by 5 people |
Looking for Some Intelligent Footwear?
Let's face it, there are a lot of choices out there when it comes to footwear. It can be confusing and downright overwhelming. Isn't it great when you just "find the right thing"?
In my many adventures with shoes & footwear, I've found a few really wonderful options and will share them with you here. Hopefully this will save you a lot of time and money on you own quest for the right footwear!
Above all else, there are three things you really need to take good care of when it concerns your body:
1. Your Eyes
2. Your Teeth
3. Your Feet
This is the "Holy Trinity" of what you need to carry you into a comfortable mid-life and golden years. These are 3 places where it is wise not to cut corners.
If you can see, eat and walk, you're in good shape!
Why suffer the consequences of bad footwear? It is completely unnecessary.
Do you want to be one of those poor old ladies with the nasty, ugly, painful feet? Men, this can happen to you too! Conditions such as bunions are exclusively caused by poorly fitted footwear.
If you wear good shoes (that means a proper fit, good support that allows for movement) this will never happen!
Why Suffer?
Bad Shoes = Painful, Ugly Feet
While those high-heeled and tapered to downright pointy-toed shoes might be oh-so-adorable and all the rage of high fashion, they are also horrible for the health of the real human foot! At least nine times out of ten, bunions are caused by years of wearing improperly shaped & fitted shoes. Like many women her age, Poor Aunt Bernice had sacrificed her once lovely normally-proportioned feet to become another victim of fashion. She could never again show her bare feet in public, no matter how good the manicure.
Squeezing your foot into poorly fitted or oddly shaped shoes is simply asking for trouble. Over time, they will actually reshape your foot.
Shoes like these are shoes that are strictly for show. If you feel you simply MUST have them, then never wear them for more than a couple of hours a day.
The Wide Foot Dilemma
Most Italian labels are notoriously narrow.
That is because most Italians have narrow feet. If your foot is narrow, in most cases these should be fine for you.
If your foot is medium to wide width, avoid Italian labels unless they offer wider widths to properly accommodate your forefoot.
Shoes made by labels from Germany or other Northern European countries are typically wider in the forefoot.
These work well for the medium to wider forefoot.
They may not work as well for a narrower foot unless they are fitted with a custom orthotic. Look for lines that offer removable, customizable insoles. All Finn Comfort styles (2nd half of lens) come with a removable insole that may be customized to give greater arch support or compensate for the extra volume left by a narrow foot to ensure a proper fit.
- Do High-Heeled Shoes Cause Bunions?
- You bet your sweet big toe they do!
Read the full article here... - International Shoe Size Conversion Chart
- Comprehensive Charts comparing many different shoe sizing systems from around the world.
KEEN - Rugged, Comfortable Footwear for Active Lifestyles
Styles for Children, Women, Men & Youth sizes
I'll admit it, I'm very picky about my shoes. They not only have to feel right, but they must also be functional, of good quality and stylish. This is the reason why I dislike most tennis shoes: they rarely meet all my criteria. Most are big and bulky and, in the summer months especially, make my feet feel trapped in a hot casing. They also don't offer much in the way of color choices- so you are stuck with something that really doesn't go with anything or black, which is even hotter in the summer, or bright white like a hospital shoe and it's hard to keep them looking nice for long. Is it just me, or do you feel like some kind of cartoon character while wearing black warm-ups with ridiculous giant white shoes?
The big white sport shoes as everyday streetwear is strictly an "American" look. You don't really see this style of shoe on the street much in other places around the world. Sport shoes are made to be more functional and to blend better with clothing and surroundings instead to make a person look like they are wearing giant marshmallows on their feet!
Ok, so the good news is that THERE ARE OTHER CHOICES OUT THERE!
Let's start with KEEN SHOES-
Casual Comfort with Street-Smart Styling & Trail-Tested Durability
KEEN Shoes - Built for Action!
Great performance on dry land, on board or in water!
(Don't worry, I didn't stumble while IN them!)
Here's the story of the KEEN company as I heard it from the Shoe Seller:
There once was a man that enjoyed boating very much but he was very frustrated with not being able to find just the right shoe. Traditional "boat shoes" didn't let his feet breathe and were too narrow with those tapering toes, and the sandals always left his toes vulnerable to stubbing. Then there was the problem that none of them were really built to take water-exposure. Tired of searching and not coming up with the right thing, he gathered designers to engineer a shoe from the ground up with these specifications in mind and started his own shoe company. The first KEEN styles were basically boating and sailing sandals. Soon the line expanded to include trail and street-wise styles as well. Being more interested in boating than running a business, and now able to get what he set out to find (just the right shoe!) he sold the company to spend more time at sea. KEEN carries on in the same tradition and now we can all enjoy these fantastic shoes!
