Retro-Red

FlashBack Friday

“Can you imagine spending 35 years teaching kindergarten in high heels?” One of my favorite shoe-stomers “Evelyn” said those were the shoes and years that caused her bunions to nearly cripple her. High heels are notorious for encouraging bunions and yet we continue our love affair with them. Even now, Evelyn's face lights up when she sees a pair of red heels. We always tried them on for the thrill...knowing full well that the only shoes she can wear now are orthopedic in shape and certainly aren't offered in red. She shared with me that she wished that she had only worn heels for special occasions so that she could wear them now once in a while. Her bunions got so bad that she can't wear heels for more than five minutes before the excruciating pain sets in.

Quite a few years ago, Evelyn brought me a pair of her heels from her teaching days. A prized pair of un-apologetically red heels with crisp white detailing complete with little tassels. She had saved all her fancy shoes and wanted to give me this pair as we wear the same size and she said she knew I would “wear them responsibly”. These vintage pumps are lovely; the curve of the heel cup so perfect. I promised to care for them and treat them like a rich dessert only to be indulged in once in a while. I have a set of beginner bunions and they do holler when I wear these little beauties. I will heed the lesson of Evelyn's experience and listen to my feet. We only get one set of feet...lets all be nice to them most of the time:)

Zeeta Callisto--Red! Hot! and Can't Be Bought!

FlashBack Friday!

I am uncertain about whether I should be embarrassed or proud that I still have a pair of shoes in my closet that are over 17 years old. There is no denying that these Zeeta Callisto wedge sandals have stood the test of time. I get the same compliments on them now as the first day I put them on:...”Oooo I love your red shoes...so cute!” I grin when asked where I got them knowing that these Zeetas have pulled off “becoming a timeless classic”.

I am usually drawn to deeper “blue” reds but this sassy shade of “orange” red makes no apologies for its' traffic stopping hue and I adore them. It is no surprise that I love a wedge when it comes to heels. Generally, wedges are more comfortable because they offer greater overall contact with the foot and ground which offers better stability and sense of arch support. The leather is buttery soft and there is a generous helping of cushion underfoot. These are the fun shoes I wear when I want to dance and dance without feeling the need to “kick off my shoes”. I also took them on my first trip to New York where I walked the famed Times Square, the Village and all over the Museum of Modern Art without having to give a thought to my feet. I have not met a pair of heels since that can go that kind of distance.

Zeeta was a shoe company based out of southern California and I spent many happy years being their advocate in the shoe stores I worked in. I have owned nine pairs of them and sold untold numbers of them over the years. This company is no longer in business but they will always hold a place in my heart/sole. Thank you Zeeta and I promise to never give up my Callistos!

Dansko Roxy Review

FlashBack Friday

If you happen to own a pair(s) of Dansko Professional clogs and love them you understand what I mean when I say my feet are S_P_O_I_L_E_D!!!!! My toes pitch a fit at the mere suggestion that I might wear dress shoes. I was convinced that all dress shoes should come with a shot of tequila to make my feet not care about their less than perfect situation. My eyes battled with my feet when it came to trying on dress shoes...Until a few years back, when Dansko produced the charming shoe called the Roxy.

You know I had to try them on! I was not planning to delude myself that dress shoes could ever feel as good as my clogs but I do have to say that my toes were in full agreement with the generous amount of toe space that greeted them the first time I tried on the Roxy. The other significant quality the Roxy has over other dress shoes is great support under the ball of the foot—this was not a thin flimsy sole that allows you to feel every little pebble under foot. Even though the soles are thick enough to offer cushion and protection they still manage to be a dressy shoe that I can wear with slacks or dresses. Their styling is reminiscent of the smart detailing of mary-janes of the roaring 20's. They were offered in smooth leather called calf leather as well as suede. I generally shy away from suede due to my penchant for living in wet locales but I ordered the brown suede for a couple of reasons. The cut-outs, glossy trim and overall design show up better with the contrast of materials. Also, the suede used in these shoes is of high quality and I only wear dress shoes when the occasion calls for them so I knew they were not going to be abused. Of course, I generously applied waterproof spray to them and use my little suede brush to to dirt and grime from settling in avoiding any permanent staining.

Dansko no longer makes the Roxy but there are a couple of websites that have some left at good close-out prices (shoe-store.net ) if you want to try and snag a pair. Otherwise, head to your favorite Dansko retailer to check out the newest dress shoes in the Dansko family...I have tried some on and true to form they offer wiggle room for your toes and lovely styling.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing.  These pumps run generous in their sizing so I recommend trying them in your usual size as well as a size down and aim for a fit you feel comfortable with.  These are not the best choice if you have a truly narrow foot.  Since Dansko is the company making these shoes you should expect a little slip in the heel as they are designed to do that but they have an ankle strap that will keep them securely on your feet.  There is actually some arch support here and that makes these shoes friendly to feet that normally cannot wear dressy shoes.  The footbed is not removable...so unless you have a very thin 3/4 orthotic you won't be able to use your orthotics with them but at least you will find these shoes to be comfortable enough to grin and bear it through situations where a dress shoe is a must. 

