Take A Hike Asolo Style

Must Have Monday

I love hitting the trails whether it's backpacking in Colorado for a month or simply an overnight hike with the dog. When it comes to being limited to wearing only one pair of shoes for a chunk of time I become even more picky about what I put on my feet. Uneven terrain, inclement weather, big backpacks and heavy impact can wreak havoc on your feet...and believe me...unhappy feet on a backpacking trip is a total drag.

For many years, I counted upon my trusty Technica boots to take me to lofty places in comfort and protection. After many trips and much abuse my beloved boots made their last mark on Mt. Baker and had to be out to rest in pieces by the end of that trip. (K&D thanks for that G.N.O...best way for a pair of boots to go).

Now, I was faced with the challenge of replacing the 12 year old boots I loved. Even more pressing was the fact that I had hearty hike planned soon...leaving little time to break in or allow my feet to adjust to new boots.

My sweet Momelyn offered to treat me to new boots and as a long time member of REI suggested that I take a look at their selection. I was immediately drawn to the one piece leather construction on a pair of Asolo boots on the top shelf. I appreciate designs that are not overly fussy with stitching that can get caught in the brush or serve as an entry point for moisture. The Asolo TPS 520 GV boasts their “Triple Power Structure Vibram outsoles that use strategically placed low-density polyurethane cylinders to increase propulsion and support. You can actually feel the boot carry you forward into your next step and those cylinders reinforce the foot strike pattern to encourage even wear of the soles. They are also lined with Gore-Tex so you know your feet are going to stay dry!

Even though these boots are rugged and sturdy they required no break-in a tall. They felt amazing the minute I put them on and all the way through my first backpacking trip with them. Their lace-to-toe design gives me total adjustment from my toes all the way up to my ankle allowing for different weights of sock and great overall fit. The grip of the soles made me feel sure-footed in a variety of conditions.

The bottom line is that these Asolo boots are tops when you want a seriously great hiking boot.

Happy Trails,

abigail dagmar

Try on these boots at your local outdoor store with your favorite hiking socks to assure the best fit. If these boots are not available locally you can find them online at: REI.com, MooseJaw.com and amazon.com

Fittting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. I purchased a pair in womens size 8 medium. They run a bit long purposely! When buying hiking boots you want your foot to be able to shift forward a bit without hitting the end so your toes won't be abused during steep descents. They are offered in both medium and wide widths and the lacing system allowed me to snug them against my narrow-ish foot for a great fit. Their comfort features include a gusseted tongue, padded ankle collar and rocker-bootom soles. They have removable insoles and should accommodate most orthoses. Also, these boots offer outstanding stability to the arch and ankle.

Haflinger Sheep Slipper Review

Must Have Monday:)

Haflinger Love Blog

I always thought slippers were for loafers, homebodies and grandma. Sure they are cozy and cushy, but they always felt a little sloppy and cumbersome. I never saw them as an essential item in my shoe collection.

Today, however, I pay homage to my Haflingers. This German based slipper company designs and produces slippers of unsurpassed comfort. The clog-like design makes slipping them on easy—no bending over or fancy foot wiggles required. The arch support (yes! Arch support in a slipper) is cushioned and keeps my feet secure atop the foot conforming insole. Of course slippers should keep your tootsies toasty and Haflingers do this with both boiled and felted wool. The cool thing about boiled wool is that it reduces the itchiness factor dramatically allowing almost everyone to have Haflinger happiness. You can also wash boiled wool (on cold-gentle cycle-air dry only). Washing them brings back their shape if they feel a bit stretched out. For optimal foot bliss, wear these slippers barefoot.

The felted wool is used in their more structured styles. Felted wool also relieves the itchiness of wool and is very smooth to the touch. The felted wool styles boast a hearty amount of arch using a cork footbed and re-sole-able EVA outsoles. These slippers are great if you purposely or forgetfully leave them on when you make a quick trip to the grocery store, walk around the block with your dog, or pop outside to gather some firewood.

Obviously, comfort, coziness, and functionality are the focus of these superior slippers, but the delightful array of colors and whimsical designs are sure to please. One of my favorite pairs (yes I own more than one pair—so should you) is a fun nod to the source of the slippers warmth: sheep. The left slipper has the hind end of the ewe and the right one has the front. Put them together and say, "Baaaa!" I couldn't resist. Some folks like to go barefoot, but I like to go Haflinger to homebody in 2.2 seconds. Thank you for all the lovely leisure Haflinger!

If your local shoe store doesn't carry Haflinger, or you can't seem to find the style or size you're looking for, you can often find these cozy slippers at Zappos, FootSmart, Online Shoes, ShoeBuy and other online retailers.

Fitting Notes: 

European sizing. Haflingers basic boiled wool styles fit medium to wide feet very well. The felted wool and other styles with outdoor soles tend to fit wider. If you have narrower feet look for the boiled wool indoor sole styles (Haflinger ASP) that are blended with mohair as they fit snugger and hold their shape better. Also, if you are recovering from plantar fasciitis, knee or ankle surgery you will find the stabilizing arch support very helpful (reducing pain)...particularly the felted wool models.

J.Rubio Sandal Review

 Must Have Monday

The Spring in My Step

Sometimes you just get charmed by shoes out of the ordinary—maybe even every time. I couldn't tell you the date or even the year these J.Rubio "#2101" sandals with wooden soles and a metal spring joined my shoe collection. I do remember how excited I was to try them on when they appeared in the shoe store I worked in.

