Style Solutions: What to Wear to a Spring Wedding?
By Meghan Cass
Flowers have popped up from the earth, kids are counting down the last days of school… and “save the dates” have arrived in the mail. Yes, spring wedding season is almost upon us. June is the most popular month for couples to wed, so if you have a fête to attend, the time to shop is now.
Libby Salerno
Comfortista consulted Libby Salerno, a Chicago-based personal stylist specializing in weddings and special occasions for advice on choosing shoes that will keep you looking stylish through a night of tears, toasts, and plenty of dancing.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great pair of shoes you can wear to a wedding, and everyday afterward,” she says.
Comfortista agrees, and edited the following selection of versatile styles that you can wear to the ball and beyond. (more…)
Shoe Obsession: The Orthaheel Tide
By Meghan Cass
If there’s one summer sandal FootSmart women can’t live without it’s the Orthaheel Tide.
The chic, casual style created by Australian podiatrist Phil Vasyli has revolutionized the flip-flop conundrum. You know how it is: you want to slip on those flat rubber cheapies to run errands around town, get a pedi, walk the dog… maybe even to work if you are lucky…
But then, inevitably, your arches start to ache, the toe post grates on your skin or worst of all, you suffer a wipeout thanks to the tractionless bottoms.
Not so with the Tide. Like all Orthaheel styles it has hidden built-in orthotics that stabilize and support your feet while reducing stress on ankles and knees. The toe post is soft woven and the straps are foam-lined to prevent blisters and abrasion.
“I am on my feet all day and would have severe pain after wearing other flip-flops all summer,” says Kandace, from Pennsylvania.
“I had a consultation with an orthopedist and was contemplating surgery until I tried Orthaheels.”
Kandace credits the shoes for her recovery.
“I run and do step exercise daily and do not have any further problems or pain with my feet at all,” she says.
In addition to comfort, the Tide gets serious style points.
“It was inspired by our original Wave sandal,” says Lisa Bazinet, VP of marketing for Vasyli LLC, Orthaheel’s parent company.
“Customers loved it but wanted more fashion. We added a patent accent that really dressed up a favorite style.”
Now in its third season, the Tide comes in a rainbow of shades including brights, neutrals, and metallics.
“Blueberry has been really hot this year – it’s a great denim complement,” said Bazinet.
Comfortista loves Gold Wash. The subtle shimmer looks great against all skin tones and polish colors.
“[Thong sandals] represent casual lifestyle and convenience. And they’ve become a lot more acceptable fashion-wise,” said Lisa Bazinet.
“Putting them on is like taking yourself on a mental vacation.”
So stock up, ladies. You heard it here first – these go fast!
What Makes a Sandal “FootSmart”?
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on June 25, 2010
Casual, go-anywhere styles… strappy, dressy sandals: I love them all! Because these summer staples get more wear than any other shoe at this time of year, we make sure that all of our sandals are “FootSmart.” We evaluate thousands of styles to select only great-looking sandals that deliver exceptional foot comfort. You can be sure that each one has one or more of the following features: anatomical footbeds, flexible uppers with adjustability, orthotic-friendly footbeds, superior shock absorption, superior arch-support and leg toning / strengthening benefits. Look for these foot-pleasing features from favorite brands like Easy Spirit, Merrell, SoftSpots, Naturalizer, Clarks and many more.
Shoes featured in this post:
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| SoftSpots | Naturalizer |
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| Clarks | Merrell |
Pool & Beach Sandals… Made for Summer Fun
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on June 25, 2010
Q: I spend a lot of time poolside during the summer. Do you have any suggestions on comfortable sandals that will stand up to water, heat and more?
A: You’re smart to be thinking about sandals for days by the pool, and you’ll find a great selection of comfortable Pool & Beach Sandals at FootSmart! Our casual styles will help keep your feet protected from hot cement and sand. Plus, slip-resistant outsoles are an important feature to have on slippery pool decks! We have a great choice of bright, colorful and affordable sandals from favorite brands like Teva, Crocs, Merrell and others. No matter which you choose, we’re sure they’ll add plenty of fun to your days in the sun!
Shoes featured in this post:
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| Crocs | Merrell |
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| Teva |
Sandals Under $50
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on April 19, 2010
Spring is in full bloom, and that means it’s time to update your wardrobe with the latest comfort shoes. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank when purchasing sandals that feel as amazing as they look. Think casual thong styles… perfect for on-the-go days, lounging poolside, anytime! I have hand-picked dozens of sandals under $50 in the season’s must-have colors that– an affordable way to build your shoe selection. You’ll walk comfy all day in the Teva Mush thong sandal, with its shock-absorbing insole and enhanced arch support. Crocs lovers take note: the Crocs Patricia slide is an easy-on, sporty design that is loaded with the Croslite comfort features you love. You’ll also find versatile favorites from WalkSmart, FitFlop and many more. At prices like these, you can afford to buy a pair for just about every occasion!
Shoes featured in this post:
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| Teva Mush | Crocs Patricia |
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| WalkSmart Sport Slide | FitFlop WalkStar |
Comfortable Sandals for Wide Feet
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on April 5, 2010
In search of great-looking, feel-good sandals for your wide feet? Look no further than FootSmart! All of our sandals undergo a strict selection process to ensure that they are both beneficial and comfortable… and this includes our wide width sandals. You’ll find a great selection of the season’s best colors and styles from the comfort brands that you trust. Soft Style by Hush Puppies Chic Stretch slide is stylish and super comfortable with stretch fabric straps and a cushioned step. The New Easy Spirit Fabiola everyday sandal feels light as air with Anti-Gravity construction. If it’s extra wide widths you need, you’ll love the casual looks of the Hush Puppies Angya fisherman-style sandal and the SoftSpots Adona with a cushiony soft, foam footbed.
