Barking Dog Shoes

SoftSpots Verdent Ballet Flat on my BFF's Feet

Sometimes you just have to see a shoe up close and personal.  I'd seen the SoftSpots Verdent many times while browsing comfortable shoes at Zappos, but when I saw my friend walking around in them,  I flipped over how cute they truly are in real life!  Heidi S. wore these patent ballet flats to our Beth Moore Bible study on Wednesday and I snapped a few photos of her feet with my cell phone camera, hence the blurriness. How shallow am I? Taking photos of shoes at Bible study. Tsk. Unfortunately the pix of the Whole Heidi were too blurry to post, but take it from me, she's pretty darn adorable. Here's what she had to say about her new Softspots:

I am the Director of Marketing for a company that specializes in trade shows.  When I attend the shows, I'm on my feet for about 13 hours a day.  Needless to say, I need comfy and hopefully, somewhat cute shoes.  Softspots are my new go-to shoe.  I have a wide foot and these accommodate them nicely.  They have amazing support for a flat shoe!  They truly are "soft" and cushy in all the right places on my foot.  I am able to walk in them and stand in them for long periods of time.  I did not have to "break them in" and no blisters from the shoes rubbing.  I LOVE my patent leather (with the cute flower) Softspot shoes because they go with everything; they look just as cute with jeans as they do with dress slacks/skirt.

The SoftsSpots Verdent is available in sizes 5-12/medium and wide widths at Zappos for $78.95, free shipping both ways. Click here to see the whole SoftSpots collection.

J-41 Madrid Wedge: Vegan Even if You Aren't

If you've wanted to go vegan, but just can't give up the pepper-encrusted fillet done medium well, then start with the shoes. The J-41 Madrid upper is made of a satiny fabric across the toes and faux-leather along the top and sides so it's 100% animal- friendly. I think you'll find the Madrid to be foot-friendly too! Flickr user Jane (those are her feet above) suggests ordering up a half size:

"I really like these Madrids. I figured out I need to go up a size to correct for the toe box problem and they are absolutely perfect that way. "

After reading quiet a few reviews over at Zappos, I found that most customers suggested ordering up a half size too. Other popular features of these comfortable shoes: memory foam footbed, stable wedge heel and elastic bands across top of foot for customized fit. The J-41 is available for $99 at Zappos, free shipping both ways; $66-$74 at Amazon, free shipping.

Related posts:

• J-41 Journey Review
• J-41 Rome Review

Indigo Tanzania Sandal: What I Tried on at the Shoe Store

My folks are visiting from WV and kindly stayed home while my little one napped, so you know where I went, right? After a most disgusting green tea latte from Starbucks (note to self: they sweeten it so don't add even more sugar), I paid a visit to my mecca of comfort shoe inspiration: Miroballi Shoes here in Wheaton, IL. The Tanzania sandal by Clark's-owned Indigo  caught my eye immediately as I have been admiring it online. I chose to try it on in cafe brown, size 10. Not wanting to expose my winter-weary toes (toe insecurities), I left my butterfly socks on and explained to the sales person that no one would see my toes until May. He laughed politely and buckled the shoe across my instep. I figure the next best thing to a pedicure is having someone put your shoes on for you...and buckle them.

Now the stats say that the heel is three inches, but after walking around in them from mirror to mirror, I'd say it feels a bit lower than that. Perhaps that's due to the half inch platform and sturdy block heel.  Another feature I love about this sandal is the cushioned footbed and extremely flexible outsole--makes it very walkable. Also, the straps crossed over my bunions instead of cutting into them just like my other favorite sandals, the Clark's Navan.

The Indigo Tanzania runs true to size and would best fit a medium to slightly wide forefoot.

Where to buy:

• OnlineShoes.com: Available in five colors (including purple and red) for $99.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Shoebuy: $99.95, free shipping and returns.
• Zappos: Available in sizes 5-12, $100, free shipping both ways.

Clark's Posy Flower Sandal: Brightened My Day

I've been a bit under the weather this week with a horrid cold and yet another recurrence of my Grave's disease.  I feel like I'm losing at a game of whack-a-mole as two of my three autoimmune diseases have popped back up lately. The only thing good about Grave's is that I can eat like a pig and lose weight--but all the other symptoms suck big time, trust me.  So what's the temporary cure while I wait for a long-term solution? This pair of Clark's, of course! You were wondering how I was going to segue to comfortable shoes. 

The Clark's Posy Flower's simplicity appeals to me most; would look great with a flouncy summer skirt, painted toes and a much-needed tan. $69 at PlanetShoes.com, free shipping and returns; $68.95 at Shoebuy, free shipping and returns.

Ecco Yarrah: Powered by Receptor® Technology

 

Hey, if I could wear Payless, I would. I don't relish forking over $100 or more for comfortable shoes, but my problem feet demand support and I suspect yours do too. As I was browsing Flickr for certain brands of comfort shoes (see what I do in my free time?) I came across these fun mary janes by Ecco. Being the shoe pest that I am,  I messaged the owner who graciously allowed me to post her photo of the Ecco Yarrah. She mentions that the Yarrah required no break-in time, has good support and fits true to size.

The Yarrah belongs to Ecco's Performance collection and is chock full of some pretty nifty comfort features like Receptor® Technology (think comfort and support through the stride)  and AgION® footbed (no stink). Read more at EccoUsa.com.

Where to buy:

• EccoUsa.com: $100, free ground shipping.
• Zappos: $87.50 for certain colors, $109.95 for rest, free shipping both ways.
• FootSmart: $99.99 with 15% off and free shipping (current promo).
• Shoebuy: $99.95, free shipping and returns.