TROENTORPS BASTAD Clogs

Check out http://www.troentorptoffel.se/about_troentorp.html">the video for how Troentorps are made.

two ton shoe...kind of funky, alternative

Adidas Smart Shoe

From cnet

Adidas on Friday began selling the first model of its so-called intelligent footwear, a white and gold running shoe known simply as the Adidas-1, which is built around an onboard microprocessor. The shoes retail for about $250. Read the rest here

KEEN Newport Sandals

Overview:
KEEN is a relatively new company in the shoe world. As they tell it "KEEN began in January 2003 with a moment of pure vision, with a simple challenge: Can a sandal protect toes? The answer was yes. The answer was Newport. The end result was the outdoors, reimagined. KEENs imagine a hybrid life merging the desire to be in nature with the reality of our urban and suburban lives. Their company strives to maintain coporate responsibilty, and a philosophy in keeping with the longings of most urbanites who feel compelled to support a company with loftier goals than just profit. You can visit the KEEN website here: http://www.keenfootwear.com/

Specs from Zappos:

The Newport is the foundation of the Keen footwear line.

Designed to perform in the adverse conditions of a marine environment, the razor sipped outsole and 3mm lugs provides excellent traction both on land and on the slick surfaces of boat decks or river rocks.

A true hybrid, the waterproof nubuck upper withstands the abuse of saltwater and dirt, while providing supple comfort and a stylish look.

Non marking outsole rubber compound provides superior coefficient of friction for all environments.

Razor sipped pods on outsole provide increased surface area for greater traction on smooth surfaces.

Compression molded EVA midsole is contoured for superior comfort and support of the foot structure.

Elastic Closure with Cord Lock creates a quick, snug fit, while allowing flexibility.
Waterproof nubuck leather upper wraps around the foot for stability, allowing generous ventilation.

3M Reflective pull tabs provide added visibility during night time adventures.
Toe guard so you can worry about the activity, not your toes.

AntiMicrobial EVA footbed inhibits foot odor and controls moisture.
Sandal weighs 13.9 oz.

Reviews:

In general KEENs get great reviews. Here are 36 reviews from REI a popular northwest outdoor retailer. http://www.rei.com/pwr/product-reviews/Footwear/Sandals-Men-s/Watersport-Sandals/Keen/p/701676-Keen-Newport-Sandals-Men-s.html

Price:

KEEN has several different versions of sandals, standard Newports, and H2 are the most popular. Adult KEEN Newport sandals are around $50-70. Kids, around one half of adults. These sandals are seasonal so look for sales after the summer season. If you are shopping Ebay expect to pick up adult KEEN Newports in good condition for $25-35 and kids KEEN Newports for about half price. Things to look for in KEEN Newports. 1) check for sole wear - If there is significant wear on the sole there isn't much life left. 2)Make sure the toggle that tightens the bungee cord isn't broken and the bungee is in good condition. 3)Tight stitching all the way around. 3)If you buy a pair of KEEN Newports with additional velcro closures make sure there is the velcro is "sticky" and doesn't have alot of junk in it. You can get the junk out but it takes some picking. Everything else is cosmetic and depends on your "vanity quotient".

Here are pics of Two KEENs. The first is the H2 with the additional velcro closure. The second is the standard Newport.

Nu Shooz...Point of No Return

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DIY Patagonia Shoes....

Just in case of emergencies. Cool little Patagonia video captures the spirit of the company.

Shoe Moves Contest of the week...Guess the Shoe.

If you are a serious shoe gawker you need to be able to reconize shoes on the fly, hence this contest. Every week we will give you a glimpse of a shoe. Guess the brand and be the first to give the correct answer in our comment section and become a certified shoegawker. Answer in the comment section.

Shoe News...Christian Louboutin leather black booties

from visitflorida: 

"I had been eying a great pair of Christian Louboutin leather black booties for a while now, but hadn’t decided if I wanted to make the investment. All Sharon had to say was “go on, try them on!” Once I did, I was sold. They are one of the most amazing pair of shoes I now own. 

 

Having said that, I am not oblivious that not everyone wants to make an “investment” on a pair of shoes. So since the ankle booties are back in style for the fall, I have some great suggestions on where you can find wonderful, chic and reasonably priced alternatives. 

Choice A is by Enzo Angiolini "Sena" Bootie at Nordstrom for less than $130.  Nordstrom’s has more than 10 stores throughout Florida.  

Choice B is by BCBGirls “Cheerie” Bootie for the same price and you can find them at Macy’s all over the state. 

