Barking Dog Shoes

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Dansko Nolita Collection by Sally of AlreadyPretty.com

I'm honored to have the articulate and stylish Sally McGraw of AlreadyPretty.com as a guest blogger today. Sally writes adeptly about body image issues, looking stylish at any age and as her tagline states, she'll help you "recognize your own beauty, one post at a time." And she means it. This hard-working girl writes every day and pours her heart into each and every post. Here she is today with a comprehensive review of her Dansko wedge collection:

You know how they say that if you find a piece of clothing that fits you perfectly you should buy multiples? Well, for me, that rule applies to footwear as well. And once I'd bought my first pair of chic and comfy Dansko wedges - my beloved brown Nyla sandals - I knew I'd need to snap up a pair or two more. I feel a little sheepish that I ended up with FIVE PAIRS from this series, but hey, I know what I like! And these shoes are so versatile and adorable that I don't regret a single purchased pair.

I'm not sure if there is a title for this series of shoes, but they've all got style names that start with "n," and they've all got a sculpted wedge heel with a woodgrain finish.  The wedge is actually made of molded plastic, which has a decent amount of give, and the footbed is slightly padded and lined with soft leather. The wedge may look a bit daunting, but is offset by a small platform, making these shoes as comfy as they are stylish.  They're perfect for running weekend errands, walks around the lake, or even a multi-hour jaunt through a summer art fair.  I can wear mine for about four hours of continuous walking before my feet start to complain. At that point, a nice long sit-down is a must, and the wedge does give my calves a bit of a workout ... but these are still my go-to shoes for summer activities that require a both classy, feminine look AND lots of walking.  Or even extended standing - last summer I paired them with my beloved seersucker dress and giant floppy hat for an outdoor gig that my band played, and they served me well.  (Bear in mind, though, that I am lucky enough to be foot-woe free ... these shoes might hurt the more sensitive of tootsie much quicker.)

Dansko appears to have discontinued this series, but many styles are available on 6pm for fantastic prices, including a few adorable models that didn't find their way into my collection. Want some walkable wedges for summer? Whether you prefer slides, ankle-wraps, or strappy sandals there's a Dansko wedge from this series that'll suit you!

Actually, the name of this line of wedges from Dansko's '07 line is the Nolita collection. Here are a few more links to great deals on "N" shoes from this line:

• Dansko Neeci slide: $60-108. Click the sliding bar at bottom of page and you'll find more styles from the Nolita collection.
• Clogcentral.com features a cross-section of a shoe from the Nolita collection with specs of comfort features. Pretty good deals on some sandals from this collection.

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Earth Cabo Vegan Flips

Are you in search of an airy yet supportive flip for the wider foot? Do you have forefoot pain or plantar fasciitis? Are you vegan and want a shoe that reflects your lifestyle? Yes to one or all? Try the Earth Cabo sandal from their vegan line.  Aimee, of Aimee Dars Designs,  is here to review her Cabo sandals for you today. After reading, I highly recommend visiting her Etsy shop of handmade vegan jewelry and accessories. See those apple earrings below? My son will be checking out his first grade teacher's ears tomorrow to see if they're pierced. If so, them apples will be her end-of-the year gift for so patiently educating my wild boy.

I learned about the Earth Vegan shoe line when I became vegan in 2005. I purchased a couple of pairs of flats, and then kept up on the new styles. When the Cabo was introduced, I loved it--and I have two pairs, the purple multi-strap in the photo as well as a solid black pair. 

Weather and occasion, permitting I wear them as much as I can. Because of the double strap, I think they are more stylish than other flip flops as well as more secure. With Earth's registered negative heel technology, with the heel lying slightly lower than the toes, I never feel like my feet are being pushed forward or that the strap is pinching my toes. I can wear these comfortably on short, leisurely walks without any discomfort or pain. The only time they are uncomfortable is if I've worn them for several hours where I am standing frequently or if I am walking longer than I anticipate. Otherwise, in my experience, they don't have the negative qualities of many flip-flops. I highly recommend them!

