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.

Blondo Chestnut Boot Review

Blondo Chestnut Boot Review

Flashback Friday

As a farewell gift from Joseph Hilton himself, I was given the choice of any pair of shoes in his store to carry me into a new chapter of my life. Out of character, I chose the highest heels we had in the store at the time. Joseph even admitted his surprise. I fell in love with those Blondo boots the moment they arrived. Their chestnut color beckoned and the butter soft leather was beyond compare...but I knew that high leather stacked heel would have made my lower back grumpy so I didn't buy them immediately. When given the gift of choice I knew immediately that I wanted those boots...a gift does not require practicality and I knew I would take care of them in honor of the years I spent at Hilton's. I love wearing them out to dinner during brisk winter holiday seasons.

Blondo is a Canadian boot company that emphasizes beautiful materials and waterproof coziness. They offer their AquaProtect in many of their boots including my lovely pair. The AquaProtect certifies that the leathers have been waterproofed and all the seams and soles have been sealed to protect the boots and your tootsies from the elements. While Blondo does not make this pair of Chestnut beauties anymore you can still enjoy their quality by heading to your local retailer to see what is new from Blondo or check out what amazon.com, endless.com and shoes.com have to offer.

Fitting Notes:

U.S.sizing. As usual I required a size 8 medium and find that Blondo boots do not run wide and nor does the shaft of their boots. Blondo designs quite a variety of boots and each last is likely to fit a bit differently which is why I like to try footwear on in my local shoe shops.   

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.

Naot Shell Embroidered Brown Clog Review

FlashBack Friday

When you think about where shoes are made, Israel isn't one of the countries that pops into ones mind but that is exactly where Naots are made.  My good friend in Israel translates the word Noat as "beatiful/handsome" and these shoes are exactly that! When pronouncing the name just think “nah-oat”. Once you have practiced your pronunciation, march your feet down to your local shoe store and ask to try some on. There is no doubt that if you try any model from the “Shell” collection you will experience the immediate ooohhhh—aaaahhhh that made me buy them on the spot. Of course, the fact that I already had a groovy pair of embroidered pants that match them perfectly certainly was the icing on the deal. “The styles in the “Shell” collection have a 1-1/2 inch heel and feature Naot's removable, anatomic cork and latex footbed which is covered in suede and molds to the shape of the foot with wear.”-(Naot Website). If you ever wished for a shoe that was softer than a Birkenstock and lighter than a Dansko without giving up that wonderful arch support; know that your wish has been granted.

The rich brown leather and colorful embroidery is eye-catching but discontinued and no... mine are not up for grabs. Fret not! Naot is still delivering the “Shell” collection with all its' awesome comfort in plenty of charming designs and color combinations. Besides you probably don't have the same perfect pair of pants to go with these:) I know you are bound to fall in love with a style that speaks to your inner sole and wardrobe!

If you don't have access to a local Naot retailer you can find them online at: onlineshoes.com, zappos.com and healthyshoestore.com

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. The “Shell” collection from Naot fits a medium to wide foot best. So, how is it that I, with a narrow-ish low-volume foot wearing them? The answer is tongue pads...email me if you want to learn more about the joys of a well-placed tongue pad. While the footbeds are incredibly comfortable and supportive; they are also removable. Thus, these shoes will accommodate quite a thick orthotic. If your orthotics have limited your choices of footwear to athletic shoes you will be happy to know that these Naots will be a welcome and much more stylish alternative.

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.