Barking Dog Shoes

Dansko Rory Heeled Oxford Revisited

Dansko Rory courtesy of Dansko.com

I never thought I'd say it, but I bought a pair of jeggings. I hate the sound of the portmanteau--yes, I looked up the linguistic term for the blending of two words into one (jeans + leggings = unfortunately "jeggings").  The only way a 42-year-old can get away with the look outside Hollywood city limits is to pair them with a modest tunic for coverage; y'know what I mean?

However, options abound when it comes to jeggings-appropriate footwear. First, I tried on my French Sole leopard ballet flats: too flat, arches felt achy. Next, I attempted but failed at pulling on my Born Allegra boots--blame it on my high instep and no side zipper (a must for arthritic hands/wrists)! Finally, I decided on my love-at-first-sight Dansko Rory heeled oxfords. I first reviewed the Rory in August and concluded the footbed to be too hard on my soles. This time around they felt so much better. Is my arthritis easing up? Am I breaking the shoes in? I don't know, but I feel more confident recommending the Rory as a stylish and comfortable heel.

I love the roomy toe box, adjustable tie instep and good arch support. There's a hefty one-inch platform that offsets the teeter-totter feel of a three-inch heel. The footbed is lightly padded, although I'd prefer a little more cushioning in the heel and forefoot. 

A word on sizing. I normally wear a euro 41 in Dansko sandals, but found the Rory 41 to be a tad large for my size 10/sometimes 9.5 feet  (you can see gaping at the heel). The 40 would have been a better fit. 

The Dansko Rory is available at:

• Zappos: $150, free shipping both ways.
• Endless: $150, free shipping and returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: $149.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• The Walking Company: $149.95, free shipping/free returns to any TWC store nationwide. 
• Find a Dansko retailer near you at Dansko.com. 

The rest of my outfit:

• Magenta corduroy tunic: Old Navy
• Jeggings: Old Navy
• Scarf: Old Navy
• Teal bag: Roxy via 6pm.com.

Sleuthing Comfy Shoes

The arboretum. Most people go to take in the fall color or hike. I go to take grainy undercover shoe photos. I know I'm weird. I'm a comfy shoe stalker; so notify the authorities. 

Honestly, I didn't go with the intention of sneakily taking shots of shoes. But then I saw this popular style by Hush Puppies and pretended to text while snapping the shutter. See, when you spend as much time as I do browsing stock photography images of comfortable footwear, it's strangely rewarding to see the actual shoe out in the wild--chasing after a toddler, climbing on a rock, pushing a stroller or kicking the leaves. It means someone made a conscious decision to wear THAT shoe for one particular reason. And at the arboretum, I have to believe that reason is COMFORT.  

 The HP Sonnet features a removable EVA footbed, shock-absorbing sole and comes in multiple widths. Customers like its versatility, support and all-day comfort. On sale for $66.99 at OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges. 

 

Next on the virtual roll of film is the Ahnu Benicia II, or at least I thought it was until I couldn't find it online anywhere in this lovely shade of purple. Nine times out of 10 I can correctly identify a comfort shoe from 25 feet away, so I'm going to call this one the Ahnu Benicia II until someone tells me otherwise.

A few raves from Zappos customers for this five-star rated shoe:

• Great looking shoe, comfortable and I get one compliment a day.
• I have a bunion on one foot and stiff arch-support orthotics from a podiatrist. These shoes accommodate both.
  
• I'm a preschool teacher. They really deliver the support and comfort I need walking about 6,000 steps each day. Plus, they are cute!
  

I saw a lot of acorns at the arboretum, but this nut made the blog. I don't understand these Vibram FiveFingers. Have you seen these crazy "shoes?" They're perfect for Lord of the Rings fans who want to dress as Gollum for Halloween. Apparently they're supposed to "provide the freedom of bare feet with the grip and protection of a Vibram sole." I'll stick to my precious Merrell Siren Sports, thank you very much.

Birkenstock Bern Soft Footbed courtesy of BirkenstockUsa.com

Oh lovely Birkenstock Berns! You're the color of sumac shrub in the fall and I can't keep you off my feet. 

Before I left the arboretum with my funny little 3 yr. old son, I had to get a photo of my new beloved Birks. The Bern is now available in soft footbed which means an extra layer of foam is inserted between the cork layer and the suede liner. Superbly comfortable on my achy feet, the Bern provides ample toe room, just the right amount of arch support, and provides more cushion than my regular Birks. 

