Barking Dog Shoes

Naturalizer Harlee Platform Sandal

I still struggle to consider Naturalizer as a brand of cute and comfortable footwear, rather than as just a manufacturer of “grandma shoes.”  Mention the name, and for some reason the picture that comes into my mind is of a stodgy mall store full of round-toed, low-heeled, sensible pumps and oxfords.  

But thankfully, shoes like the Naturalizer Harlee are helping me break out of that mindset.  This cute sandal has oodles of fashionable details going for it, including terrific contrast stitching and a 1” platform (which not only gives the shoe an up-to-date look, but adds comfort by offsetting the 3” heel.)

The Harlee also features Naturalizer’s N5 Comfort Elements, which means in addition to good looks, you get flexibility, featherweight outsoles, ergonomic heel and toe shapes for stability, extra cushioning underfoot, and breathable linings to keep you cool.   The Harlee comes in four wearable colors and can be dressed up or down for lots of great summer looks.  Naturalizer definitely is not just for grandma anymore! 

By BarkingDogShoes.com contributor, Beth B.

The Naturalizer Harlee is available in sizes 5.5-11 and three widths at:

• Zappos: $69.95, free shipping both ways.
• Shoebuy: $78.95, free shipping and returns.
• Amazon: $79, special offers available.
• Shoes.com: $79, free shipping.
• Naturalizer.com: Although the Harlee is sold out, find hundreds of spring and summer styles up to 50% off.

Seven Shoes that Made Me Smile Today

I may as well have a doctor's note prohibiting me from blogging about comfortable shoes this week. With a swollen wrist and tendons due to a flare of the ol' RA, I heed my rheumatologists order to wrap, splint and immobilize the wrist...and keep typing to a minimum. This too shall pass, but until then, I present to you in photos seven shoes that brought a smile to my face today and one that frightened me.

1. New Bogs for fall

2. Shoes named after the Hoopoe bird. They come in extra-wide. Whoopy! Hoopoe!

3. Pretty Crocs

 

4. Multi-tasking Crocs (photo courtesy of ladybugdiscovery).

5.  Rockports that don't look like Rockports

6. Big cat Sperrys

7. Naturalizers that look like Campers, but for half the price


And then these by Native. The progeny of Keds and Crocs. Please help me understand.

Dansko Surraya: Another Winner from the Sausalito Line

Photo courtesy of Flickr member and Dansko enthusiast, craftyturtle1.

It's a bad hand night which means even the keys on the keyboard are hard to push, but I wanted to show you yet another sassy style from Dansko's Sausalito line; the Surraya. If you've written off Dansko for reasons such as: footbed's too hard, heel is too heavy, styles are too "cloggy," I urge you to try out a comfortable shoe or sandal from the Sausalito line. Here are nine reasons why:

• 30% lighter than classic Dansko clog.
• More flexible than classic Dansko clog.
• Maintains rocker sole, but with more flexibility in toe area.
• Soft suede liner with Drilex wicks moisture.
• EVA insert relieves ball of foot pressure.
• Latex foam footbed provides all-day cushion.
• Good arch support.
• Outsole carries the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
• I love mine and recommend them to everyone!

Some customers state that the Surraya's straps across the forefoot are a bit too wide for their narrow feet. If you like more adjustability for a customized fit, try the ever-popular Sissy style (featured on Hillary's feet here) or the Sela sandal with adjustable instep strap (featured on Beth here).

A word on sizing: I wear between a 9.5 and 10 and found the Sausalito 41 to fit best.

Where to buy the Surraya and other Sausalito styles (available in Euro sizes 36-43):

• ClogCentral.com: limited sizes for $99, free shipping.
• OnlineShoes.com: $109.95, free shipping/exchanges. Save 10% now with code 1SAVE10
• FootSmart: $109.99, free shipping.
• The Walking Company: $109.95, free shipping/free returns to store.
• Footwearetc.com: $110, free shipping.
• Endless: $110, free 2 day shipping, free returns.
• Zappos: $110, free shipping both ways.

Me Too Flats Aren't That Flat

I love ballet flats but they don't love me. Up until I discovered Me Too shoes, the mere thought of cramming my ugly step-sister foot into a dainty yet completely unsupportive ballet flat seemed absolutely ludicrous...and painful.

Without going into my foot maladies in detail (I'll spare you this time), suffice it to say that rheumatoid arthritis has been downright evil to the joints in my feet. I guess you could say I've developed some sort of foot neurosis with symptom numero uno being "fear of exposing your toes in public." So a ballet flat sounds sort of nice when I'm having a bad foot day: covers toes, no heel, looks cute.

But ninety-nine percent of flats are, well...miserably flat. But not the ones I'm wearing above. See my smile? It's genuine! My feet feel gooooood. I'm wearing the Me Too Nicki 14 courtesy of Shoeline.com. If you've been attempting to hunt down a comfortable flat to no avail, I highly recommend trying Me Too. Here's what you need to know before purchasing:

• Memory foam padding from heel to toe provides comfort and cushion for sore feet.
• Super soft leather or nubuck uppers=no rubbing=no blisters.
• Flexible rubber soles provide more cushion between foot and hard surfaces.
• As expected with a flat, arch support is minimal to moderate. Some styles have removable insoles which allow the use of a thin orthotic or insert.
• Some styles run slightly small, so read customer comments. I ordered a 10 (usually between 9.5 to 10) and the fit is perfect.
• Fit medium width feet best. Some styles available in size 12.

I'm wearing the Nicki 14 style which is available for $77 at Shoeline, $71-79 at Endless,  and $71-79 at Zappos.

Now for a word about the outfit. First, I'd like to thank super-blogger Sally McGraw of AlreadyPretty.com for showing me new and unique ways to wear a scarf. Next, I'll send a shout-out to Clothes Mentor resale shop for never letting me get away with less than 12 new-to-me items for under $100.

I highly encourage you to check their store locator to see if there's one near you. Clothes Mentor only accepts newer clothing/accessories in great condition and displays the items in organized aisles by size and type. In the photo above, I'm wearing a brand new dark-wash denim dress that I picked up for $16--new with tags! The scarf was also brand new for around five bucks. Now instead of heading to TJ Maxx for discount clothing, I check Clothes Mentor first each and every time.

PlanetShoes.com Sale

Shop PlanetShoes.com sale section and use promo code fire20 at checkout to save an extra 20% off on 16 pages of super cute and comfortable shoes like Alegria, Born, Chaco, Naot, Groundhog, El Naturalista and more! Sale ends July 5th at midnight.