Magicarpet from FreeWaters: Great Flip-Flops or Greatest Flip-Flops?

If you’re like me, you probably like to indulge your inner nerd every once in a while and give objective ranking assignments to art that can only be subjectively measured. Greatest symphony of all time? Beethoven’s Ninth. Greatest painting of all time? The Mona Lisa. Greatest flip-flops of all time? The FreeWaters Magic Carpet.

Image used by permission from freewaters.com

Of course, in order to be called the greatest of all time, you usually have to do a bit of genre-defying. Beethoven did it by bringing in a choir to sing on his symphony. The Magic Carpet accomplishes its own respective feat by making a flip-flop that looks like a flip-flop but is capable of the kind of performance you’ve never even thought of attempting in similar-looking shoes. In other words, this might be the rare instance that a pair of flip-flops is actually “running-ready.” Or, as FreeWaters puts it, “a running shoe disguised as a sandal.”

While the overall design might appear to be that of an ordinary flip-flop, there are some subtle things here that make this the kind of flip-flop that Bruce Wayne would keep around in the Bat Cave. Consider the reduced pinching of the neoprene flex panel, or an underbelly that not only splashes out water like a car tire, but keeps the foot cool for the summer excursions you’ll no doubt be enjoying in these things.

But the overall result of all the effort placed into the Magic Carpet is not only a great flip-flop, but a flip-flop that essentially transforms when you run: it fits well with your foot and even provides some nice spring-action for your steps, similar to the way a running shoe would. You know how they say don’t run around the pool? Well, you still shouldn’t, so be wary of the temptation to do it when you snap these sandals on.

How highly can we recommend these? Well, if the comparisons to the Mona Lisa and Beethoven’s Ninth were too subtle for you, we’ll just say that the Magic Carpet is probably as close to a perfect sandal as you’ll find in a generation – when, we’re assuming, they’ll actually be able to lift you out of Earth’s orbit and serve you lunch. Until that technology arrives, this flip-flop is the pair to own.

Fit Perfect.  Special Build.  Don’t Stink.  Quick Dry. Clean water for people who need it (for 1 year).  ‘Nuff said.

Magic Carpet on Moonlight Beach, Encinitias, CA

This sandal is called: Magic Carpet by Freewaters.
Color tested: “BKB” (Black, Blue, Grey)
Buy them if: you want to  provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year.  Or, you just want to own the most comfortable flip-flop on the planet – or in orbit.  We like to call this a “win-win.”
Forget them if: ….well, we say don’t forget ‘em – that would be a sad vacation.
Tested on: sand, dirt, asphalt, beach sidewalks, city sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Highest and best use: Wherever, whenever.  (Well, in the winter you might consider a sweet pair of toe socks.)

Tip: Perfect recovery footwear after your long trail run.

http://www.freewaters.com

*Disclosure: Sandals provided by Freewaters (MSRP $60).  If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Vibram Five Fingers “Floves” For 2011

In 2011, Vibram will be releasing new and exciting Five Fingers shoes.  Nearly everyone has seen Vibram’s unique line of foot-gloves (a.k.a. “Floves”) known as Five Fingers.  When first introduced in 2006, they were different.  They weren’t like anything anyone had ever seen.  They drew attention for their strange appearance and questions about comfort, durability and versatility.  By now, all types of Five Fingers shoes are well known to be comfortable, heavy duty and long lasting.  They just don’t break down like typical running shoes.  For 2011, and just as flexible and comfortable as their predecessors, the new Vibram offerings include a brand new line for kids and a new adult style designed especially for runners.

The Bikila LS, Vibram’s first of its kind running shoe, is as innovative to minimalistic running as the original Five Fingers was to the  shoe industry.  The “Bikila” named after Abebe Bikila who in 1960 rejected a fresh pair of Adidas shoes and ran bare foot just like he trained.  The Bikila LS is the first Five Fingers model to feature laces, added to provide perfect fit and customization.  This shoe’s sole is also different than the rest of the Five Fingers line, specially designed to propel your forward as you run and literally keep “you on your toes.”

Bikila Sole *Image courtesy of fitness footwear

Vibram’s kid sized Five Fingers are anxiously awaited but the details of this new line remain a mystery.  Parents with kids who love to be barefoot will take solace in being able to protect their child’s feet while still allowing them the pleasure of bare feet.  Vibram has so far released very few details regarding this addition to their Five Fingers line, but parents and kids alike are sitting on the edge of their seats for the release date.  So are we.

Wonder what barefoot dress shoes will look like?

Are you searching for an eco-friendly, handcrafted, organic pair of canvas shoes with more history than your high school text book?   Look no further than the Espadrilles.  This Spanish shoe is the oldest of all of our shoe reviews and has been in use and in style for over 4,000 years.  The shoes name “Espadrille” is derived from “esparto” which is a kind of plant that was originally burned then braided to make the soles.   Each shoe is entirely hand-sewn especially for your feet, in a small Spanish town named la Rioja, in Northern Spain.

Speaking of history, if you remember “The Hoff’s” show “Night Rider”, and wore “OP” cord shorts, had a collection of 8-tracks, or you rode in a wood-paneled vehicle, then you will remember these shoes were also hot in the 80’s.  They are again back in style along with Sperry Topsiders, penny loafers and Vans.

