Chaco Z/2 Hiking Sole Shoe Review

Chaco Rhymes with Taco

Let it be known that my feet L-O-V-E arch support and for a quick minute I thought my feet had finally met a pair of soles with too much support. That was my first minute in Chaco sandals....holy arch support batman! Jeepers that is a really long controlled steady arch. I won't be breaking these in, I thought to myself, but they very well may break me in. Is this where I admit that I now own at least seven pairs of Chacos?!

When sandal and fair weather walking season begins each year, I break out my Chacos, remind myself that the shock of the arch support is what my feet crave during the winter and then fall in love with them over and over again. Besides all the support, Chacos boast durable re-sole-able treads and a phenomenal strapping system that allows for tons of adjustment.

It turns out that my various pairs of Chacos have made both permanent and temporary homes on the feet of my friends lucky enough to have the same length foot as I do. If the great Northwest has been known for Birkenstock wearing tree huggers it must now also be known for Chaco outdoor adventurers. Beware that the same folks wearing their Birks with socks are likely the same ones sporting them with their Chacos. I will admit I do the sock thing when I am camping and it does feel as awesome as they say. Thank you for all the support Chacos!

Fitting Notes:

American sizing-no half sizes-if you are between ...go for the larger size because I promise you would rather have a toe-bumper than stub your toes all the time. Also, most folks have a long arch relative to their overall heel-to-toe length, thus the longer size will also fit your arch better. Wider feet generally do better without the “toe-loop” strap whereas narrower feet do better with the extra grip/security of the toe-loop. Chaco sandals are also offered in wide widths so they can be especially friendly to wide soles and the adjustable strapping system will fit a whole range of high to low volume feet...meaning just about everyone who can handle the arch can fit well in these sandals. Not recommended for those with static/rigid arches.

Also, check out Chacos website for for tips on strapping lengths, re-soling and care for your sandals.

For optimum fit and service look for Chacos in your local shoe shops.  You will love having someone actually show you how the strapping system works.  If you can't find your chacos locally these online sources offer Chacos: Zappos, FootSmart, Online Shoes, and Altrec.

Mion Slacktide Review

FlashBack Friday

My Own Mions

So, why would I buy a pair of seemingly “rubber Croc-like clogs” when I have been so adamantly frustrated by the brand Croc's? First off, Mion clogs ARE NOT a Croc's knock off! They are superior in every way if you pay any attention to detail.

My “beef” with Crocs has nothing to do with their styling or inexpensive price point. My concern has to do with how people use them and overrate them. Croc's were designed to be ultra light weight loose fitting clogs that you throw on to water your garden, bring in the mail, lounge around your boat or pool NOT work 12 hour shifts in a hospital or kitchen setting. They do have great cushioning and lots of space for your toes but the looseness and squishy-ness do not support the feet and body the way a serious work shoe ought to. I do not recommend this kind of usage over the long run.

Returning to the Mion's, I know that they have specific arch support and actual adjustment, so if you have a medium to narrower foot they are more fit-friendly. The non-skid outsoles are siped for extra great grip. They are one of my favorite shoes to knock about in and their unique styling add a sense of fun. My Mom has a great collection of Mion's. The artist in her adores the fun colors and patterns and her feet like the arch support, cushy heel-cup and toe protection they provide when she is teaching her 1-2 hour art classes. We were both sad to hear that Martin Keen's (yes, the same guy that created Keen footwear) Mion venture was short-lived as we love our Mion's and get asked about them all the time. If you happen to find a pair on clearance grab 'em and say see ya later alligator to your “Crocs”!

Since Mion`s are no longer made :( you may only luck out finding a pair on ebay otherwise you will just have to envy mine :)

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Whole sizes in the Ebbtide and Slacktide models. The Slacktide has a flip flop toe grip and the Ebbtide does not thus making them sock friendly. Both styles have great adjustment over the instep allowing a great fit for most foot shapes. If you are between sizes, opt for the larger size to avoid your toes bumping the end creating callouses. Both Mion's and Crocs should be avoided if you have weak ankles.

Dansko Professional Clog Review

Dansko Professionals

I am thrilled to be part of the Dansko movement that brought the Professional closed-back clog to so many feet. There has been no other shoe in my collection that have seen my feet more. I love them on so many levels. The excellent arch support is as good as it gets, and enduring because it is backed by a sturdy frame inside the sole of the clog. The ultra thick leather uppers keep my feet dry though these shoes are not sold under a waterproof label. Dense rocker-bottom soles make these clogs easy to walk in, and make me taller without having to give up comfort. I wear them with everything from slacks to jeans and casual skirts.

