Galibelle Shoes – Endless Possibilities
May 22, 2018I was recently in Kelowna, B.C. for my daughter’s dance competition. For those of you who are not “dance moms”, it leaves you with a lot of waiting around time! What better way to spend that time then shoe shopping? I found an interesting sandal shop in downtown Kelowna called Galibelle. The shoes are both designed and made in Brazil. The way they work is….you have 14 choices of sole styles, sized from 4 – 11. All the straps are interchangeable and are sized from small to extra large. As you can imagine, this leaves you with endless possibilities to accommodate heel heights as well as lumps and bumps like bunions and hammer toes. There are some great platform choices for those with stiff big toe joints. My only small complaint is that all of the uppers are vegan. I wish there were some leather options. Regardless, this shop is well worth checking out.
https://www.downtownkelowna.com/d/galibelle/
Continue reading →The Little White Sneaker
May 3, 2018Finally…..Spring!!! This is the perfect time to shop for…the little white sneaker. To help you along, I’ve tried on a bunch and will provide a little guidance on fit. Things to keep in mind when purchasing this style of shoe: Toe box, heel cup depth/rigidity, cushioning, arch support and heel height. Generally, they will all be lacking some of those features. The trick is to know what you need for your foot type.
Pes planus (Flatfoot) needs deeper, rigid heel counter and arch support. Removable footbeds will be helpful to you.
Pes cavus (High arch) needs shock absorption and not too flat a heel.
Hammertoes and bunions need upper with no stitching and deeper toe box.
Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe joint) needs inflexible sole in the forefoot or a generally thicker sole.
Ugg – Cas Slip-On
Nice fit in toe box. Reasonable heel counter and cushioned. You could wear these if you have mild hammertoes or bunions. This is also good for high arches.
Ugg – Rooney
Also cushioned so good for high arches but squeezed in toe box.
Cole Haan – Grand Pro Tennis
Roomy fit but not a lot of cushioning. Fairly rigid. Good for bunions, hammertoes, stiff big toe joint and flat feet.
Coach – New York Low Top
Nice fit with stiffer heel counter. There is not a lot of shock absorption. I found the back of the heel hit a little high on my foot and likely would have irritted my Achilles tendon. This shoe is good for flat feet although you would need to add an arch support.
Michael Kors – Irving Lace up
Narrow fit and shallow, however, the heel counter is fairly stiff and there is decent shock absorption. This is likely to work for a higher arch. There is no room for an added arch support. There is a lot of gold decorative trim which I would worry about chipping off!
Sperry – Sea Coast
Shock absorbent with a generally good fit. Good for high arches and mild hammertoes. Not for severe pronators. (This is the one I bought).
Tretorn – Nylite 15
Narrow toe box
Converse CTA Shoreline
Comfortable but a bit narrow. Toe clearance is adequate.
Puma – Basket Platform Strap
Comfortable and roomy. Wide velcro closure. Chunky look.
Puma – Basket Heart Oceanaire
Removable footbed and average width. Good for flat feet but may be a problem for bunions and hammertoes.
Keds – Triple Kick Jute
Shallow. Narrow fit. Adequate shock absorption. Not for hammertoes, bunions or severe flat feet.
Cole Haan – Zerogrand Stitchlite
Narrow and not much shock absorption, but very lightweight.
Converse – Chuck Taylor One Star Platform
Shock absorbent with slight heel raise. This was a good fit for me but may be an issue for bunions. The platform is fairly stiff so good for stiff or arthritic big toe joint.
Vans – Classic Slip On (Unisex)
Nice overall fit, but very flat and no padding.
P448 – John
Removable arch support. Fairly generous forefoot width and toe clearance. Overall good fit for flat feet, bunions and hammer toe.
Ted Baker – Kelleip Trainers
Nice shock absorbent sole with a slight anterior rocker sole. Removable footbed. Good for high and low arches.
J-Slides – Karla
Cute slip on, but upper is quite rigid and no shock absorption.
Munro – Lulu
For narrow feet! Removable footbed but not a lot of shock absorption.
Tod’s – Perforated T Sneaker
Nice shock absorbent insole but upper quite rigid.
Paul Green – Serena
Well supported with slight heel raise. Good for high arches.
Available at Nordstroms
Frye – Lena Zip Low
Good shock absorption but not for high arches (you’ll never get the zipper done up). Good for neutral feet.
Continue reading →Sneaker Boot Review
February 27, 2018Sneaker Boots
Sneaker boots, hybrids between sneakers and boots appear to be an emerging trend. Some look like the old high top sneakers but there are also many newer, fashion-forward styles. They seem to be a reasonable option for those who are reluctant to give up the comfort of a sneaker for a trendier look.
