Barking Dog Shoes

Rieker Federica 05 Slingback Mary Jane

On the third anniversary of Barking Dog Shoes, I thought it appropriate to post not only these beautiful Riekers, but the note that accompanied the photo. It's so encouraging to hear from readers that have found the perfect shoe for their "barking dogs" through this blog. I've appreciated your kind emails, comments and submitted reviews over the years. Although health issues and the demands of raising two active boys have kept me from blogging as much as I'd like lately, I hope to get back to it more consistently after young son heads to preschool . Here's the note and review from reader Rose.

I want to thank you for your blog. I have started having pretty severe foot pain in one foot - cause as yet unknown- so I wrote to Sally McGraw of  Already Pretty asking for her recommendations on stylish yet supportive shoes. (The word supportive instantly conjures up old-lady white athletic shoes to me. I was horrified when my podiatrist uttered the word!) 

Sally directed me to your site. I am still browsing, but yesterday happened upon the Rieker Federica 05 in one of your posts and I thought, OK, I could do that. I went to the famous Walk Shop in Berkeley and walked out the door with a pair in size 41, and my tootsies are thanking me today! I would not have found them without your blog so my tootsies are thanking you too.

Do you have a favorite shoe that you've found through Barking Dog Shoes? I always welcome reader reviews and photos, so don't be shy!

The Rieker Federica 05 slingback is getting more great reviews at:

• Zappos, $119, free shipping both ways.
• Shoebuy, $114.95, free shipping and returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: $114.95, free shipping and exchanges.

Super sales of the day: Born shoes for up to 65% off at 6pm ,  Keen Carmel closed-toe sandals for under $50 at REI.

Born Corby "Moxford"

Minnetonka moc meets the heeled oxford in Born's new Corby style for fall 2010. I prefer to call it a "moxford." So, what do you think? I love it. My only wish is that I could actually tolerate a heel these days, but for those of you that can, this shoe's for you (if the price is right). I know it's not a steal, but the Corby would put the finishing touch on many outfits ranging from skinny jeans, dresses with tights and tunic/legging combos.

The Born Corby features a 2 3/4" leawood stacked heel, cushioned footbed, lightweight and flexible outsole with a front tie closure (and also comes in rust and a gorgeous chianti suede), sizes 6-11. Available at Shoeline for $113, free shipping; Zappos for $130, free shipping both ways.

Here are some affordable outfit/accessory ideas that I'd personally wear with the Born Corby. Remember, I'm not a professional stylist-- just a busy mom with bad feet that loves cute, comfortable shoes and making up pretend outfits after the kids are in bed ;-)

This boat-neck sweater dress from Old Navy is $36.50, comes in three solid colors and four stripe combinations. Add a pair of teal blue tights for interest, or play it safe with black or heather gray.

This  Native American-inspired necklace from Francesca's Collections brightens up a solid-color dress or tunic for only $18.

Don't want to overdo the Native American theme since you're already wearing fringed moccasins with a heel? How about adding this beautiful hand-knit necklet from Etsy seller, Knittingshop. If you browse her collection,  you'll find one in every color.

What would you wear with the Born Corby?

 

Super sale alert: Keen and North Face for up to 65% off today at 6pm!

Birkenstock Bern Soft Footbed

Yesterday I poked fun of the Birkenstock teacher down the hall. Today I am that teacher, except my classroom consists of one beguiling yet limit-testing preschooler and a very, very hardwood floor. My active rheumatoid arthritis is not only having its way with my wrist, but also the small bones in my forefoot--every unshod step on our floor leaves me wishing for a pair of these.

Not only do you get the famous anatomical cork/latex Birkenstock footbed, there's an extra layer of cushioning foam inserted below the suede footbed liner. After reading through the many reviews of other Birkenstock soft footbed styles, I'm convinced this is the shoe for all types of foot maladies from Morton's Neuroma to neuropathy to metatarsalgia to Fred Flintstone feet.

I'm happy to see the soft footbed is starting to spread to other styles other than the two-strap Arizona. The Bern's versatile closed-toe style with instep adjustability makes it a great choice for fall when the toes go into cover-up mode and the hand-knit socks come out--some days call for comfort over runway fashion.

