Barking Dog Shoes

Dromedaris Shoes: Comfort and Style with No Camels

Super Sunday Sale Alert: Privo by Clark's up to 70% off at 6pm today!

Yesterday I saw a camel at the Fort Wayne zoo with my kids. As my animal fact-savvy son informed us that the purpose of the camel hump is to store fat rather than water, I added that a one-hump camel is a dromedary--truly the extent of my camel knowledge. The word "dromedary" swirled around in my head during a brain-google search as we proceeded to the scarlet ibis cage and eventually turned up a comfortable shoe brand I had seen a year ago online. Apparently I had cataloged it away in a file that the Fort Wayne camel unlocked for me. 

The Dromedaris shoe brand was launched in 2007 with a corporate office in Switzerland and a main sourcing/technology office in Portugal. Dromedaris footwear features  3D technology with soft cushion in the forefoot, lateral stability and arch support in the midfoot and an anti-shock heel. The footbed is made of Carbosan TM, a technical foam that is odor absorbing, breathable, anti-microbial, and provides top-notch cushion and support. 

We love the casual-dress look of Dromedaris here at BarkingDogShoes.com and are hoping to score a sample for review so we can provide you with more helpful information on fit and feel. Until then, take a look at five of our favorite styles available at Shoebuy.com. Dansko fans will recognize the heel on the Macaw and Falcon 2 to be virtually identical to a former Dansko style. 

Forgive the lack of shoe commentary underneath each photo. My wrist is in a splint due to severe rheumatoid arthritis pain and typing just worsens the situation. Each photo is clickable so you can see customer reviews, price and sizing. Or better yet, perhaps Dromedaris are right down the street from you? Check the store locator to find out. 

 

    
 

Worishofer: the new Ugg?

Apparently all it takes is a mention in Lucky Magazine to change a shoe’s identity from “orthopedic granny shoe” to “cutting edge celebrity chic.”  At least that’s the case with Worishofer, a German orthopedic shoe company. 

Who knows what prompted Lucky’s editors to laud Worishofer shoes as “chic” (as well as “ridiculously comfortable”), but soon after, the shoes started showing up on the likes of Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams and MIA.   And voila -- dowdy became fashion-forward!  

Everything I’ve read says these shoes are the epitome of comfort, and they’re surprisingly affordable.   So maybe they’re worth a try.  Some Worishofer styles – especially sandals -- are less grandma-looking than others…keep this in mind if you doubt your own ability to elevate orthopedic shoes into the realm of high style.  Readers, weigh in – are you familiar with Worishofer shoes?  Would (or do) you wear them?   Does their look say to you “Hollywood starlet?”  Or “elderly German woman?”

By BarkingDogShoes.com contributor, Beth B.

Here's a feature from the CBS Early Show highlighting how to wear the Worishofer and still look chic.

If you'd like to try a pair for yourself, they're quite affordable ranging in price from $41-75 at Endless.com.

Aerosoles Chic Pea Slingback Review

Not only do I discover awesome shots of comfortable shoes on Flickr, I meet their most interesting owners. This is Sara, author of Mommyland.  I love Sara's credo: Determined to prove that you don't have to sacrifice your personal style once you become a Mom and want to show that a 'normal' sized woman can look cute everyday too! 

Although, Sara, you should have seen me today in a most ridiculous get-up of  lime green tank top over too-small hot pink swim cover-up. Not so cute. It never left the house, so is it like the tree that fell in the forest?

Now to Sara's shoes. She's wearing Aerosoles Chic Pea slingback and had this to say about them (here you can see Sara's whole outfit).

The shoes fits true to size, I got my usual size 8. I usually do not buy shoes with a 3 1/2 inch heel but I figured since they are Aerosoles, they must be comfortable. I was right! The shoe fits like a glove, fitted but not to tight and the peep toe didn't rub my toes raw like those type of shoes do sometimes. Overall, I love them and feel like they will be a good staple to have in my closet. 

The Aerosoles Chic Pea slingback is available for $59.99 at Shoebuy.com with free shipping and returns.

If you prefer more adjustability in a shoe, but still like some height, try Aerosoles Hedge Maple. Customers love it for its comfort and style. Available in sizes 5-12 for $49.99 at Shoebuy, $49.99 at Amazon with special offers available and $49.99 at OnlineShoes.com.