*Image use by permission from espadrillestore.com

Shoe Type: Comfortable Casual
Shoe Construction: The soles are made of jute and rubber.  The sole will mold to your feet and allows your skin to take deep breaths in the summer heat.  The upper is constructed of canvas that is hand sewn to the sole.
Comfort: We give them 4 out of 5 shoes.
Shoe Fit: Initially the fit is snug, however they will stretch.  Feel free to leave your socks in the drawer when you wear these shoes, unless you’re into braided belts.
Buyer’s tip: These shoes come in whole sizes, so make sure when you order, round up.  If you’re not into flip-flops, then these are your perfect alternative summer shoes.  Men and women both wear these shoes.  Men, stick to the Espadrilles without ribbons.

The shoe is simple and will complement any summer wardrobe, the shoes of the day, Espadrilles with stripes, Ole!

Buy them here!

What are the best recession-proof summer shoes?  SUV’s.  No, we’re not talking automobiles – although these are the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUVs that we could find on the road.  What are all of our readers are telling us?  This is the best, most comfortable shoe for the summer.  Yes, we have reviewed these shoes before and here is what you need to know about these Sanuk’s:

• These shoes are hand-made.  Really.
• Wear them with or without socks.  (If you are over 45, socks are OK with these as long as you have your braided belt on.)
• They feel like a flip-flop but sound like a shoe.
• Get them wet, they will easily dry.  (If you’re the impatient type, hairdryers typically expedite the process)
• A new pair smells like new, an old pair will need washing.
• They taste like….

…well, that pretty much wraps up this review.   In the mean time, send us some to taste test Sanuk and we’ll tell you how close they come to chicken.  The business on top, party on the bottom shoes of the day: Sanuk SUV

You can buy yourself a pair for best deal here.  Or, if you are looking for some additional support, they make a semi-high top called the Sanuk “Outlaw”

My apologies to jetsetcarina, I know you loathe these shoes but, they do come in camouflage so no one would see them on your feet!

Twas  the night after shoe Christmas, by shoesoftheday.com.

Twas the night after shoe Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a person was standing, not even a mouse.
The stinky stockings were hung by the heater with care,
Because a soggy foot and a smelly shoe were filled there.

The children were all passed out from the ghastly smell,
While success stories of Dr. Scholls odor eaters some did tell.
And mamma with her mask, and me clasping my nose,
Had spotted the shoes from whence the smell arose.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The spotlights on our house really made it glow,
outlined each shadow of the people below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But all from inside, with febreze and seeking fresh air.

With a serious shoe problem, I needed help quick,
I knew in a moment, shoes of the day would do the trick.
More rapid and rigorous reviews on shoes they came,
And typed in my browser, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Nike! now, DC! now, Ugg, New Balance and Kashi!
On, Converse! On, Keen! on, Cole-Hann and Salomon!
To the top of the search results they did fall!
Now shoes away! Shoes away! Shoes of the day away all!”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to the reviews,
Bookmarking this website, finding his new pair of shoes.
Now peeling his fingers off of his nose,
And giving a nod, up from the computer he rose!

He sprang to the porch, to his family gave a loud yelp,
And they came wondering how he received such rapid shoe help.
But I heard him exclaim, a new pair of shoes is in sight,
“Happy Shoe Christmas to all, and to all a ‘shoes of the day’ night!”

Next year save your family from smelly feet – find your
next pair of shoes at shoes of the day DOT com!

Excerpts  from ‘Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
By Clement Moore

These shoes are air conditioned and dishwasher safe! The shoes of the day: Hayley’s dishwasher-safe-delights. Thanks for sharing HC!

I don’t know about you, but I have never been worried that the soles of my feet would ever be cold. Well, here’s a pair of phurry phlip-phlops for all you cold souls. I would love your thoughts on the schizophrenic “I-cant-decide-if –I-am-in-Alaska-or-Hawaii” shoes of the day. The Bonsai; not sure if we’re flying north or south for the winter – after all, it is spring! We like these!

See ‘em here “Bonsai Sheepskin Sandals“

Super Fun. Super Funk. Super-funk-tional. That is what you will read when you go to the Sanuk main website – that’s clever folks! One of our readers recommended and requested that I include another winter flip-flop for your consideration and viewing play-sure!

Our shoes of the day reader had this to say about his Sanuks:

Pros: Easy on easy off. They stay on when you need them on, and they stay off when you need them…off….wait a second. Toss them in the washer when they need some cleaning. Then trow them in the dryer. However, we don’t recommend a warm iron, the wrinkles are cool. They are comfortable. You can get away wearing them in formal settings — yeah, that’s right they look good with slacks too.

Cons: Your feet get sweaty the first week of wear, and your shoes start to stink. That’s about it. No worries, wash them and they are okay.

Our reader reports, “there are no real Cons, they are stinking amazing.” I must also write that this particular reader purchased four pairs of them.

If they start to grow hair, contact animal control immediately. Thanks c-the-man for submitting the Sanuk, Men’s Vagabond, the shoes of the day.

Don’t worry Bettys, they have some for you too!

Sanuk – Women’s Donna

Happy walking, wearing, wading, washing and wahrunning.

My new winter flip-flops arrived in the mail today! The best part about these shoes is that all my toes are covered, and I dont have something in between my first and second toe! The supple corduroy, moc style upper is soft and stylish. Yes, they are filled with “faux sheep shearing” to keep your feet toasty-warm. They are light and comfortable and would remind you of the shoes your Dad used to wear when he would read the Sunday morning news paper, but much cooler…no, warmer…no, yes they’re awesome!

From wave surfing to channel surfing these skate style slip-ons are the perfect shoe for comfort, warmth and STYLE. Impress the Bettys and look good checking the Surf at home or on the beach with the indoor/outdoor sole!

The shoes of the day – Men’s QuikSilver Surf Check, because there is always plenty of surf to check…especially here in the “P-Town.”