The Purpose of It All...in Conclusion

    So, this is the end.  You have read a total of 12 blog-posts from me (or at least skimmed haha) and now this is the final one.  Today I am not going to talk about shoes, or socks, or feet; but instead what I started off talking about...the purpose of it all.  Did I achieve my purpose in creating this Blog during the semester?  What was good about it?  What was bad?  And were all those late night posts worth it!

    YES!  IT WAS WORTH IT!  I learned so much about blogging and all the techniques and cool tools behind it.  I learned how to create a survey poll on the side and then tailored my posts based on the responses (given there were only 3).  It was a wonderful learning experience and now I feel like I could use my knowledge for future marketing in whatever I choose to do.    

    So what were the good and bad things about this experience?  Well, all the things mentioned above are definitely positives.  In addition, I learned a lot of useful information for my job.  However, blogging was a time commitment I wasn't expecting.  In the future I think it would be better if they were due Saturday at 11:57pm instead of Sunday at 11:57pm.  I do like how lax the content of the blog posts can be.  It is very nice to be able to write in your own voice about whatever you want and know that is going to be acceptable.

All in all I liked the assignment and who knows...maybe I'll continue this blog for fun now.  

Happy trails on your road ahead wherever it may lead you :)      

Bethel Buckle kicks competition to the side!

    So say hello to one of our most popular boots in the store.  This is the Bethel Buckle Tall Zip Boot from the Timberland Earthkeepers collection.  

    This may be my inner (or not so inner) tree-hugger coming out but I love how eco-conscious this boot is.  The inside is made form recycled plastic bottles and the outer leather has been tanned and constructed into a boot at facilities that have improved water, energy, and waste management.    

    These boots are made to be a durable fashion boot.  In other words, I wouldn't have a two hour snow ball fight in them but they are sure to turn a few heads while walking between classes in the winter.  The outsole is made from a strong rubber lug with semi-deep tread.  It has a 15 inch shaft with a 14.5 inch circumference and a side zipper to make the boot easier to put on.  The footbed is also lined with leather to allow for increased comfort.  

   The Bethel Buckle receives a 4.1 out of 5.0 for customer reviews.  The only complaint that was truly negatived referred to a customer not receiving the color they anticipated.  Otherwise, most customers raved at the fashion forward contrast between the suede shaft and the polished leather upper.  In all honesty though all you have to do is look at our sales records to know that the Timberland Bethel Buckle Boots are made for walking...all over the competition!  Oh snap!

Happy Trails :)

No Really...I Bought These Shoes!

    So for several posts now I have said something similar to the fact that I will buy the shoes I talk about in a post.  I said this with the Adidas Climacool, The Merrell Barefoot, and several others I can not remember.  But this time I DID buy these shoes for real!  I already have them.  I have already worn them.  And I love them!  Now your in suspense right?  Waiting with baited breath to know what I bought?  Well, wait no more...I bought the Brooks PureFlow minimalist shoe.

    Isn't it lovely?!?!  I LOVE THEM!  Allow me to enlighten you on some of its best features:

• Biodegradable Midsole
• Brooks DNA Cushioning
• Lateral Nav Band
• Air Mesh Fit
• Center Strike Pod
• IDEAL Heel
• Split Toe Box

Brooks put together an awesome spreadsheet with even more detailed descriptions if you want to check it out; which you totally should.  Here is the link below.

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaev_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-BrooksRunning-Site/Sites-BrooksCatalog/default/v1321798418183/specsheets/110107.pdf 

I will definitely keep you all updated on how my shoes preform as the days go by.  One of the best things to get you excited for a marathon are new shoes and these ones really do help.  

Happy Trails :)

Oh How Smart You Are SmartWool

  So I have worn socks my whole life.  Never really thought much of them.  However, as with most of my blog post, my opinion changed once I started working at Tradehome.  Socks you put on your feet may be just as important as the shoes you wear.  I didn't believe they made that big of a difference until I tried something new, something GREAT!  I made the smart decision and switched to SmartWool.

"What you get from us isn't just a product; it's the ability to do more of what you love, 

for as long as you want. That's our promise."

