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

Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is right around the corner, and you are sure to find a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on many college athletes.  Before we start with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a few years, talk about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but one which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make great shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all started with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were good enough or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson designed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he almost signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the first 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most incredible shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a few of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The first pair of Jordan’s made their debut in March of 1985.  The first and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I remember the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I needed these shoes.  Somehow after much persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Although they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them today.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I remember first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  While Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” were dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike think of everything.   Some people waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes were released.  Us?  Well, we just waited long enough for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most successful shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most beautiful shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Remember, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the shoes?

We hope your 4th of July weekend is filled with tasty BBQ food and shoes….all in one meal.

photo credit: Courtesy of Olle Hemmendorff via delish.com

Happy 4th from all of us at Shoes of the day!

We have done a Vibram Five Fingers review but, we continue to hear about them. My aunt sent me an email, “hey, you should review these shoes.”  Next, a good friend; “you’ve got to review these again.” Finally, when I saw Sergey Brin wearing them comfortably in a directors chair, I had to write about them again.  After all, if these shoes are good enough for the co-founder of Google, they deserve a second review.

image courtesy John Biggs crunchgear.com

VibramFiveFingers.com “recommend(s) wearing FiveFingers for exercise, for play, and for fun. Stimulating muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception.”

Do I own a pair? No.  Remember, I suffer from “the-my-second-toe-is-longer-than-my-big-toe-coolness.”  Perhaps Vibram will make a custom pair for me with an extended cab!  If you are done with socks and your toes are tired of co-habitation, get them their own space with the Vibram Five Fingers “Floves.”

Meet the new Lebron VII.  LeBron released his new shoes last week in Akron, Ohio.  Here is what LeBron had to say about his shoes “The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.” Does he need more success on the court?  Talk amongst yourselves.

image courtesy of nike

Now to follow suite from the previous shoes review, we would like to highlight the designer.  These kicks were designed by Nike designer Jason Petrie.  Not only does Jason draw shoes for Nike, but he also collects them.  Nice work Jason.

Buy them if: You have $160.

Forget about them if: You don’t.

The shoes of the day the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII.

We’re all about saving our readers a little dough!   As a follow up to the  STPL X AIRWALK post, we are pleased to offer a $10 off coupon to purchase your next pair.  Now for a little more background on the shoes, and of course your hook up for the coupon is below.   Just in time for the back-to-school season where skate and street fashion trends are hitting classrooms nationwide, Airwalk and street style icon jeffstaple announced the STPLxAirwalk™ brand with its unique skate-meets-street design fusion that incorporates the rich skate heritage of Airwalk with contemporary design influence of jeffstaple.  The new STPLxAirwalk limited-edition fall collection is exclusively available now at select Payless ShoeSource stores and Payless.com for $30 to $50 a pair.

You can read the review here.  You can download your shoe coupon here.

Happy Shoes of the day shopping!

As of August 11, 2009,  you now have 8 new stylish reasons to shop at Payless.  We were selected as wear-testers for the fresh, new Jeff Staple designed “STPL AIRWALKS.”  These kicks come in five very cool styles for men; including the 50/50, the Gambit, the Heaven slip-on and the Terrain.   The ladies get three styles to choose from.  These limited-edition shoes are just in time for back-to-school shopping and won’t break the bank with prices ranging from $30 to $50 a pair!

The samples we received were the Heaven slip-on to wear and review.  The AIRWALK Heaven is a comfortable lightweight, no-lace, slip-on shoe.  We liked the unique and fresh illustrated design and comfy insole.   We didn’t like the slick feel of the non-marking sole.

What? Heaven Twin Gore – MENS STPL X AIRWALK

Why? Because you can get these off and on in a hurry.  Sunny Southern California was the primary inspiration for this canvas upper.  The print on the shoes was created by designer jeffstaple featuring illustrated print of wind, water and waves.  The Heavens are made of fabric, rubber and other man-made materials.

Where? STPLxAirwalk limited-edition fall collection is exclusively available now at select Payless ShoeSource stores and Payless.com.

You need them if: You want a fresh pair of designer kicks that don’t look cheap!

You don’t need them if: You’re “off the wall” about your Vans.

Our take on these shoesoftheday:  Comfortable slip-on shoe and perfect if you’re headed back-to-school, or to California on a budget!

Images were used by permission and nothing we know of was harmed during the writing of this shoe review.  Stay tuned for the official press release and the women’s Airwalk Terralite shoe review.

Vans first came “off the wall” in March of 1966. The first Vans shoes didn’t even have names – they had numbers! The Vans number 44 was their first authentic deck shoe. Vans were the pioneers in the mass production of custom shoes. This is the reason I thought they should be the first review! It all started when one of their customers came into their factory, office and store and said “that’s a nice pink, but I really want a brighter pink.” All it took was that comment from a customer and custom vans were born!

Custom isn’t the most affordable route – be prepared to pay extra for your customizing your shoes. The cool thing is, no one else will have a pair like them – unless you make some killer custom shoes like my friend Lee! Enjoy the shoes of the day: Lee’s custom Vans.

You can build your custom Vans here.

Guten Tag!  It’s Monday, time for a unique shoe review.  Nat-2 is the new convertible 2 in 1 shoe.  Engineered in Munich Germany, these shoes come in 20 different styles with endless possibilities to mix and match.  Buy two pairs, create four different variations.  Buy six….and well, you get the point.  These shoes resemble the original Chuck Taylors, why not copy the king of shoes?

Enjoy the Unique shoes of the day: The Nat-2 convertibles.

*Image Courtesy clevelandleader.com

The Nat-2 Features:

• 2 in 1 function (similar to an El Camino)
• Interchangeable tops, or as we like to call them, “Uppers”
• Stainless and sturdy zipper.
• Flexible abrasion resistant outsole.
•  Shock-absorbing and cushioned footbed.
• Handmade – no sweatshop here.