Shoes featured in this post:
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| Soft Style by Hush Puppies Chic Stretch | Easy Spirit Fabiola |
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| Hush Puppies Angya | SoftSpots Adona |
Spring Must-Haves: Huaraches
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on April 5, 2010
A warm-weather favorite for years, Huarache sandals are known for their strappy, woven leather uppers, a design that originated hundreds of years ago in Mexico. Today’s designs keep many of the traditional style elements, but our selection takes them further with the comfort and technology features that you crave. Look for gentle support, pillow-like cushioning and features like the Air Circulation System to keep feet dry and comfortable. You’ll find styles from favorite comfort brands like SoftSpots, Brand X and more in the season’s best colors. Wherever your Spring adventures lead, Huaraches carry you with ease!
Shoes featured in this post:
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| SoftSpots | Brand X |
Spring Forecast: Comfy, Colorful Style
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on March 18, 2010
Q: Spring is right around the corner, and I am really looking forward to sandal season! Can you give me some insight into what colors and styles I should look for in 2010?
A: Spring is definitely on the horizon and that means lots of colorful, comfortable sandals. There are many reasons that I love Spring, and tops on my list are cool, strappy sandals or heels in a variety of colors! This season, you’ll see a return of some of your favorites like huaraches and gladiators. Plus, you’ll want versatile wedges, thongs and flats to round out your options. What about colors? I think you’ll love the new neutrals! Shades of sand, beige, cream, latte and caramel provide a versatile foundation for your springtime wardrobe of brights and patterns. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of color with a return to brights (think citrus shades of orange and green).
Check out some of our Spring favorites. If you love the lightweight comfort of Crocs®, try new Crocs Farrah sling-back wedges. In a departure from their usual style, they have an elastic heel strap for a better fit and a heel height of just over 3″! Dressy occasions call for a pair of Sofft Sabatina gladiator sandals. These croc-print leather shoes add a glamorous look with comfort to spare! In search of a comfy, go-anywhere slide? Easy Spirit Get Real blooms with comfort. The versatile leather upper has a soft, latex foam footbed and a 2″ heel. You’re going to love Spring at FootSmart!
Shoes featured in this post:
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| Crocs Farrah | Sofft Sabatina |
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| Easy Spirit Get Real |
A Few of My Favorite Thongs
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on March 18, 2010
With the return of warm weather, my thoughts naturally turn to thong sandals. They are a consistent favorite for many, and I am frequently asked if there are notable differences between the types or if there are certain styles that I favor. The simple answer is yes; however, each style has special features that set them apart. The Moszkito Archy features tooled leather straps and extra arch support for those who need it. I also like Island Hawaii Island Thong, a handmade sandal that is so comfy and lightweight you’ll forget you have it on! SoftSpots Camilla slips on easily with adjustable hook-and-loop side straps and cushiony Pillow Top™ memory foam footbeds. The New Aravon Robin combines feminine style with New Balance athletic engineering for additional comfort. The difference lies in the sculpted, deep heel cup and arch support, while supple leather straps have adjustable, hook-and-loop closures for a customized fit. One thing is certain: with so many comfortable styles to choose from, I am sure you will be happy with your final decision!
Shoes featured in this post
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| Moszkito Archy | Island Hawaii Island Thong |
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| SoftSpots Camilla | Aravon Robin |
Shoes for Problem Feet: Heel Pain
From the Comfortista Archive. Originally posted on March 18, 2010
Q: Help! I suffer from plantar fasciitis, which causes lots of heel pain, and it’s very challenging to find shoes that don’t make the pain worse. Can you recommend any shoes that would be comfortable with this condition?
A: You’ve come to the right place! If there is one thing we understand at FootSmart, it’s problem feet. We specialize in comfortable shoes, but did you know that we also carry shoes that are designed specifically for plantar fasciitis and other painful foot conditions? In fact, I think you will like the choices that you find. From sporty sandals and thongs to cozy slippers, you’ll find styles that are perfect for Spring… and for your comfort level.
Whatever style you prefer, the most important thing to consider when shopping for shoes is arch and heel support. Customer favorite, podiatrist-designed Orthaheel Tide thong realigns your feet to their natural position, which improves posture while relieving heel and arch pain. We also have some other great new Orthaheel shoes and colors available. The Orthaheel Seaside slide has classic appeal with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a great fit, plus it features the same pain-relieving benefits as the other styles. Another great casual choice is the Moszkito Wing. Ideal for those with weak or fallen arches, this thong features arch-enhanced footbeds that help align ankles, knees and hips to a natural position. If you’re looking for problem-solving athletic shoes, you will appreciate the New Balance 927 walking shoe. Designed for flat arches, this full-grain leather shoe helps stabilize feet and control overpronation–controlling pain in the process. Regardless of your choice, you will find plenty of stylish pain relief at FootSmart!
Shoes featured in this post
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| Orthaheel Tide | Moszkito Wing |
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| New Balance 927 | Orthaheel Seaside |
