El Charro-Flamenco Shoe Review

Must Have Monday

As you know by now, my birthday was this month and I like to treat the entire month as a celebration which isn't all that greedy considering it is the shortest month of the year. I promise though, that this will be the last post related to my birthday this year!

Last Monday (my official birthday), I went shoe hunting and had a lovely time taking in all the lovely shapes of shoes, trying them on, scrutinizing their details and geeking out in general on all things shoes.

I happened to drop into a charming boutique in Old Towne Eureka, CA called Shipwreck. This is a consignment shop that blends a selection of second hand items, handmade trinkets and thoughtfully procured novelty gifts. The whole shop is visually appealing and calls one to stay and linger over locally made jewelry or take a “time travel moment” over an amazing retro dish set to die for.

Among the vintage dresses, clutches and gloves I found these R_E_D suede pumps. I bought red shoes last year for my birthday-see Miz Mooz-but that did not deter me from trying these shoes on. I noticed their nude colored elastic band over the top of the instep and this made me suspect these were dance shoes. I turned the shoes over to inspect the soles and sure enough they had smooth leather soles and the toe and heel had tiny little nail holes.

Hmmm...I don't have much experience with dance shoes so I made a guess that they might be tap shoes, missing their taps. The fit was great and I bought them—for a song I might add. I asked the shopkeeper if she thought they were tap shoes and where I could go to have taps put on. She kindly suggested the local dance wear retailer and smiled at my desire to have tap shoes even though I had already admitted that I have never “tapped” in my life. With my optimistic grin I told her that if I try out tap dancing and fail at least my shoes will look great and that will count for somethin'!

I was certain these shoes were destined to be written as a “FlashBack Friday” and set out on researching the brand “EL Charro”.

Lo and behold!

This brand is alive and well and these shoes are still in production--but--tap shoes they are not! These bold red shoes were made to dance the Flamenco! The little holes were indeed nail holes intended to have a tiny nail in each and every hole. The nails create the percussion sound that the dancer is expected to add to the overall score of this fiery and emotional dance. Both red and black are the traditional color of Flamenco attire. Wow! I am the proud owner of Flamenco shoes. You too can get the same pair at your local dance shop or online at http://www.elcharro1.com/flamencoshoes.html... when you are ready.

I discovered that I if intend to take Flamenco lessons in a proper dance studio I will have to leave the nails out while learning so as not to wreck the studio floor.

I also learned that the Flamenco is considered a dance best performed by a mature dancer who has had enough life experience to express the passion, pain and heart of this intense dance. So, on the eve of my 39^th year I reflect on the beautiful, painful, challenging and amazing times I have had in my life and think that perhaps I am finally ready for this pair of Flamenco shoes. Life only hands (or shoes) us what we are ready for and I am prepared to dance.

Fitting Notes:

These shoes were marked size 8 and “25”. They fit true to an American 8 and feel just slightly generous in width. The elastic makes them feel secure to the foot. The heel is solid,stable and intended to tolerate a lot on intense stomping and fast footwork. They have great flexibility even though they feel so solid underfoot. They might accommodate a very thin orthoses but the rigors of the dance require some pretty strong healthy feet.

P.S. I really enjoy this video of Flamenco performers on the streets of Madrid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJZ4UA18HGw&feature=related

Truly inspiring and I want to get my shoes nailed soon:) 

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone in Dolce Vita

FlashBack Friday

My friend “J” made me do it :)...Actually, she bought these sassy boots for me—insisting that life is not always about “being practical”.

These Dolce Vita boots do not run in practical circles. In fact, they do not run at all...at least I don't run anywhere in them. Their high heels limit my stride but in this restricted “Slow Foot” movement I can pay better attention to the scenery.

They do shout for attention in their every detail. The leather is ridiculously supple, especially the fold over cuff. The heel is a classic leather stack and shapely in making its' connection to the leather soles. The white color exudes a sense of leisure and affluence with little care that they run the risk of ruin at the hint of rain, scuffs and spills. When they are approaching, the toes are pointed right at you and as they sashay away the leather knotting waves goodbye in an undeniably flirty fashion. Dolce Vita's Facebook page confirms their style as “effortless and delightfully flirty”. I find that putting little effort into being “on my feet” in these boots is the way to go. They are best for sitting on stools or putting up on a desk--otherwise my comfort-demanding feet pitch a fit.

Dolce Vita is first and foremost a “fashion brand” which mean these ankle booties are long gone though they seem to still be considered “on trend”. Of course, you can visit your favorite Dolce Vita retailer and/or their website to check out the latest styles.

