whole lot of shoe on the side to keep weak ankles from twisting if a misstep should occur.

Where to Buy:

• Shoes.com carries all four colors (black, brown and orange leather plus gray fabric) for $84.99, free shipping and returns. Save 15% through October 31 with promo code OCT08.
• Endless.com has black, orange and brown leather for $89.95 with FREE OVERNIGHT shipping.

Reader Recommendation: Merrell Plaza Glide

Catherine P., wife, mom and CPA,  took time out of her busy day to let me know about her new shoes, the Merrell Plaza Glide. Catherine has psoriatic arthritis which has left her poor toes in pretty bad shape (fusions, prolapse and PAIN), so when she says this shoe is comfortable, you better believe her!  Here's what she had to say:

I cannot tell you how wonderful they are. They make my feet happy and are so darn cute I can't stand it. Everytime I wear them someone comments on how cute they are.  The sole and footbed are so heavenly: great support, sturdy, ample toe room, no slipping on my heel. The color combination is fresh yet neutral and goes with everything for fall.  Thank you for turning me on to Merrell's! These prolapsed arthritic toes are forever grateful.

What makes Merrell shoes so comfortable, you might ask? It's all in their Q-Form™ Alignment system which not only provides excellent support but keeps feet, knees and hips in healthy alignment through the stride.  Catherine, thanks so much for sharing this review with us.  We wish you relief from your pain and a renewed spring in your step as you keep up with kids, work and home in your new Merrell's!

Where to buy:

• Currently on sale at FootwearEtc.com for 59.99 with free shipping (just click the "sales" tab at the top of the home page).
• Color pictured above (taupe) on sale for $79.99 at Shoes.com, free shipping and returns. Other colors available for $99.99.
• OnlineShoes.com: Color pictured above on sale for $84.88, free shipping and exchanges. Other colors available for $99.95.

Ulu Meribel: Wooly Warm Winter Clog

 

Yesterday a friend of mine was wearing a pair of shearling lined clogs at the school playground (don't think I didn't notice, Amy). My feet suddenly felt deprived of warmth when I saw the toasty wool lining of her shoes. So like any comfy shoe blogger (there are maybe three of us), I went in search of a pair to feature and look what I found. The ULU Meribel. I'm not going to waste words describing it. Instead I utilized my nifty arrow feature to point out just what I love about it (I left out the flower detail). Available at Zappos: $109, free shipping both ways; AND Endless: $109.95, free OVERNIGHT shipping and free returns.

Me and My Sofft Mela Slouch Boots

Update December '08: I just found the Sofft Mela over at ShoeMart.com for $128.70 with free shipping.

Funny, I feel nothing like a slouch in these black suede beauties by Sofft. Now, if you saw me at this very moment (flannel head to toe), you could rightfully call me a slouch, but not in THESE boots. No way.

With western stitching and fashionable ruched detailing, the Sofft Mela stands apart from other low-heeled boots on the shelf. I'm sure you fashionistas could rock this style boot with tucked in skinny jeans, but I went the safe route in my denim skirt and new magenta swing sweater from--hold on to your hats--Wal-Mart.

Like other Sofft styles, the Mela has a footbed cushioned with memory foam and tends to run just a bit big and wide. I'm a 10 medium with a narrow heel and wider forefoot and found the size 10 Mela to be a tad roomy which is great for the bunions, but my heels slipped in the tights featured here. I bet some thicker sweater tights would remedy that problem.  One other feature that could pose a potential problem for some of you with more, well, athletic calves--this is a pull-on boot. The shaft circumference is 15", so get out your tape measure before ordering.

Available in black, gray and brown suede at OnlineShoes.com for $151.95 (best price I could find online), free shipping and exchanges.

Related Post:

• 7 Comfy Tall Boots

Karla in her Ugg Classic Cardy Boots with Dog Bentley

Little did I know that I was writing to the marketing director of one of my favorite health websites, HealthTalk, when I spied this darling photo of Karla in her Ugg Classic Cardy boots with beloved dog, Bentley, on Flickr. Since I don't own this rib-knit Ugg style (I've got the big ol' furry Uggs), she was kind enough to provide a detailed pro/con review of the Ugg Classic Cardy. Thanks so much, Karla!

Pros:

• Lots of versatility in styling (buttoned up over jeans or leggings/unbuttoned and folded over)
• Unique look compared to more popular Uggs
• Ridiculously comfortable – often feel like I’m getting away with wearing slippers outside
• Very breathable, more so than sheepskin Uggs
• Not as warm as sheepskin Uggs, so can be worn in Spring and Fall too
• Hold up better to rain and don’t stain like sheepskin Uggs might

Cons:

• My heels slipped when walking quickly, even in smaller sizes (fixed by wearing socks underneath)
• Toe shape showed through flimsy crochet upper (also fixed by wearing socks underneath)
• Not much structure at all, and sometimes feel flimsy
• Collects animal fur and carpet fuzzies like a sweater might – darker colors show more, obviously
• Might not keep you as warm as sheepskin Uggs might on colder days

Karla also mentioned that the Ugg Classic Cardy fits true to size. Available in five colors at Zappos for $144, free shipping both ways. Also available at Shoes.com for $139.99 with free shipping and returns.