5 of Our Favorite Styles for Fall 2010

Is this as bad as Christmas trees and tinsel in September? Or Halloween candy at Target just after you walked your kid to school for the first day in the fall? If so, disregard my preemptive ogling of five new comfortable shoes for fall...on July 22. I figure someone out there works in a cold air-conditioned office or under a "no open-toe" policy at work. Or maybe you just don't get much of a summer up there in Anchorage. Here's to ya.

I predict the Ruby Shimmer to be a hit for Clark's this fall. This particular comfortable pump comes from Clark's Bendables line of ultra-flexible and lightweight footwear. The Ruby Shimmer features a manageable two-inch heel, cushioned footbed and even comes in wide widths. Although no customer reviews exist yet, I'm looking forward to what folks have to say about this new Clark's style. Coming in at $75 from Zappos, free shipping both ways.

 You saw it here first. These are, in fact, Danskos. Waiting under a rock until the animal prints stampede by and over the "no longer stylish" cliff? Come and out and take a look at the Rae in solid colors with tough nail-head accents. Perfect to wear casually with jeans or dress-up with tights and a skirt. $145 @ Zappos.

I happen to like any shoe with the color name blackberry even if it's as purple as Harold's crayon, but the Keen Golden Loafer also comes in other earthy hues like potting soil and swamp. The insole is removable which made me wonder if it might accommodate a thin orthotic. The goring on the upper provides a more custom fit if you happen to have a high instep. $80 @ Zappos, free shipping both ways.

 You've tried, but you can't. Get over Clark's being a plain-jane semi-orthopedic brand, that is. Friends and podiatrists have told you to look into Clark's and as much as you try to engender the warm fuzzies for the styles we show you here at BarkingDogShoes.com, you click away thinking, "Nice try, ladies, but I'm younger, hipper and a heckuva lot more daring with my shoe choices." Although you're too nice to leave it in a comment. So what do you think of the Indigo (by CLARK'S!!) Purse style? I personally love it and the fact that it comes in harder-to-find navy leather. $99.95 @ OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges.

Hot Rockports. What else can I say? $139.95 @ OnlineShoes.com

Feel-Good Outfits for Your Feel-Good Shoes

Are you someone who sees a great pair of shoes, then immediately thinks “But what would I wear with them?”   We’ve got a treat for you.  Of course we love footwear, but no one gets up in the morning and puts on only shoes.  Except maybe nudists on a rocky beach… okay, never mind.   MOST of us are going to put clothes on each day.  So if you’ve ever struggled with knowing just how to pair your feel-good shoes with clothes that look great but also keep you comfy head-to-toe, here are some suggestions:

1. Patagonia Lithia Dress:

 

One Zappo’s reviewer says this easy-to-wear dress makes her feel like “a movie star on vacation.”  Other praises come in for the built in bra and the interesting hemline (which is long enough to be age-appropriate for anyone, but doesn’t look frumpy.)  Others love how the dress flatters the neck and shoulders.   I love the whole package.  

Pair with: Clark's Isle Surf sandal that comes in three widths (instead of those black flips on the model).

2. Lole Calm Tunic Dress
 
“A lot of thought went into the design,” says one reviewer.   This cute dress is loose enough for comfort, but still figure-flattering.  The fabric is soft yet durable, and the go-anywhere style will get you through whatever brings your way.  We suggest pairing with the ridiculously cute and versatile Jambu Odyssey.
 

3. Merrell Lily Dress

Casual chic, built-in bra, no wrinkles…what’s not to love?  Put this on with a pair of Ecco Bouillon sandals and you’re out the door in no time, looking and feeling fabulous.

4. XXVI Double Shirred Panel Skirt

Reviewers call this skirt “wonderful” and love that it also comes in a knee-length version.  It’s got a hip, boho vibe.  It’s cool and comfortable.  It packs and washes well.  And – much as we want you to love your body – it is kind about hiding certain figure flaws.  No wonder it has garnered so many five-star reviews!   Wouldn’t it be even sweeter paired with fun patent leather Birkenstocks?


5. Merrell Countess Skort

I must admit, it’s hard for me to consider a skort.  There have been way too many unflattering versions out there over the years, but this one made me re-think the idea.  A lot of it has to do with the lightweight, nylon fabric, which should give a softer look than many of the stiff denim and heavy cotton skorts that apparently caused my mental block.  I think this would be sporty and adorable with a colorful tank and my Chaco ZX/2 Unaweep sandals.

By BarkingDogShoes.com contributor, Beth B.