I love to eat. When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 8 years ago, I
asked the age old (and pointless) question – “why me?” Since my
diagnosis though, I’ve realized that living with type 1 diabetes is not
the end of the world. I can still enjoy my favorite foods – I just don’t
over indulge like I might have before.

So what in the world does this have to do with shoes? Well… I love
shoes. Almost as much as I love food. Several months ago, I noticed
that shoes that never hurt my feet before were suddenly unbearable.
After weeks of silent torture, I got some x-rays taken and the
podiatrist confirmed that I…. have…. a… bunion! My heart sank when
I heard the news. It wasn’t totally out of the blue. After all, my mom
recently had a surgery to remove her bunion.

I was crushed… my podiatrist gave me a list of recommended brands,
and I dutifully went to Zappos and placed my first order, and my feet
have thanked me since. They’re not cheap, but I think it’s worth every
penny.

I wear a size 8, and after reading the reviews for the Naot
Pleasure, I decided to go with a size 9. The shoe is designed for narrow
feet, and with a bunion, I didn’t need any added pressure. They fit
perfectly. They’re very cushy and literally feel like I am walking on
sunshine. My only regret is  getting the patent grey. I love grey shoes,
but the patent is just a little too shiny to wear on an everyday basis.

The Dansko Ryder I got in size 8 and is pretty much the complete
opposite of the feminine Naot Pleasure – but not in a bad way! This shoe
is very true to size – an 8 is an 8. My podiatrist actually recommended
that I get shoes with a hard sole to prevent my toes from working too
much. While the soles are very hard, my feet don’t ache or throb at the
end of the day. And as for  style? You can’t beat those studs. Only
drawback is that the leather is so soft that (on my first day wearing
them) I was walking down some concrete stairs and scuffed the leather on
the back of the shoe!

So there you have it – stylish and sassy shoes that don’t hurt your feet!

Both styles are available at Zappos.com, free shipping both ways: Naot Pleasure–$160, Dansko Ryder–$155 (the Ryder is selling out fast, very hard to find).

 
Peering into my closet Sunday morning for a pair of comfortable shoes suitable for church, I felt discouraged as I saw heel after heel of impossible height–which for me is around three inches or higher these days. This recent flare of rheumatoid arthritis has not only damaged my wrist (surgery in the near future), but has incited my dogs to yip, growl and howl at varying decibel levels throughout the day, morning being the worst.

And then I saw my Tsubos. Ah…my trusty, sturdy, comfy Tsubo Asmik wedges. These are truly wonderful shoes. Here’s why:

• Two and 3/4″  wedge heel with 3/4″ platform provides height without the pressure on the
  forefoot. On a good foot day, I can walk/stand comfortably in the Asmik for a few hours.
• Double-density polyurethane footbed provides cushioning from heel to ball-of-foot.
• Mary Jane strap fastens easily with velcro–very helpful for hurting hands.
• Vamp is lower than other Mary Jane or pump styles which means it doesn’t cut into bunions but crosses just below them.
• Toe box is roomier than you’d expect from a dress shoe.
• I own the suede version, but now the Asmik comes in leather! This is a better option for commuters as suede hates rain.

I’m so glad to own such a stylish, modern dress shoe that doesn’t make matters worse for my feet.

The Tsubo Asmik runs true to size and best fits a narrow to medium width. Available at:

• 6pm.com: Suede Asmik marked down 50% to $70 with $6.95 flat-rate shipping.
• Tsubo.com: $120, free shipping.
• Zappos: $119.95, free shipping both ways.
• Endless: $119.95, free second day shipping, free returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: $119.95, free shipping and exchanges.

If you have nothing but cold pricklies for Crocs, you may have read the headline as “Crocs Warped Collection.” But can I get you to just take a peek at these new “wrapped” styles? That’s real suede nubuck, my friend. These are Crocs for grown-ups–no holes, no Disney Jibbitz, no day-glo colors, no fat toes. Yet the footbed is still made of lightweight Croslite™ with its ergonomic “form-to-foot” support.

While Crocs have taken a thorough beating from prominent fashionista blogs and magazines, this blogger must come to their defense once again. When my feet are at their worst with RA pain, Crocs provide the soft comfort my joints desperately seek. I wish the new Wrapped collection the best and hope the 5-star reviews start pouring in. How about you? Would you wear these? Do you have a favorite Crocs style?

