Barking Dog Shoes

Comfortable Women's Shoes | El Naturalista Iggdrasil Clog

Knitter? Crocheter? Fancy sock-wearer? The El Naturalista Iggdrasil clog is the perfect shoe to show off your hand-knit creations while providing comfort and support for your feet. I am jazzed to finally own a pair of these beautiful clogs by the Spanish company El Naturalista, and they're the most lovely shade of red called tibet.

What I love about the El Naturalista Iggdrasil clog:

• The leather has a rustic look to it--river stones are used to temper the hide naturally!
• The hand-stitched accents are eye-catching and make this comfortable shoe stand out in a crowd.
• The leather instep strap isn't too tight accommodating thicker socks in winter.
• Anatomically-correct insole is made from recycled cork providing decent arch support.
• Recycled rubber soles smell like tea tree oil! I packed my shoes for my trip and they made everything in my suitcase smell fresh.
• Overall, the Iggdrasil is a very comfortable clog. The outsole is a tad heavy, but the roomy toe box and shock-absorbing footbed outweigh any sole clunkiness.

A word on sizing: I usually wear a 10 and found the 41 to fit me well. Without socks they're a little roomy, but fit perfectly with heavier socks.

Where to buy the Iggdrasil clog and other unique and comfortable footwear by El Naturalista:

• Amazon: $82.90-$149.95, special offers available.
• PlanetShoes.com: $140, free shipping and returns.

Merry Christmas from the Queen of Comfort

A very merry belated Christmas to you! We made it safely over the river and through the woods to visit my folks in West Virginia.  I couldn't be bothered to change out of my comfy flannel pj pants before sledding over the remains of the snow that doused the eastern seaboard last week. This photo was taken after I came to a spinning stop in a grassy patch. Those old Ugg boots have been my faithful companions for six winters and counting.

Coming up next on Barking Dog Shoes...

 

You've seen these before on other folks' feet, but now I can review them first-foot. Stay tuned for my review of the cult favorite El Naturalista Iggdrasil clog. In the meantime, have you entered to win a a pair of Sanita clogs from The Clog Outlet?

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Sanita Clog Giveaway from The Clog Outlet

Snow falling on Sanitas

I could not be more tickled with my new Sanita Marcelle clogs and I have The Clog Outlet to thank. You'll be thanking them too when you win a pair. I know, you're lamenting, "But Kirsten, I never win ANYTHING." Chin up, sister. Once you see how affordable your dream Sanitas are over at The Clog Outlet, you won't be able to wait to win a pair, you'll cave and buy some clogs.

The Clog Outlet is an authorized Sanita clog outlet.  They carry closeout, hard to find, and factory second products at up to 60% off retail. My Marcelles above are first quality closeouts; gorgeous in every way. The retail price for these gray patent darlings is $119.95, but you can score a pair for $77.95 with UPS ground shipping of $7 (varies according to zip).

The Clog Outlet also offers drastic price reductions on Sanita factory seconds. According to the company, "Factory seconds are new items made exactly the same way as first-quality merchandise, however they have some minor cosmetics flaws." You can see some examples here.

 What makes Sanita clogs so wonderfully foot-friendly?

• Roomy toe box=happy toes.
• Anatomically correct footbed=happy arches and heels.
• Rocker sole=happy walking.

A word on sizing: I wear between a 9.5-10 and the 40 fit my feet perfectly.

Now for some fun! Head over to The Clog Outlet and pick out your favorite Sanita. It can be for you, your guy, even your kiddos. Come back here and leave a comment below this post in the "comments" section telling me what you chose and where you'd wear your new Sanita footwear. One person will be randomly chosen next Monday, Dec. 28 (at midnight) to win one pair of Sanita clogs (boots/sandals) from The Clog Outlet.

Congratulations to Summer who won the BarkingDogShoes.com/Footwearetc.com Ugg Australia boot and Aetrex shearling orthotics giveaway!

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Dansko Sally on Sale

Short and sweet post today, Dansko gals. You can now score a pair of these beauties for $85 instead of $125! REI has the Dansko Sally Suede on sale with free shipping to your local REI store.

The Sally is perfect for medium width feet that need arch support and a cushioned footbed. If you've worn Dansko before and find them too hard on your soles, try a shoe from the Sausalito line like the Sally. This comfortable shoe is lightweight yet the rocker sole gently propels the foot forward while taking pressure off the forefoot.

A word on sizing: I usually wear a 10 (sometimes 9.5) and found the 41 to be a perfect fit.

More great shoe deals at REI:

• Ahnu Josie: was $85, now $39.83
• Born Kris loafer: was $95, now$44.83
• Merrell Plaza Bandeau pump: was $100, now $69.93
• The North Face Nuptse boot: was $120, now $79.93

And even more at 6pm! All J-41 footwear marked down to 24.95 and Simple footwear for $16.95. You'll also find El Naturalista for 20% off at PlanetShoes.com today.

Last day to enter giveaway for Ugg Australia boots and Aetrex shearling orthotics from Footwearetc.com.

Comfortable Women's Shoes | Bella-Vita Talent Pump

This is the Bella-Vita Talent pump. Lovely, isn't it? As much as I dig its girly/vintage vibe, I must return it. I truly wanted it to be more comfortable on my feet, but no dice. This is a pump for Group 2. You remember Group 2  from this post--the fortunate gals blessed with normal feet looking for a stylish, comfortable pump. If you belong to this group, I think you'll love the Bella-Vita Talent.

However, on me...

The toe box, although round, felt cramped after wearing the shoes around for an hour. On a positive note, the shoe ran true to size and didn't rub my heel. I also like the height of this shoe, the platform provides a high-heel look without the wobbly feel. But alas, there just wasn't enough padding and room in the forefoot for my achy joints. I wish they had worked out for me as they're so pretty and feminine--very festive for the holidays.

The Bella-Vita Talent comes in sizes 5-12 and four widths. Read customer reviews before buying to get an idea of fit and feel.

Where to buy:

• Shoebuy: $75.95, free shipping and returns (Shoebuy has great 20% off sales, just wait until you see one in the header and then buy).
• Zappos:  $99, free shipping both ways.
• Endless: $89.95, free OVERNIGHT shipping, free returns.

If you have sensitive, heel-challenged feet as I do, check out Beautifeel pumps. They're pricey, but I've found them to be forgiving of my foot maladies--soft leathers, superb cushion and flexible soles.