A word on sizing: remember a Birkenstock regular best fits a wider foot and the narrow is best for medium widths.

The Birkenstock Bern Soft Footbed and other similar styles can be found at Zappos for $139, free shipping both waysl.

Comfortable Shoes for Teachers #1 | Softspots Brunswick

If you've considered Softspots to be a tad matronly in the past, take a look at these cuties! The Brunswick is new for fall and features Softspots trademark Pillowtop technology: memory foam cushioned footbed to absorb pressure while standing and walking (watch a short video here to learn more). As a former middle school teacher, I'm particularly drawn to the Brunswick; a great choice for the educator that prefers tights with skirts and cute shoes over the jeans and Birkenstock teacher down the hall (no offense, casual Friday is coming).

I'm looking forward to reading customer reviews as they come in this fall. I imagine the 2 1/4" stacked wedge heel to be the perfect height for gals that like a sturdy lift to the heel in comparison to the wobbly feel of a pump. I also love the whip-stitch "ric-rac" stitching and metallic buckle--features that keep the shoe looking young.

Best news of all: the Brunswick is available in sizes 6-11, medium, wide and extra wide.

You can find the Softspots Brunswick and other new styles at:

• Shoeline: $79.95, free shipping.
• Shoes.com: $80, free shipping.
• OnlineShoes.com: $82.95, free shipping and exchanges.

Do you own a pair of Softspots? Is the Pillowtop footbed as heavenly as it sounds?

Comfortable, Stylish Shoes for Bunions

Thank you for the well wishes regarding my wrist.  The MRI shows considerable damage and bone erosion from active rheumatoid arthritis. No surprises I suppose, but I can't believe how quickly the RA took over my wrist--one month flat. I'll visit my fabulous rheumatologist on Wednesday to find out where we're headed. But enough about my wrist, let's talk BUNIONS! If you don't have one, count your blessings and start wearing shoes with wider toe boxes so you can avoid the ghastly toe bump.

It's time again for the annual Barking Dog Shoes "Top Comfortable, Semi-Stylish Shoes for Bunions" post. After researching customer comments at Zappos and  OnlineShoes.com these passed the "comfort with style" screen we utilize while shoe hunting.

 Ecco Casual Bouillon: Looks like a ballet flat, but has a slight wedge; great option for those that insist on wearing a ballet flat/skimmer style but need a roomier toe box to accommodate a bunion. Best for narrow to medium width feet that need more room in the toe and narrower heel. Also comes in a button and bow style.

Arcopedico L14: This comfortable slip-on has a Lytech® upper that stretches and forms to the foot so it's extremely forgiving of bunions and hammertoes. Removable insole allows for custom orthotic.

Me Too Prissy: A true ballet flat with cushioned footbed and elasticized soft leather top line that stretches to make room for wider forefoot due to bunions.

Privo Darebin: Sporty slip-on that comes in medium and wide widths. Three customers mention the shoe doesn't aggravate their bunions.

Softspots Tatianna: Popular and affordable closed-toe sandal with Pillow Top™ footbed comes in narrow to extra-wide widths with plenty of toe room. More stylish option: Clark's Carrie Maysandal.

Ryka Studio Flex: Seems to be a favorite with Zumba enthusiasts with bunions! Ryka makes fitness shoes for women that are wider in the toe box and narrower at the heel. Eighty-five percent of customers give the Studio Flex a 5 for comfort and style.

Crocs Malindi: Reviewed here. Nothing conforms to foot quite like Croslite and the Malindi does it with style (unlike other Crocs styles).

Aravon Maya: New Balance's relatively new dress-casual line is gaining popularity among women in  search of a dress shoe with a wider toe box and narrower heel.

Wolky shoes: Wolky continues to be in my top three for comfort, support and adjustability. Many styles have velcro straps over the bunion area allowing for a customized fit. Closed-toe style have accommodating toe boxes.

If you have bunions, which shoes have worked for you? I've truly appreciated the informative reader comments lately. Keep 'em coming!