Barking Dog Shoes

Sofft Elysia Boots: Get 'em before they're GONE for GOOD

I'm going to keep this short and free of anything quippy due to sleep deprivation and fear I may nod off mid-sentence (our toddler is going through a stage of multiple early morning crying jags).

The Sofft Elysia is a discontinued model from last year's winter line and is currently available in limited quantities from a few online retailers. This is a wonderfully comfortable boot. I reviewed it in October of '07 and still find it to be one of my closet favorites.

Swipe a pair before they're gone for good:

• Brown suede available in sizes 9 and 10 for $116.80 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.
• Black suede available for $150.95 with free shipping from Shoeline.com.

On a side note, I wore my Sofft Elysia's with the outfit pictured here on Sunday. I love my new puffer coat!  Not only is it the perfect color and style,  I only spent $46!  However, I am a bit embarrassed to say it's Jessica Simpson brand...

Now, by no means am I a fashion plate (ask my  six-year old who begs me not to get out of the car when I drive him to school in my pajama pants), but I was thrilled to see the long puffer jacket featured in Chicago Tribune's style section this weekend. And mine was $30 cheaper than their under $100 option! Go me.

Ahnu Benicia Revisited: Jump for Joy, it's on Sale!

What is Lolly jumping for? Joy, of course! She just heard that the Ahnu Benicia mary jane is on sale for under $35 at REI. But then again, all they have is black which she's already wearing, so she'll just head on over to Amazon to pick up a pair in castlerock gray or mushroom for $40. You can read my review of the Benicia from July to get an idea of why I love this comfortable shoe too.

Lolly, thank you for allowing me to feature you and your Ahnu Benicia's here on  BarkingDogShoes.com. Readers, you'll enjoy Lolly's blog, Lolly Knitting Around, especially if you're a knitter or photographer.

Love the shoe but can't find your size or favorite color at REI or Amazon? Check out the Benicia at OnlineShoes.com, where most colors and sizes are in stock (and save $15 on orders of $100 or more with promo code 8SAVE15.

Emu Hip Button Boot over Ugg Classic Tall: Half the Price and Double the Cute!

Emu Australia--perfect for those who refuse to shell out $150 for Uggs, but still want a cozy, Merino wool-lined boot. And these have TOGGLES! Who doesn't love a good toggle? Totally cabin-chic. Totally. So go ahead and tuck in those jeans and show off your toggles!

Be sure to order down a whole size as these run LARGE. The Emu Hip Button boot is available at Endless.com in sand, chestnut, chocolate and black suede for $79.95 with free overnight shipping and free returns.

Kitten Heels for your Barking Dogs: Brought to You by Clark's Artisan

There are two kinds of shoes I will never wear while I trod God's green earth: stiletto heels and pointy-toed shoes. Although quintessentially feminine, they are and forever will be impossibly painful on the arthritic foot. Thankfully, Clark's has revved up their winter line of comfortable pumps to include some vintage-inspired, shapely kitten heels--all under two inches. These styles, while round-toed and short in the heel dept. still appeal to the girly-girl in me. In fact, I noticed that Michelle Obama wore a very low-heeled kitten pump with her much-debated Narciso Rodriguez frock on election night; a stylish, elegant and practical choice. Anyone know the brand?

1. Clark's Poetic Flower: Available in sizes 5-12. Active Air insole system absorbs shock and provides all-day cushioning. 1 1/2" heel. Zappos: $100,

2.Clark's Poetic Shine: Similar to shoe above with 1 1/4" heel. Zappos: $100.

3. Clark's Apple Snow: T-strap with Ortholite® foam footbed. 1 3/4" heel. Zappos: $100, Shoebuy: $99.95.

4. Clark's Apple Sky: Active Air insole, 1 3/4" heel. Zappos: $100.

Born Sokal Patent Flat: Review by Julia

Oh how I love when readers send pictures of themselves in their new stylish, comfortable shoes. Here's Julia in her Born Sokal patent flats looking perfectly chic. Here's what she had to say about them:

I wanted to let you know that I recently purchased the Born Sokal flats and absolutely LOVE them. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these are the first fashion flats that I have been able to wear day after day with NO pain.

The sole has a nice cushion and slight arch support but nothing substantial; I have no idea why they don’t hurt but they don’t. The only complaint I have is that the elastic rubbed at first on the back of my heel but after a little wear it is no longer a problem.  They only come in patent leather. I would love it if they came in suede or regular leather.  It has been so nice to wear a pair of shoes that even my 15 year daughter would like!  Just thought I would share.

And I'm so glad you did, Julia.  I agree with your 15 year old daughter; they DO look great on you!

The Born Sokal flat is available in black, burgundy and taupe patent leather and is currently marked down 15% to $71.50 at Zappos; free shipping and returns. OnlineShoes.com carries the Born Sokal for $74.99, free shipping and exchanges.

Related Reviews:

• Born Codder Mary Jane
• Born Codder Mary Jane in Cherry Red