Oct
24
Unlike their shoes, women’s Dansko boots are actually fairly stylish – offering consumers the sleek lines and thinner soles they can’t fight in Dansko’s chunkier shoes. The company recently started selling boots, and most are knee-high, very fashionable and look great.
But, do these boots hold up? Are they as comfortable as the brand’s infamous shoes? Are they worth the money? For a high level review of Dansko’s boots, keep reading.
Dansko Boots – Price Points
Women’s Dansko boots range in price from about $150 to $250, depending on the style and retailer. The price is reasonable, considering the brand’s reputation for comfort and durability, but definitely more than your standard boot.
Comfort Level of Dansko Boots
Dansko shoes are popular because they offer a lot of support, particularly for heavier women. The strange thing about Dansko boots is they’re actually quite small. For slimmer women, they may provide a comfortable fit, but for those with average-to-large calves, they can be way too tight.
The basic problem is the calf portion of these boots are designed for women with slim calves, and the foot bed is significantly more narrow than the same foot bed found in Dansko shoes. So, if you’re larger or have a wider foot, you may want to think twice about buying a pair of Dansko boots.
Brand Quality and Durability
Like their shoes, Dansko boots are well-made and guaranteed against any manufacturer defects. The leather is good quality and the shoes are constructed with a focus on long-term durability. Unfortunately, the company’s warranty policy is not very specific and leaves decisions about repairs and replacements up to Dansko.
Fortunately, the shoes are made well and most consumers experience few problems. Though most Dansko products can’t be resoled, they generally last for a long time.
Design and Style
The boots are where Dansko really shines for style. The company’s trademark shoes are clunky and chunky, a major turn-off for many shoe buyers. However, with their line of boots, the company has really stepped up – the lines are sleek, modern and even chic – a major detour for a shoe company known for its clogs.
Most Dansko boots come with a small kitten heel that’s actually a flat heel. Basically, it gives the appearance of height and a small heel, but the foot bed is in reality flat – meaning you get the height without the discomfort.
The Final Thought on Dansko Boots
Women’s Dansko boots are a great choice, but only if they fit you right. This is definitely a “try before you buy” situation. If you don’t have slim calves or narrow feet, you probably don’t want to buy this boot online or sight unseen.
For great information on shoe style options, see shoestyletips.com, a popular site about footwear recommendations, such as a Candies shoes, Aerosole shoes, and many more!
Oct
22
Though the last item we typically put on when dressing, the shoes we wear actually say something about the kind of person we are. Interestingly, one’s footwear is very frequently a reflection of our personality, both in their appearance and level of comfort sought.
B.A. Mason Shoes is one of the country’s oldest mail-order shoe retailers. The long-standing company used to sell their own brand of shoes, but have since moved on to retailing other brands of comfortable, well-fitted footwear that is reasonably priced and designed for durability.
But, how is their customer service? Do they offer a good return policy? What about their prices? To find out more about B.A. Mason and for a helpful review of their customer service, keep reading.
Customer Service
Too often you call a mail-order company or online retailer and wind up speaking with a contracted customer service agent halfway across the world. When you contact B.A. Mason Shoes, you actually speak to someone at B.A. Mason in Wisconsin. Their customer service reps know the products, are familiar with the shoes and are able to find the perfect fit for your foot. Unlike many catalog companies, dealing with Mason over the phone is actually a pleasure.
Unfortunately, B.A. Mason does not cover the shipping for returned items. Instead, customers must either cover the shipping costs themselves or use the company’s SmartLabel system, at which time they will be charged $7.95 for return shipping. Meanwhile, competitors like Zappos understand the importance of being able to return shoes – should the fit not be right – and are offering free shipping on returns.
Shipping and Handling Charges
In an attempt to be affordable, the company still ships through the USPS rather than UPS or FedEx, meaning you may have to wait for your order. However, the shipping costs are reasonable.
Designs and Brands
The majority of B.A. Mason customers are older, customers who appreciate that the business is family-owned, U.S.-based and focused on selling high-quality and comfortable shoes. However, because most of their customer base is higher in age, the majority of the styles tend to lean toward more traditional styles or shoes that the put the emphasis on comfort rather than appearance.
So, if you’re in the market for a pair of attractive sandals, some killer heels or the hottest new boots, you may want to shop for a shoe retailer elsewhere.
Prices
The prices at B.A. Mason are great – making them a terrific choice if you know your size and style. Because they’re a strictly online and mail-order business, you’ll often find fantastic prices and great deals on shoes that can cost as much as 20 to 50% more at traditional retailers.
Conclusion
The prices are great, the brands carried are better and the customer service is stellar. However, B.A. Mason Shoes might not be modern enough to keep up with changing trends. Their shoes are targeted toward an older market that may not be appealing to younger people.
Oct
20
As the summer sun sets this year, so does the freedom of being able to let your feet be free letting your feet breathe freely and easily. Wintertime is a time for big cozy socks and weatherproof shoes. As luck would have it, winter is also the time for some of the most stylish footwear affording you a sleek stylishness regardless of climate. It’s interesting to watch the progression of winter fashion from one year to the next. For me it is all about discovering the latest trends and aethetics, and each year’s styles look as amazing and exciting to me as the last.
Winter fashions this year are going to run the gamut, with ballerina flats, animal prints, and big chunky boots in vogue. Winter boots have always represented a wide swath of winter fashions. This winter soft cushiony textiles are the biggest sellers. You should see a lot of womens Adidas winter boots. More sexy low heeled and wedged winter boots will definitely be on the scene.