The new styles come in a wedge, mary jane and clog–all between $60-70.

The Crocs Wrapped collection can be found at:

• Crocs.com
• Zappos
• Endless
• Amazon
• Footsmart

On the third anniversary of Barking Dog Shoes, I though it appropriate to post not only these beautiful Riekers, but the note that accompanied the photo. It’s so encouraging to hear from readers that have found the perfect shoe for their “barking dogs” through this blog. I’ve appreciated your kind emails, comments and submitted reviews over the years. Although health issues and the demands of raising two active boys have kept me from blogging as much as I’d like lately, I hope to get back to it more consistently after young son heads to preschool . Here’s the note and review from reader Rose.

I want to thank you for your blog. I have started having pretty severe
foot pain in one foot – cause as yet unknown- so I wrote to Sally McGraw
of  Already Pretty asking for her recommendations on stylish yet
supportive shoes. (The word supportive instantly conjures up old-lady
white athletic shoes to me. I was horrified when my podiatrist uttered
the word!) 

Sally directed me to your site. I am still browsing, but yesterday happened upon the Rieker
Federica 05 in one of your posts and I thought, OK, I could do that. I
went to the famous Walk Shop in Berkeley and walked out the door with a
pair in size 41, and my tootsies are thanking me today! I would not have
found them without your blog so my tootsies are thanking you too.

Do you have a favorite shoe that you’ve found through Barking Dog Shoes? I always welcome reader reviews and photos, so don’t be shy!

The Rieker Federica 05 slingback is getting more great reviews at:

• Zappos, $119, free shipping both ways.
• Shoebuy, $114.95, free shipping and returns.
• OnlineShoes.com: $114.95, free shipping and exchanges.

Minnetonka moc meets the heeled oxford in Born’s new Corby style for fall 2010. I prefer to call it a “moxford.” So, what do you think? I love it. My only wish is that I could actually tolerate a heel these days, but for those of you that can, this shoe’s for you (if the price is right). I know it’s not a steal, but the Corby would put the finishing touch on many outfits ranging from skinny jeans, dresses with tights and tunic/legging combos.

The Born Corby features a 2 3/4″ leawood stacked heel, cushioned footbed, lightweight and flexible outsole with a front tie closure (and also comes in rust and a gorgeous chianti suede), sizes 6-11. Available at Shoeline for $113, free shipping; Zappos for $130, free shipping both ways.

Here are some affordable outfit/accessory ideas that I’d personally wear with the Born Corby.
Remember, I’m not a professional stylist– just a busy mom with bad feet that loves cute, comfortable shoes and making up pretend outfits after the kids are in bed

This boat-neck sweater dress from Old Navy is $36.50, comes in three solid colors and four stripe combinations. Add a pair of teal blue tights for interest, or play it safe with black or heather gray.

This  Native American-inspired necklace from Francesca’s Collections brightens up a solid-color dress or tunic for only $18.

Don’t want to overdo the Native American theme since you’re already wearing fringed moccasins with a heel? How about adding this beautiful hand-knit necklet from Etsy seller, Knittingshop. If you browse her collection,  you’ll find one in every color.

Yesterday I poked fun of the Birkenstock teacher down the hall. Today I am that teacher, except my classroom consists of one beguiling yet limit-testing preschooler and a very, very hardwood floor. My active rheumatoid arthritis is not only having its way with my wrist, but also the small bones in my forefoot–every unshod step on our floor leaves me wishing for a pair of these.

Not only do you get the famous anatomical cork/latex Birkenstock footbed, there’s an extra layer of cushioning foam inserted below the suede footbed liner. After reading through the many reviews of other Birkenstock soft footbed styles, I’m convinced this is the shoe for all types of foot maladies from Morton’s Neuroma to neuropathy to metatarsalgia to Fred Flintstone feet.

I’m happy to see the soft footbed is starting to spread to other styles other than the two-strap Arizona. The Bern’s versatile closed-toe style with instep adjustability makes it a great choice for fall when the toes go into cover-up mode and the hand-knit socks come out–some days call for comfort over runway fashion.

A word on sizing: remember a Birkenstock regular best fits a wider foot and the narrow is best for medium widths.

The Birkenstock Bern Soft Footbed and other similar styles can be found at Zappos for $139, free shipping both waysl.

