Kamik Pink Swirl Boot Review

Must Have Monday

If you have narrow feet or calves you may find that most rain boots are frustratingly sloshy—too wide—goopy—etc. If this is the case you need to check out Kamik brand rain boots. They offer basic to fun designs in an overall trimmer fit.

My pink/purple swirls brighten up the gray wet days of winter. It is so nice to have the shaft of the boot fit secure to my leg avoiding rain water sneaking in over the top of the boots. The soles of these boots are durable and flexible. They could stand to have a bit more cushion at the fore-foot but a pair of cushy socks do help. They do have nice shock absorption in the heel delivered by a deep rubber grid underneath the insole that also creates the slope for some gentle arch support.  Kamik's are made in Canada and are recyclable. Awesome!

While I mostly wear these boots in the rain; my other favorite use for these boots is dog bath time. My reluctant pooch knows its bath time when I pair these boots with the garden hose. He is always thankful when the travesty is over and I am thankful for protected dry feet.

Find your favorite Kamik designs at your local Kamik retailer...otherwise check them out at these online stores: zappos.com and amazon.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. sizing. Whole sizes only. If you are between sizes go up in size. The footbed is removable and thin orthotics may be accommodated. Again, these boots best fit narrow-ish, low volume feet and calves and offer a trimmer look compared with other rain boots on the market. There are some styles offered in wide--Kelsey, Naomi and Ellie.

Must Have Monday! Miz Mooz Heather Review

Must Have Monday

I recently went boot hunting with my friend Sonnet...but we got swept away by the perfect pair of sandals for her feet. How does this happen when we were hunting for boots? SALE! SALE! SALE! When fall/winter season arrives retailers gotta make room for all those boots by putting the sandals on sale.

I don't get to boast that I purchased these adorable Miz Mooz Heather sandals on sale but I am writing this review now so that you might catch them on sale right this very minute. Hurry! They will be out of stock soon.

The wooden soles, sassy shade of red and peek-a-boo toe called to the girly-girl in me and I had to try them on! The cushioning and rocker bottom sole surprised my feet and made me feel as if I wasn't just buying them just because they are soooo darn cute. They are, in fact, three inch heels but the platform under the toes is an inch thick minimizing the effect of the forward pitch. The wooden sole does not bend but the rocker bottom under the forefoot glides you through every step. Dare I say that I find them to be quite comfortable?!? Miz Mooz steps up to the fashion and comfort plate and hits a home run with the Heather sandal and I am glad to have them in my stadium of shoes.

If your local Miz Mooz retailer doesn't have any left you should try your luck with:endless.com andpiperlime.com

Fitting Notes:

American sizing. The footbed of these sandals runs a tad short so going up a half size is advisable. The heel strap however is cut a bit long so your heel may lift up and down a bit. If you are accustomed to heel slip because you are an avid Dansko fan you will find no issue with the play in the heel. The ankle strap does offer security and you are unlikely to get blisters from the loose fitting heel straps. These sandals do not have a removable footbed so they are not orthotic friendly. Remember these are dress shoes and should be worn accordingly even if they happen to be quite comfortable dress shoes. The ankle strap is positioned correctly and should allow for comfort and adjustment for most feet/ankles.  

Brooks Addiction Review--No Quitting These

Must Have Monday

When it comes to talking myself into going for a regular run I can't have my shoes give me any reason not to and that is why I count on my Brooks Addiction running shoe. Each year Brooks offers a new “Addiction” that brings with it that combination-last, linear sole that fits my feet so perfectly. For me, fit is everything so I don't mind if Brooks feels the need to update colors or add “techy” improvements so long as they continue to stay true to the fit and stability I have come to love in my Addictions. I think my first pair of Addictions were the “5” . I just bought the Addiction 9 and Brooks has already released the “10”. Of course, I bought them at my favorite Bellingham shoe store, Hilton's where my feet still get measured and delighted. My feet had changed a bit and I had to go up a half size from my last pair. If you want a dreamboat of a running shoe...I strongly recommend that you try a pair.

Besides the fact that these Brooks fit me so well I must give a nod to a few of their whiz bang features that make me feel extra groovy about buying them.

My favorite addition to the Addiction 9 and 10 is the little “tongue-stay-put-loop” added to the lacing system to keep the tongue of the shoe from wandering around. (See close up picture) Brilliant!

Being “green” is all the buzz these days and Brooks is helping us all put our best foot forward with their BIO-MOGO midsoles. Brooks uses”... a non-toxic, natural additive to the midsole compound that encourages anaerobic microbes to munch away once it hits an active enclosed landfill. Traditional Ethylene Vinyl Acetate™ (EVA) midsoles can last up to 1,000 years in a landfill. BioMoGo’s microbial munch rate is 50 times faster providing biodegraded nutrients in about 20 years.” Also Brooks “...believes in being agents of positive change and plans to release this technology to all other footwear brands.” I also love that they use recyclable box materials, water-based inks and ditched all the extra and unnecessary tissue and stuffing.