I have broken (loosely!) the sneaker boots into sporty, casual, dress(ier) and raised heel. I have also noted which foot structures would be appropriate for the shoes. The abbreviations are as follows:
Pes planus (low arch) = PP
Pes cavus (high arch) = PC
Bunions/Hammertoes = BH
Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe joint) = HR
Narrow foot = N
Sporty
Forsake – Loop (weatherproof)
Keds – Scout ( weatherproof, not a lot of toe clearance, memory foam insole)
Timberland – Flyroam (shock absorbant, removable footbed)
PP, PC, HR (mild)
Merrell – Duskair Maui Chukka (well cushioned)
PP, BH
Teva – Arrowood Lux (waterproof. well cushioned, removable footbed)
PP
Camper – DUB (fun, comfortable, slip on, fashion forward)
PC
Also available at Gravity Pope in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.
Casual
Forsake – Contour (elastic lace, slip on)
PC
Olukai – Waipahe (removable footbed which should be traded for better arch support)
PC
Blackstone – CW96 (shearling lining, zipper or laces for closure, more toe room than they appear to have)
BH (hammertoes only)
Ugg – Starlyn (really cute and warm, but no arch support)
Pedro Garcia – Priya (can’t imagine keeping the white ones clean!)
PP
Converse -Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Punk more cushion than usual converse but lacking in arch support)
PC
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-chuck-70-punk-sneaker-boot-women/4699099?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=converse+chuck+taylor+all+star+punkWest Blvd – 501 Lace up (zipper closure, not much support, similar to converse but less costly)
Ariat – Fringe Chukka (decent cushioning)
Gentle Soles – Harper (soft, not a lot of toe clearance, anterior rocker sole)
HR
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=gentle+souls+harperGabor – Flat ankle boot (decent toe clearance, removable insole, slight platform)
PP, BH
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gabor-flat-ankle-boot-women/4726032?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=gabor++bootVince – Newlyn (slight internal platform, not for wide feet)
N
Kenneth Cole – Kiera (removable insole, zipper closure, not for wide feet)
N, PP
Salvatore Ferragamo – Caprera (removable footbed, anterior rocker sole, sock top)
PP, PC, BH
Guiseppe Zanotti – Gold Band (removable footbed)
PP
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/giuseppe-zanotti-gold-band-sneaker-women/4649598?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=guiseppe+zanotti+gold+bandFendi – Rocko-Top (sock type upper, anterior rocker sole)
BH, HR
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=fendi+rockoMiz Mooz – Laurent (removable arch support)
PP, PC
Rick Owens – Glitter FW17 Adidas Mastidon (soft but a bit shallow in the toe box)
N
https://www.rickowens.eu/en/US/women/products/rp17f7866los-91Yeezy – Kanye West – Crepe boots (a bit stiff for the small amount of rocker)
https://www.lyst.com/shoes/yeezy-black-suede-crepe-boots/?reason=feed-productFiorentini and Baker – Brody-Bi bolt (soft leather, not much arch support)
BH (hammertoes only)
Kennel and Schmenger – Basket Suede High Top (shearling lined, zipper closure)
BH (hammertoes only)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=kennel+and+schmenger+basket+suede+high+topBrown’s Shoes – Wishbone collection – Renata (Shock absorbent, slight anterior rocker, would fit a wider foot)
PC, BH, HR
https://www.brownsshoes.com/RENATA/237597,default,pd.html?dwvar_237597_color=016Dress(ier)
Free People – Astral (pull on, shock absorbant)
PC, BH, HR
Kennel and Schmenger – Pia (pointy toe, mild anterior rocker)
BH
Via Spiga – Elona (slight platform, shearling lined)
PP
Jslides – Partee (above the knee, platform, removable footbed, partial zipper)
PP
Guiseppe Zanotti – Sienna ( above the knee, slight anterior rocker)
PP, BH, HR
https://www.lyst.com/shoes/giuseppe-zanotti-sienna/
Wild Diva – Thigh High Sneaker Boot (synthetic upper, inexpensive)
PP
Heel
DKNY – Angie (1 1/2″ heel raise with moderate anterior rocker, shock absorbent)
PP, PC, HB, HR
https://www.donnakaran.com/category/dkny/shoes/sneakers.dohttp://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/angie-low-wedge-slip-on-sneakers-0600089500842–24
Forsake – Alma (2″internal wedge heel, rugged look)
Michael Kors – Ace Wedge Sneaker boot (anterior rocker sole)
PP, PC, BH. HR
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-ace-wedge-sneaker-bootie-women/4784330?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=michael+kors+aceMichael Kors – Ace Over the Knee Boot (stretches over calf, anterior rocker sole, soft insole, 2″ heel)
PP, PC, BH. HR
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-ace-over-the-knee-boot-women/4413548?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=michael+kors+aceMichael Kors – Skylar Knit Bootie (2 1/2″heel with 1/2″ platform)
PP, PC, BH. HR
https://www.brownsshoes.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BrownsShoes-Site/default/Product-Variation?pid=236760&dwvar_236760_color=016&dwvar_236760_width=B&dwvar_236760_size=9&cgid=1107&sizeselected=true&gclid=CjwKCAiA_c7UBRAjEiwApCZi8XYdj-EIPwxUuUaB1FkWN7jwIjP0-MwTNWksrcj4g4Au_uM0tNZ73BoC6agQAvD_BwE
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/michael-michael-kors-skyler-sneaker-booties?ID=4587098
Continue reading →Buying Pumps Part 4 A Trip To Nordstroms
January 3, 2018Vince Camuto – Jaynita
3” spike heel
Fairly soft leather. Heel grip is adequate. Soft under the ball of foot. Overall a generally good fit and recommended if you like a spike heel. I felt a bit unstable. Fits big.