You’ve probably already heard that Crocs winter boots should be really taking off this year and are already selling well. Making a much stronger showing this year than last, this designer’s strap boot or sandal that has low heels, broad, rounded and closed toes and a buckle strap across the instep and/or around the ankle. In previous years you would predominantly see these in angular, hard-to-swallow styles. This year you will be positively aroused by the playful and practical designs.
Something you’ll want to be on the lookout for this particular season is the Sorel winter boots. You may think they’re a little off-the-wall now, but some minor tweaks have brought them front and center this year. They’re comfy and warm and they go great with tights. Go ahead and go crazy with the tights and panty hose this year. This will be a year of mixing and matching and there will be a period in late fall when just about anything goes. After Christmas things should settle down.
The winter boots on offer will have a lot of us scratching our pocketbooks; the good news is they never really go out of fashion. You can hardly predict what will happen in most areas of fashion, but winter boots are a little steadier. Boots are what ultimately make wintertime great. This season a wide variety of boots are in. It’s quite interesting that boots made for such practical purposes have become such fashion desirables. One wouldn’t think that they had that much aesthetic appeal. But this year there can really be no denying it.
Oct
14
It is easy to find footwear just about anywhere on the web or in retail stores. The range of styles for sale can satisfy almost anyone’s interest. So when searching for a shoe style that is both comfortable and affordable, the options are more narrow.
Earth Spirit shoes are a popular budget brand known for their laid-back and natural style. The footwear is carried by retailers like Wal-Mart and Zellers, along with other discount or budget shoe stores. For a helpful review of the Earth Spirit brand, keep reading.
Earth Spirit Prices
Earth Spirit shoes are very reasonably priced – with styles ranging in price from about $20 to $40 and most models costing less than $30. Overall, this is a budget brand and should not be confused with Earth Shoes, a popular comfort brand that costs significantly more.
Earth Spirit’s Comfort and Fit
Earth Spirits are actually significantly more comfortable than you might ordinarily expect from a budget brand. They offer gel inserts and cushioned supports designed to cradle the foot while also absorbing impact and shock. The shoes even have flexible soles, making them great for walking or light, outdoor activities.
In general, Earth Spirit sells a wider-fitting shoe, making them a nice fit for those who struggle with having wider feet. They’re comfortable enough for everyday casual use, but aren’t recommended for heavy-duty hiking or athletic use.
Earth Spirit’s Quality and Durability
For $20, you can’t expect a shoe is going to last for years, and Earth Spirits won’t. But, they will last a season – sometimes two – and they provide a fairly good value for the price point.
The most common complaint? It is the soles that separate from the shoe and sandal straps that simply disconnect from the shoe body – both common problems with budget or low-cost shoes. In short, if you’re looking for an affordable shoe that will last you a few months, this is a good buy, but don’t expect much more.
Earth Spirit’s Design and Style
The overall design and style of the Earth Spirit brand is definitely “earthy.” They’re often described as a hippie shoe and have a casual, natural and laid back look that’s great for banging around the cottage, popping around the yard or spending an afternoon gardening.
These are not necessarily fashion-forward shoes or footwear made for a night out on the town. But, if you’re looking for something casual and a little “crunchy,” they’re a good fit.
The Final Word on Earth Spirit
Overall, these are a great shoe if you need a comfortable sandal or flat to take your through the summer. They’re durable enough to last a season, wonderfully priced and they fit well. For something a little more durable or fashionable, you may have to move up the price ladder.
Oct
7
A Brief Assessment Of Naturalizer Brand Women’s Footwear
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It seems that women love to shop for shoes. The sheer number of brands and styles on the market are almost mind numbing. As a result, a person seeking more general footwear characteristics – such as comfort – has a more involved task unless there is already familiarity with the manufacturer.
Women’s Naturalizer shoes are known for their comfort, soft insoles and durability. When women want a low heel that they can wear all day – they frequently think of Naturalizers.
But, are they worth the cost? Are the shoes really as comfortable as they claim? How about the shoe quality? For a brief review of Naturalizers, keep reading.
Naturalizer Brand Prices
Most women’s Naturalizer shoes range in price from $60 to $120, with a few models (boots) selling for more. Overall, the price is very reasonable, particularly for a “comfort” brand. The shoes are sold in most department stores and shoe retailers.
How Comfortable are Naturalizers?
Naturalizers are marketed as being a comfortable shoe – it’s the predominant focus of the brand. And, yes, the company sells high-heeled shoes with padded and supportive insoles, but that doesn’t always make them comfortable. One of the most critical concerns is fit.
Naturalizer tends to make smaller shoes – meaning their fit is slightly more narrow and therefore feels a little smaller. To get a truly comfortable fit, you should measure for width as well as length before you buy.
Quality of Naturalizers
Naturalizers are a strong brand for a reason – they make quality shoes that are also comfortable. Most of their soles offer great traction and are stitched rather than glued on. The insoles are padded and designed for both comfort and durability.
Unfortunately, Naturalizer does not have a clearly expressed warranty or guarantee on their products. Instead, consumers must deal directly with the retailer where they bought the shoes in case of a defect or quality control problem.
Style and Design
Though Naturalizer has a reputation for being an older woman’s shoe – the company has fought back in recent years by releasing shoes with a more modern, younger edge. As younger women start opting for more reasonable and comfortable shoes, the company has found a market for it’s younger styles.
Of course, Naturalizer still makes that traditional beige, lace-up grandma shoe, but they also sell darling flats, cute heels and edgy casual shoes that have a bit of bite. Obviously, the brand isn’t about fashion, but they’re definitely making progress.
The Final Verdict
Overall, women’s Naturalizer shoes are a good quality shoe sold at a somewhat reasonable price. The manufacturer could definitely offer a better quality warranty to its consumers, but they’ve built a strong reputation and seem to be able to thrive without it.
