Vionic Shoes With Orthotic Arch Support

If you have high arches like I do and must walk miles on concrete, you get to a point you'll only buy shoes with solid arch support to avoid feet pain (and surgery) in the future. Ideally all your shoes should stabilize your heels too, but doctors know people desire sandals during the summer. If we must wear flip flops, pediatrists have said Vionic flip flops with arch support are way better than other flimsy options.

Vionic shoes are reported to have a footbed with 3-zone comfort (arch support, cushion and stability) to deliver ultimate arch support. The company slogan states its purpose: "Designed to support you, made to move you!

The orthotic shoes are expensive, yes ... yet not Chanel or Dior expensive, and they go on sale several times a year. It's worth monitoring the brand to snatch up a pair during one of its promotions. I have 2 pairs of leather ballet flats and a pair of block high heels I got greatly reduced. And while I'd rather not pay full price, it's not "designer" unreasonable for such quality, supportive, durable and classic shoes. 

No longer will I buy fashion shoes that only look good. Nowadays I don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Vionic orthotic arch support shoes are as chic as non-orthotic shoes! The company just launched their new spring collection. It's a brand I own and highly recommend! 

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Bite The Bullet For Vionic Shoes

Vionic Desiree Quilted Ballet Flat - meet my new fall shoe!

If you have high arches, there is nooo way around buying shoes with solid arch support if you ever want to wear ballet flats or sandals, including flip flops. I do wear Old Navy rubber flip flops around the house and my neighborhood, but never, ever if I plan to walk more than a few blocks on city concrete.

Memory foam never works for me for more than a day. With wear rather than forming to the shape of my foot, the form decompresses flat as a pancake. Naturalizers, always stylish and moderately priced, are made of leather too soft to hold my feet in place as I walk, and without steadiness, my feet feel tired at the end of the day.

So far the most supportive shoes I've come across with excellent arch support are made by Vionic. Unfortunately, they are expensive, although "cheap" compared to many overpriced designer shoes, as well as, foot surgery and pain!

Also consider this truth: We're ALL falling apart every year of our lives, wearing out various body parts day-by-day!😅🦶🦷 As we age, we lose the fat layers under our feet; and our muscles and tendons lose elasticity which can lead to foot pain. Good supportive shoes prevent futher damage and pain. Paying the piper for a proven benefit is a must. For happy feet, do it!

They have a Chanel look if you think about it.

Have you noticed how many brands of shoes are no longer made of leather uppers? I'm open to fake leather for jackets or purses, but shoes are the one item I really need to stick with real leather over man-made materials if they're going to be problem-free. Leather shoes mold to my feet and let my tootsies breathe. Often man-made materials have no give, and they buster. The shoes are stiff and hot, not so with genuine leather.

Luckily I got the last pair of Vionic ballet flats in my size with 30% off of the full price of $119. Let's say like me, you wear a US size 8 - 8 1/2 depending on the shoe brand: Vionic recommends going up 1/2 size (order 8 1/2) for their closed-toe shoes, and go down 1/2 size (order an 8) in their sandals. With choice galore, I wouldn't have bought a quilted look, however, I think the style will grow on me. What I love is the upper Nappa leather with the dressy patent leather toe and what Vionic calls a "biomechanically designed" footbed to hug my arches. It's some sort of orthotic comfort arch support -- and that is why customers bite the bullet for Vionic shoes.

Vionic Tide Aloe Toe Post Sandal - Bite the bullet if you can't find a sale. 

I just ordered Vionic's thug sandal based on how good the ballet flat feels. They are podiatrist approved (per my research over the years) "if you must wear thongs." The foot doctors say don't wear them exclusively, switch off. Ideally, you want shoes to stabilize your heels, yet most sandals with heel straps aren't much better than these strapless thongs. With the end of summer sales + an extra 10% off promo, I paid $30. A steal! Normally they are as expensive as the shoes. Know that I was flexible on the style of both pairs of Vionic shoes to find discounts in my size. Both shoes had to be leather as discussed. The sandal had to have one additional characteristic -- a dark interior footbed and sole so the sandals never look dirty. (I was open to black, navy, or pewter colors.)

So these are my shoe tips for feet with high arches + how to score a good price. Vionics are the bomb in comfort!!!🧨 And perhaps one expensive pair with good arch support (per season) is always the way to go. A lesson we often forget when tempted by cuteness, right?


