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.

Zeeta Callisto--Red! Hot! and Can't Be Bought!

FlashBack Friday!

I am uncertain about whether I should be embarrassed or proud that I still have a pair of shoes in my closet that are over 17 years old. There is no denying that these Zeeta Callisto wedge sandals have stood the test of time. I get the same compliments on them now as the first day I put them on:...”Oooo I love your red shoes...so cute!” I grin when asked where I got them knowing that these Zeetas have pulled off “becoming a timeless classic”.

I am usually drawn to deeper “blue” reds but this sassy shade of “orange” red makes no apologies for its' traffic stopping hue and I adore them. It is no surprise that I love a wedge when it comes to heels. Generally, wedges are more comfortable because they offer greater overall contact with the foot and ground which offers better stability and sense of arch support. The leather is buttery soft and there is a generous helping of cushion underfoot. These are the fun shoes I wear when I want to dance and dance without feeling the need to “kick off my shoes”. I also took them on my first trip to New York where I walked the famed Times Square, the Village and all over the Museum of Modern Art without having to give a thought to my feet. I have not met a pair of heels since that can go that kind of distance.

Zeeta was a shoe company based out of southern California and I spent many happy years being their advocate in the shoe stores I worked in. I have owned nine pairs of them and sold untold numbers of them over the years. This company is no longer in business but they will always hold a place in my heart/sole. Thank you Zeeta and I promise to never give up my Callistos!

Dansko Roxy Review

FlashBack Friday

If you happen to own a pair(s) of Dansko Professional clogs and love them you understand what I mean when I say my feet are S_P_O_I_L_E_D!!!!! My toes pitch a fit at the mere suggestion that I might wear dress shoes. I was convinced that all dress shoes should come with a shot of tequila to make my feet not care about their less than perfect situation. My eyes battled with my feet when it came to trying on dress shoes...Until a few years back, when Dansko produced the charming shoe called the Roxy.

You know I had to try them on! I was not planning to delude myself that dress shoes could ever feel as good as my clogs but I do have to say that my toes were in full agreement with the generous amount of toe space that greeted them the first time I tried on the Roxy. The other significant quality the Roxy has over other dress shoes is great support under the ball of the foot—this was not a thin flimsy sole that allows you to feel every little pebble under foot. Even though the soles are thick enough to offer cushion and protection they still manage to be a dressy shoe that I can wear with slacks or dresses. Their styling is reminiscent of the smart detailing of mary-janes of the roaring 20's. They were offered in smooth leather called calf leather as well as suede. I generally shy away from suede due to my penchant for living in wet locales but I ordered the brown suede for a couple of reasons. The cut-outs, glossy trim and overall design show up better with the contrast of materials. Also, the suede used in these shoes is of high quality and I only wear dress shoes when the occasion calls for them so I knew they were not going to be abused. Of course, I generously applied waterproof spray to them and use my little suede brush to to dirt and grime from settling in avoiding any permanent staining.

Dansko no longer makes the Roxy but there are a couple of websites that have some left at good close-out prices (shoe-store.net ) if you want to try and snag a pair. Otherwise, head to your favorite Dansko retailer to check out the newest dress shoes in the Dansko family...I have tried some on and true to form they offer wiggle room for your toes and lovely styling.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing.  These pumps run generous in their sizing so I recommend trying them in your usual size as well as a size down and aim for a fit you feel comfortable with.  These are not the best choice if you have a truly narrow foot.  Since Dansko is the company making these shoes you should expect a little slip in the heel as they are designed to do that but they have an ankle strap that will keep them securely on your feet.  There is actually some arch support here and that makes these shoes friendly to feet that normally cannot wear dressy shoes.  The footbed is not removable...so unless you have a very thin 3/4 orthotic you won't be able to use your orthotics with them but at least you will find these shoes to be comfortable enough to grin and bear it through situations where a dress shoe is a must. 

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.  

Pikolinos Grana Pump...A Lovely Stitch in the Stylish Comfort Niche

Flashback Friday

The classic pump...a style of shoe I usually side-step in favor of choosing shoes that have some kind of adjustment for a better fit.

The classic pump...notorious for blisters, pinched toes and bunions.

Would I ever buy a pair of classic pumps?

Pikolinos helped me say yes with their Grana pump. I was drawn in by all the charming details...decorative stitching, off-center leather lace bows, wood stacked shapely heels and that color “cordovan” I adore. I tried them on--not expecting them to feel very good but found that the rounded toe-box did not pinch my toes. I relaxed into them noticing the nice cushioning and flexibility. Maybe I could wear a pump after all...at least I had no trouble pulling out my wallet to buy these little charmers.

My foot does run a bit narrow, often making it difficult to keep a pair of pumps on. Hopefully you won't cringe too much as I confess that I must wear these pumps without nylons or any kind of little foot-ped. Yes, I need that little bit of sticky sweat to keep these shoes on my feet. You might suggest a smaller size but I am quite adverse to having my toes pinched. Of course, I know this is not a good habit. Sweat can be really hard on the lining of a shoe but it is what I must do to keep these shoes attached to my feet. I don't wear them that often but am always glad I have them when an appropriate pump-wearing occasion arises. Thank you Pikolinos!

While the Grana pump is no longer made you can still enjoy the comfort that the Pikolinos brand combines with great styling by checking out their new styles at your favorite local shoe store or visit these online retailers: zappos.com, thewalkingcompany.com and onlineshoes.com.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. When it comes to pumps—they either stay on your feet or they don't. Opt for the most room you can get and still keep them on your feet. The Grana is shaped nicely for a medium width foot. There is no adjustment or removable footbed to work with, they are not offered in various widths and have very little arch support...but lets remember that they are dress shoes and are quite comfortable relative to other pumps on the market.