Barking Dog Shoes

What Naot to Wear

There are those of us who rejoice when sandal season finally arrives, and those who bemoan the fact that everyone else can slip on fun little plastic flip flops or adorable strappy flats and look cute as all get out, while we’re stuck in comfy clodhoppers reminiscent of what old Mr. Farrell used to wear  with shorts and black socks while he swept his driveway. (I’m sure all of you had a Mr. Farrell in your neighborhood growing up…) So may I say a big “Thank You” to Naot for bringing cute sandals to the comfort- and support-needing crowd. Whether you need something sporty, or want girly details, Naot will have a comfortable sandal you'll like. In our list of picks, I’ve included one with a covered toe (for those who prefer to keep their piggies covered), and a dressier shoe for the office or an evening out. The list of comfort features incorporated into Naot shoes goes on and on. If you’ve never tried Naot before, maybe this is the summer to experience the unparalleled comfort and quality attested to by many Barking Dog Shoes readers and countless shoe reviewers. Here’s what we’re liking from Naot for summer 2010:

By our very own Barking Dog Shoes contributor, Beth B.

 

Eastland Pet Weave Sandal Review

After featuring one $100-plus shoe after the next, I thought to myself, "Surely I can find an affordable, comfortable shoe that happens to be cute too." I mean, it's my job, right? Today I introduce to you the Pet Weave sandal by Eastland. I first saw this versatile strappy sandal at an online retailer where all 11 reviewers awarded it between 4-5 stars overall. Thank you to Mary at Eastland Shoes for sending me a pair of Pet Weaves to review for you on BarkingDogShoes.com.

Here's what you get for around $65:

• A soft yet contoured and supportive footbed that cradles the foot. I didn't get the typical "sandal-slap" that I usually experience with similar style backless shoes. The shoe stays put  and my foot feels secure when walking.
• Moderate arch support. Keep in mind I have a high-arched left foot and a moderately-arched right foot with very little bend in the midfoot due to surgery to fuse bones after rheumatoid arthritis destroyed cartilage. If you've never had arch problems, you'll most likely find the Pet Weave to offer ample support.
• Amazingly lightweight sole that absorbs shock. Wedge heel provides stability
• Versatile! Comes in a great selection of colors and goes with skirts, pants, capris.
• Comes in medium AND wide widths. 

Pretty sweet deal, eh?

I see myself getting a lot of wear out of this comfortable sandal this summer. I chose the stone leather as it goes with almost everything in my closet. My only concern is for those with high insteps--the straps aren't adjustable. The Pet Weave comes in whole sizes only. I find that the 10 works well for me (usually between 9.5 and 10).

The Eastland Pet Weave sandal is available at:

• EastlandShoe.com: $65, Get %15 off and free shipping with any purchase with promo code; BARK4EASTLAND Use the BARK4EASTLAND promotional code at checkout to receive Free UPS Ground Shipping on your order. Styles available while supplies last. Sale items are exempt from the BARK4EASTLAND promotion. Promotional discounts can not be applied to the purchase of gift certificates. The BARK4EASTLAND promotion cannot be combined with any other offers. The BARK4EASTLAND promotion is available on Eastlandshoe.com for purchases made through 5/4/2010.  Join the Eastland email list and receive updates on new styles, promotions and sales.
• Also available at PlanetShoes.com and OnlineShoes.com.

Loving My Naya (by Naturalizer) Sandals

What am I doing in heels when I was just bemoaning my aching joints last week HERE IN PUBLIC ON THE BLOG? Well, before you ask for a doctor's note, these aren't just any heels, they're my Naya Maher sandals. I tried on a few pairs of formerly comfortable shoes to wear with my newly thrifted dress and after a walk down our hall, I was a-fussin' and a-frettin' something fierce. I had one last option, my Nayas.

Could I wear these all day comfortably with my compromised joints? No, probably not. But I was surprised at their ability to calm the barking dogs while making them look stylish and...small! There's something about the shape of the shoe that makes even big dogs look miniature. But let's talk comfort.

When I first reviewed the Naya Maher, I hadn't had chance to truly walk around in them. This past Sunday I wore them to church. Now we attend what some may call a "mega-church." It's big. No, it's huge. Let's put it this way; you'll know if you wore the right shoes on your way home. Much walking is required to park from car, check kids in to their classes, find your class, go to service, pick kids back up and get back to the car. I wore the right shoes.

Here's how I know:

• My moderate-sized bunions were left unscathed. The leather is not only buttery soft, it covers the bunion area completely as you can see in the photo.
• The ball-of-foot area, which screams out in pain in other heels, was relatively silent--and only mildly whiny after standing to sing for 15 minutes. Although the footbed doesn't provide the same cushioning as a SoftWalk, the biodegradable latex foam in the footbed is definitely noticeable. Also, there's some contour to the footbed so it cradles the foot nicely.
• I knew I would feel some pain in my ankles and decided to suck it up since I love the look of neutral shoe with the neutral background of the dress. My ankles held up remarkably well. I adjusted the heel sling strap a bit tighter than usual and it did the trick.
• I didn't kick them off the moment I got in the door. Instead I fed the family, had hubby take a photo...and then changed them out for my Birkenstocks.