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Glitter Shoes For A Pick Me Up

Bottega Veneta Almond Leather Glitter Pumps here. You know what makes these shoes look chic instead of nerdy? The glitter!!

If you read my blog regularly you may notice that I like glitter and shiny things. On a dark background, such as black or navy blue, rhinestones (or the more costly crystals if you can afford them) pop to jazz up, not only your shoes but your entire outfit. I have 2 pairs of high heels accented with rhinestones that I often wear paired with a little black dress to attend galas. Dressy, fun and timeless!

So today let's do a quick roundup of glitter shoes in various shoe styles:

Miu Miu Crystal Heel Patent Pump (Returns in November)

Although the style changes slightly from year to year, top shoe designer Miu Miu launches their crystal heels every November (just in time for Christmas and New Year's parties, and it's become one of my holiday rituals to go into their flagship store on West 57th Street to admire them, but I can't bring myself to pay the 4-figures dollar amount for a pair. These are the shoes that would be in my wardrobe if I weren't too cheap to buy them! 

Skechers Double Up Eye Candy here

Now we will travel to the land of affordability ...  these equally pleasing and casual shoes are more likely to be in my closet. You can buy them with a portion of one paycheck, or save up for a pair. Smart with pizazz.

Andy & Zoe Muffin Rhinestone Sneakers here in 6 colors here.

Shimmer sneakers in your favorite color to run weekend errands.

ASOS Design Fairgame Sandles here.

Dream Pairs Ballet flats on eBay here.

As you can see from fancy to casual, glitter can cover the whole shoe, or accent it with the choice of many colors to match your tastes and attire. 

Do you like things that glitter and shine?


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Sandals Made For Walking

In New York City we have no choice but to walk a lot. Even when using public transportation, it's common to walk 10, 15, 20 blocks after getting off at your stop. Concrete is hard on shoes and feet. Shoes wear out fast, and so will your feet if you don't wear the proper footwear on hard city pavement.🍎

Here's a confession: I dislike wearing sandals on city streets, but I do own them, and they are a key in surviving this big Hot Town, Summer In the City. Nonetheless, an entire day of walking will dry out and dirty my little tootsies!🙁 So for days of constant walking, I wear hybrid sandals -- closed toe shoes with sandal-like openings, so I'll include them as an option also.

In my experience sandals must have 2 functions to help you avoid foot problems:

1) Have good arch support;

2) Stabilize your heels.

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3) And they must be cute because you won't wear them otherwise.

Here are my picks of the Best Sandals Made for Walking:
(Not in any order)

1) Women's Ecco Yucatan Sandals - above image↑ - They come in various colors, but the multi-colored ones are my favorite. Well-made, real leather upper and rubber sporty soles that support your arches and stablize your heels, check!

2) Merrell Jacardia Sandals - Any of Merrell's sandals could be on my list. This seems to be this year's edition. Merrell keeps the same basic foot-bed construction of their sandals, but the styles will change. So if you find last season's collection at TJ Maxx, consider buying them for less. With leather upper and man made supportive soles, mine (from 2 years ago) have a thicker, stable, leather heel like the top Ecco pair, yet still look new. So they are durable!

3) Teva Tirra Athletic Sandals - Usually I prefer leather uppers, yet these have a textile upper and sole. However, thousands of customers consistently give them 5 stars, and those reviewers can't all be wrong. Sturdy and well-made, with arch support and stable heels. In tons of colors too.

4) Clarks Morse Tour Sandals - A family owned shoe company that specializes in causal supportive walking shoes, so their sandals are no different. Comes in stone (an off-white), black or brown. One look says the sandal is made for walking on concrete as it's built to buffer your feet from the pounding.

5) Baretraps Solaura Sandals - Another retailer with a variety of super cute styles that offer arch support, stable heels and shock absorbing footbeds. It wasn't easy to pick just one!

6) JBU by Jambu Wild Flower - Technically these are Mary Jane shoes, but I walk all over the city in them while other people are wearing sandals. My feet stay comfortable and clean, so I love them. My 1st pair were in the color charcoal, replaced by denim. They also come in red and black, as well as, other designs. Some people buy them in every color. I tend to buy one neutral hued pair at a time to go with everything. The charcoal pair lasted for 2 summers of constant walking. Initially I worried they looked too juvenile, but I get too many compliments to care! 

