Alegria Classic in Happy Sangria Rose!

Must Have Monday

Have you tried Danskos because all your friends love them but find them too firm and uncomfortable? Alegria to the rescue!!! These inspired clogs offer some similar features to the Dankso clogs...like rocker bottom, anti-slip soles and a healthy helping of arch support. What sets Alegria's apart is their extremely cushiony soft ride. They are chalk full of latex and memory foam bonded with cork for structure and a custom like fit. Even though they look a bit clunky they are far from heavy. You won't be lugging them around at all....in fact, the rocker bottom practically propels you through your day with ease. I started noticing these colorful clogs on medical professionals and teachers. I figured they must have some strong comfort merits and got my feet into a pair to check them out.

Alegria's made me smile instantly and my feet said “aahhh” as they settled into the footbed. Looking down at the toe-box I could clearly see these shoes were made with toe spread space in mind. The sueded footbed caught and pulled my socks a little tight but the suede will smooth out quickly enough with wear making them easier to slide on over time. I also noticed that the heel cup and thickness of the outsole creates a very level feeling. Dankso's have a bit of a forward pitch but the Alegria's pitch is neutral which is also helpful if your feet are having any grief at the forefoot where your feet naturally bend. I am particularly charmed by this color called Sangria Rose....perhaps it's the influence of the holidays that attracts me to the shiny patent R_E_D color but I have a feeling I will like them year round! As their brand grows I hope they will add a few styles in narrow widths to broaden the size range and introduce a few models for men.

Be sure to read the fitting notes if you can't find Alegria's to try on at your local shoe store.

Alegria's can be found at most comfort shoe retailers and online at zappos.com, alegriashoeshop.com, and amazon.com

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. Alegria's website has a conversion chart that I find to be inaccurate. I am an american size 8 in most shoes and as usual require a size 39 while their chart suggests that I would need a 38. Please use the conversion chart I have posted to best fit your foot. These shoes best fit medium to wide feet and are only offered in women's styles and sizes. Many of their clog styles fit folks with high insteps especially well. If you find you are between sizes I recommend going up in size if you are buying an enclosed model. If you really feel you need the smaller size opt for the open-back clog models so that your toes and arch are not pushed forward by the heel cup. If you have thick full length orthotics you will find that Alegria's accommodate them nicely. Most models have at least some adjustment making them friendly to many shapes of feet. If you have narrow feet you may need to wear fairly thick socks with them.