Barking Dog Shoes

Naot Faso Sandal: Barbie's Review

Barbie, a Twitter friend with impeccable taste in comfortable shoes, provided me with some beautiful photos and a review of her new Naot Faso sandals (that's her friend Amy modeling the shoes):

I love the shoes. The velcro in the straps makes them totally adjustable, and a little elastic insert in the ankle strap lets you slip them on & off easily. I usually wear an 8, so I ordered a size 39, but they were a tiny bit too long. So i returned them for a 38, and they're perfect. My feet are wide, and I think I've read that Naots are often good for narrow feet, but these fit me fine in width... The soles are to die for. Soft suede. They don't have much rise -- I usually like about an inch of rise -- maybe just 1/2 inch?... I like that they're a dressy casual look. And love the cork base.

If you have problem feet or require a custom orthotic, I can't think of a better shoe for you to try. Honestly.  The Faso model has a removable footbed to accommodate a custom orthotic. I've even read comments from customers that state the Naot footbed itself feels like a custom orthotic, that's how terrific the arch and heel support are.

Where to buy the Faso and other Naot styles:

• OnlineShoes.com: $141.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Zappos: $145.95, free shipping both ways.

Related posts:

• Naot Matai review
• Naot Hope and Pleasure Pumps
• New Naots for Spring

Birkenstock Madrid in Balboa Park

I'm home now sitting out the rest of our gray, dismal spring here in Chicagoland while wistfully remembering the hot, brilliant colors of San Diego. Here I am in my Birkenstock Madrid sandals amidst the trailing geranium at Balboa Park. I taxied from our hotel near the airport to spend my afternoon at Balboa touring the gardens, Spanish colonial architecture and eating the most savory lunch at The Prado restaurant...by myself. I love my children, but a lunch alone overlooking terraces of flowering vines with good book? Don't cry for me.

The shoes proved their worth later in the afternoon when I decided the hotel didn't look that far from the atop the hill and proceeded to walk back. Not one taxi passed me (my bail-out plan) as I ambled along merrily taking in the sights. My feet felt great for two miles and then as I ran out of sidewalk by the airport with jets buzzing my head, I decided that no matter which shoe I was wearing, a 40 year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis should have had a better plan. Although my Merrell Sirens would have been a better choice for a four mile walk through the city, my Birkenstock Madrids were the perfect shoe for touring Balboa Park for two hours. I love the arch support, roomy toe area, heel cup and colorful patent uppers on the Madrid.

What about you? Do you have a shoe that has served you well while traveling? Leave a comment and chime in!

Where to buy (read my review from earlier this month here):

• BirkenstockUsa.com: $49.95, free shipping.
• Zappos: $49.90, free shipping both ways (green not available).
• GroundedSoles.com: $49.95, free shipping over $100

San Diego Wolkys

Shoe that saved my sole in San Diego. Wolky Jewel in black patent. I wolky-ed for miles in these. And these. Headed back tomorrow, just wanted to share...

Keen Madrid Mary Jane: Two Months Later (plus Dansko deals)

Before I go on a very short vacation to San Diego sans children, I'll leave you with a photo taken by my seven year old son. His little brother, as I've mentioned before,  is never more than two feet away from me unless he's napping. And he's always armed with more than one pacifier as he'll have you know in this photo.

I decided to wear my Keen Madrid mary janes to hit the yard sales with my "I found luggage for 8 bucks!" friend, Heidi (you've seen her feet before, and will see them again on Monday in her black patent Fit-Flops). I've owned the Madrid for about two months now and still give them five stars for comfort, cushion, flexibility, style, fit and awesome beet red color. I think those of you with bunions or a wide forefoot would really like how these feel--the synthetic mesh upper is soft and molds to the foot.

Read my review from March and find out where to buy here. I need to find another shirt to wear with them, eh?

Also, I was alerted to the Dansko sale at 6pm.com this weekend only. Over 25 styles are marked down to $39.95! My favorite? The Lotus, by far.

Crocs Celeste: Still My Favorite Crocs After Two Years

As you can see, I've been schlepping around messy parking lots. This photo was taken on a sloshy Chicago spring day when I needed a trusty pair of  comfortable shoes that could take on the weather and consequential puddles yet not be worse for wear.

I've owned my Crocs Celeste for two years and still get compliments on them when standing in the check-out line. Not only are they cute, they're so good to my feet. In fact, this was one of the three pairs of shoes I wore exclusively after my orthopedic surgeon told me I needed bunion surgery. I resolved to wear shoes that had ample room for my toes for the past two years and so far have avoided the need for surgery.

I really like the canvas upper as it breathes better than Crocs made of croslite™ only. However, the footbed  is made of croslite™ which gives it its cushion and support. After trying various new brands lately, my feet enjoy coming back to the Crocs Celeste; an affordable, practical, foot-friendly flat that comes not only in black, but chocolate brown, pink, white, cream and navy.

Where to buy (shoe comes in whole sizes only, I run between 9.5-10 and the 10 fits me well. Also good for medium to wide feet):

• Shoes.com, 5 colors , $39.99; free shipping and returns.
• Shoebuy: 5 colors, $49.95; free shipping and returns.
• FootSmart: 3 colors, $49.95, free shipping.
• PegasusShoes.com: interesting peacock blue with brown, $69; free shipping.
• ShoeMall: limited colors and sizes, $27.99, free shipping.
• Crocs.com: $49.99