These stylish sandals will support feet in all the right places, plus make the extra job of polishing your hoofs worth the effort! As a bonus the sales on summer sandals should begin soon! 


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What's New At Uniqlo: Your Fall Wardrobe

As autumn returns, Uniqlo has us covered in "LifeWear" basics. You can't beat the retailer's innovation, style and value. Here are a few articles that caught my eye for our upcoming fall and winter seasons:

1) Merino-blend V-Neck Long-Sleeve Dress (top↑) - The dress has premium Merino wool with a touch of nylon stretch. Elegant, but easy every day wear. Available in several attractive neutral colors.

2) Women 3D Fine Merino Ribbed Long-Sleeve Dress - Designed seamless, as well as, to keep you cozy and ultra warm on frosty days. Comes in 4 colors. I love it in red. Click the dress link to see them.

3) Women Melange Wool Hooded Knitted Coat - Although the 100% wool knit is listed as a coat, it only provides the warmth of a sweater, which is all we need in early fall; and it has the look of a polished jacket. The pockets and a hood come in handy. Available in navy and brown too, but WOW, the wine is stylish!

4) Shoes and boots!👠👢
Now Uniqlo has a small collection of shoes. I have tried them on in the store, and they are comfortable. No frazzle-dazzle, just the classics: a pointed-toe pump with 2-inch block heels; rounded-toe, ankle boots with block heels; and pointed-toe flats. Unfortunately, the sizes only go up to 8, and of course, there are women who have a bigger foot. (No sizes 8.5 - 11 ... disappointing if one needs it.) Each style is ultra versatile to go with dresses, trousers and skirts. 

Budget-friendly prices for a quality and flattering wardrobe. And now it's your turn to browse at Uniqlo. What do you like?


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The Shoe That Grows

A few days ago, we had fun Oooing and Ahhing over some of Diana, Princess of Wales' stunning sapphire jewelry. Now let's look on the flip side of life. But this too is an uplifting blog, for there exists a shoe company making a difference. If looking for a good cause, you can join them. People get inspired to help others in need around Christmas, during Lent, or anytime simply because they can. 

Do you know that 3 billion people live in poverty -- nearly half the world's population? Moreover, 1/3 of a billion people are extremely poor living on less than $1.25 a day. 

However for the millions of children who can't afford shoes, a non-profit has stepped up to help fill the basic need.

Not having shoes is an enormous hurdle. Not only do shoes save children from cuts and infections from wounds, they stop podoconioisis from getting into their bloodstreams through the soles of their feet, leading to serious health problems. Furthermore, many undeveloped countries do not let children attend school barefoot, so these children never learn to read or write.

And children fortunate enough to acquire a pair of shoes outgrow them leaving them to once again go barefoot, or wear shoes that no longer fit.

On a trip to Kenya, a young American man, named Kenton Lee, noticed this plight and decided to do something about it. He returned home with a vision. Although not an inventor or shoemaker, Lee perfected  a shoe that grows 5 sizes with a child and is made of durable materials -- a sturdy leather upper and compost rubber sole -- to last 5 years. The shoe adjusts and expands in 3 areas to fit a foot as it grows.

For $15 we can buy a pair of shoes for a penniless child. How often do we get to change a life significantly for such a small sum? 

If you wish to learn more, here is The Shoe that Grows' website. 

Have you ever thought about what life would be like without shoes? And what your life would be like without the benefit of going to school? Lastly, did you already know that many children in the world cannot afford something as essential as a pair of shoes?


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Introducing Lori's Shoes Of Chicago

Lori's Shoes Of Chicago is a fabulous find! Launced in 1983 in a vacant storefront on Armitage Avenue by Lori Andre, the entrepreneur has two passions: shoes and gourmet cooking. Thirty-four years (and three sons) later, her business now includes several other brick and mortar stores, as well as, a thriving website. 

Moreover, Lori's business model remains the same: Offer fashionable, high-quality shoes that customers won't find elsewhere at affordable prices. The retailer's shoe buyers select styles from small factories in Italy that are new, fresh and fashion-forward, but not so bizarre and aggressive as to be impractical. 

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Some of the shoes are made in the very same factories as well-known couture brands, but Lori's Shoe stock is aimed for people who don't spend $1,000+ on footwear, yet still covet well-made shoes.

As reported in The Chicago Tribute, her top selling brands include Bernie Mev, Jeffrey Campbell, Franco Sarto, Sam Edlelman and many contemporary brands. The inventory now includes some apparel and accessories also.