P.S.

Thanks “J” for presenting a different perspective and I want you to know that sometimes I unfold the cuffs which give them a bit of a comic hero look and pretend I am Super Woman. Can you get me an invisible plane next?

Chaco Pitkin in Chocolate Nubuck Review

FlashBack Friday

As a true fan of Chaco sandals, you can imagine my excitement when our Chaco rep, Jackson, said that Chaco was introducing enclosed hiking shoes/boots made in Italy. These shoes/boots made their debut in 2003 and I fell head over heels for the Pitkin shoe in chocolate nubuck!

These gems are constructed from a single piece of 3mm waterproofed nubuck leather. Single piece leather construction is an art form and renowned for its' comfort and water resistance. There is only one seam on each shoe (as shown>>>)meaning less chance for water to get in and less chance of your tender tootsies rubbing against rough stitching. In fact, the leather lining is supple and the ankle collar is wonderfully padded. I love their smooth lines and the “hand” or feel of the leather is that of supreme quality. Chaco sandals were known for their excellent arch support and the Pitkin boasts a remarkable amount of support delivered by a firm anatomical, removable footbed—supported by the arch friendly shape of the midsole. The outsole offers my favorite stride—one that only a rocker bottom can deliver.

The Pitkin and I hit the trails with vigor. I am usually a fan of having the support of a full boot but was totally impressed by how stable I felt without giving up nimbleness. I enjoyed more than one hike to “the bat caves” near Bellingham, Wa where the terrain offered every challenge to my beloved new shoes. We encountered slippery moss without falling, loose talus, steep inclines and declines, thick mud, a rocky stream, tight rock crevices and not once did I feel a moment of doubt or hesitation from my Pitkins. I even found the soles firm enough to warrant carrying a pack so they became my favorite hiking shoes.

I do have to say that their soles labeled “Lince” did not have longevity to match their performance. Chacos are known for their durability and perhaps that is why this particular model didn't stick around long. I give Chacos kudos for recognizing this and they are now producing shoes and boots that do live up to “Chaco Standards”. My particular pair of Pitkins have held up fairly well and I may get them resoled as the uppers are still in superb condition. And I still love wearing them.

On the off chance you wear a women's size 7 or 9.5 medium, you can nab a pair of Pitkins from birkenstocksd.com or ebay.com....otherwise you will just have to admire mine. But the show/shoe must always go on, so I encourage you to visit your local Chaco Retailer and try on what's new. Also, check out chacousa.com for the latest and greatest.

Fitting Notes:

U.S. whole and half sizing. Some would say the Pitkin runs long but that is appropriate for hiking footwear. You want to have some space ahead of your toes for the forward shifting that happens on steep declines. I have a size 8 and find that I appreciate the room up front. My thick, cushy hiking socks keep me feeling secure in the shoe. These are medium width shoes and have removable footbeds, making the Pitkin a very orthotic friendly shoe—particularly if you have thick, full-length orthoses and/or need awesome stability.

P.S. A special thanks to Amy and the crew at “Re-Chaco” for hunting down the details of the name and release date of my Chacos. Call them anytime with any question and enjoy the enthusiasm that comes from their soles:)

My Minnetonka's Making My Day...

FlashBack Friday

Minnetonka Sheepskin boots were my first pair of free footwear given to me during my 13+ year stint selling shoes. There were part birthday present, part consolation prize. February is my birthday month, so I feel like this is the best time to share this Flashback Friday story.

You see, I was going to be turning 19 on the 20th and I had started this new job at a little shoe store during the first week of February. I had only been working there a couple of days and yet I was bold enough to let my boss-man know that I wanted to have my official birth “day” off of work. He rolled his eyes at me, his new employee, but said “Yes”! I was ecstatic and began making plans for how I would spend my whole birthday day off.