Once you go SmartWool you don't go back!  This is what I learned from my first pair and as much as I love my socks I am also regretting the fact that I have to buy all new socks.  The thing that makes SmartWool different from traditional socks is the fact that Merino wool is used in the construction instead of traditional cotton.  Merino wool is perfect for being active in an unpredictable environment because it keeps you cool when you need to be and warm when you need to be but dry in all situations.

Merino wool and SmartWool have even more sweet features; check out below!

Sweet Features:

• Moisture Management
• Temperature Regulations
• Breathability 
• Odor Free
• Extraordinary Comfort
• Exceptional Fit and Design
• Innovative fabric creation and smart construction that maximizes the benefits of wool
• Easy care

    Pretty much they are awesome!  SmartWool designs their products to be the best for all the people and athletes that wear them.  In Colorado, where SmartWools are made, more Olympians are produced than anywhere else in the world.  This is an atmosphere where people play hard and they expect their gear to be able to keep up.  

    SmartWool may specialize in socks but they also make gloves, hats, clothes, and all things wonderful with regards to winter (even the other seasons too).  With SmartWool you don't have to let the weather stop you.  Love the outdoors all year around and be smart with SmartWool.    

Happy Trails :) 

From Crap to Comfy

    So all day long I have felt like crap... and honestly I still feel like crap.  For the past two days I have had a headache, soar and ache joints, and been constantly cold; I just can not get warm!  Right now I am wearing tall socks, flannell pajama bottoms, a long sleeve t-shirt, thick robe, and a scarf (and I am just about to put on my hideous but warm beanie).

My head is throbbing and I have constant chills but the one part of my body that is good, besides being soar, are my feet.  (Honestly, if this wasn't due at 11:57 pm TONIGHT I would be sleeping right now.)  Why you may ask are my feet doing semi-awesome... well, fur lined L.L. Bean Moccasins are the answer.  To understand how great these Moccasin slippers are allow me to share their name with you: Wicked Good Moccasins.

  

As you can see they are WICKED GOOD!  

    So my roommate just left to get me some medicine; hopefully the rest of this blog will be easier.  L.L. Bean is known for producing high quality products for cooler temperatures (inside or outside your body).  Some of the features on this moccasin that leave the competition in the past are listed below:

• superior sheep skin
• natural insulator drawing moister away from your feet keeping them dry and warm
• shearing wraps around whole foot enveloping it in soft fur
• thermoplastic rubber out-sole
• chain tread pattern to improve traction
• increased cushioning to improve fit

Don't take my word for it; listen to these reviews.

5 out of 5 Stars

"I shopped for several weeks to compare slippers and pricing and this was the best value. The slippers are high quality and very comfortable. I like the soles, which are non-slip.

The color choice was good, also.  Bean's slippers last and last."

-Tavish (curtosey of llbean.com) 

And this is not just Tavish saying these things.  Out of 2,062 reviews the average rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars.  The only complaints with regard to these moccasins involve fit; which is to be expected when they are only offered in whole sizes.    

Well anyways thats the end and im pooped so.... Happy Trails :)

P.S. Don't worry Ms.Thomas, I'm going to edit this tomorrow.  

Let's Bark About Clarks

   As I headed to school this year I knew one thing was required ... a good pair of durable brown shoes.  I was, and am now, trekking all over not just BYU campus but all over Provo.  When gas is so expensive I end up putting a lot of miles on my shoes.  In addition, I am also working a sales job where I am literally on my feet all day.  Clearly you can see a good pair of shoes is definitively needed by me.  So what did I get ...I won't keep you in suspense any longer ... Wallabees by Clarks.  

    There is a very simple reason I choose Wallabees for my everyday brown shoe; THEY ARE AWESOME!!!   Wallabees have a long history and to have a history that lasts you must first have a shoe that lasts.  Clarks originally designed shoes for the Eighth Army.  Well the army didn't really dig the look but the people at the 1949 Chicago Shoe Fair sure did.  

    Clarks blew the runway away with a "raw, unstructured, unlined boot [and] crepe soles."  They provided a signature look with a simple design and a production process that made every single shoe unique.  And guess what ... they still do that today.  Clarks is still able to achieve the same original style that graced the runway in the 50's today in the 21st century.