Personally, I scored a sleek pair of leather sports ballet flats for $29 (+$8 shipping). With great arch support and athletic rubber soles, they are marked down from $100. What a steal!

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Soulmates High Heeler

Carrie Underwood is wearing a pair.

Soulmates are designed to save an expensive pair of high heels from ruin. How? By fitting snugly onto the heels to prevent them from being destroyed on concrete, cobblestone and subway grates, as well as, stop you from sinking into grass at outdoor events, such as a wedding. 

Nearly invisible when attached, Soulmates are available in 4 colors: clear, black, gold and silver. There are also 3 sizes: classic, narrow and wide to fit different heel widths. Eventually, the protectors stretch out, but for a fair amount of time, they are removable, washable and reusable. Cost: $10 a pair.

Sellers on ebay offer knowoffs for a dollar. Is it worth a $1 risk to pocket $9 on a copy-cat tool? Be sure to read the reviews before taking a chance. 

Whether you pay a buck or a Hamilton, it's a practical way of keeping your expensive heels looking new.

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Custom make your shoes: Leather, suade or snakeskin

Listen up shoe lovers: There's a one-of-a-kind shoe experience waiting for you in the heart of New York City's Garment District. Modern Vice, located at 247 West 38th Street, has a showroom, leather room, design studio, glass shoebox and factory on its premises. And, the manufacturer of  private label shoes gives tours!

Experience shoe making in person by taking a tour of the factory to watch experienced cobbers at work. On a visit, you can either buy shoes at factory direct prices from the showroom, or get fitted, select your own leathers and work with the designers to custom make your boots and shoes.

The experience is a throw back to another time. For a reasonable price, you get a handmade, quality shoe that is designed and stitched togther by people who have been making leather shoes for generations.

Wow, Modern Vice is the right name for this shoemaker! The private label shoes are chic, comfortable and affordable.

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The Sneaker Flat

Tory Burch Miles Metallic Perforated Sneaker

When I was a child my mom never wore sneakers. Like Mad Men's Betty Draper, she changed from house slippers into a little heel to begin her day. If she attended a fancy shindig, she slipped from one-inch heels into 2 1/2 inch heels.

Thank goodness those days are gone! We are more casual today, dressing for comfort. However, less formal doesn't have to mean less fashionable.

If you jog or play sports you'll still want to wear Nike's or Adias, especially made for the sport to prevent injuries, but for walking on pavement and running around town, there are a slew of posh sneaker flats on the market. 

They come in a variety of styles, colors and price points. Many are designed to cushion heels and provide arch support minus the chunky appearance of a traditional sneaker.

Recently I noticed that my mom had discovered the sneaker flat! Nonetheless, the more things change, the more things stay the same. Even without a heel, mom always looks polished. These days, there is never a reason to schlep around in ugly footwear ... or a high heel. Nonetheless, she still wears the smaller heel!

Kate Spade New York	Puma Saba Patent
Lands End Everyday Ballet	Salvatore Ferragamo Cap Toe

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Stylin' In Crocs

Crocs Mammoth Lined Flats

Crocs rock! Recently I began wearing their Mammoth velvet lined ballet flats to walk on New York City's pavement. They are cute and supportive while running errands on concrete. Wow! Usually, you only get such comfort in a well constructed, full grain leather shoe.

However, Crocs really knows what it's doing with footwear. A molded Croslite™ material lets your feet breathe, giving you cushioned, lightweight bounce. My high arches have structure, and my toes have enough room in the toe bed.

Crocs Super Molded Iridescent Flat

The bottom soles are skid resistant, and the inside soft lining is anti-bacterial, so I wear them without socks. Not all of the styles have the velvety lining, but they are all designed and treated to wear sockless.

The Mammoth classic rounded toe, ballet flat weighs a mere 4 ounces. That's how lightweight all of the Croc styles are. Ounces not pounds.

Never a Crocs shoe fan until now, I found my pair at TJ Maxx for half price, $14.99, but even at full price, they are a good deal. Perfect to wear in the rain too.

Crocs Huarache Sandal Wedge

Today I am featuring the pinks, a fun color ... because summer isn't over until we say it's over! Long known for their comfort, now Crocs are stylin'!! Click here for men or women to explore other charming styles.

Crocs Kadee

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