Barking Dog Shoes

Studded Mary Jane by Blowfish that Won't Blow Your Budget

Photo credit: Flickr member Buzzygirl

"You get what you pay for" rings true when it comes to comfort footwear, so I don't recommend the Blowfish Willa for troubled feet (looks like it could aggravate bunion area). But for $42, I suspect the normal-footed will be all over this sweet and sassy mary jane. What's not to like? 

• Man-made upper=no cows killed in the making of this shoe. Thanks man.
• Like the mullet, the shoe's all business in the front, party in the back. 
• Cushioned footbed.
• Manageable two-inch wedge heel.
• Elastic goring at buckle lends some stretch over the instep.
• Looks smashing with jeans, fun socks or tights.

A word on sizing: while most customers say the shoe is comfortable, they recommend ordering up a half-size for best fit. 

Where to buy the Willa and other Blowfish styles:

• Zappos: $41.60, free shipping both ways.
• Amazon: $41.60, free super saver shipping.
• Endless: $41.60, free two-day shipping, free returns.
• Although the Willa is sold-out, PlanetShoes.com carries a great selection of affordable Blowfish shoes and boots. 
• Blowfish store locator

Thank you to all who entered the Shoeline giveaway. I will be announcing the winner on Thursday.

Cyber Monday Shoe Deals

Good shoes come to those who wait...

Cyber Monday Shoe Deals:

• Amazon.com: 25% off $75, 30% off $150; free Super Saver shipping
• Endless.com: spend $100, save $30; spend $200, save $60; spend $300, save $100; free shipping and returns.
• DesignerShoes.com (specializes in hard-to-find sizes and widths): save 25% sitewide with code CYBERMONDAYDSC.
• OnlineShoes.com: $25 off $100 with code CYBER; free shipping and exchanges.
• Crocs.com: 25% off entire order.
• PlanetShoes.com: 30% off all sale items; free shipping and returns.
• Shoes.com: Enter CYBER and save 20% sitewide; free shipping.
• Shoemall.com: Save 25% off $25 or more; free shipping.

Dansko Tara MJ Heel for $24!

photo © 2010 Jenny | more info (via: Wylio)

This retired Dansko style is  marked down from $165 to $24 at 6pm.com. There are two hang-ups: sizes/colors are limited and 6pm.com doesn't post customer reviews. Visit the Dansko Tara at OnlineShoes.com for reviews--they're mostly positive for comfort. 

If you spent your wad yesterday at the Black Friday sales and vow to be more parsimonious (my word of the week),  then forget the $24 plus shipping and try for some free shoes. If you haven't entered the giveaway for a free pair of Born, Sofft or Softspots shoes from Shoeline.com, it's not too late. Click here for more info and to enter.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving gathering with loved ones. I have so much to be thankful for: improved health, the blessing of adoption, a husband that helps me open jars when my hands are bad, supportive family and friends...

I also thank you for checking in to see what Beth and I have to say about comfortable shoes. And, as always, thank you for the kind e-mails and helpful comments--keep 'em coming!

Because Your Shoe, Your Shoe is on My List

If this is the cosmetics and perfume department at Macy's on Black Friday, can you imagine the shoe department? Avoid the sneezed-on counters, screaming children, lines and throngs of pushy, crabby customers who only yesterday gave thanks for their blessings. 

Here's a list of 15 of the best shoe sales for Black Friday.  Shop simply and peacefully from your home. You won't even need hand sanitizer.

• Endless.com (huge brand selection): 30% off select boots, slippers and accessories for women, men and children, free shipping and returns.
• FootSmart.com (comfort and orthopedic): 15% off orders of $75 or more plus free shipping with code SAVE2010.
• Amazon: 33% off new and bestselling boots and slippers.
• OnlineShoes.com (great selection of stylish, comfort brands): 20% off orders of $80 and more through Saturday with code TURKEY, free shipping and exchanges.
• Superlamb.com: 30% off Ugg Fringe Cardy boots plus free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
• Shoemall.com: 25% off orders of $25 or more with code FRIDAY25, free shipping.
• Shoes.com: extra 25% off sale shoes with code YAMS, free shipping.
• Shoeline.com: 15% off Born boots, free shipping.
• 6pm.com: awesome deals on shoes and clothing every day.
• PlanetShoes.com (eco-friendly, vegan, comfort, style--they've got it all): 12% off purchase with code 12off plus free shipping.
• TheWalkingCompany.com (and in stores): 25% off quality comfort shoes, Ugg Australia sale, free shipping and free returns to The Walking Company stores.
• Crocs.com: Buy one outlet item, get one free through 6am, Nov. 26th.
• Footwearetc.com: 40% off Reebok and Sano by Mephisto on Friday, more great deals on Dansko,  Birkenstock, Aetrex and Beautifeel on Saturday and Sunday.
• Sierra Trading Post (super deals on shoes, boots, clothing and outerwear): 25% off $125 or 30% off $150 thru 11/28. Use code ALBLACKFRI2KX
• Shoemart.com: 30-40% off select styles of Keen, Ecco, Pikolinos, Clarks, MBT, Haflinger and more.

Shoeline Editor's Picks and Giveaway

Yep, that's my mug on page six of Shoeline's Insider Style Guide for Fall/Winter 2010.  But this isn't really about me, it's about YOU winning a pair of stylish yet comfortable shoes from Shoeline.com. Will it be the beautiful hand-stitched Born Charolette, the stylish yet ultra-cushioned Softspots Studio mary jane, or maybe the casually cute Born Susy in black patent?

Just head on over to the Barking Dog Shoes feature in the Shoeline.com Fall/Winter Style Guide by visiting Shoeline.com and clicking on the INSIDER STYLE GUIDE banner at the top of the page.  Leave a comment below telling me which of my picks you like best!

Now, for you overachievers who can't just stop at leaving one comment. Here's how to score extra credit points, i.e., extra entries:

•  Follow Shoeline.com on Facebook and mention it in your comment here.

• Post your favorite BDS editor’s pick on Shoeline.com’s Facebook page

• Follow Shoeline.com on Twitter and tweet, Thanks @barkingdogshoes for the chance to win new shoes @Shoeline

One winner will be chosen at random to win a pair of Barking Dog Shoes picks from Shoeline's Insider Style Guide. All contest entries must be received by Tuesday, November 30th at 10 pm central.

In the meantime, shop all my picks and Shoeline.com's full selection of editor's picks here.