Barking Dog Shoes

Doggone Cute and Comfy Clogs | Birki's Woodby

Meet Barking Dog Shoes reader Jayne, modeling her new clogs for puppy LuLu. Jayne couldn’t resist getting shoes that match her doggie, but she soon found that not only are these whimsical clogs by Birki’s fun to wear, they are a treat for the feet. The Birki’s Woodby comes in eight color/cute animal combinations, but also boasts an anatomically correct, suede-lined cork/latex footbed to encourage foot health. It molds to the shape of your foot to create a custom footbed which supports and cradles your foot. Serious comfort features like these assure that LuLu is the ONLY dog barking in Jayne’s house!

P.S. -- The Birki’s Woodby also comes in kids sizes. Wouldn’t a cute pair of comfy clogs be a fun but practical addition to your child’s Easter basket? Or for even more fun, fill them with goodies and let them serve as a basket substitute!

A word on sizing: Birki's narrow= A-B width; Birki's regular=C-D width.

Available at:

• Zappos; $93--free shipping both ways.
• Endless: $88.95, free 2 day shipping, free returns.
• OnlineShoes: $98.95, free shipping and exchanges.

By Barking Dog Shoes contributor, Beth B. 

Easter Sanitas

Happy Easter to you! Family is visiting, the weather is warming up and I may or may not be able to get to the computer over the next few days, so let me leave you with these festive Easter egg-hued Sanita clogs. Perhaps you're privy to the Sanita/Dansko relationship, but maybe not. Sanita used to make the rocker soles for the Dansko Professional clog. They parted ways a few years ago, but Sanita continues to manufacture their original Professional clog with same roomy toe box, rocker sole, and anatomically-shaped footbed accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. 

Presenting the Sanita Professional Zina for $145 @ Zappos, free delivery both ways. Also available at The Walking Company, free shipping and returns to store.

 

 

Eco-Friendly Naya Maher Review

Naha Mayer sandals courtesy of NayaShoes.com.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Naya footwear. Not only are the styles elegant, stylish and downright comfortable, they're eco-friendly too. Note their mission statement:

Naya was born from the belief that shoes should be beautiful on your feet, soft on your step and gentle on the environment. Because you should never have to choose between what looks good, what feels good and what is good for you and for the earth.

  The soft chrome-free leather is like buttah--no gripping, grabbing or rubbing on my feet (plus the cross straps cover the bunions without aggravating them). The heel sling with chrome-free buckle provides a customized and snug fit.

What I appreciate most about the Maher is the leather covered cork and rubber footbed with biodegradable latex foam for cushioning. This is what qualifies the Naya Maher (and other styles) as a Barking Dog Shoes shoe. Comfort is key.

Other features include a two inch wedge heel on a one inch platform and a recycled cork outsole. 

And here's some great news! Naya shoes come in narrow, medium AND wide widths. 

Where to buy the Maher and other Naya styles:

• Zappos: $134, free shipping both ways.
• Naturalizer.com: $130, additional shipping charge.
• PlanetShoes.com: $130, free shipping and returns.
• Amazon: $130 (special offer available).
• Shoes.com: $130, free shipping.

30% off Miz Mooz today at Endless

I just noticed this deal at 2:00 pm, otherwise I would have alerted you earlier. One of my favorite stylish yet comfy brands is Miz Mooz. While not touted as a comfort brand like Naot or Dansko, Miz Mooz makes fun, colorful footwear that happens to be comfortable too. Problem feet might not like Miz Mooz, but regular feet that like to be stylish and comfortable will love Miz Mooz. Today only at Endless, you'll find select styles for 30% off with free overnight shipping and free returns.

Read my review of last year's style, the Burnette.

I find that most styles run 1/2 size small.

Reader Question: Mary Janes too Girlish for those over 50?

A quick congratulations to Lauren who won the Dansko sandal giveaway!

Nicky asks and Beth answers:

I see a lot of Mary Jane type shoes that I am attracted to but wonder if their vibe is too girlish for someone in their 50's to wear. What do you think?

Great question, Nicky! I understand your concern. Staying stylish but also age-appropriate can be one of fashion’s greater challenges.

Mary Janes are currently very popular, showing up as sporty, rugged shoes, very dressy pumps,  and everything in between. My opinion is that 50-somethings can DEFINITELY wear Mary Janes…with a few caveats. Obviously donning them with knee socks and a short skirt is a BIG no no!

A couple of other things to watch out for are Mary Janes with very rounded toes (with the possible exception of Dansko) or girlish details like bows, ruffles, and multiple buckles. If you’re interested in flats, remember that shoes with even a very small heel will present a more mature look than all-out flats.

 Combining Mary Janes with bright or high-contrast tights or socks also is going to exude a younger vibe. You want enough color contrast to show off the shoes, but for mature women, I’d recommend keeping it relatively low-key. For example you might wear black mary janes with gray or semi-sheer textured black legwear (which is, incidentally, a very on-trend look.)

If you’re still uncertain, perhaps consider 
starting with a sportier style, which are less likely to feel like little girl dress-up shoes. A pair of casual mary jane slides by Keen is one of my favorite sandal alternatives for summer – and perfect for concealing not-so-beautiful feet or a neglected pedicure!

Hope these tips help! Do our readers have any other advice for staying fashionable over 50?