Barking Dog Shoes

Why I've Been Quiet

Cat types better with his face than Kirsten does with hands.

Good morning comfy shoe friends. I've taken a hiatus from blogging due to extreme pain in wrist which makes typing a painful chore rather than a relaxing passtime. I expect an MRI report today from the doctor and will keep you updated.

Since I always love chatting shoes, what are you wearing today? I lost one of my Birkenstock Madrids so am resorting to my old Crocs MJs. In a few minutes, I'll lace up and attempt to tie my New Balance True Balance toning shoes for a much needed visit to the gym. They are the softest, most supportive yet lightweight fitness shoes in my closet currently (even better than my beloved Merrell Sirens if you can believe that).

I'll be back soon with another installation of comfortable, stylish shoes for bunions (bunions, woo-hoo).

Nau Mai: New Style from Naot

If you're a Naot fan, undoubtedly you're familiar with the Matai style featured here. Lauded for its excellent arch support, ability to accommodate an orthotic and lightweight cork/latex footbed, the Matai soon became one of Naot's top sellers. But alas, this comfortable shoe wasn't for everyone. Apparently a good amount of people aren't into curly-q's on their shoes. So what's less quirky and more conventional than a curly-q? A leaf!

The Nau Mai is Naot's new addition to the Koru collection of medium-width shoes with hook-and-loop closures, removable footbeds, deep heel cups and lightweight polyurethane outsoles. I love the new polar sea color featured above and imagine it with gray heathered tights come fall.

Some of you have already clicked over to see the price and are outraged at yet another over $150 shoe appearing before your eyes. So here's what I'd like to happen. If you own a pair of Naots, leave a comment below this post telling us if you feel they're worth the hefty price tag. Have they helped a specific foot problem or have you found a shoe that does the same for less?

The Naot Nau Mai is available at:

• Zappos: $171, free shipping both ways.
• OnlineShoes.com: $170.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Shoebuy: $170.95, free shipping and returns.
• The Walking Company: $169.95, free shipping/free returns to store.

Keen Sunday Deal

The amphibious, super-popular and comfortable Keen Venice H2 is marked down from $95 to $57 this week at 6pm. I have a feeling they're going to get snatched up quickly, so hop to it if you want a pair. Perfect for medium to wide feet that need moderate arch support and a roomy toe box. The H2's polyester webbing upper dries quickly and it's non-slip sole make it a perfect shoe for outdoor adventures (if you don't mind a little gravel or sand slipping in through the openings).

Be sure to check out the other 288 Keen styles for men, women and kiddos marked down up to 60% this week.

Dansko Rory from the New Rio Collection

Have I lost my mind in the heat and humidity of Charleston, SC? Can these really be Dansko? According to the box sent graciously from the company, they are, in fact, the Dansko Rory from the new Rio collection of wooden-bottom heeled clogs. I'm crazy for the whole vintage-gone-modern look of the Rory--like grandma's oxfords amped up with a one-inch hidden platform and sturdy three-inch heel.

 How do they feel? Well, as much as I have fallen in love with the style, these are going to take some getting used to. While the footbed is foam-cushioned, my picky feet can still feel the wood platform, mainly in the ball-of-foot area. The toe box is plenty roomy and deep. I have curvy toes (euphemism for "hammertoes"), and the toe box accommodates them well. The tie-closure is great for those with high insteps allowing for a personalized fit.

A word on sizing: I wear a 41 in my beloved Dansko Selas and Sigrids from the Sausalito line even though I'm really between a 9.5 and 10. I ordered the 41 in the Rory, but if you look closely at the heel, you'll see some space between foot and shoe. They're a tad big, but I figure I can close the gap with some thick tights come wintertime--any smaller and my toes would complain.

Take a look at the whole Rio collection. What do you think? Which style is your favorite? Heel to high? Check out Dansko's other new arrivals for fall at Zappos.com.

The Dansko Rory is available at:

• Zappos: $150, free shipping both ways.
• OnlineShoes.com: $149.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Amazon: $145-150, free shipping.
• Endless: $150, free overnight shipping, free returns.
• Find a store near you at Dansko.com.

Living in My Orthaheel Sandals

Ouch ouch ouch. Not my feet this time, but my wrist!! If someone knows of a place to purchase pretty wrist splints, pass along the 411. Rheumatologist thinks it might be a ruptured tendon (you don't have to have an x-games type fall to rupture a tendon, just lovely rheumatoid arthritis). While I wait on an MRI, I'm living in this thing--I literally can not use my hand without it. While my wrist issue is overshadowing any foot problems, it sure helps to have a pair of comfortable summer sandals.

 These Orthaheel Sea Treks from Footwearetc.com have quickly surpassed my Birkenstock Madrids as my go-to sandal for all-day comfort and support. I'm actually on vacation this week near Charleston, SC (above photo was taken a few days ago) and the Sea Trek has been a foot-saver. The arch support is the best you'll find on a summery type sandal for under $70.

The faux-cork covered EVA midsole is lightweight and provides just the right amount of cushion without feeling squishy--perfect for walking on hard sidewalks and uneven cobblestone streets. The upper straps are made of polyurethane, so I wore them in the waterfront fountains to cool off in the 95 degree heat and they held up great and dried off quickly.

 I highly recommend Orthaheel sandals for anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, flat feet or pronation problems. The Sea Trek style is a little wide on my foot and the straps are looser than I'd like (hopefully Orthaheel will fix this with adjustable forefoot straps in a future style), but the footbed is heavenly. The Tide style has been around longer and has over 300 reviews at Footsmart.com; 91% of customers would recommend the Tide sandal to a friend.

You can find Orthaheel sandals at:

• OrthaheelUsa.com: holding their end-of-summer sale currently.
• Footsmart.com
• Amazon: special offers available. 
• Footwearetc.com

Do you own a pair of Orthaheel sandals? Have they alleviated your foot problems?