Whether I am simply going out for a walk or busting out my morning run, I am thankful for my Brooks. Stability, cushioning and great fit are the hallmarks of this shoe and the joy in my journeys. Thank you Brooks!

Get fit for your Brooks at your local running store or comfort shoe store...otherwise you can find them at: brooksrunning.com, zappos.com, onlineshoes.com and amazon.com

Fitting Notes:

American Sizing. Traditionally, athletic shoes run short and thus it is always advisable to go up one half to a whole size up from the shoe size you normally wear. I am usually a size 8 and I bought my Brooks Addiction 9 in a size 9 2A(narrow). They fit beautifully. Their narrow widths are not truly narrow which works perfectly for my “kinda” narrow feet. If you have truly narrow feet you should consider trying on the Brooks Adrenaline instead. The Addictions are also well known as an excellent pairing with orthotics and great for folks who have had a recent foot, ankle or knee surgery as they offer premium stability and protection. The Addiction comes in narrow to extra wide widths and are really winners with especially wide feet with their generous toe box and wide platform. Brooks will also do a “split size order” for your feet if they are more than a whole size different from each other for about $25 extra which beats having to purchase two full pairs at full price and essentially wasting a pair.

Ariat Spat Boot II Review

Must Have Monday

The Ariat Spat Boot II had my heart and soles immediately! Reminiscent of the spat boots I admire in old black and white films; the leather covered button snaps offer classic styling to these otherwise thoroughly modern boots. I have had my Ariats for several years but they seem to be fitting right in to the ankle boot craze of this fall season. I wear them with everything--dress slacks, jeans and sassy skirts with funky tights for fun.

Ariat is best known for their foothold in the equestrian world. I am thankful for their casual line for us city folks. They infuse the technical and comfort of features of their riding/work boots into all their shoes. One of my favorite comfort features is the additional green gel lining underneath the leather-lined insoles—shock absorption with every step—aaahhhhh! Ariat delivers great stability to your stride by using a “forked shank” under the arch. What I love most is this indescribable sense of satisfaction I feel when I pull these boots on, snap those snaps and give them a wink—knowing that I can go, go, go all day with style to spare.

This particular style has been around a while and I have noticed that Ariat has been phasing out the color selections which can only mean one thing: discontinued!...so sad! So, if you want a pair...time is of the essence! If you can find them at your local Ariat retailer snatch them up right away otherwise you can find them online at: orvis.com and footwearetc.com

Fitting Notes:

American sizing. These boots fit true and have a nice amount of toe space considering the tapered shape of the toe. There is a hidden elastic gore at the ankle so the leather won't cut into your ankle as you walk and allows for most foot and ankle shapes to be comfortable in them. The removable insoles allow for slim orthotics. These boots should have a little bit of slip in the heel when they fit properly as any well made boot should.

Dansko Volley Rose Floral Clog Review

Dansko Volley Rose Floral Clog Review

Must Have Monday

Canvas meets clogs meets flora meets me!

I was pretty sure those clogs just winked at me and I was gladly had. Who wouldn't smile every time you look down at your feet and were greeted by the eternal springtime frolicking joy these clogs exude? I have quite the collection of Dansko clogs and some might argue that I didn't “need” another pair but obviously I do not listen to such nonsense. When I am faced with sure comfort, spunky styling and dollars in my shoe-bank the result is inevitably happy feet...happy Abigail.

My friends who are anti-leather out of respect for other creatures also give these clogs a “big toes up” as they are completely “vegan” in their use of materials and construction. The white soles are a bit reminiscent of the healthcare profession and are categorized that way on the Dansko website. I can tell you that I would be put at ease to see these comfy, friendly clogs in any medical setting that otherwise tends to be too serious and austere for compassionate healing.

Thank you Dansko for putting this Volley into play...game point and we all win!

To be charmed instantly...visit your local shoe store to try these clogs on and enjoy the help of getting the best fit. If this isn't possible you can check out these clogs at: clogoutlet.comandcrazyscrubs.com

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. These clogs are true to their family roots and do offer excellent arch support, slip resistant outsoles and lots of room for your toes. The outsoles are a bit more flexible compared to the Dansko Professional and run a little more generous in their fit making them friendly to folks who have wide feet or tend to be between sizes in the Professional model. They are not offered in the narrow width and the footbeds are not made to be removable. Remember when fitting clogs, your heel should absolutely move freely up and down and not be pushed against the heel-cup.