Barking Dog Shoes

Not Much about Comfortable Shoes

Hello, rheumatoid arthritis, I didn't miss you one bit while you hid in my joints waiting for your grand comeback. Yet here you are, an uninvited guest. You slow me down, make me limp and cause my fingers to swell so I mistype at the keyboard. You're like that annoying Icelandic volcano, spreading pain like silt slowly through my body...keeping me grounded;  forbidden from flying through my day.

Was I getting a little too cocky with phrases like, "Oh, my rheumatoid arthritis has been in remission for two years?" or, "I'm going to get in the best shape of my life and speed-walk a 5k?" No, I doubt it. I always knew you'd be back. You may be inconsistent, but you're resolute in your promise to return.

Does this sound familiar, dear readers? Some of you are young moms with active children, yet you find yourself lagging behind them as they go about their daily ventures. Others work outside the home on your aching feet all day. You put your professional smile on, while inside you're wincing--to the point of tears at times. Yet for many more, the pain has taken taken its toll on your body image. People tell you to just eat right and exercise, the pounds will come off. But you can barely tie your fitness shoes due to the swelling and crippling in your fingers, let alone walk on the treadmill for five minutes. I've been there, I am there, I may be there someday. If I take any comfort in my current situation, it's that I hope to understand you better. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 1: 4:--He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

If you are one of the fortunate HEALTHY readers of this blog, I appreciate you too. It's for you I post photos and write features on beautiful three inch heels that happen to be comfortable for the average foot. Although I'm taking a break from actually wearing that type of shoe, I always want to hear from you if you've found a truly comfortable pump or heeled sandal. I may be in pain, but I'm still a girly-girl.

For now, I'm dusting off my trusty podiatrist-prescribed orthotics to wear in my Merrell Sirens and browsing my own "Shoes for Problem Feet" section...

Extended Forecast: Cute Comfortable Shoes

You may not know that in addition to digging comfortable shoes, we Barking Dog Shoes gals (Kirsten and Beth) love severe weather. Really! Since we both respond to words like “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” with glee and excitement, we thought it only appropriate to acknowledge National Sky Awareness Week (April 18-24). And in true Barking Dog Shoes fashion, we do so with a special shoe recommendation, the Onex Sky.

At first glance, this shoe looks too pretty and sexy to garner the five-star comfort ratings given by many Zappos customers. But it’s no mistake. Onex is known for well-made, comfortable shoes, and the padded footbed, slight platform, lightweight polyurethane outsole, and soft upper make the Sky very foot-friendly.

Obviously the Onex Sky is not meant for rigorous walking, but if you have tender tootsies and need something dressier than your usual comfort sandal for summer graduation parties, wedding festivities, or nice evenings out, this shoe is a good bet. (When ordering, keep in mind that it runs small.) The black is classy, but it comes in four other fun colors too. Now you can look up OR down, and enjoy beautiful Sky either way!

Where to buy the Onex Sky:

• Zappos: $68-78, free shipping both ways.
• 6pm.com (last year's color palette, but black is $10 less than Zappos' price): $29-60 with $6.95 shipping charge per order.

Clark's Wellfleet T-Bar Sandal Review

Clark's Wellfleet on illustrator Angela's feet

Talent: Beth can identify tree species just by looking at one leaf, my husband can hear a car's engine idling behind us and know the make, model and year. And I, of course, can spout off comfortable shoe brands and styles from a quick glance at an aerial shot. That's how I found Angela and her Clark's Wellfleet on Flickr. I've strewn together her praise through a series of emails asking her about comfort and fit.

These shoes are awesome and really comfortable. I walked around the city all day today and they were great, and it was my first time wearing them! I never wear anything resembling a heel unless I'm going to a wedding, but these sandals are just so fabulous.

They are true to size. I'm a 6 1/2 and they come in half sizes, so they fit well. The footbed is cushioned and suede-like, I don't know if it's real suede, bit it feels nice on my feet. I wore them again today and they're still comfortable. The straps are soft and don't dig into my feet.

I'm surprised how comfortable they are. I'm a real baby when it comes to shoes, so if I think they're comfortable, they totally are!

**Look! Angela's awesome illustration is on the cover of this Scholastic book. I'll be sure to look for it at my son's Scholastic book fair this week.**

The Wellfleet features a dual-density OrthoLite footbed for extra cushion and support, a cork-wrapped EVA midsole and a 2" wedge heel with 3/4" platform. Available in suede and leather uppers in sizes 5-12.

Currently there are only three customer comments about the Wellfleet over at Zappos. It seems this sandal best fits a narrow to medium width foot.

Where to buy:

• Zappos: $90, free shipping both ways.
• Endless: $89.95, free 2-day shipping, free returns.
• Amazon: $89.95, free super-saver shipping. Special offers available.

Merrell Siren Sport Review

Muzzles for my barking dogs: the Merrell Siren Sport

My rheumatoid arthritis is currently flaring, causing the ol' dogs to bark sun-up to sun-down. My right ankle, which has never been affected by RA before, is suddenly acting up along with the metatarsals in both feet. I'm limping to compensate for the ankle pain causing my left knee to take on more weight--even my most comfortable shoes (Naot, Wolky and Birkenstock) can't bring relief like they usually do.  Between taming my thyroid issues, treating the pain of RA, and keeping up with my warp-speed toddler,  I feel like I'm barely winning (but winning nonetheless) at a day-in, day-out game of Whack-A-Mole. 