Thank you Aimee. I can surely attest to the comfort factor of Earth shoes. I own a pair of their fitness shoes and find the 3.7 degree incline of the Kalso® Negative Heel Technology® eases the pain in my toes from rheumatoid arthritis and occasional neuroma pain.

Where to buy the Earth Cabo:

• PlanetShoes.com: $69, free shipping and returns. Has the largest selection of Earth shoes online. Use coupon code tenoff for 10% off your order.
• Zappos: $72.95, free shipping both ways.
• Amazon: $55-70. If you choose a color and size from Shoes.com vendor and enter code AMZDEALS at checkout, you'll save $10 and get free shipping!
• Well, what do you know? The Home Shopping Network features a video of upbeat, chirpy ladies and the Earth Cabo.

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Fluevog Malibran Pump

You might remember this stylish gal from a couple of months back when she kindly reviewed her Clark's Marilla pumps on BarkingDogShoes.com. Well, here she is again in the coveted John Fluevog Malibran pump in goldenrod (be sure to check out her exquisitely photographed daily style blog, Simple Elegance).

This shoe makes me happy just looking at it; perhaps because it's the same color as a happy face cookie. And everything reminds me of food lately...
Ok, onward we go with Diana's review of her Vogs:

I absolutely love my Fluevogs! Comfort was one of the big selling factors for me. The rubber tipped heel and rubber soles make them easy to walk in. The heel is about 2 1/2 inches, so it’s just the right height for me. They were certainly an investment, but they were well worth it. They aren't quite as comfy as my Clark's Marillas, but they still rock. I've walked across my university campus while wearing them with very little discomfort (but lots of compliments on my shoes)! Fluevogs are uber expensive, but the quality is really good and the style is unbeatable.

After yesterday's post about the super sale on Simple Planetwalkers, the price of the Fluevogs may shock you, but I thought they were too unique to pass up as a feature.

Where to buy:

• Fluevog.com: $239, here you can read over 25 reviews of the Malibran.
• Amazon: $177-249, free super saver shipping.
• Endless: $178-249, free overnight shipping and free returns.
• Although not currently available on Zappos, you can read the 23 reviews to get an idea of fit/feel.
• Can't afford the Fluevogs? Take a look at this great deal on the Clark's Marilla (reviewed by Diana here), $31.46 at Amazon!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Simple Planet Walkers

Look at the small print, would ya? $19.90 for a shoe that used to be $120! Simple Planet Walkers feature a removable recycled ground car tire and Ortholite™ PU footbed with molded arch support. A great choice for the wider foot, Planet Walkers have a roomy toe box and latex inserts under the forefoot and heel for extra cushioning. This is the Jumper model in merlot (perfect for you knitters that like to show off your socks).

Make sure to check out the men's selection for $19.90 too!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Review of Naot Kayla

You would never guess these cute feet have problems...but they do. My aunt Lois RN deserves a kind shoe (opposite of Steve Martin's cruel shoes),  as she's on her feet daily caring for her aging mom, baking chocolate chip cookies for her family and walking Smudge the pug. Those tasks alone would tire the most energetic woman with wonder feet, but Lois manages all this and more with a painful neuroma and other foot issues. Her Naot Kayla sandals have been a godsend (along with her Naot Tahoe sandals):

I wanted a pair of sandals that I could wear with something like white capris and a black top and not look so casual. These wear really well, and the straps don't stretch out as much as my old Danskos did. I'm a big Naot fan because of the comfort and they hold up really well.

Need a few more reviews? Check out 126 of them at Zappos for this 5-star rated comfort sandal. Customers recommend this sandal for helping to alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis (1 1/2" wedge heel and anatomical heel cup), neuroma (straps don't push toes together--room to spread out), and many state the Kayla provides excellent arch support. The Kayla best fits the narrow-medium width foot. Oh, and that adorable cousin of mine, Grete? She's wearing Indigo (by Clark's) wedges and her top is from Express. I know. I love it too.

Where to buy the Naot Kayla:

• Zappos: 9 colors, $127.95, free shipping and returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: 17! colors (including a fabulous silver metallic); $123.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Amazon:  $70-130, free shipping.