FlashBack Friday: El Naturalista

El Naturalista Fashionista

My significant other had to go all the way to Argentina so that I could buy a pair of El Naturalista sandals from Spain...at least, that was the rationalization for the purchase. Even better is the fact that this was one shoe rationalization I hadn't initiated myself (though I am a master at devising why I, and everyone else, should buy wonderful shoes). You see, “he” got invited to a week long wine tasting and gastronomical adventure in Argentina and I was not. Granted, I pouted a bit (okay, a lot) about the wine, food, fun and culture I would be missing out on. In a sly manner, “he” suggested that I soothe my woes while he was away with a local trip of my own to my favorite shoe store (Hilton's Shoes). Very smooth, eh? In fact, it worked out brilliantly.

I knew exactly which shoes my heart was set on! Enter El Naturalista, a company known for making shoes that boast unique styles, superb comfort and are even earth friendly. They use vegetable tanned leather and dyes and use recycled materials (like plastic bottles and tires) for their outsoles.

My first pair would be those in the window--right there!!! A classic tan hue with an embossed southwest design across the vamp (top) made these unique beauties stand out. Also, their clog-meets-sandal, meets flip-flop, meets heel design easily draws admirerers like me. What I didn't expect when I stepped into them for the first time was the incredible amount of arch support offerred by these sandals mingled with a perfect layer of cushioning, and the words that leaped from my mouth in that very same moment, "Check please!" 

While “he” still has a picture of a tango pose with a sultry Argentinian dancer, I am still feeling the love of my El Naturalista's. I know you'd rather be in my shoes! Thank You El Naturalista for your stylish support.

Since this is FlashBack Friday you know you won't find this particular style for sale any longer but you should head to your local El Naturalista retailer to check out what new styles are in season. You may also find this brand at Serria Trading Post, Zappos and other online retailers.

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. Consistently great cushioning and usually a goodly amount of arch support considering how stylish these shoes/boots are.

If you are trying on any open-toed models and feel they are a bit roomy...it will probably be alright to go down a size since your toes won't be squished or hit the end of the shoe. Do not use the same tactic with the closed-toe models...if these feel to spacious find a different model that fits the volume of your foot better. El Naturalista's often have removable footbeds making them orthotic friendly as well.