My new shoes couldn't have arrived at a better time. Mitch from Richard York Shoes in Southampton, New York (@shoedawg on Twitter), graciously sent me a pair of my all-time favorite kicks, the Merrell Siren Sport. I had to put my old pair down after four years; a sad day, as I had literally worn the life out of them. What's so special about these comfortable shoes?

• Excellent fit. I have a medium width foot with a wider forefoot (bunions) and narrower heel. The Merrell Siren Sport never pinches toes when I walk thanks to the roomy toe box. I'm wearing them as I type and wiggling my toes to prove my point. I recommend the Siren Sport for medium to slightly wide widths. I wear between a 9.5-10 and the 10 works best for me: a little extra room for socks and swollen feet but no heel slippage.
• Comfort technologies. The Q-Form™ Alignment System of the footframe promotes healthy alignment for women. I don't know how they do it, but my ankle pain subsides and my knees feel relatively normal when I walk in my Siren Sports. If you suffer from ankle, knee or hip problems, try a pair of Merrell shoes with the patented Q-Form™ Alignment System and see if you feel a difference compared to your other fitness/walking shoes.
• Arch support. While I don't think these were designed to accommodate an orthotic, the footbed is removable. I've read customer comments stating to order up a half size to you plan to use your own orthotics. However, I find the built-in arch support to be just what I need for my fairly high arches.
• Breathable mesh. I like shoes that breathe in the summertime for obvious reasons.
• Nice-looking shoe. I ordered the brindle with coral accents and laces, but there are eight color combos from which to choose.
• Traction: The Siren Sport is a trail shoe. You won't be slipping around with it's multi-layered rugged Vibram sole. You'll still love the shoe even if you don't hike, it's not clunky and is very lightweight.

One drawback that might affect your decision. The footbed, while supportive, isn't overwhelmingly cushioned. Some may find it too hard on the soles.

Where to buy the Merrell Siren Sport:

• Richard York Shoes: if you're in the Long Island, NY area, stop in and browse the wide selection of comfort shoes from Merrell to Alegria to Dansko and get excellent customer service.
• Zappos: $90, free shipping both ways.
• OnlineShoes.com: $89.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• PlanetShoes.com: $90, free shipping and returns.

Comfortable Gladiator Sandals

My sister-in-law works at the Origins counter at Macy's and is on her feet all day. When she was visiting last week, she asked if I had knew of a comfortable gladiator sandal as she loves the look but not the feel of most flat-as-a-pancake styles she's tried. I thought about it and couldn't suggest one single shoe! I turned to PlanetShoes.com since they have a whole section dedicated to gladiator-inspired footwear (the look has softened since its debut two years ago), many of them with comfort features in line with our philosophy here at Barking Dog Shoes: If you're going to take on the day, start with comfortable shoes before entering the arena.

Gladiators for medium width feet:

 

1. Merrell Lotta: Eco-friendly with Merrell's signature Qform comfort footbed: aligns knees, hips during stride. Whole sizes only, order up if between sizes. $80 @ PlanetShoes.com, free shipping, free returns.

 

2. OTBT Whittier: The Whittier sandal has a trendy back zipper for those of you that hate buckles. Great for those of you that don't need tons of arch support, rather a little cushioning. Elastic bands provide custom fit. $89 @ PlanetShoes.com.

 

3. El Naturalista Wakataua: Not only eco-friendly, El Naturalista knows how to make a supportive, comfortable shoe. Get the ankle support of a shoe with the freedom of a sandal. $180 @ PlanetShoes.com.

 

4. Aerosoles Interface (affordable option). White and silver leather upper with three buckles for adjustable fit. Cushioned footbed and flexible sole. $49 @ PlanetShoes.com

Sporty gladiators:

 

5. Ecco Groove Gladiator: lightweight, supportive, cushioned, adjustable, durable and CUTE!  Read the customer comments for yourself at Zappos--this is one comfortable sandal. $130 @ Zappos.

6. Taos Treasure: Contour footbed with metatarsal support--looks comfy in the photo for sure. I can't find any customer reviews, but from appearances it seems it might fit a wider foot well. $90 @ PlanetShoes.com.

Dress Gladiators:

 

7. Pikolinos Formentera Gladiator: So gorgeous, yet foot-friendly. Hailing from Spain, this European beauty is for the kinder, softer gladiator gal. Handcrafted detailing with a cushioned leather-covered footbed with two adjustable straps with hook-and-loop closures and elastic goring. $170 @ PlanetShoes.com, $148-165 @ Zappos.

 

8. Everybody Emerald: Based in Venice, but making the rounds from Europe to Asia and now the US, Everybody shoes are for everyone who loves quality Italian craftsmanship with a comfort focus: manageable heel height, padded footbed and supple forgiving leathers. $180 at PlanetShoes and Endless.

Gladiators for narrow or wide, big or tiny feet:

9. Naya Salida: Chrome-free leather uppers, nickle-free buckles, recycled cork outsoles are just a few of the features that  make Naya shoes eco-friendly, but don't underestimate their comfort. A generous layer of biodegradable latex foam cushioning lies between your feet and the sustainable bamboo heel. The Naya Salida (and other styles) come in narrow, medium and wide widths in sizes 4-12!  $114 @ Zappos.

Gladiator for problem feet:

10. Naot Cymbal: An orthotic-friendly gladiator from the Allegro collection; best suited for medium to wide feet. $137 @ Zappos and PlanetShoes. Take a look at the Healthy Feet Store blog featuring the Naot Cymbal and other comfortable gladiators.

Do you like the gladiator-inspired trend or wish it would crumble like the Coliseum? Do you own a comfortable gladiator sandal? Let us know by leaving a comment below.