Keep in mind that wedge heels are more foot-friendly than other kinds of heels. They often feature a platform that distributes weight more evenly and provides stability.

The Naya Maher and other Naya styles come in narrow, medium and wide widths in sizes 4-12. I wear between a 9.5-10 and the 10 fits perfectly. $134 @ Zappos, $130 @ Naturalizer.com, $130 @ Shoes.com.

On the topic of thrift/consignment store shopping, I'm a huge fan of The Clothes Mentor. I spent around $100 this weekend and found 3 dresses, 5 tops and 2 pairs of capris; all name brand, all in great condition. Check out their website to see if there's one near you.

Comfortable Sandals for Spring '10 | Alegria Venice and Milano

  

We  love Alegria footwear here at Barking Dog Shoes, and the new summer sandals don't disappoint.  California-based company Alegria specializes in comfortable shoes with the support of orthopedic footwear minus the frump and fuddy-duddy. Alegria means happiness, and they're spreading the cheer feet near you with vibrant colors, patterns, stylish details and incredible comfort technologies.

Two new styles earn mention on Barking Dog Shoes for spring 2010. If you've shied away from Alegria in the past due to the considerable bulk of the rocker sole, these two new "lower profile" styles will impress. The Milano is a sleek, silver-buckled flip with a toe post featuring a "mini" rocker sole to alleviate pressure on the forefoot as you stride (wonderful if you have metatarsalgia--ball of foot pain).

The Venice is a toe-post free sandal, if the most you can  tolerate is sand between your toes. Two adjustable straps provide a customized fit. It too features the same lower platform rocker sole as the Milano. Both sandals are designed to accommodate custom orthotics as the cork/latex footbed is completely removable.

Wondering about fit,  we left a message on the Alegria Nation Facebook page. Since the sandals only comes in whole sizes, the moderator said to order DOWN if in between sizes. When asked about the width, she said she hadn't heard that the Milano ran particulary wide.  However, we noticed that over at OnlineShoes.com, the Venice style is classified a C width. Keep in mind both styles offer adjustable straps to help you get the best fit.

Through a very informal survey of online customer comments and our own experience with the brand, we've found Alegria has helped people with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, arch pain, bunions and more.

We're hoping to get our barking dogs into a pair of these new comfortable sandals for a test run. If they feel anything like the Paloma Mary Jane, our feet are in for a treat. 

Where to buy the Milano, Venice and other styles by PG Lite Alegria:

• Find a store near you.
• AlegriaShoes.com: $99.95
• PlanetShoes.com: $90, free shipping and returns. 
• OnlineShoes.com: $89.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• FootSmart: $89.99 plus shipping.

 

Stylish yet Comfortable Bridal Shoes

Barking Dog Shoes reader Laura is a bride-to-be who asked us to recommend comfortable shoes for her wedding day. It’s smart of Laura to think ahead and realize that a bride spends a LOT of time on her feet and ought to feel as good as she looks. So we put our noses to the ground and came up with a variety of good options (in ivory, but many come in white too),  for comfort-seeking brides. We like the fact that none of these are marketed as “bridal” shoes, which means that you might actually be able to wear them again! (If fancy is your thing, keep in mind that plainer styles can be dressed up easily with sparkly shoe clips.) If you’re a bride to be and go with one of our recommendations, we would love a picture from your big day. Remember, it’s easier to smile when your feet don’t hurt!

Taryn Rose is an orthopedic surgeon who started her own shoe company, so she knows feet. The shoes are pricey, but offer superb quality and cutting-edge comfort technology. I love this classy style, and the sale price just might make them an affordable splurge for the bride-to-be.

The look of this shoe definitely says “special occasion,” but it also scores many five-star comfort ratings from Zappos reviewers. Memory foam footbed, need I say more?

I just adore this sweet sandal. The ruffles are very on-trend this season, and I could imagine getting a lot of wear from this shoe long after the ceremony. VANELi is not typicall known as a comfort brand, but any shoes of theirs I have worn have always felt great. Comes in five widths!

Wedges typically deliver more comfort and stability than other heels, but this shoe also offers a grippy, durable rummer outsole, breathable deerskin lining, and flax-see memory padding for ultimate cushioning.
Is your heart set on a slingback? Try this classic model, backed up by numerous five-star ratings for their foot-pampering feel.

I love the look of this shoe, but am not sure what to call it. Vintage? Modern? Retro? Whatever you call it, it’s unique and could be just the thing for a bride with non-traditional taste. Extra thick cushioning in the footbed will make your feet feel as beautiful as you look.

Can't make up your mind between pump or sandal? The Ros Hommerson Paloma is the perfect balance featuring a closed toe and an open, strappy midfoot and ankle. Comes in narrow and medium widths up to size 12.