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.

Blondo Makes Beautiful...The "Valerie"

Flash Back Friday

Thick, chocolatey, supple suede that everyone wants to touch. When I walked into the shoe store and saw them for the first time, I too had to touch them. I even gave them a hug before trying them on. This boot by Blondo satisfied a longing I'd had for suede boots but never fulfilled because I live where it rains a lot. Who in their right mind would wear expensive suede boots in the rain only to be ruined forever?! The Blondo Valerie gave me the best of all worlds with waterproof suede shaped into a gorgeous boot. The deep brown hue begs for crisp autumn days, sweaters and red wine. You know I had to have them!

I admit I fell for the boots on looks alone and though I got through a work day wearing them; I now only wear them for social occasions where lots of walking is unnecessary. They are NOT “UN”-comfortable...but relative to how much I typically spoil my feet with total comfort they don't quite make the grade. They don't have any arch support though this can be remedied by adding a thin¾ length insole. What ultimately causes these boots to miss the mark of total comfort is the fact the the natural rubber outsoles are a bit too thin for the pitch of the heel. I prefer to not feel every pebble under my foot and the forward pitch puts all the pressure at the ball of the foot and my lower back isn't very thrilled about that. That being said, please know that if you are in the habit of wearing high heels you will likely find these boots to be exceedingly comfortable, practical and the ultra soft suede requires no break in at all. Comfort is always relative and personal.

These boots do have a warm lining and soft feel around the calf and ankle. The toebox is slightly rounded to give your toes space to wiggle. The full length inside zipper makes them easy to get on and off. Also, there is a hidden elastic gore to allow your calf a little extra space if needed. The most notable attribute, however, is their looks...stylish...soft...elegant...

I guess I just got sucked in by aesthetic and a waterproof guarantee...and in this respect the Blondo reigns supreme. Thanks to Blondo for answering my suede ambitions.

Blondo no longer makes the “Valerie” but they continue to make great waterproof boots. Try them on at your local retailer or check them out at the following online sites: endless.com nordstrom.com, and shoes.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. These boots run true to size is-so-much-as I required the usual size 8. They are not offered in widths but if your foot runs a little narrow you will have room for some cushy socks that will add a bit of comfort to your stride. Remember that when boots fit properly they ought to slip in the heel. Thin insoles can be added but they won't accommodate a thick or full length orthoses. Certainly, these boots are a great choice if you want fashion that puts up with the elements and the natural rubber outsoles will minimize slipping about on wet surfaces. Though these boots are not re-sole-able the heel taps can be replaced which can certainly extend the life of the boots.  

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.

Oh Mia, Oh Maya...My Aravons

FlashBack Friday :)

It has been done before...it will likely be tried again...An athletic shoe company ventures into dress shoes with the hopes of marrying comfort technology to dressier footwear.

None have done it as well as the Aravon line made by New Balance. What sets the Aravons apart is the fact that they offer a wide range of widths. I have found that comfort is more than a shock absorbing midsole. If the shoe truly fits well your feet will be happier. In general they have done better with their wide widths than narrow but bless their hearts for at least offering narrower widths for us folks with narrow or low-volume feet.

My first pair of Aravons were a charming pair of mary-janes called the Mia. This style has been replaced by the very similar Maya and both offer fit, function and style. I have always been a fan of mary-jane styles as they are versatile enough to wear with slacks, capris, skirts and dresses. I can work on my feet all day in these shoes and walk all over town that same evening. The Mia and Maya offer a generous toe-box, adjustable ankle straps, smart little heel and removable “memory foam” footbeds. If you happen to require full length custom orthoses you will find that the Aravons will serve you well. Even their sandals offer a fully removable footbed to accommodate your orthoses.

The Maya offers improvements such as velcro at the ankle strap for ease of use and is a little more closed-in for a bit more support and stability.

Thank you Aravon for making a shoe that fits my tricky foot with style.

To make the most of Aravons wide range of available sizes find a local retailer that can help you get the best fit. The following online sites do offer these styles: New Balance.com , Joes News Balance Outlet and Zappos.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. I own the Mia in size 8 2A and the fit is perfect for my foot though I am not a true narrow. If your feet are truly narrow consider trying some of Aravon's sandal styles as they fit narrower and have more adjustment options. The memory foam insole is REALLY comfortable and has been very resilient and offers just enough arch support. Also, this thick, full length footbed is removable making all kinds of room for serious orthoses that usually only allow you to wear athletic shoes. If you have arthritis in your hands opt for the Maya style with velcro so that fastening them will be easy.

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”.