BarkingDogShoes | Reviews and Deals - Comfortable Shoes for Women

Feelin' Groovy in Franco Sarto Nail Slingbacks

It's 1965 and Judy, Kathy and Laura are chatting at the park while their children burn the backs of their thighs on the  hot metal slide. Laura is admiring Kathy's new bangle bracelet that she picked up on sale at Lazarus.

Judy: Hey Laura, I saw some neat shoes to match your new yellow dress in the Zappos front display window while I was window shopping the other day. I think they were Franco Sartos!

Laura: Really? You know I made this dress myself on my new Singer slant-needle 404! Rob thinks it makes me look too thick and I'm having a dickens of a time finding shoes to match, so I just put on these old black things.

Judy: They'd be just the thing, Laura. They're yellow patent slingbacks with a groovy black button. The heel isn't too high either. Y'know what? I bet you could find them on sale at Endless, they always seem to run a good shoe sale.

Kathy: Well, what are we waiting for? Grab the kids and let's go!

(Simplicity pattern image courtesy of MomsPatterns.com)

Frye Cheryl Triple Ring Clog: $29.99 at Soft Surroundings Outlet

If you're a size 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7 or 9.5, head on over to the Soft Surroundings Outlet to pick up a pair of Frye Cheryl Triple Ring clogs for $29.99 (marked down from $148).  While you're over there, check out the discount jewelry, handbags and home decor.

Sling-Back in Black

1. Camper Helena 20657: Demure 2" heel slingback courtesy of Spain's funkiest shoe company. Don't miss this model in citrus orange (Paris Sand Cuarzo). $159 at Zappos.

2. Perlina Luxury Comfort Tori: For those of you who can do a 3" non-platform shoe. $88 at Zappos.

3.  Me Too Nantucket: Super flexible rubber sole and padded footbed.  On sale for $34.98 at
OnlineShoes.com.

4. Perlina Luxury Comfort Pearl: 2.5" closed-toe slingback with sturdy heel. $88 at Zappos.

5. Naturalizer Sherene Espadrille: Comes in narrow, medium and wide widths in fun colors beyond basic black. $49.95 at Shoemall.

6. Indigo Kenitra: Roomy toe box and padded footbed atop a 1.5" heel. $79.95 at Shoebuy.

7. Sofft Callan: My pick for dressy comfort. You can't go wrong with Sofft's padded footbed that cushions painful heel or toes. $89.95 at OnlineShoes.com.

Naturalizer Voss Mary Jane Pump: $39.99 at Shoetrader.com

Meow...again. Two animal prints in a week! Forgive me, I just think these are too fun to pass up at $39.99! The Naturalizer Voss avoids being classified a "flat" by 7/8 of an inch--just what this shoe needs to differentiate it in a world of predictable ballet flats and skimmers.

The Voss does run small, so order up a 1/2 size. If you tend to have a wider foot, don't deliberate, order the wide width.

Leopard, Red and Black available for $39.99 at Shoetrader.com; free shipping and returns.

Born Irvine Slip-On: Review by Guest Blogger Beth

From fellow shoe lover and gal pal, Beth:

Meoww!  Here is the rare animal-print shoe that is “hot” – AND comfy!  I was not familiar with the Born Crown line, until happening upon the Born Irvine in my local department store. As a 40-something, I want a shoe that says “I can be mature and sexy too!”   I had almost given up on Born; I have long loved their comfort factor, but their look was getting a little too stodgy for a girl like me who’s wants more than just a comfy fit.  Born must have hired  a new designer, because here it is:  a sexy shoe that doesn’t hurt (or look like a teenager).

Oh! Salsa T-Strap Pump: $140.89 at Endless.com

If you're looking for a comfortable heel and don't mind paying a bit more for quality, consider Oh! shoes. Endorsed by a leading orthopedic surgeon, Oh!'s patented construction was created with women's foot and ankle problems in mind. 

Endless.com has the vintage-look Salsa T-strap marked down to 140.89 with an additional $5 off for overnight shipping.

Truflex Vino Suede Pump: $39.99 at Kohl's

Good old Kohl's. Admit it. You love Kohl's. And do you why you love it so much? Because every single thing is ALWAYS on sale.

Did you know that they actually have an online comfort shoe department? I didn't until this evening. In fact, they have their own fashion comfort brand called Truflex. The Vino pictured at right is one of the cuter Truflex styles. I like the little lace-up bow feature and the vintage-look stitching. The sole is, you guessed it, flexible and the footbed is lightly cushioned. $39.99, but shipping is around $6 unless you order over $75 in which case it is free. Seventy-five bucks shouldn't be difficult to spend...have you checked out the new Vera Wang line?

Clarks Divine Mary Jane Pump: $67.96 at Endless

Update 1/5/08: Honestly, this is the most comfortable heel I've ever worn. I will be ordering a pair today. I went to my local shoe store and wore them around the store for a good 15 minutes. The poor guy was sure he had a sale, but I knew I could find them cheaper at Endless! There is a substantial platform which decreases the overall rise of the heel, so although it looks like a three inch heel, you're only lifted about two inches.