Thank you for the well wishes regarding my wrist.  The MRI shows considerable damage and bone erosion from active rheumatoid arthritis. No surprises I suppose, but I can’t believe how quickly the RA took over my wrist–one month flat. I’ll visit my fabulous rheumatologist on Wednesday to find out where we’re headed. But enough about my wrist, let’s talk BUNIONS! If you don’t have one, count your blessings and start wearing shoes with wider toe boxes so you can avoid the ghastly toe bump.

It’s time again for the annual Barking Dog Shoes “Top Comfortable Shoes for Bunions that Don’t Look Too Orthopedic” post. After researching customer comments at Zappos and  OnlineShoes.com these passed the “comfort with style” screen we utilize while shoe hunting.

 Ecco Casual Bouillon: Looks like a ballet flat, but has a slight wedge; great option for those that insist
on wearing a ballet flat/skimmer style but need a roomier toe box to accommodate a bunion. Best for narrow to medium width feet that need more room in the toe and narrower heel. Also comes in a button and bow style.

Arcopedico L14: This comfortable slip-on has a Lytech® upper that stretches and forms to the foot so it’s extremely
forgiving of bunions and hammertoes. Removable insole allows for custom orthotic.

Me Too Prissy: A true ballet flat with cushioned footbed and elasticized soft leather top line that stretches to make room for wider forefoot due to bunions.

Privo Darebin: Sporty slip-on that comes in medium and wide widths. Three customers mention the shoe doesn’t aggravate their bunions.

Softspots Tatianna: Popular and affordable closed-toe sandal with Pillow Top™ footbed comes in narrow to extra-wide widths with plenty of toe room. More stylish option: Clark’s Carrie Maysandal.

Ryka Studio Flex: Seems to be a favorite with Zumba enthusiasts with bunions! Ryka makes fitness shoes for women that are wider in the toe box and narrower at the heel. Eighty-five percent of customers give the Studio Flex a 5 for comfort and style.

Crocs Malindi: Reviewed here. Nothing conforms to foot quite like Croslite and the Malindi does it with style (unlike other Crocs styles).

Aravon Maya: New Balance’s relatively new dress-casual line is gaining popularity among women in  search of a dress shoe with a wider toe box and narrower heel.

Wolky shoes: Wolky continues to be in my top three for comfort, support and adjustability. Many styles have velcro straps over the bunion area allowing for a customized fit. Closed-toe style have accommodating toe boxes.

If you have bunions, which shoes have worked for you? I’ve truly appreciated the informative reader comments lately. Keep ‘em coming!

Cat types better with his face than Kirsten does with hands.

Good morning comfy shoe friends. I’ve taken a hiatus from blogging due to extreme pain in wrist which makes typing a painful chore rather than a relaxing passtime. I expect an MRI report today from the doctor and will keep you updated.

Since I always love chatting shoes, what are you wearing today? I lost one of my Birkenstock Madrids so am resorting to my old Crocs MJs. In a few minutes, I’ll lace up and attempt to tie my New Balance True Balance toning shoes for a much needed visit to the gym. They are the softest, most supportive yet lightweight fitness shoes in my closet currently (even better than my beloved Merrell Sirens if you can believe that).

I’ll be back soon with another installation of comfortable, stylish shoes for bunions (bunions, woo-hoo).

If you’re a Naot fan, undoubtedly you’re familiar with the Matai style featured here. Lauded for its excellent arch support, ability to accommodate an orthotic and lightweight cork/latex footbed, the Matai soon became one of Naot’s top sellers. But alas, this comfortable shoe wasn’t for everyone. Apparently a good amount of people aren’t into curly-q’s on their shoes. So what’s less quirky and more conventional than a curly-q? A leaf!

The Nau Mai is Naot’s new addition to the Koru collection of medium-width shoes with
hook-and-loop closures, removable footbeds, deep heel cups and lightweight polyurethane outsoles. I love the new polar sea color featured above and imagine it with gray heathered tights come fall.

Some of you have already clicked over to see the price and are outraged at yet another over $150 shoe appearing before your eyes. So here’s what I’d like to happen. If you own a pair of Naots, leave a comment below this post telling us if you feel they’re worth the hefty price tag. Have they helped a specific foot problem or have you found a shoe that does the same for less?

The Naot Nau Mai is available at:

• Zappos: $171, free shipping both ways.
• OnlineShoes.com: $170.95, free shipping and exchanges.
• Shoebuy: $170.95, free shipping and returns.
• The Walking Company: $169.95, free shipping/free returns to store.