Pikolinos Grana Pump...A Lovely Stitch in the Stylish Comfort Niche

Flashback Friday

The classic pump...a style of shoe I usually side-step in favor of choosing shoes that have some kind of adjustment for a better fit.

The classic pump...notorious for blisters, pinched toes and bunions.

Would I ever buy a pair of classic pumps?

Pikolinos helped me say yes with their Grana pump. I was drawn in by all the charming details...decorative stitching, off-center leather lace bows, wood stacked shapely heels and that color “cordovan” I adore. I tried them on--not expecting them to feel very good but found that the rounded toe-box did not pinch my toes. I relaxed into them noticing the nice cushioning and flexibility. Maybe I could wear a pump after all...at least I had no trouble pulling out my wallet to buy these little charmers.

My foot does run a bit narrow, often making it difficult to keep a pair of pumps on. Hopefully you won't cringe too much as I confess that I must wear these pumps without nylons or any kind of little foot-ped. Yes, I need that little bit of sticky sweat to keep these shoes on my feet. You might suggest a smaller size but I am quite adverse to having my toes pinched. Of course, I know this is not a good habit. Sweat can be really hard on the lining of a shoe but it is what I must do to keep these shoes attached to my feet. I don't wear them that often but am always glad I have them when an appropriate pump-wearing occasion arises. Thank you Pikolinos!

While the Grana pump is no longer made you can still enjoy the comfort that the Pikolinos brand combines with great styling by checking out their new styles at your favorite local shoe store or visit these online retailers: zappos.com, thewalkingcompany.com and onlineshoes.com.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. When it comes to pumps—they either stay on your feet or they don't. Opt for the most room you can get and still keep them on your feet. The Grana is shaped nicely for a medium width foot. There is no adjustment or removable footbed to work with, they are not offered in various widths and have very little arch support...but lets remember that they are dress shoes and are quite comfortable relative to other pumps on the market.

Blondo Makes Beautiful...The "Valerie"

Flash Back Friday

Thick, chocolatey, supple suede that everyone wants to touch. When I walked into the shoe store and saw them for the first time, I too had to touch them. I even gave them a hug before trying them on. This boot by Blondo satisfied a longing I'd had for suede boots but never fulfilled because I live where it rains a lot. Who in their right mind would wear expensive suede boots in the rain only to be ruined forever?! The Blondo Valerie gave me the best of all worlds with waterproof suede shaped into a gorgeous boot. The deep brown hue begs for crisp autumn days, sweaters and red wine. You know I had to have them!

I admit I fell for the boots on looks alone and though I got through a work day wearing them; I now only wear them for social occasions where lots of walking is unnecessary. They are NOT “UN”-comfortable...but relative to how much I typically spoil my feet with total comfort they don't quite make the grade. They don't have any arch support though this can be remedied by adding a thin¾ length insole. What ultimately causes these boots to miss the mark of total comfort is the fact the the natural rubber outsoles are a bit too thin for the pitch of the heel. I prefer to not feel every pebble under my foot and the forward pitch puts all the pressure at the ball of the foot and my lower back isn't very thrilled about that. That being said, please know that if you are in the habit of wearing high heels you will likely find these boots to be exceedingly comfortable, practical and the ultra soft suede requires no break in at all. Comfort is always relative and personal.

These boots do have a warm lining and soft feel around the calf and ankle. The toebox is slightly rounded to give your toes space to wiggle. The full length inside zipper makes them easy to get on and off. Also, there is a hidden elastic gore to allow your calf a little extra space if needed. The most notable attribute, however, is their looks...stylish...soft...elegant...

I guess I just got sucked in by aesthetic and a waterproof guarantee...and in this respect the Blondo reigns supreme. Thanks to Blondo for answering my suede ambitions.

Blondo no longer makes the “Valerie” but they continue to make great waterproof boots. Try them on at your local retailer or check them out at the following online sites: endless.com nordstrom.com, and shoes.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. These boots run true to size is-so-much-as I required the usual size 8. They are not offered in widths but if your foot runs a little narrow you will have room for some cushy socks that will add a bit of comfort to your stride. Remember that when boots fit properly they ought to slip in the heel. Thin insoles can be added but they won't accommodate a thick or full length orthoses. Certainly, these boots are a great choice if you want fashion that puts up with the elements and the natural rubber outsoles will minimize slipping about on wet surfaces. Though these boots are not re-sole-able the heel taps can be replaced which can certainly extend the life of the boots.