We Talk Shop

I’ve been a Reef wearer for years now, but always end up tossing my shoes not because they are worn out, but because my feet seem to get dirty the older the flips get. When I realized, recently, that my current favorite pair of Reefs (the Tigris) was two years old I decided it was time to go on a search for a new flip-flop.

I’ve become intrigued by Crocs (see my earlier post) recent reinvention of their footwear and a few of my fellow shopgirls own the Croc flips, so I dared to go in search of a Croc that I would actually wear. I was dying to find a pair of the Croc wedge because it looks like something you can wear to the office. I fell in love with this shoe from the Croc Web site, but once I tried it on I knew I couldn’t wear it for any length of time. It was comfortable, but not stable.

So, back to Reef searching I went. I finally found a new model that I thought I would like and that wouldn’t turn my feet black as the shoes age. I opted for a version that is made from a material that seems washable (like a Croc), some kind of rubber. They call it:

• WATER FRIENDLY SYNTHETIC NUBUCK UPPER
• CONTOURED CMEVA FOOT BED
• FULL 360 DEGREE HEEL AIRBAG ENCLOSED IN SOFT POLYURETHANE
• CHURCH KEY TO OPEN YOUR “SODA” BOTTLE
• REEF ICON HERRINGBONE RUBBER OUTSOLE

As you’ll notice, the fourth bullet here mentions a bottle opener. It’s true. My new flips have a bottle opener on the bottom. I don’t intend on using this often, although I have to admit that it did come in handy recently when we were having drinks in the backyard; all I had to do was take my shoe off to open the bottle. I consider this an unnecessary luxury. I bought the shoe for it’s comfort and look. More-so the comfort.

Get it: So, far I am very pleased with this shoe. The only down side is that they are hard to find and they are quite expensive at near $50! Ouch. I got mine at Journey’s in the Florida Mall, but you can also find them at surf shops and other stores, just check Reef.com for details in an area near you.

All I wanted was a pair of jeans that fit, were comfortable and not the ultra low style that is popular. So I started my quest, I had simple needs, all I wanted was a pair that were not too long, too low or too tight (I mean really how do the country singers sit down in those Wranglers - they have to be cutting off their circulation!).

I was starting to lose hope, I had gone everywhere from The Gap to Abercrombie and then one day I wandered into a Lucky Brand Jeans store at the mall. The sticker shock alone nearly sent me packing from the store, but after what seemed like an eternity of searching, I was willing to pay any price just to have one pair of jeans that actually fit.

The sales associate was great, she immediately figured out what I needed, the EasyRider Jeans, and to my shock and amazement, I found jeans that fit me! Amazing! These jeans are great, it’s like they were pre-worn just for me. Perfect! The price still gets me - but to my surprise I found them at the outlet malls for half price.

The staff at the store provided excellent customer service (but again for the price, they should).

Get em: Lucky Brand Jeans store $108.00, Lucky Brand Jeans Outlet store $49 and BJ’s Wholesale warehouse $42

Ok, so I am just as surprised as the next person that I gave into the latest fad and bought a pair of crocs - well actually my husband and my son bought them for me - and they are the flip flops (Athens). 

I laughed when my friends proclaimed that they were the most comfortable shoes that they have ever owned - yeah right.  Well I am here to tell you that yes they are very comfortable, lightweight, extremely ugly, but did I mention that they are so comfortable.  I can not believe it, now I have to tell you that mine are the very fashionable lime and hot pink and surprisely they go with everything!  I’m with the crocs advertising slogan - you gotta get em’!

Git em: Sports Authority has them for $29.99.

First time I laid my eyes on Born shoes, one word came to mind - orthopedic. It had thick looking soles and very unflattering shape for a sandal. But I was desperate for some comfy shoes, and walking on pavement for hours does take a toll on your sole. So I decided to try on a pair (what the heck, it was on sale), and my feet were instantly transported to heaven. The insole was so soft, the leather so buttery and rich looking, you’d think you’re floating on air when you walk! You bet I left the store wearing my new pair of Born!

