Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bostonian Men's Tahoe Oxford

Averaging about $100, the Bostonian Tahoe is a moderately-priced shoe sporting a high-end look. The shoe itself is manufactured in India, yet has a sheen that reminds folks of Italy.

The debate about shoe sizing is interesting to me, because I see two folks say that they downsize by a half-size while another person says they upsize by the same measure. Since I fall into the latter category (wearing 9.5 Bostonians versus 10.0 normally), I guess I even up the mark. Given the variance, I'd suggest Bostonian sizing is pretty standard.

I bought these shoes because they fit well and looked nice - no great epiphany there. Whether they last for several years is yet an unknown question. But after being in business for more than 100 years (powered by the lovely waterfalls of the northern Boston suburbs), they seem to have a pretty good bead on what folks are looking for... and given the new manufacturing site in India, also what they're willing to pay.

Bostonian features "First Flex" construction, which suggests that the shoes need absolutely no break-in period. I'll admit that's a lie, as did the salesman from whom I bought these shoes (his took about 2-3 days to feel comfortable). But hey, do you believe every marketing slogan you read?

If you think they look good, and if they feel good on your feet, I'd say buy 'em. For the price and character, you're entering both a known quantity and a good product history.

Bostonian Men's Bach Cap Toe Oxford

These shoes are a perfect fit for me. Most of the time the W widths are not wide enough, but these fit like a glove. Craftsmanship ship is very nice. The bottoms are a little squeaky on hard floors until they get broken in.

Bostonian Men's Akron Oxford

This was my first ever on-line shoe purchase and I was very pleased. These shoes arrived in flawless condition due to the superior packaging. They fit and look better than I had expected and I will certainly order these again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Bostonian Men's Helios Slip-on



I have a variety of different Bostonian and other manufacture shoes but I am on my 5th pair of these black "Helios" dress slip ons and they are by far the most comfortable, wear well and look great with anything. I just purchased 2 more pairs. I am in the business world and am on the road and my feet alot. Cheers~

Friday, June 13, 2008

Betula by Birkenstock Cocoa Brown Nubuk 3 Strap Sandal


Supposedly these sandals were manufactured by another company under Birkenstock specifications. However, the sizing to me is off. I have many size 37 Birkenstock sandals which fit perfectly--even though I wear an American size 8.5 Wide. These, however, are really too small. I didn't get around to returning them within 15 days. I thought it would be safe to get that size, but I would suggest no one buy these sandals on-line unless you don't mind sending them back if the size isn't right.

Betula Newalk by Birkenstock Black Nubuk 3 Strap Sandal

I have been wearing Birkenstock, Papillio sandals for over 10 years. These Betula Sandals are not built the same. First, when I opened box, the smell of sandals is strong. Second, Made in China stamped on shoe. I looked at all the pairs I owned, all made in Germany. Third, after wearing all day, the sandal made my left second smallest toe hurt. I wear Birkenstock sandals everyday for over 10 years, never have I had any foot pain, until I purchased these. Also color of footbed and cork on these sandals as pictured above, is different than on the pairs I previously owned. Maybe China can't duplicate Germany's quality.

Betula By Birkenstock Mocha Brown Suede 2 Strap Sandal


These sandals arrived promply. They fit and feel great. The soles formed to my feet in a couple of days. They are an inexpensive way to buy Birkenstock-like products and are of the same quality. Don't be fooled by any bad reviews.

Betula by Birkenstock Grace Sandal



I ordered two pairs - one was Betula and the other Newalk (both made in China). The Betula was shorter and narrower than my other Birks of the same size (Betulas and made in Germany Birks). I didn't return for an exchange since I would have had to pay for shipping to Midwest Sports and then back again. I think I will stick with the real Birks with the soft foot bed from now on.

Betula by Birkenstock Taupe Tan Suede 2 Strap Sandal

The order was promptly processed and I received the sandals as expected within a few days. However, the sandals were too small, so I returned them and ordered another pair. I returned the sandals about three weeks ago and have still not received a refund for the initial order.

4/21/08

I received a very curteous response that the refund had been processed. My concern was addressed and all is well.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Bearpaw Women's Suede & Shearling Sheepskin 8 Inch Boot - Style 410

I bought these because they were 100% shearling and not an artificial lining. I wear them mainly around the house as a slipper in MI. We have done some home renovations recently (ripping up carpet to expose the hardwood underneath) and that has caused some drafty-ness on the floor in winter. The boots are perfect and keep my feet nice and toasty. They are also comfortable. It isn't like there is arch support or anything, but it's the same as if I had been walking around barefoot, just with warmer feet.
I would recommend these to anyone, and would buy another pair. I found that they were also true to size (I wear a 10 and bought a 10).

Bearpaw Women's Suede Ankle Boot - Style 419 Demi

Great fit, ordered a size 10, usually wear 9 1/2 shoe. Warm, comfortable and surprisingly waterproof. I was unable to order a similar brand due to unavailability and finally decided to try the Bearpaw. Thrilled, that I did, saved a boot-load of money for what I am sure is the same boot.