Choice C can be found at DSW, the shoe lover’s paradise; the Hand Glide Boot is not only sleek but also a great bargain for $50. 

I know the summer is not over yet, and the warm weather makes it a little early for boots. But its never too early to start working on your fall look!!  Before you know it, it will be right upon us."

Blue Suede Shoes

Shoe News...largest shoe in the world

"Worlds largest shoe. Located at the Marikina Riverbanks Center, Philipines,
 Certified by the Guinness Book Of World Records.
measurres 529 centimeter(5.29 meters)long measures 237 centimeters(2.37 meters)width is made of genuine leather and upper lining it took 77 days to finish(August 5, 2002 to October 21,2002) can be worn by a person with a height of 125 feet can fit 30 people inside the shoes can produce 250 pairs of regular shoes from the materials used."

Dansko Professional Clogs

Overview

Dansko Professionals are one of the most popular shoes that are sold these days. They are ubiquitous in the medical field. Nurses love them as do many in who spend their time in the operating room on their feet for long hours at a stretch. They are also popular with chefs, waitresses, retail salespeople and many others who are on their feet a lot. One of the slightly confusing things about Dansko is that for a while they used another company called Sanita to make their soles. They have since changed and now Sanita has it's own line of clogs but you will occasionally find older Danskos with both the Dansko and Sanita logo.

Dansko Professional clogs are highly rated for comfort, durability, cuteness and stain resistance. The only two areas where minor complaints exist are with regard to stability (particularly on uneven surfaces) and getting a correct fit. (Your heel should lift slightly with walking). Danskos in general get Rave reviews.

Here is a pretty cute video from the Dansko home page about how Dansko started: http://www.dansko.com/flash_fw08.aspx#innersole,0

Dansko Professional Clog Description

• Breathable full-grain leather uppers are oiled for water-resistance and durability; leather-lined, padded collars add comfort across instep
• Oiled leather may occasionally appear to have light scuffs—rub lightly with fingertips to smooth out scuffs
• Leather uppers are securely stapled to the outsole units for durability
• Protective polyethylene heel counters offer lateral stability and act as natural shoe horns, letting heels move up and down while walking
• Non-allergenic, vegetable-tanned leather sockliners wrapped around Poliyou® synthetic foam footbeds manage moisture
• Poliyou footbeds consist of a breathable, recycled EVA foam for cushioning with antimicrobial treatment to control odors
• Polypropylene inner midsole supports allow heel-to-toe flexibility and side-to-side stability, reducing torque and overpronation
• Molded polyurethane outsole/midsole units offer full flexibility, dependable shock absorption and non-slip traction
• Rocker-bottom outsoles propel feet forward for easier walking; slip-resistant outsole design carries SATRA approval
• Proudly carries the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association

Customer Reviews:

Here is a series of customer reviews from the popular outdoor store REI: http://www.rei.com/product/619184

Price:

Most Dansko Professional clogs run about $100.00+ new. If you find any below $80.00 you have found a good deal. If you are looking on ebay you should be able to pick up gently used Professionals for about $40-$50. The things to look for in used Professionals are: 1) the heel should only be modestly worn, especially on the lateral edge. You should be able to see all or most of the grooves in the heel and sole 2) The upper should not have rips or stains. There is a rim of padded material where the top of the shoe touches your foot. Check to make sure it is not badly worn or cracked. If you are buying white Professionals they will most likely have a few scuffs it just depends on your tolerance. 3)modest wear on the insole, 4) tight stapling around the edges.

If you have a comment or review feel free to post it in the comment section.

Earth Shoes...Movement Vitamin?

Earth shoes are touted as having a new biomechanical design which positions your toes higher than your heels thus creating a host of biomechanical benefits including stronger leg muscles and resolution of some foot problems. I have had a few pairs of these and they seem to be well made shoes with a sturdy, sticky latex sole,a lightly padded insole and a variety of upper designs most of which have a nice deep toe box. You should definitely try them on prior to purchasing as you do feel like you are standing in a bit of a hole when first wearing them. There are two different types of Earth shoe, one with negative Kalso technology (i.e the low heel high toe kind) and regular biomechanical design. Make sure they have the logo like in the picture if you want the biomechanically unique ones.


They are very affordable, ranging in price from $30-90. They are found easily on ebay and you ought not have to pay more then $30-40 for them plus shipping. Look for shoes with minimal wear on the sole, heel, and insole and no more than a few scuffs on the uppers.

Here is a pair of "Intrigues" I recently bought. You can see how the sole up near the toe is fatter than the sole at the heel.