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.