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The price is divine, for sure. Endless has this classy Mary Jane pump marked down to $67.96 with free overnight shipping and returns. This shoe has received positive feedback from customers at Zappos, Endless and OnlineShoes.com. One lady actually wrote that she felt like she was wearing running shoes all day long. I'm not sure about that, but I do know that the Divine has  ample room in the toe area, a cushioned footbed and a sturdy stacked 2.5" heel.

Right now you can still take advantage of the negative overnight shipping promotion at Endless. They describe it this way, "That's right, we'll take five dollars off your order for the privilege of shipping overnight to you. We are serious. Enjoy this special promotion while it lasts!"

Corso Como Gail

As Seen In Good Housekeeping's January Issue - Corso Como's Gail - Ultra Comfortable and Trendy

Gee WaWa Loppy Pump: $111.95 at Shoebuy

If you can get past the strange name, you've got a beautifully made, low-heeled, comfortable pump. Gee WaWa is a new shoe line that has a sort of bohemian look. You can take a look at all the models by clicking on the chihuahua.

The Loppy model has a padded footbed, 2" heel and a roomy toe box (which is difficult to find in a pump).

• Shoebuy offers the Loppy in black kid suede for $111.95.

• Zappos has black kid suede, silver distressed leather, black borello leather and brown old english leather for $120.56.
  

Camper Helena vs. Naturalizer Hoffman: Two T-straps, Two Price Points

Is it In Style magazine that has the "Lust/Must" feature?  You know what I'm talking about, right? The "lust" item is usually well over $1000 and the "must" feature is supposedly more budget conscious but is rarely under $200.  Well, I'm doing my own "lust/must" post today.

LUST: The shoe above is Camper's Helena Bajo 20535.  If you are familiar with Camper shoes, you know they are made in Spain and have a definite funky European vibe. The Helena 20535, however,  has a more classic, toned down look than most of the Camper line. I love the crimson patent leather, vintage T-strap and low kitten heel. $159.95 at Onlineshoes.com, free shipping and returns.

MUST:  The Naturalizer Hoffman will give you the same vintage look for less than half the price of the Camper Helena. Although not as shiny, the Hoffman is a refined T-strap wedge that comes in four widths and three colors. $68.95 at Zappos, free shipping and returns.  

Sofft Samia Pump: $77.40 at TheShoeMart.com

I know, I know. I have a thing for Sofft shoes.  I could probably dedicate a whole blog just to this brand. I've owned the Sofft Elysia boot for over a month now and can speak with authority that they are by far the most comfortable pair of heeled boots I've ever worn. I have no doubt that the Sofft Samia would fit in a similar way. The cushioning in the metatarsal area and heel is heaven for those with metatarsalgia or plantar fascitis.

This pretty 1 1/2" cone-heeled pump comes in three colors of kid-suede: caramel, chocolate and black. I've noticed that Sofft shoes tend to run a wee bit small, so order up if  you're in doubt. For example, I'm normally a 9.5 or 10, so I'd order the 10 in the Samia.

Price Points:

• Best Deal: TheShoeMart.com: $77.40, free shipping.
• OnlineShoes.com: $89.95, free shipping and returns.
• Zappos: $90.95, free shipping and returns.

Clarks Metti Pump: Best Deal $79.95

This classic pump verges on boring, but somehow rescues itself from the slippery slope with the subtle crossover styling on the forefoot. The Clarks Metti pump has a cushioned EVA footbed, thick 1 3/4" heel for support, and flexible polyurethane sole.

Price Points:

• Best Deal: $79.95 at Shoebuy, narrow and medium widths;  free shipping and returns
• Footsmart offers the Metti for $84.99 (Footsmart is a wonderful online shoe store for those with complicated feet); comes in medium and WIDE wide. Does not offer free shipping but see coupon code at left.
• OnlineShoes.com has the Metti in three widths available for $84.95, free shipping and returns.

Softspots Star Pump: Sensibly Feminine

With all the five star reviews over at Zappos, I had to feature this shoe. It scored extremely high on comfort and arch support.  I like how one lady put it when reviewing the Softspots Star, "they are very practical looking--not really the kind of shoe you wear when you want to feel hot."  Ok, so maybe you can make these your sensible yet feminine office shoes! 

Take a minute to read about Softspots Pillow Top TM footbed: sounds so wonderfully comfy.

$75.95 at Zappos, free shipping and returns OR $74.95 at OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and returns. Remember, if you spend $100 at OnlineShoes.com, you get a $20 credit to use on your next purchase.

Naot Pleasure: For Narrow Feet!

I had to look at these a few times before I decided that I truly do like them. If the Naot Pleasure were just a plain Mary Jane, I would have passed them by, but that leather tie bow just draws me in.

The Naot Pleasure features a 2 1/4" heel and was created for the narrow footed (yet open-minded) woman.

This shoe has been reviewed by happy customers at Zappos, OnlineShoes and Shoes.com (one lady with plantar fascitis raves about them). The color featured is copper leather, but the Pleasure comes in toffee and black leather also.