-Machine Washable
-Waterproof (both Nylon and Leather styles)
-Breathable
-Reflective Trim (Front & Back Tabs)
-Adjustable Bungee Lacing
-Bacteria & Fungus Resistant
-Durable
-Great Colors!
-Non-marking carbon rubber soles
-Removable Insole (some styles)
-Extra Wide Toe Box for superior comfort
-Toe Guards (Newport, Venice & Zerraport are all sandals with composite toe-guards. All the comfort of a sandal, but NO MORE STUBBED TOES!)
H2
-Styles marked with H2 are all Nylon webbing uppers instead of the leather/ nylon mix. This makes them suitable for saltwater exposure, extremely durable and Vegan-Friendly as well.
Most styles come in an array of colors that may not show on the images here.
Click on the image or description for the full color selection.
KEEN makes shoes for the WHOLE FAMILY - sizes from INFANT to ADULT.
We'll start with Women's shoes first:
KEEN for Women - For the Love of Mary Jane
Mary-Jane inspired Styles, KEEN comfort
Durable comfort in stylish colors!
Finally someone is making shoes that not only FEEL GOOD, but the are DURABLE AND LOOK GOOD.
KEEN "gets it" that women want a functional shoe that is more than just functional - STYLE and COLOR are just as important. KEEN has successfully met and blended all these requirements.
Keep in mind that not all shoes are made on the same "last" - the form that makes the sole the shape that it is.
While most shoes have a wider forefoot (hooray!), some of the women's styles do have a narrower sole. Check out the top or bottom view to get the best idea of fit.
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER COLOR?
Click on the thumbnails or descriptions for more color options.
These styles may look very similar from the thumbnails. Click for a CLOSER LOOK!
KEEN Sydney II Shoe - Women's
Slightly sleeker than Calistoga, this one features an angled buckle-strap and
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $79.95 (as of 12/07/2009) 
List Price: $79.95
Keen Women's Berkeley (Black 8.5 M)
Low-back slide with buckle strap and toe-guard and decorative top-stitching.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $86.99
KEEN - Women's Shoes - Love those Lace-Ups!
Laced styles, full foot coverage for rugged terrain or serious urban walking
Keen Women's Napa (Seal Brown 8.0 M)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $86.99
KEEN Portola Shoe - Women's
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $84.95
KEEN Ventura Canvas Shoe - Women's
Has a great Black & White option too!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $59.95
KEEN: The ULTIMATE Sport Sandal - Women's
From Amazon.com - The BEST Sport Sanda around!
H2
Styles marked with H2 are all Nylon webbing uppers instead of the leather/ nylon mix. This makes them suitable for saltwater exposure, extremely durable and Vegan-Friendly as well.
Other styles feature nubuck leather that will stand up to machine washing without stretching or cracking.
Most styles come in more colors that what is pictured.
Click on the image or description for the full color selection.
Keen Venice H2 Sandal Womens
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $89.99
Newport Leather Faded Clay Sandal -Ladies
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $94.99
KEEN Boots for Women
Some of the Best Walking and Hiking Boots around!
Targhee II Mid - Women's Deep Lichen/Rat 05 by Keen
High-top Hiker.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $125.00
Keen Women's Napa Boot (Seal Brown 6.5 M)
Nubuck hiker.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $91.99
Keen Women's Dakota Boot (Tomato 6.0 M)
Fantastic rain or snow boot!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $109.99
Top Sellers - Keen for Women
Most popular styles at Amazon.com
KEEN for Men
at Amazon.com
Boating, Camping, Canoing, Fishing, Hiking, Rafting, Repelling...
More colors are available for most models.
Just click the link to see other options!
Keen Newport H2 Sandal Mens
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $89.99
Newport Bison Leather Sandal -Mens
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $94.99
Keen for Men - Top Sellers
Best Sellers at Amazon.com
Have you tried Keens?
KEEN Kid's Shoes & Boots
Toddler, Children's & Youth Sizes
KEEN for Kids - Sandals
Sizes for Infants, Toddlers, Children, Youth
Kids Newport H2 Water Shoe Navy 5 Kids
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $39.95
Keens for Kids - Top Sellers
Most popular styles - live from Amazon.com
Keens make Infant, Toddler, Kids and Youth Sizes.
