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.

How the Grinch Stole my Cousin's Shoes!

Must Have Monday

My love of all things "shoe" makes me the go-to gal to show off a fun "shoe find".  My cousin was tickled to show off her holiday treads for me and let me snap some photos for today's post.  She admitted that they aren't all that comfortable but once and a while we gotta let the "fun" get the better of us. Besides the classic illustrations these sweet treads keep your soles well versed with Dr. Suess quotes printed on th inside. I had a good chuckle over the fact that getting in or out of these festive high-tops is no simple feat. They came laced over the top of every grommet--which does do a good job of showing off the sassy pink laces but makes it a pain in the #^%@! when you want to tighten or loosen them up.  If you happen to have the same issue with your Allstars...pull the laces out and start over stringing the laces under each grommet--more wag less grinch!

Cousin scored her pair at Ross! Converse put out this model last year so you better hurry to your local Ross store to see if they still have a pair waiting for you. I also found a site called theinspiredshoes.com that is still offering this model. Converse did make a different but charming low-top grinch themed pair this year. Also, Converse offers a "design your own pair" service if you are sole-inspired.

Fitting Notes:

U.S. sizing. Cousin bought her usual shoe size and so should you.  The lace-to-toe system does offer an awsome amount of adjustability for most shapes of feet fitting high insteps and even narrow feet.  Allstars are notoriously flat as a pancake so don't look here for arch support but feel free to slip in a thin insole if you are in need of some support and "need" these shoes for your holiday collection.

Rylan Boot Rocks!

Must Have Monday

Rylan Dansko Boot

Calling all vertically challenged legs...this boot's for you. The Rylan Dansko boot is a mid-calf boot that looks great on shorter legs. It is also built on a wooden rocker bottom platform lifting you to great heights in comfort. The heel is 2 ½ inches high but the platform under the ball of the foot is a full inch so the pitch of the heel feels more like wearing a much lower 1 ½ inch heel. The rocker bottom really makes a wooden high heeled boot much more comfortable to knock about in than you might imagine.

The smart styling of this boot is a bit “western meets city” and can certainly be dressed up or down. The stud detailing is great and the buckle strap over the instep is actually functional...meaning you can snug them down a bit to keep your feet from sliding forward if you have a low instep like me. I find that the Brown Crazy Horse color/leather best shows off the boots styling and lovely shape and tends to be a very versatile color. Th oiled leather is naturally water resistant and scuffs usually rub out with your fingers. When the scuffs won't rub out anymore it just means it's time to oil your boots.

The removable footbed is leather lined and has a smooth cushy feel under foot. As I took my first steps in this sassy boot I had to smile at that familiar Dansko feeling my feet know and love so well. I appreciate the TPU tread added to the wooden soles that improve traction and most shoe repair shops can easily add new tread when you need it. The arch support and rocker bottom is really what has set Dansko apart from other shoes and whenever they stray from that winning formula I am disappointed. I am thrilled they made the Rylan and I am thoroughly impressed by their comfort...proving you can have style and comfort in the same shoe. If you find you love the feel of this boot as much as I do...you may also love other Dansko's in the “Rio” collection which all sport the same wooden soles.

Boots of this caliber often sell out quickly and we are getting toward the end of “boot selling” season so I suggest you make a quick step to your favorite local Dansko Retailer and try on a pair for yourself.

If you just can't ditch the robe and slippers today you can always peruse the selection of Rylan offerings at zappos.com and amazon.com.

If you happen to be in Eureka, Ca you can find these boots at Kokopilau for the best price...yes, even better than any price I have found online.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. Typically Dansko's run on the wide side but the buckle over the instep will help this boot fit medium feet as well. Remember that when boots fit properly they should have some slip in the heel. I typically wear U.S. size 8 and require a size 39 in these Rylan boots which is the same length I wear in my Dansko Professionals. If you feel that you are between sizes go up and wear thicker comfy socks. Even though the footbeds are removable I am not inclined to recommend wearing these boots with orthotics but the generous amount of arch support that these boots deliver might be a nice once and a while alternative to your orthotics. 

El Naturalista Green Water Collection N828 Review

Must Have Monday...

