Shoes Of The Day

I really genuinely wish that I had an El Camino. No, maybe not. But, think of the functionality, it’s a car with a bed and looks best in red. The problem; the constant internal battle for self-affirmation. “Am I a car or a truck? I ride like a car, but I am a truck, no I ride like a truck!” That is why I don’t own one. I need a car that is confident, classy and 4-wheel-drive all at the same time, not just on the weekends — and yes, faux-wood paneling would be ideal. Enter: The AMC Eagle 4-door, 4-wheel-drive, grocery getter. Right, I think I’ll stick to the El Camino. Yeah, these shoes of the day would look much cooler pushing the pedal to the metal in an El Camino REAL!

The “I-can’t-decide-if-I-am-a-boot-or-a-shoe-no-I’m-a-truck” shoes of the day: KENNETH COLE REACTION - Men’s High Note

They say that “you’ll reach a new style high in these Reaction by Kenneth Cole High Note shoe boots.” But really, are you supposed to be hitting high notes? Only in the Rocky Mountains. No El Camino for you.

Let’s stick with the animal theme and talk about these furry, convertible beauties.

The perfect shoes for this time of year, when the temperature swings 27 degrees in one day. Keep them high in the morning when the temperature is low, then fold down the top when the sun is up in the afternoon.

Order 1/2 size smaller for the perfect fit.

The “made for September” shoes of the day: J Shoes - Men’s Shake

Look a lot like “Ta-ton-kuh” to me.

In the city, a black custom “caf” is something you find at Starbucks. “Yeah, I’ll take a grande, triple-caf-half-decaf-double-shot-mocha-mocha.”

In the country, a black custom “calf” is something you find standing next to a cow, although it isn’t rare to see a heifer with a calf at Starbucks. However, I’ve heard that the best custom black calves on the ranch are pure-bred Texas Longhorns, right Mike?

At Allen-Edmonds, Black Custom Calfs are something made exclusively for executive feet. Curl you pinky, grab your tall cold glass of whatever and your cigar, it’s Mr. Steven Stevenson’s mission to completely maintain emerging sources in order to assertively disseminate mission-critical catalysts for change — you can’t say that and get away with it wearing anything less than Allen-Edmonds shoes on your feet, hey Sayges?

Clean sleek lines give this strikingly handsome slip-on dress shoe a very professional look. Subtly catch people’s attention with the rounded toebox with center seam detail, stitching apron style front overlay and matching collar overlay. The smooth leather lining has a cushioned leather-topped insole. The traction patterned dress style outsole is complete with a one-inch capped dress heel. (Glad we had our anatomy lesson yesterday). The sans-lace, metal-less, 100% pure animal calfhide, make this smooth burnished slip style shoe extremely airport-friendly for the executive traveler. This shoe falls into the high-end category, and has everything you would expect from a shoe in the triple-digit price range.

The Shoes of the Day: Allen-Edmonds Men’s Steen Black Custom Calf.

Just be very careful when you “caf“– I’ve heard that can be crazy, especially in Canada!

Before we go any further we need to review shoe anatomy.

Toebox: You guessed it; this would be the roofed area in the front of the shoe, where your toes reside. Most will remember this part of the shoe where a sometimes forgetful salesperson leaves the tissue paper. Remember: blissful toe cohabitation is most likely achieved when the toes are individually insulated.

(**If you are wearing velcro, loafers or sans-laceing shoes skip this and continue reading at “sole”)

Vamp: This is the area of the shoe where the laces are located. Remember, lacing pattern can affect the shoe’s fit. But, if you pull too tight, you are likely to upset your extensor digitorum longus tendons. Yes, the underlying tongue is also part of the vamp.

Eyelets: This is the only place on the shoe where holes are not only appreciated and desired, they are warmly welcomed  for simple shoelace threading.

Sole: The term sole derives from ’solea’ a Latin word meaning “soil” or “ground”

Insole: (Inner Sole) The bottom inside of the shoe that is in direct contact with the foot.

Outsole: (Outer Sole) This is the part of the shoe which makes contact with the Earth.  Right again, this is where the shoe’s traction is located.

Midsole: The midsole is between insole and outsole. This is the most important part of a shoe, because it is where the shoe’s mystery-mix of cushioning and stability are located. Similar to a tube in a tire, when this runs flat, it’s time for a change.

Heel Counter: This part of the shoe stabilizes the heel.  The heel counter is happiest and at its best when you use a shoe horn.

Topline: The part of the shoe that is closest to and touches your ankle.  In athletic shoes, the topline is often padded and referred to as a collar — make sure you check for any rings.

Quarter: This has nothing to do with the US treasury.  This is the complete upper part of the shoe behind the vamp line covering the sides and back part of the shoe.

Upper: This is the top of the shoe and prominently displays the shoe’s colors and the company’s brand for all to see. According to a recent survey, 85% said that the upper aesthetic is the sole reason (pun intended) influencing their shoe purchase. Our survey confirmed that 43.6 percent of statistics are made up on the spot.

The shoes of the day: Adidas Men’s Cup 68 LD for the artful display of color highlighting the anatomy of the shoe.

More than anything, I appreciate the aggressive forward outsole display of consummate v’s! Ahem…yes, these Adidas cups are better suited for your feet.

No more concealed, restricted and easily-punctured air.

Hello open air!

Hello Nike Shox!

My new shoes…of the day: Nike Shox Turbo V+

When you see “turbo” on a motor vehicular, it means it’s fast. Well, so are these shoes. Wish you could have seen me running up and down the isles at the shoe store testing the turbo on these hot-rods. Faster than fast, quicker than quick, I am lightning! Videos to come. Standby. And, Action!