Since then whenever I know I’ll be walking around for hours, I always wear Born shoes. I admit that some of their current designs still echo that orthopedic look, but lately they have been improving and keeping up with the trends. Here are two that I recently purchased during my trip. The first style on the left is called “Alhama”, the bottom is made of cork, with a good non-slip grip at the bottom. It has stable arch support and the straps are made of leather .

The second pair is called “Panormo”, made of leather (both for straps and insole). These are the comfiest leather sandals I’ve tried to date. The insole has a lot of padding and support, almost like a sneaker. It does squeak a little because of the padding, but I’d rather wear these than chunky Birkenstocks any day.

Git it! Although a bit expensive, Born shoes can be had for cheaper price if you hound your local TJ Maxx/Ross/Marshalls. Also available at Nordstroms. You can check out the styles at http://www.bornshoes.com

Are all flip flops created equal? This was the subject of a chat conversation I had with shopgirl_trang some weeks ago. I have a pair that I got from Walmart - a cheapie for $3.99. I wondered if a high-end brand for a flipflop would make any difference. I mean - what other high end feature can slippers have besides put a padding between your sole and the soil?

So when I saw some Havaiana flip flops on sale at Urban Outfitters (online and in-store), I decided to get some. I need it anyway, as summer has just started and slippers are a must-have for feet survival. I got a black one (classic choice), and a green one (my favorite color). Using it the first time - I was surprised by how soft yet firm it is. It provided some support in my sole, so every step, my feet kinda “bounced” back. No, this is not a good replacement for sneakers, but it is very comfy for slippers.

However, after a couple of minutes, I felt a stabbing pain between my toes. Upon closer inspection, there was an excess pointy plastic sticking out underneath where the strap meets. Now that is just bad design - and both of my slippers have it! I got scissors and proceeded to snip this annoyance and that remedied it. However, the stabbing did leave a mark on both of my feet, a reminder that despite its high price, the Havaiana is only slightly better than your average Walmart flipflop.

I also do not recommend doing long, brisk walks in your flipflops. There is no arch support , and eventually you will feel that strain in the balls of your feet and in your ankles. Haviana flip flops are comfy (minus that pointy plastic thing), but it didn’t convince me enough to say that I will be loyal to it forever.

Ferget it! But if you have some money to burn on flip flops, over to Urban Outfitters and maybe you’ll still catch it on sale ($14.99 regularly).

A few of the shopgirls were talking about DSW the other day so I decided to venture out there on my lunchbreak today. I walked down several aisles and found at least three pairs of shoes that I just had to have. I either find everything or nothing. Today I found everything. And, I didn’t even make it through the entire store. Problem was that I didn’t have enough money. Decision time.

I ended up buying only one pair of shoes, the sensible ones of the bunch. I needed some for work so I had to buy those first. I did stach one of my favorite pairs at the bottom of the pile (save the size nine’s, people!) in case I decide to return tomorrow. One of the pairs was the cutest, but I just couldn’t justify the purchase today. This week’s shopping priority is a new infant car seat. Gotta have something safe for the little one!

I know that Crocs are popular. I know that people all over the country are wearing them. I know kids think they’re cool. But, I didn’t expect to see a man wearing bright orange Crocs today. Yes, it’s true. Bright orange Crocs. Bright orange Crocs on a seemingly manly man. Maybe he is a UF fan. Yeah, that’s it. We’ll pretent he’s a UF fan.

I have tried on a pair of Crocs and they were indeed comfortable, but I ran the idea of owning a pair by some of my friends and they all said, “no!” Now I can say “thank you” for not letting me look like the guy in the bright orange Crocs today.

Update: So, after I posted last night I was reading Fast Company magazine and came across an article about the guys who started the Croc company. I’ve got to give these guys some props for figuring out their business model and continually trying to reinvent themselves so the Croc as we know it isn’t just a passing fad. After reading the article it makes me wonder if I should try one of their new flip-flop models.