This clog, when fit properly, epitomizes the concept of comfort;...firmly support the sole of the foot all the way through and allow for a spacious almost-feels-too-big fit for the sides, tops and toes of the feet. Sometimes folks are afraid of this roomy feeling and insist on buying smaller sizes...aiming for a snug fit which most commonly results in being unhappy with their clogs or can cause havoc for their toes and arches years down the line. The back of your heels should not touch the rigid heel cup at all and your toes should not be squished nor should they even grace the front of the shoe. These shoes were originally designed for chefs who stand long hours often in one place. Bank tellers, grocery clerks, hairstylists, baristas, and production/assembly technicians should all find these shoes extremely comfortable because they were designed for long hours of standing. However, they were not designed for hours of brisk walking and agility, which requires a different shoe and type of fit altogether. Now, this doesn't mean you can't walk in them. They are wonderful for daily wear when walking is at a relaxed pace and short durations. Do be careful when stepping off curbs or walking on cobblestones as it is easy to turn your ankle out in these clogs.

It can be difficult to imagine how a shoe this firm and loose fitting could offer so much bliss, but your feet, legs and back will honestly thank you every time you wear them. Thank you Dansko for being the soles I can always count on.

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

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. There are no half sizes, so if you are in between, choose the larger size. The regular width clogs fit medium to wide feet and the narrow width fits medium to narrow feet. If you go up a size and it just feels too roomy, try on that same size in the narrow width so you still get the length with a more secure feel.

 
Also, these clogs are hand-lasted so there is quite a bit of fit variation within each size. I recommend trying on 3 or 4 pairs of the same size and leather on and take those that feel the best. These clogs do not have removable footbeds, but are supportive enough to wear when you need a break from prescribed orthoses. Many folks suffering from plantar fasciaitis, arch and or lower back issues find that these clogs remarkably reduce their pain.

Birkenstock Gizeh Review

My First Must Have Monday

Letting My Birkenstock Flag Fly!

In some respects, it is a bit odd for me to kick-off my first shoe blog with a pair of Birkenstocks because they came into my collection quite late in the game....not for lack of wanting a pair, I assure you. After all, my shoe career began in Humboldt County where Birkenstocks are practically a mascot that locals proudly wear year round. Oh, I wanted a pair and tried several on, but none ever seemed to fit quite right. I had much to learn about feet and European comfort shoes.

It turns out one of my challenges is that I have what is called a “low-volume” foot (“S.” if you are reading this...I love you...even if you have to roll your eyes). We often think about our feet in terms of length and width, but the last time I checked we are three dimensional beings and our feet do have varying thicknesses or “volume”. To put it another way, some feet have very high insteps while others are the complete opposite and that is my feet...it might even be your feet.

No matter how tight I buckled those sandals I could still stick a finger under the straps. Also, because of my foot shape...yes I have bunions...my foot didn't follow the healthy foot shape of a Birkenstock sole.

Enter the Birkenstock Gizeh! I met this style deep into my shoe career and had come to appreciate the loose comfort fit of European shoes. I learned from the Birkenstock rep that it is ideal to be able to stick a finger under the strap of ones Birkenstocks to assure the intended fit.

The Gizeh style is a sturdy flip-flop design and that “thingy between the toes” helps keep my big toe in the proper place, so I finally have my own pair of Birkenstocks! I absolutely adore this style (even if some of you think they look like a Fred Flintstone meets George Jetson disaster...you know who you are) and you can't beat them in bronze metallic because they match everything!

I love these sooo much that I own two pair in the same color! Once I discovered how much I loved all that metatarsal support and how I loved wearing this style with all kinds of outfits, I knew I had to buy another pair to have on reserve in case Birkenstock ever dared to discontinue this style or color.

Thank you Birkenstock....for all the ways you support my sole!

I always shop and support my local shoe stores so I can have the best fit and personal service that keep my tootsies happy.  You can do that too for optimum foot bliss.  If your local shoe store doesn't carry Birkenstocks, you can often find them at Zappos, FootSmart, OnlineShoes, Altrec and other online retailers.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. Most styles tend to run generous in length, width and depth...fitting a wide foot beautifully. Be careful not to buy a pair that your toes touch the end of...the firmness of the cork soles will win that argument. If you are between sizes, consider the larger size in models that have the extra layer of cushioning as it feels more like a half size increase. Buckle each strap with room to slip at least your pinky finger underneath. Birkenstocks are a great choice if you find that your forefoot aches...the pronounced metatarsal arch is likely to provide relief. Birkenstocks do require a bit of break-in, so I suggest wearing them often for short periods of time until the cork softens and molds to your foot for that perfect Birken-blissfull feeling.