Groundhog vs. Groundhog Shoes

• Groundhogs are herbivores. Groundhog shoes have crepe soles made from the sap of the Lactae Meva Rubber Tree.
• Groundhogs are well adapted for digging, with short but powerful limbs and curved, thick claws. Groundhog shoes are well adapted for walking with supportive cork/latex footbeds and rounded, roomy toeboxes. 
• Groundhogs eat bunches of alfalfa and then hibernate all winter. Groundhog shoes have
  linings made from alfalfa bamboo which has good thermal insulation properties. 
• Groundhogs are cute. So are the shoes.

So, can you see your shadow wearing a pair of these?

A lace-up Groundhog for a customized fit across the instep. $Available at PlanetShoes.com and Endless,  free shipping and returns.

 And another version of the lace-up...on the side. Available at Endless, free shipping and returns. 

An ankle boot Groundhog with buttons made from coconut shell! $149.95 @ Endless, free shipping and returns. 

 An orthotic-friendly Groundhog with velcro criss-cross straps. $96 @ Endless, free shipping and returns. 

Find many Groundhog styles on sale at Amazon.com.

More Groundhog reviews by Megan and Mandy.

Comfortable Boots for NYC Winters

A reader from New York City wrote to us requesting comfortable boot options for trudging the  concrete jungle through snow, ice and slush.  She asks, "Of course, I can't stand to NOT to be a (tad) stylish. Thinking shorter boots to tuck in my jeans/leggings. Any ideas?"

You bet. Four characteristics of the perfect boot for city walking in the wintertime come to mind: warm, waterproof, supportive, durable. Here are five stylish options that meet (and exceed) the critieria. We included one tall boot since the laces provide a custom fit for tucking in leggings or jeans:

1. Dansko Stormy: Shearling lined, easy-care oiled nubuck upper, cushioned latex foam footbed with arch support, polyurethane sole with forefoot flex grooves for improved grip and flexibility. Five-star reviews are beginning to come in! $150

2. Bogs Becca: waterproof rubber upper with boiled wool cuff, insulating layer of neoprene plus fleece lining keeps feet toasty warm, EVA midsole for support and cushion, rubber outsole for traction. $110

3. Patagonia Attlee Tie: waterproof pigskin upper, PrimaLoft® Eco insulation, Polartec® lining, removable triple-density EVA footbed, recycled rubber outsole. $160

 4. Merrell Yarra: waterproof suede upper, 200 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation and Polartec® 200 thermo lining , Ortholite® anatomical footbed, many 5-star reviews. $150

 5. Sorel Cate the Great: Seam-sealed waterproof construction, removable recycled felt InnerBoot, comfort rated to -25º below zero. $200. 

 Do you have a cold weather, commuter-friendly superboot that you can recommend? By all means, leave a comment! Thank you!

Special Saturday Deals:

• PlanetShoes.com is offering 20% off sale shoes and boots today with coupon code sale20. 
• Save $20 off $70 order of select shearling boots at Endless.com. 
• Save 20% site-wide at Shoebuy today. 

The Power of a Great Pair of Shoes | Biviel from Spain

I received several compliments on this outfit last weekend, and the kind comments were made even better by the smug feeling I had inside, knowing the entire outfit (except for shoes) cost only $60.  But I’m not here to teach you about budget clothes shopping.  I want to you see the way good shoes stand out, and can elevate the classy factor of an entire outfit.   In this case, my hand-made Biviel boots make inexpensive jeans, a clearance rack blouse, and faux leather jacket all look better by association.  (You know how a woman wearing a Rolex can carry off a large cubic zirconia ring with no questions asked?  Same kind of thing.)   Also remember, shoes tend to stay in style longer than many other clothing items, so investing in the right pair can pay off for seasons to come, no matter what trends you trade out on top.

About Biviel:  This Spanish shoe company prides itself on its quality, hand-made, uniquely styled shoes.  Check out this clip to learn more:

 I am impressed with the styling and craftsmanship evident in these boots.  The leather is obviously high quality, and the color is a unique taupe/grey that seems to go with everything (and I especially love the black shading on the toes and heels.)  Mind you, these aren’t billed as “comfort shoes,” but on my average foot they feel fine.  Many of Biviel’s shoe styles have a distinctly European flair.  Check them out for yourself at Biviel.com.

Beth is wearing the Biviel BV2711 bootie available at Endless.com for $224.95, free shipping and returns.

 For those of you curious about the rest of the outfit, here are the details:

Jeans: Forever 21, $9.99

Blouse: Converse One Star for Target, $17.99   

Jacket: TJ Maxx, $30