While I am always on the look out for fantastic footwear it does take quite a pair to truly WOW me! WOW was what happened on Saturday afternoon when I tried on a pair of El Naturalista Boots (N828-Green Water Collection) at North Soles-Arcata/Eureka. I often find myself between European sizes in El Naturalistas thus having only one pair in my collection even though my eyeballs want them all! I tried this gorgeous boot on in a size 39 and was overjoyed to discover that the fit did not feel sloppy but felt like the perfect fit. They are offered in five colors (Red-Tibet, Brown, Brown Suede, Black and Cuero) and though black is the color I need I cannot deny how strongly I am drawn to the color they call Cuero...so rich in hue, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, cognac, roan...well you just have to see them in person!

And in person is probably the most likely way you are going to see them because they are currently not offered through any “online only” retailers. El Naturalista often honors their relationships with small independent brick and mortar retailers by giving them exclusive styles that online vendors don't have access to. This also means that there are not very many pairs of these amazing boots out there so if you come across a pair and they fit you as well as they fit me...BUY THEM NOW!!!

Did I mention they are Gor-Tex lined? Yes, that means they are waterproof...even if you live in climes where it rains sideways! The shaft is lined with supple leather and the 3/4 length footbed is also leather lined and cushy. The outsoles are biodegradable natural rubber which has an excellent impact for your feet and your world. I cannot stress enough how wonderful these boots felt at every point of contact on my feet and legs!

If there isn't an El Naturalista Dealer near you you can find a Black pair at Village-Shoes.com the website of one of my favorite shoe stores on the west coast ...in Ashland, Oregon (but beware their size chart-read the fitting notes instead). Also, you can order them from El Naturalista's website though the Euro to Dollar and shipping fees from Spain may make an already pair of pricey boots- pricier.

Speaking of price—sit down. They are $350. Breathe. Don't Panic. I bet there is a habit that you could quit for a bit to get a pair of gorgeous waterproof boots that you will love season after season. Do it for the sake of your feet and Spanish artisanal shoe-making.

That mocha, block of cheese, pie server collection, facial, chocolate or whatever your vice may be can wait!

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. These boots DO NOT run generous in length. If you are between sizes-go up and be pleasantly surprised with the fit. They also have a close-to-foot fit so you will likely need to wear thin socks with these boots but the Gore-Tex lining should keep you warm. Remember boots should have at least a little slip in the heel when properly fit. These fit medium to narrow-ish feet and the shaft circumference measures 14 inches but the buckles do allow for a bit of give. The 3/4 length insoles are removable (with a little tugging) and these boots can accommodate a thin orthoses.

Must Have Monday! Clarks Desert Trek Review

Must Have Monday

There are shoes that transcend time and gender to become classics. The Clarks Desert Boot is certainly one of those shoes. I had to have them for the mere fact that they are a part of shoe history and I wanted them in my collection. Their oiled leather and crepe soles give them an urban, edgy look in one moment or pair them with some cords and they look rather collegiate. “They were originally modeled on a style made in the bazaars of Cairo and favored by off-duty British army officers”(clarks website) and debuted as the Clarks Desert boot in the early 50's. The Desert “Trek” made its mark in the 70's and is still on the scene today.

By today's standards they are a little heavy, they lack arch support and are a bit raw in their finish work. This does not mean you shouldn't have a pair. They do soften up with wear and if you have a foot that doesn't require arch support you will enjoy these shoes and their durability. These Desert Treks are also re-sole-able as they are still made with a stitch-down construction.

I love wearing mine with cushy socks to welcome the colder weather. They do remind me of my college days. I had more than one professor that wore them regularly. They are the perfect casual complement to jeans and sweaters. It takes all kinds to fill my closet and my Clark's Desert Treks are always at the ready.

Many local Clarks retailers carry the Desert Trek...so get a pair and join a long standing movement. You can also find them at: clarksusa.com, zappos.com, and shoes.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. These Desert Treks have broad but shallow toe box and are only offered in medium widths. They do not have a removable orthotic but due to their depth in the heel cup may accommodate slim ¾ length orthotics. They seem to run a bit generous in length and I ended up with a 7 ½ medium as opposed to my usual size 8. The laces do hold the shoe securely to the foot and they are a very flexible shoe.