What would they feel like?...totally groovy

Were they just a gimmick?...depends on who you ask

Does the spring completely compress?...not quite

Would they be good for my feet?...yep

Would I twist my ankle in them?...more than once...must be careful

Are these the only shoes out there with springs in them?...nope...check out “Z-Coils” too

I wonder how much taller I will feel in them?...like a skyscraper balancing atop a comfy mattress

I admit that I loved being taller without having to wear high heels that pitch my weight forward. The J.Rubio's have a platform feel and the spring adds a sense of buoyancy that I have never felt in any other shoe. This particular slide without a back-strap does make them challenging to walk in for long periods of time. I noticed my toes gripping for dear life when trying to negotiate stairs and curbs. I do, however, love to wear them when I am cooking or doing any activity where I am simply standing around a lot. The springs absorb shock well and it feels kinda groovy shifting my weight from one foot to the other letting each spring compress.

Yes, I was swayed by their novelty and the J.Rubio's met my comfort criteria. I am glad they have a place in my shoe collection. Thank you J.Rubio's for the literal spring in my step.

It may be difficult to find J.Rubio's at your favorite local shoe store, but do ask! If they can't be found locally, the J.Rubio site also sells them directly.

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. I needed my usual size 39 but would certainly need a longer size in any closed-toe model as my feet do use up all the length in the size 39. An importer, J.Rubio-USA also notes that they run a bit short and has an altered sizing chart to help you get the best length. I was thankful for the adjustable straps that help the shoes stay attached to my feet since they run generous in depth and my feet do not. These sandals can be ankle breakers so don't choose them if you need a “walking shoe”.    

Wolky Roll Clog Review

Must Have Monday

Wolky Roll Clog Blog

If I want to be reminded of how good balance feels- when everything else is chaotic- I simply slide my soles into one of my pairs of Wolky's. They are truly the perfect balance of firm support and cushion. I can feel the smile ease onto my face just thinking about them...my feet hugging the arches...my heels kissing the cushioning...my body finding postural bliss. Aaahhh...

Undoubtedly, my favorite pair of Wolky's are surely the most eccentric wearable style of shoes in my collection. They have an odd enough look to garner stares and unrestrained comments in grocery store lines. I smile with the satisfaction that my quirky shoes continue to steal attention from the check stand tabloids. Some folks expect me to be offended, but I just grin and wiggle my toes in the giddy-ness of my own little love affair with these shoes.

The Roll Clog looks like a pair of elfin closed-back, box-like clogs with the toes squared off (and I mean really squared off) with the leather rolled into a thick base of polyurethane. The soles are chunky looking but are so light weight and they lift my feet a good solid two inches off the hard ground, carrying me in a namesake cloud-like walk (Wolky means cloud-like). Added to their element of eccentric “cool” is the way they fasten to ones feet. A full coverage heel strap wraps around the heel and closes with velcro and a snap. And if I am not smitten enough, I own them in my favorite shoe color...one the novice might call reddish while the shoe professional will toss about shoe color lingo like cordovan or oxblood, but I prefer to describe them as a delicious shade of cabernet. No matter what anyone calls them...they always make my day. Thank you Wolky!

If your local shoe store doesn't carry Wolky, or you can't seem to find the style or size you're looking for, you can often find Wolky's at Zappos, PlanetShoes, SierraTradingPost, ShopWiki and other online retailers.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. A size 39 fits like a womens 7 ¾ perfectly. Good for folks with average depth insteps with medium to wide feet. When they fit properly they should have a bit of slip in the heel since they are clogs that simply have some heel protection. Be careful not to make the back strap too snug as this will push your toes too close to the end of the shoe and push the arch too far forward. They should have an overall loose fit and feel. The footbed is not removable, and therefore not orthotic friendly.

Bogs Boot Review

Blogging in my Bogs

Rainy, mucky,wet, freezing days are no longer an excuse to pull out the blues! Now, I pull out my Bogs nearly knee high neoprene boots in chocolate brown and give the leafy paisley pattern a wide grin. Puddles, trails, lakes, streams and dance floors here I come! Yes my Bogs have kept me warm and dry and helped me stomp it out on an outdoor dance floor with sass to spare.

I know that there are plenty of rubber boots, Wellies, slicks, muck-abouts and rain boots on the market that boast a whole range of colors, patterns, heights and comfort levels but none have put it all together as well as Bogs have. Rubber boots will keep you dry but not warm. Bogs use neoprene (think wetsuit material) and rubber so you stay dry and warm. Also, Bogs uses a thick grippy sole to separate you from the elements with a huge helping of cushion that actually puts a bounce in my step. Cut-out handles at the top of the boots make pulling them on easy in a very satisfying way. Tug these babies on and you feel like you can take on whatever mother nature can dish out. The handles are also great for when you want to grab your boots a go! Bogs continues to create wonderful color palettes and patterns that speak to your puddle jumping inner child. Each time I reach for my Bogs I feel thrilled to have them and that they never let me down. Thank you Bogs for all the adventures and puddles to come!

There are many local retailers that carry Bogs, from independent shoe stores to hardware & garden stores where you are likely to get the most service. You can also find them online at retailers like Cabelas & Zappos.

Fitting Notes:

American whole sizing. They run a little wide but definitely not long so if you are in between sizes opt for the larger size. They also have removable footbeds which is great if you wish to change out the insoles or perhaps you have a high instep that needs more space. Perhaps you will want extra space to wear thicker socks. When these boots fit properly they absolutely should have a bit of slip in the heel and room to wiggle all your toes.