Price points:

• Zappos: $152.95, black, toffee brown and copper leather. Free shipping and returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: $148.95, black, toffee brown and copper leather. Free shipping and returns.
• Shoes.com: 145.99, toffee leather only. Free shipping and returns. USE PROMO CODE: LUCKYBREAKS7 thru 10/31 for 25% off total.

Born Situla Pump: $69.99 at the Walking Company

Update 1/27/08: No longer available at EB, but I did find these for $69.99 at The Walking Company in black and brown.

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I have to say this is the best deal on this shoe anywhere on the web. Eddie Bauer has marked this low- heeled vintage inspired pump down from $90 to $69.99. The issue I have with EB is the tax and shipping charges, but have no fear, I've found a coupon code for free shipping PLUS an additional 15% off any order (which makes the grand total $67). Just click here to take advantage of this offer; and type in SLHNOV07 at checkout. There are some other really cute shoes on sale at EB, not just the Born Situla.

Söfft Calypso pump: Yea!!! It's on Sale!

The next time I enter our local comfort shoe shop, I'll have to wear a wig--they're on to me. Today I tried on this Sofft pump which was still full price. If you have ANY kind of metatarsal pain, I swear you won't feel it in these shoes. The padding is so wonderfully cushy and supportive. Order up if you are a half size as they run a wee bit small.

Of course I didn't buy them as I knew I could find them cheaper online..and here they are at Shoemall for $59.99 with free shipping. This price will get you the black or brown leather or the burgundy suede. The Calypso comes in three widths too!

Great deal at Shoes.com: 25% off, no minimum purchase

Shoes.com is offering 25% off with no minimum purchase and free shipping. Simply fill your cart with shoes and enter "luckybreaks7" at checkout to receive your discount. 

Not sure what to buy? Take a look at Dansko's new pump called Tuttie. I remember when Dansko picked sweet sounding Danish names for their shoes like Ingrid, Sonja or Anja. Perhaps Facts of Life is a popular syndication in Denmark...I dunno. What I do know is that these fit differently than the Dansko clogs--is that stating the obvious? The toe box isn't as generous, so order up. I usually take a 40 (9.5-10) European  in Dansko clogs but would need a 41 in the Tuttie.

Indigo (by Clarks) Belladonna: a shoe that reminds me of Stevie Nicks

Update 11/8/2007: Hurry! Onlineshoes.com has the cafe/red combo and black Belladonna on sale for $80.96 with free shipping and returns. That's the best price I've found on these popular Mary Janes.

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Any shoe that has the name of my absolute favorite album from the 80's must be featured on BarkingDogShoes.com. While the guitar riff from Edge of Seventeen plays in my head as I type, I look at this shoe and realize that Steve Nicks would have never worn them...too preppy cute. Not witchy enough.

Ah well. The Belladonna by Indigo is a platform Mary Jane with a 2 3/4" heel and a quilted, cushiony footbed. I really like the brown/red combination. I would have never thought of it, but hey, that's not my job. Take a look at the other colors: toad (not green, but a mushroom brown), aquarium (not turquoise, but navy), and black, which happens to be black. $93.95 at Zappos--free shipping and returns.

What's What (by Aerosoles) Revival

The Barking Dog works hard sniffing out great deals for you. This vintage black suede peep toe by What's What (an Aerosoles brand) is on sale now at Shoebuy.com for $54.99. I think what I love most about this shoe is the wide strap and classy brass buckle. And they most definitely give you a reason to keep your toes painted well into the fall.

As is standard with Aerosoles shoes,  the foot bed is cushioned and the sole is rubber.  The heel in the image looks a bit higher than actual height--2 3/4 inches.

Söfft Calypso

                                                                                 The Barki ng Dog recommends wearing the Söfft  Calypso to an autumn wedding for these reasons:

• The flower is romantic.
• You can wear this rich aubergine shade with other fall  hues.
• The ultra-cushy footbed will allow you to dance for longer than 10 minutes at the reception.
• They are most definitely prettier than the bride's shoes.

This shoe comes in wide widths. $90.95 at Zappos.

Indigo (by Clarks) Port

You'll be pretty as a peacock in these suede kitten heels.  Clarks is definitely on the right path with their new Indigo line of  beautiful yet comfortable shoes. The Port also comes in brown suede and a light burgundy color called "sangria." Que rico!

The rubber forefoot is ultra-flexible bending with your foot as you walk. I personally like the square toe construction which is a must if you have bunions. There, I said it...bunions.  Available at Zappos for $93.95.

Born Britten

It’s a Mary Jane! It’s a clog! It’s a platform! It’s…the Born Britten! I must have these in all three colors: brown, black and palm green. Can’t you imagine yourself wearing these with jeans or with tights and a jersey dress?

OK, the heel does look a bit higher than what I'm used to at 3.25 inches, but with its substantial platform and soft sole, I'm willing to give them a try! Heaven knows this is the closest this gal is getting to a stiletto. Find them at Zappos for $92.95.