Barking Dog Shoes

Naturalizer Creston Flat: Non-Clunky Comfort in 11 Colors

Need a break from your comfy clunkers? Rocker soles can do wonders for achy feet, but every now and then it's nice to slip on a more streamlined shoe. Enter the Naturalizer Creston flat. Not only does this comfortable flat come in 11 colors from "venom red" to more muted pastels, the soft leather (no rubbing on bunions) and cushioned insole will wrap your foot in comfort. Customers state, "feel like I'm wearing slippers."

The Naturalizer Creston runs true to size and is available in narrow, medium and wide widths, sizes 4-12.

Where to buy:

• Amazon: $60-74, buy over $80 on select brands from Amazon and save $20.
• ShoeMall: $69.95, free shipping.
• Zappos: $64.95, free shipping both ways.

Born Charisma T-Strap Heel: More Proof that Style and Comfort Can Coexist

 We here at BarkingDogShoes.com don't make a practice of recommending 3 1/2 inch heels on a consistent basis, but the Born Charisma received too many 5 star reviews to pass up. Not only is this pump adorable with its decorative cut-outs and vintage T-strap, I would venture to guess that most gals with normal feet will find it very comfortable for a high heel. You have a chunky, sturdy heel, boxy toe, padded footbed, at least a half inch platform for added stability. And for those of you  with problem feet like me, well these could be your nice "sit down" shoes. You know, the ones you wear when you want to look stylish but know for a fact you'll be sitting down most of the time--like at church, movie theater or restaurant. Wouldn't these look great with bright colored tights or skinny jeans?

Where to buy:

• Shoeline: $97, $79, free shipping. 21 reviews.
• Shoebuy: $94.95, free shipping and returns. Currently running promo for $10 off purchase of $50 with code WINTER09
• Zappos: $85-95 depending on color, free shipping both ways. 27 reviews.

Dansko Lotus: Tip Toe in Your Tulips

Like pretty red tulips for your feet, the scalloped edge of the Dansko Lotus reminds me, amidst the sub-z temps,  that spring indeed will break forth in a few months. These actually belong to Flickr member Andrea who has a love of comfortable shoes and allowed me to post her photo. She mentions that she has wide feet and the Dansko Lotus is perfect fit for her with its roomy toe box.

From reading customer reviews at both Zappos and OnlineShoes, I would recommend ordering down a half size as they run a tad large. Other customers reported that although the heel is a bit clunky looking, they found they could stand all day in the Lotus. If you've found the Dansko Professional clog to be too hard on your feet, you might prefer the softer footbed of the Lotus--the anatomical footbed is made from "shock-attenuating, dual-density Carbosan® (carbon activated latex foam)."

Where to buy:

• Zappos: $108, free shipping both ways.

• Endless:  $96-120, free overnight shipping.

• OnlineShoes:  $119, free shipping and exchanges.

Merrell Siren Sport on SALE: Best Walking Shoe for My Painful Feet

It seems I always come back to my first love, my Merrell Siren Sports. I've crushed on MBTs, flirted with Earth, yet my Merrells are where it's at. Tried and true, the Siren Sport has made my feet happy for over two years now. For new readers, you may or may not know that I have rheumatoid arthritis which has done a number on my feet over the last 12 years, so finding a  walking shoe that doesn't compress my forefoot (bunions, ouch), provides decent arch support and keeps my feet aligned with knees and hips. The Merrell Siren Sport exceeds these requirements. While nothing takes away my RA pain completely, I've found that I can walk longer in my Sirens than other walking shoes.

The best news? I've found the Siren Sport marked down at three online retailers.  These run true to size, so no need to order up or down.

Where to buy (retail price $80):

• The Walking Company: Siren Sport: $59, Siren Vent: $59. Free shipping on purchases over $100.
• FootWearEtc.: Siren Sport: $47.95, Siren Gore-Tex: $53.95, free shipping (search on "Siren").
• Sierra Trading Post: Siren Sport: $55.25 plus $9.95 shipping, 10% off first order.
• Can't find your size or want to read over 90 reviews? Try Zappos: $90, free shipping and returns. 

Related Posts:

• Question from Reader with RA
  
• MBT Kaya review

Get Your Blizzard Boots Overnight

This winter has been excruciatingly cold and snowy here in Chicago. Nary a day goes by without a severe weather alert warning of impending cold, snow, ice and wind. Here are five warm, cozy AND affordable boots to get you through the Blizzard '09 season. So grab your shovel and clear the sidewalk for the mail carrier because Endless can get these to you OVERNIGHT.

1. Emu Australia Bronte Hi: lined with 100% Australian merino wool, these are an affordable version of Ugg Classic tall. $69.95.

2. Staheekum mid sheepskin boot: 100% Australian sheepskin, similar in looks to Ugg Classic short, comes in four neutral colors for $65-71.

3. Easy Spirit Sleigh Ride: Ankle boot with faux fur lining and  cute button detail, $78.95.

4. Timberland Fauna Lace: comfort footbed and cork-wrapped midsole, faux fur lining, $83.97.

5. J-41 Valley: waterproof and looks to be cold-proof too, Jeep Trail Rated non-slip outsole. $119-140.