Bearpaw Womens Leather Cowgirl Boot - Style 635 Westin

I love these boots. They are a little tight on the toe. Probably because they are pointed but I will still wear them because they look so good. I wasnt sure if I would like the crinkle look because Im so picky with clothes and shoes.. everything has to be just how I like it. But these boots are beautiful and great quality.

Bearpaw Women's Suede & Shearling Sheepskin 10 Inch Boot - Style 410

I got these as a christmas gift and was so excited to get them. They were intially very comfortable and I wore them for about 2-1/2 months and then noticed that my feet were getting wet, it turns out the sole has a crack in the bottom of both boots and the sole is also tearing away from the upper part of the boot. I have never owned any boot like this but it seems to me that the sole should be not only glued to the upper but also stitched. These boots are not stitched. I am very disapointed and I will be buying Uggs to replace these.

Bearpaw Womens Suede & Shearling 10" Boots - Style 405 Dream

These boots are very comfortable and were for a great price. They also have a very textured sole so you can wear them in the snow without worrying about slipping. The sizes run a little small, so order a half size larger than your normal shoe size. The top of the boot is also pretty narrow so you won't be able to stuff anything other than skinny jeans into these boots. They keep your feet very warm, but even without socks, your feet can get a little sweaty. Overall though, these are great boots for a great price.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

ASICS® Women's Gel - Kayano XIII Review


I'm a beginner runner, so I can't really share much, but four years a go I had a knee injury while skiing so I was told to buy these shoes from friends who really run. So far I'm starting training for my first competition (Nike 10 Km - Mexico City) and they feel just great.

ASICS® Men's Gel Nimbus 9 Review


Shoes are good, they feel nice on the feet and are comfortable to run in. Haven't put a lot of miles on them yet, but so far they're excellent.

ASICS® Women's Gel Nimbus 9 Review


These shoes are awesome!!! They're extremely comfortable and they do a lot to prevent you from running improperly. I used to get bad shin splints with my old shoes but these are great! No problems - lightweight, super supportive, VERY comfortable. I ran my first road race in them during a rain storm and they managed to still be comfortable and dried very shortly after the rain stopped. Best value for the best price

ASICS® Men's Gel Kayano 13 Review


Great stability and cushioning shoe. I have had trouble with shin splints and my achillies and find these shoes far superior to the 2100 series. Definitely worth the extra money spent, I wouldn't go back to 2100s.

ASICS® Men's Gt 2120 Review


I've been wearing this style shoe for about 7 years. I think it's the most popular running shoe in the country and there's a good reason for that. I mostly walk in the shoes, but I also jog and use cardio machines at the gym. I'm an overpronator, but I don't like too much stability and this shoe has just enough for me. I just completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Houston wearing these shoes (39.3 miles) and I had no foot problems.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

AK Anne Klein Women's Dreams Pump Review



A slightly dressier type heel. Very pretty and quite comfortable. Runs true to size. Nice quality.

AK Anne Klein Women's Tawny Slingback Review



I am an admitted shoe junkie and AK is one of my favorites although her styles can sometimes be a little dowdy. Not so with this shoe -- these slingbacks are absolutely adorable. Stylish and chic, yet COMFORTABLE! Look great with pants, dresses, and skirts. The tawny color has a slight opalescence - overall very rich looking. High heel but not so high you feel in danger of tottering over. Makes legs look long and sexy! Runs true to size. If you need a good-looking, comfortable slingback to complete your wardrobe, this is it.

AK Anne Klein Women's Impress Flat Review



I love these shoes. They run true to size; however, they may be uncomfortable for some bunion suffers due to the cut. It is fairly low on the foot. I own them in the yellow patent too and actually find the patent to be more comfortable than the leather. They are very versatile and you cannot beat Amazon's price!

AK Anne Klein Women's Blush Wedge Slingback Review



Lovely shoe! It's so pretty I hardly want to step on the ground with it. The heels have a similar shine to the patent bronze and the soles are also a shiny gold color. And on top of it all, it's so very comfortable. The only thing I would change is to have a larger peep for the toe. I like to show off my toenail polish designs, and only about half of my big toe peeps out. But, who needs toe designs with such a gorgeous shoe.

AK Anne Klein Women's Maxine Loafer Review



In my opinion these are the best shoes ever. I've purchased 5 pair of the same shoe. I wear these everyday with casual attire and work clothes. Due to the constant wear, as soon as the toe or heel begins to look scuffed, I buy another pair. They are extremely comfortable, and fit my narrow foot perfectly, with no gapping on the sides like most shoes.

AK Anne Klein Women's Lyndsy Loafer Review



I had to throw out a beloved pair of black patent leather loafers because I'd completely worn them out. I was unable to find an exact replacement; the Lyndsy was as close as I could find. they're not quite as cute as my dearly departed shoes but they are close!