Friday, September 19, 2008

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Black Monochrome

I used to have a pair of Chuck Taylor's as a kid (and that was a while ago) as great cheap knock around shoes. Price has gone up a fair bit, but these monochrome shoes look great; classic styling, updated a bit.

One small caveat; these shoes have little internal padding and have a lot more room inside than normal software in the same size. The retailer I purchased from mentioned they are about a 1/2 size larger than other shoes.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Black

Can you name a more classic shoe than good ol' "Chucks" (especially black ones)? . . . I didn't think so. . .

Now, initially, you may say "Look how flimsy the material is! There is no way these will last long!" Well, my friend, then you'd be wrong. I've had my pair of "Chucks" for about 3 years now and they're still ready and rarin' to go! They've survived:

1) Being drawn on numerous times with a variety of writing utensils (I found out that nail polish remover gets rid of most of the marks and stains)

2) A puppy who loves shoes (There are a few bite marks but they're still quite wearable)

3) Being worn almost every day since I bought them . . .

I recommend these shoes for anything except for (this is the reason I only gave them four stars) when running or walking very long distances (by long distances I mean miles). The shoes have a very flat bottom which means not enough support and thus, after awhile, your feet will start to ache some. If you are looking for running shoes I'd recommend Mizunos. I own two pair of those. If you are an avid runner then they don't last very long as running shoes . . . perhaps only a year or two. However, then they become good walking shoes so the price which is, unfortunately, quite expensive is well worth it.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Top Black

Whether dirty or new low tops are forever cool, and they are also comfortable and useful. I was issued my first pair in the Army to run in, my buddy got married in his, my sister played tennis in hers, and my nephew actually played basketball in them. A classic.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Men's Suede Leather Slippers

I read the reviews before I purchased these shoes for my husband. But the real test came when he started to wear them. He said "just tell them, I wear them everyday!!!" Yes, they do sorta lose the seude inside after a few wears but they're so comfortable, I bought 2 more pairs so as not to wear out any one pair too soon. He wears them on quick runs to the store and anywhere else he can dress casual and comfortable.

Slippers International Men's Perry Eurelle Twin-Gore

Unlike most of the reviewers of this product, I am not a wife who got these slippers for her husband who immediately said they were comfy and warm. I got them for myself and I am their primary user.

The slippers are very, very comfortable. The faux fur inside is incredibly soft. Their shoe-like shape makes it so my heels don't freeze and keeps the slippers from falling off, but they don't slip on immediately. It takes a little bit of toe wiggling to get my feet all the way in without the use of my hands, which, straight out of bed in the morning, is how I prefer to put them on.

The soles are rubber, which means that they are both durable (enough so to walk on cement) and, as far as I can tell, waterproof. I wouldn't walk in puddles or in snow, but stepping on a wet driveway won't hurt them. They work perfectly for walking outside to get the mail or the paper.

They do fit a little loose, despite what an all-caps-using reviewer said. I'm a size 13 and I think that I would have been better off buying size 12s for snugness. They still fit, and I certainly won't return them, but they are a little loose. I can easily fit a few fingers behind my heel in them, and they flop a bit when walking.

My biggest problem with the slippers is that they might be too warm. They really don't breathe at all, and without paying for any sort of breathable-but-warm material technology, I suppose I shouldn't complain. But with extended wear, especially if I'm not in a freezing environment, my feet get really sweaty, at which point I'd just as soon not wear the slippers.

Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase and will gladly keep the slippers until they wear through, which I don't expect to be any time soon.

Dearfoams Men's DB045 Closed Back Slipper

This may be the perfect slipper, although I just got them one day ago. They fit tightly, without slipping or turning at the ankle. What's more they don't cause my feet to sweat, and it's July here in Atlanta. The soles don't seem to mark up the tile floors, or skid. And most importantly they are light on the feet, like slippers should be. I ordered and returned Evans ¥ukon slippers because they are clunky and feel like shoes not slippers and at more than twice the price of these. I paid $14.89 for the Dearfoams, $41.90 for the Evans. How can you beat this? Perfect! Highly recommended.

I'll report back in later, in a few months, on the durability.

Birkenstock Eaton Clog

So everyone knows Brikenstock shoes are good for your feet, especially sore tired at the end of the day achy feet. But when you have foot problems like I do - you really need to have several pairs around. For the rest of you - these shoes are great to put on after you kick your work shoes off. So much better than going bare foot!!

I like these becuase they look dressy and sharp and not so hippy-ish like most of their sandals do.

Even thought they are closed around the toes - they are still airy.

I love Birks. I bought a pair for me and my daughter. A word of advice though. Try them on in a store first. Some Birk shoe lines - like these from their original line - have a high toe bar - the ridge under your toes on the inside sole. They may be too uncomfortable at first for some. After experience using these - you learn they help your toes grip the shoe as you walk.

I only gave a 4 becuase I keep wishing Birkenstock would offer more shoes with their cushion over the cork foot bed. Those are so wonderful. But honestly I have no problem with the hardnes of these becuase it cups your foot and feels good.

I think they look smart enough to wear a lot of places. Since I do not wear heels - these were a good shoe at a great price !!!

Robeez Infant/Toddler Bootie

I bought a pair of these (in navy blue) for my baby son several months ago. We live in Minnesota, and I thought they would be nice and warm (and cute) for the winter months. Soon, I realized that not only are they warm and cute, but also the best thing since sliced bread. Or, in the world of babies, the best thing since the invention of disposable diapers. If your baby's socks fall off and leave you searching for its mate, or trying to figure out clever ways to keep them on (tucking them in pants, etc), then this bootie is definitely something you'd love too. Never *ever* has a bootie fallen off, even with crawling, jumping, climbing, etc. So, his feet are toastie warm all the time. Since he is outgrowing the navy booties, I just bought the next size up in brown.

Hooray for these Robeez booties! I wish they'd had these for my first two kids!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Teva Women's Hurricane 3 Sandal

Teva took form and function into consideration to deliver this easy, ultra-wearable sandal. The Hurricane 3 features pliable webbing straps with two points of adjustability, a grippy, comfort-molded footbed, along with the casual Teva style you've loved forever.

This was a new brand for me. I had been looking for this style and color...so, I was very pleased to find it. I tried it on as soon as I got it and kept wearing them. Sooo comfortable!

Teva Women's Estia Moccasin

Easy does it! Teva's Estia moccasin has the soft fabric upper, padded collar and insole, dual elastic gores, and cushiony outsole to bring you complete comfort and a great feeling. What's with the extra positive vibes? Since it's made from recycled materials, it'll not only do good for your foot, but for the environment, too.

These shoes are super comfy and a great look too! For under $20 what more can you ask?? Great service.