Ted Baker – Vyixyn
3” spike heel
Ouch! Leather is hard and no grip on heel. Shallow over instep.
Jeffrey Campbell – Cyrille
3 1/2” stacked heel
Too high for me but reasonably comfortable with a bit of heel slippage. Go down a half size!
Ferragamo – Talla
3” spike heel
Hard leather which painfully squeezed my toes. Heel placement is good so that i didn’t feel unstable, but I was dying to get these off!
Chloe – Lauren Pump
2 1/4” block heel
Very shallow. A very soso fit and feel. Very shallow and loose in the instep area.
Prada – Pointy Toe Pump
3 1/2” spike heel
These are beautiful to look at but I found the leather hard and the heel grip poor. Size down 1/2 size.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/prada-pointy-toe-pump-women/3259102?origin=coordinating-3259102-0-1-PDP_1-recbot-fbt_similar_items&recs_placement=PDP_1&recs_strategy=fbt_similar_items&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product
Michael Kors – Abbi
3” heel
Good heel grip and fairly soft leather but shallow instep and a bit of a squeeze in the toes. Overall, not bad.
Michael Kor – Paloma
4” stacked heel
Generally comfortable but the heel was too high for me and the heel slipped a bit. Quite pretty though.
Lewit – Carita
3 3/4” spike heel
Good support in arch but unstable heel and a real pain to put on…but pretty:)
Halogen – Azaela
3” spike heel
Very pretty and inexpensive. Really good heel grip and very comfortable. This was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.
Pour la Victoire – Cece
– Celina
4” stacked heel
Sloppy fit in heel so found myself sliding into the toe box. It was hard to assess whether the toe box would have been comfortable. Both styles have the same upper with slightly different shaped heel. The Celina is pictured below. The Cece has a round heel.
Marc Fisher – Zala
3” block heel
Good, stable heel. Toe box surprisingly comfortable. A bit shallow at instep and wish the heel fit slightly snugger. Size down 1/2 size.
zala
https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Fisher-Womens-Black-Suede/dp/B01B2V6GXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1513969241&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=marc+fisher+zala&refinements=p_89%3AMarc+Fisher
Hispanitas – Connie
2 1/2” block heel
Fairly comfortable and felt stable. A bit too soft in the heel counter.
Paul Green – Nicolette
3 1/2” spike heel
A great fit and surprisingly comfortable despite the heel height. The strap adds security. I generally don’t like the look of velcro straps but you really can’t tell. The only draw back to this shoe is that you wouldn’t want to wear it with stockings. I tried it on both with and without and found I was sliding around a lot with stocking.
Ron White – Cadence
3” spike heel
Really good fit and surprisingly comfortable for this heel height. Canadian designer. Made in Italy.
Continue reading →How To Make Frye Boots More Comfortable
December 15, 2017I love Frye boots! They’re sturdy, well made and generally very comfortable…except for at the back of the heel. Frye boots are designed for riding horses, not walking in the mall so there is some slippage in the heel area. This does not apply to all Frye boots, but generally to all of the standard styles. This pistoning up and down of the heel in the boot can lead to chafing, blistering and PAIN!
A simple way to avoid this problem is by using a gel pad. My favourite ones are visco-gel scar management sheets. These are 2 1/2” X 3” sheets of clear silicone gel. I cut these in half and place them on the back of my heel right against the skin in the area of friction. I can just pull on my socks and Frye boot and off I go.
You can use this technique to protect most areas of your feet from friction. If you prefer something with a fabric backing on the outside, you might want to try visco-gel moleskin in the same 2 1/2” X 3” size. Just a final note…save the backing because both of these pads are washable and reusable.
https://shop.onlinefootsource.com/products/visco-gel-scar-management-sheets-2-1-2-x-3
https://shop.onlinefootsource.com/products/visco-gel-moleskin-padding-2-1-2-x-3
Continue reading →
(604) 734-7331
Kenneth Cole – Kiera (removable insole, zipper closure, not for wide feet)