The weekly work schedule got posted. To my dismay, there was my name on the 20^th scheduled to work a full shift! Inconceivable! I marched up the stairs and attempted to politely ask “What Happened?!?” Boss-man replied that he forgot and on top of that, he would be out of town and I was needed to work that day. I made sure that each subsequent day I worked leading up to my birthday that my boss-man knew my utter disappointment by exclaiming that “I couldn't believe that I had to work on my birthday!” Honestly, I don't know why he put up with me during those early days:)

The day before my birthday, boss-man asked if I was willing to put aside the birthday guilt trip if he offered me any pair of shoes I wanted as an “I am sorry that I blew it and scheduled you to work on your birthday” birthday present? He had my attention and even got the first smile out of me he had seen in a week and a half. I extended my right hand and said “Deal”! We shook on it and I spent the remainder of the day contemplating which shoes I would choose to take home with me the following day. What a pleasant thing to contemplate:)

Ugg sheepskin boots had not yet made their big debut in the small towns of Humboldt county but I had seen them in Southern California and liked the comfy, cozy look they exuded. So, naturally, I was drawn to these Minnetonka sheepskin boots and as a new college student I couldn't afford them but was thrilled to receive them as my gift from boss-man. I was even a little bit pleased that he forgot to give me the day off. These boots have brought me MANY years of pleasure and began my birthday tradition of the “day off or new shoes”. Boss-man gave me my birthday off for the rest of the years that I worked for him and I have since always bought myself my birthday kicks.

I am embarrassed to report that I have yet to re-sole my Minnetonka boots even though I have had them for over 15 years and they are in dire need. I am equally amazed by how they have held up and continue to be one of my favorite, counted upon shoes. They are naturally water resistant, perfect to wear in snow or sand and keep my feet warm without them getting all sweaty inside. I love the raw seams, basic look, and classic sheepskin color. My toes smile any time I pull them on and the happiness transfers all the way to the smile on my face.

Minnetonka is brand that is based in the U.S. and some of their product offerings, specifically their sheepskin products, are still made in the U.S. while their moccasins, driving mocs and fashion forward models are made overseas.

The closest model to my pair still made by Minnetonka is the shorter 9” Pug Classic Boot available on zappos.com and is one of the rare styles that is re-sole-able. Visit your local Minnetonka retailer to see what styles woo you and feel the softness of the materials that Minnetonka is known for.

Fitting Notes:

U.S. whole sizing. These shoes are best worn barefoot so be sure to try them on with thin footies. They should have a little play in the heel but otherwise fit a touch snug as the sheepskin will compact down a bit over time. The footbeds are not removable and thus the boots can only accommodate the thinnest of orthotics.

Forum Mist "The Before Part" of Before and After

Forum Mist Snowboard Boot Review

Must Have Monday

As a shoe fanatic, I love learning about different niches in the footwear market and I am about to get schooled in the world of snowboarding. This is a sport that doesn't come cheap so I am willing to beg borrow-(not steal) and most likely rent most of the gear.

BUT...

The Pro's in my circle of friends all made it very clear that if I wanted to have a good first experience—it's imperative to have my own great fitting pair of snowboard boots. It is rare when folks spend time convincing me to wear great footwear. I just love it! Even better, I got spoiled and treated to a visit to the outdoor supply store and a new pair of Forum snowboard boots by a gem of a guy and snowboard aficionado (thank you WMK).

We gazed at the wall of boots and the informed and eager sales person pointed us to The Forum Mist Boot. I was more than happy to try on boots and revel in the fact that these guys knew what they were talking about. It was then clearly explained to me that the boots should fit snug and that the toes should grace the end of the boot.

WHAT!?!

This upset the “proper-fit police” inside of me and I exclaimed that this could not possibly be good for my feet. They explained that the toes should not be mashed against the end but still insisted my toes should touch a bit. I put my trust in these pro's as dubious as I was about their opinions on fit. Apparently, all will make sense once I have an actual snowboarding experience.

I will say that while the boots do give me a funny gait, I had to admit that these Forum Boots feel amazing. So light and minimally stiff compared to what I expected. I even got to strap into some bindings on a board and get a pseudo-feel of what I might feel out on the slopes. Let's hope I keep the shiny side up long enough to appreciate these nice quality boots with rockin' purple soles.

Even though I have zero experience in this arena I can still appreciate the groovy features the Forum Mist boot offers. I love the cool little lace-pull pockets. The inner lacing system called “Speed Zone Lacing” has a great pull and lock feature to secure my foot and ankle and makes for quick entry and exit. Also, the footbed is removable and I have been wearing the insoles in my running shoes to get them nicely molded to my feet before I shred some snow.

I decided to write this Must have Monday post before I have actually given the boots the good 'ol college try because the time is NOW if you want to buy this particular model from Forum. Our local guy is selling 'em like hotcakes and boarding season is here. I do promise to write “The After” review as a follow up to see if they prove themselves as a long term love or merely an infatuation. I will save the Fitting Notes until after riding in the boots to see if I can get over this whole tight fit business.

Pray for a perfect powder day for me:)