August 24th, 2007. I was wearing my Nike Air Max 360’s and noticed something unusual with my shoes (a feeling similar to getting a flat tire in your car) the midsole had detached from the upper.

I immediately went online to Nike.com. Here is my journey through the return of the Nike. I hope this is helpful if you ever have to return a pair of Nike shoes. I obtained the original email that I sent and what I received from Nike and have included it below.

My email dated: 8/25/2007 04:59 PM “I received this pair of silver/green Nike 2006 air max 360’s under a year ago as a gift. I liked them so much that I purchased another pair, this time red and dark gray. I just noticed (yesterday) that the midsole is detaching from the shoe upper! I thought I was seeing things as they cost $160.00 and as they still have plenty of wear and are in great condition. I would be happy to submit a picture of the detaching sole at your request. As they were given to me, I don’t know where to return them. What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance.”

I received a response from Nike the following day and have included the response dated 08/26/2007 06:45 PM. “Thank you for contacting Nike regarding your Air Max 360’s.

I am very sorry to hear about the problem you have experienced with your shoes, the soles detaching from the shoe. I would like you to know that Nike stands behind its products for material or manufacturing flaws.

I recommend that you first try to return or exchange your product at the place of purchase. If you have already tried this, or it is not an option for you, please review our return guidelines at http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=40.

Then, to receive specific return instructions and a claim number, please contact our automated system at 1-800-344-6453, and choose option 3 for returns.

We appreciate your business. Thank you for using Nike products and services. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reply to this e-mail.

Sincerely,

Sabrina
Nike”

In the phone message, Nike mentions that they will either send you a replacement of equal value, or send you a gift certificate to be used at the Nike.com store — that is if the package arrives in satisfactory condition meeting all of their stringent return requirements.

Below are the Steps for returning shoes to Nike :

1. You can only return shoes that are under 1 year old.
2. Contact Nike.com customer support. The link is at the bottom of the page.
3. Call the 800 number they provide via email.
4. Obtain a “claim number”
5. Pack-up your shoes (I used a shoe box from USPS)
6. Label the box. MAKE SURE to include your return address and the claim number on the outside of the shoe box on the c/o line.
7. Ship the package. Don’t forget to insure it and get delivery confirmation.
8. Wait for a response. Hope for a replacement or gift certificate. Worst case scenario, you could get your old shoes back.

I was pleasantly surprised to find in the mail box today a letter from Nike - with a nice little gift certificate to be used only at Nike.com. Are these incredibly comfortable shoes? Yes. Will I buy these shoes again? Maybe. Was I pleased with the outcome and how Nike handled this case? Yes.

Oh, right…the shoes of the day: my former Nike Air Max 360’s

I am going shopping, thanks Sabrina! Oh, and Happy B-day pappa “O”

Walking was never better exercise than in these innovative sneakers from Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT). Smooth leather and mesh upper in an athletic technical walking style with layered toe overlays side stripes and MBT logo heel overlay. Full lace up front with quick pull lace loops padded tongue and collar soft fabric lining and cushioning anti-bacterial insole. Masai Barefoot Technology(R) simulates barefoot walking for improved gait and fitness. Shock absorbing midsole traction patterned sole. Includes DVD.

Swiss engineer Karl Muller developed and patented a unique sole construction that activates muscle groups need to coordinate and stabilize the body when walking or standing. Masai Barefoot Technology creates a natural soft surface underneath the feet, so that every little step step you take acts like a tiny fitness exercise. Even standing has a training effect on the muscles, stabilizing your entire musculoskeletal system. One MBT wearer says “There is only one word to describe my MBT footwear: Fantastic!” I must admit, when I put them on my feet for a test drive, I truly felt more coordinated until I looked in the mirror and couldn’t stop staring at the rocking chair foot bed.

MBT offers help for: 1. Back, hip leg, foot, joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. 2. Reduces stress on the knee and hip joints. 3. Activates neglected muscules. 4. Tones and shapes the body. 5. Improves posture and gait.

If you want a shoe that is comfortable for walking and standing, this is your shoe. If you want a shoe that will impresses the opposite sex under the age of 52 - then, this is nacho shoe.

Get comfortable in your rocker, these shoes start at $244.99 “But wait, thats not all - if you order right now, they will also include this incredible walk, wear and stand MBT DVD.” You know a pair of shoes is 100% for-real when it comes with a digital manual. Hey, think of it this way, these could save you 10 to 12 co-pays at your chiropractor’s office.

Enjoy the shoes of the day: The Men’s Sport Masai Barefoot Technology. Yes, they come in Betty flavors too!

You’re right, its time for another Betty review. One of our incredible readers recommended and requested that I include a review for the Chella heels.

Our reader writes: “These are the Chella t-straps that I’m dying for. You can find them at cool girl shoe heaven, Anthropologie. They’re now 25% off…which makes them only…uhm…299.95.” A bargain for all you fashion divas.

Here are the specs:

Rubbed suede is reminiscent of a dew-dusted valley. Styled with an asymmetrical t-strap. By Tracey Neuls.

• Ankle button
• Leather upper, insole, sole
• 2.5″ cone heel
• Italy

These heels are highly recommended for cool people who want comfort, style, fashion and a shoe with dew-dusting as a descriptor. Shoes of the day: Chella t-straps.

If you like cheese, get your Parmesan shoes here.

If you like dragons, then you will love these. If you love dragons, then you will like these even more.

Embroidered, brown, laceable, made in Italy and made by Mark Nason, the shoes of the day: Men’s Embroidered Dragons.

If you can still afford to buy pasta, then you can certainly afford these.