Cheaper than Foot Sugery
Finn Comfort - The Ultimate Comfort Shoe
1. DURABLE - Hand-constructed in Germany, these shoes last for YEARS. (I know, my first pair is about 9 years old now. I've always been HARD on my shoes, others rarely last me more than a season.)
2. CLASSIC STYLING - (If you're going to have them for several years, they won't be so trendy that you can't wear them the next season)
3. REPAIRABLE - If you maintain your Finns properly, they'll give you years of use. It's a bargain to spend $15 having them re-heeled and keep them another year or two! Because of the construction, the entire sole may even be replaced!
4. REMOVABLE INSOLE - This means that you can have it customized to fit your arch-support or cushioning needs as well as replace it when it gets too compressed and is no longer flexible. This is much cheaper than replacing the whole shoe!
5. A GOOD INVESTMENT - Yes, they cost a little more up front, but you certainly get what you pay for! Finn Comforts will give you years of good service and comfort.
6. MOST COMFORTABLE SHOE IN THE WORLD
Once I "went Finn" I've never turned back. With the exceptions of extremely formal occasions, and needing a water-proof sandal (and along came KEENS!) Finns, and a line they own called THINK!,are all I buy and wear for every day. No reservations, no regrets!
Links to Professional Foot Care & Sizing Chart
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC)
- Find an ABC Certified Pedorthist (person that makes custom inserts and/ or footwear)
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- America's Foot & Ankle Physicians & Surgeons
Articles
Foot Health Q&A
Ask the Expert
Locate a Specialist
and much more!
- Finn Comfort Sizing Chart
- Conversion table for European to US shoe sizes.
Finn Comfort - Ladies' Clogs
Slip into comfort & style!
I LOVE my Finn Comfort Clogs!
Most styles come in other color options.
Click on the links to view other colors!
Womens Bali Red Orthopedic Support Clog By Finn Comfort
Sassy red open-air style clog in smooth red leather. These look anything but orthopedic!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price:
Finn Comfort - Ladies' Shoes
Full coverage, all-day comfort.
Slip-on, lace-up and Velcro strap styles:
Finn Comfort - Ladies' Sandals
From Amazon.com
Click on the links to view other colors!
Finn Comfort Features:
Roomy toe-box!
D width is standard - some available in E or EE.
Use an insert to take up space for a narrower feet.
Finn Comfort Women's Sylt Sandals
Let me just say ZERO BREAK-IN TIME. This is the VERY FIRST pair of Finns I ever owned (still have them 10 years later!). The were perfect from the moment I put them on. ABSOLUTELY THE MOST COMFORTABLE WALKING SANDAL ON EARTH!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price:
Finn Comfort Women's Jamaica Soft Sandals,Oasis,EU 39 D
Very cute - check out the OTHER COLORS - blue, pink and sand. Easy care Nubuck. Great with skirts & dresses.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $215.00 (as of 12/07/2009)
List Price: $215.00
Finn Comfort for Men - a "Mercedes Benz" for your feet!
German engineering and quality for the feet at Amazon.com
Pounding the pavement? Why suffer?
Go EURO-style at the office.
What do they wear?
The closed toe, open-weave shoe with a tweed, twill, linen or silk jacket!
Chefs, Nurses, Surgeons - Need White Shoes?
All-day comfort at Amazon.com
ALL STYLES HERE COME IN ALL WHITE (white upper & sole)!
Be your best with the all-day comfort and support found only in a Finn Comfort!
Have you tried Finn Comfort shoes?
Ladie's Finn Comforts - Best Sellers
Men's Finn Comfort Shoes - Top Sellers
See Just How Smart You are for Getting Those "Smart Shoes"
STUPID SHOESExactly what are "Stupid Shoes"?
There are a LOT of stupid choices available out there - check them out at "Stupid Shoes".
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Smart Shoes Guestbook
Have a comment?
Please share you questions & comments here (or just say hello):
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Reply
- SusanVillasLewis SusanVillasLewis Mar 6, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
- Oh, yes!! Keens are totally awesome. Just need to get a new job where I could actually wear something like that everyday. Think Keen could be convinced to make some dress shoes? Hmmm.
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Reply
- rms rms Jan 11, 2008 @ 8:09 am
- Ahhh, just what I need, some comfortable shoes!
-
Reply
- annlarue annlarue Jan 3, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
- Nice lens, I do like comfortable shoes. I really like the sports sandals because they come in cute colors and a good for walking. They aren't tight around the feet!
What do you think?
Please share your opinion here...and please rate this lens in the starts up top before you go --
Thanks!
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