    Every generation has come across Clarks Wallabees one way or another.  They're like bell-bottoms; a style that will never die out because it keeps getting resurrected every so often.  In my opinion, now being a true customer, Clarks Wallabees are shoes that are just good with everything.  And personally, I love the retro vibe that comes from them.  Not may people have to courage to attempt to pull off a pair of Wallabees but you know what I say, GO FOR IT!  Dare to be a bit different and get something truly...

Happy Trails :)  

Bear-foot, human-foot...how about Merrell barefoot?

    So I am sure by now all of you know i have a little thing for barefoot running.  I am really starting to get into and I am loving every step of it.  Right now, I have just been doing forward running (as I described in an earlier post) in traditional running shoes.  Well...I have decided to take the plunge and actually splurge to get a pair of barefoot shoes!  I am so excited!!!  After much research and deliberation I have decided to go with the Merrell Women's Barefoot Pace Glove.  The video below is produced by Merrell to advertise their new barefoot technology.

    Andrea from Merrell does a great job of explaining all the amazing features of the Barefoot Pace Glove.  Another thing that makes this shoe so fantastic is that the women's version is ESPECIALLY designed for women!   Not that we're particular or anything ;)  The women's version comes to a total weight of 4.7 ozs per shoe.  This light weight allows runners to not be bogged down with heavy shoes; allowing for faster recovery with each step in their gait.

    I wanted to go more in depth on the 0mm ball to heel drop and what exactly that means.  Even though the shoe is slightly built up (just millimeters) a persons foot is still able to be level within the shoe.  A shoe does not have to have individual cubbies for each toe in order for it to be barefoot; the only requirement is a zero degree drop from heel to toe.  The Barefoot Pace Glove achieves this making it "barefoot" even though it is a shoe.  With the Barefoot Pace Glove a runner can really feel connected with the ground their running on.

    The Barefoot Pace Glove allows a runner to return back to their natural stride the way humans were designed to run.  You wont just feel like a kid running around barefoot again but also a primitive cro-magnon!

OK, now I am just getting way to excited...I should stop.  Well, I will be ordering my shoes this coming Thursday (when I get paid) and I will let you all know when they come in and how my running is going.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Happy Trails :)

If the SHOE fits...

      So my last entry was about the foot.  Well, one could say this is the squeal to that entry.  Today I am not going to talk about the foot but instead the typical shoe (not too uncommon if you look at my earlier entries) and its usual parts.  Below I have included a couple of labeled diagrams so you can visually see what I am referencing when I speak of certain parts.  

http://www.shoeguide.org/Shoe_Anatomy

    There is no better place to start than the bottom and work your way up. The outsole is the outermost part of the shoe that is in direct contact with the ground.  For very formal dress shoes it is made of compressed leather and for most other shoes it is made of a durable rubber.  Next is the midsole; the midsole lies between the outsole and the insole. "It is made of a variety of materials to give the shoe various characteristics of cushioning, support and flexibility." (http://walking.about.com/od/shoes/g/midsole.htm) And as far as soles are concerned the last one to mention is the insole.  The insole is a thin strip of material that is usually removable and lies directly under the foot for additional comfort.       

http://www.webefit.com/articles/article_47a_RunningShoes.html

    Now that we have discussed the bottom of the shoe let's move on to the upper parts of the shoe.  The upper just refers to all the top parts of the shoe put together.  Most people are familiar with the following parts of the upper:

• Toe Cap/ Toe Box: "
  The toe box is the part of a shoe that covers and protects your toes. Toe boxes come in a variety of shapes and styles, but they should be wide enough and long enough to accommodate the toes comfortably."
• Tongue: "
  The tongue of a shoe is a strip that runs up the top-center of the shoe and sits on the top part of the foot. Nearly always found on shoes with laces, the purpose of a shoe tongue is to protect the top of the foot, and to keep the laces from rubbing the foot."
• Eyelets: "
  The eyelet is the smooth circular piece that laces are thread through. Eyelets can be made of metal or plastic, and are used to cover the edges of holes made in shoes or clothing."
• Heel Counter: "
  The counter of a shoe sits behind the heel of the foot, and is used to stiffen the back part of the shoe, and to give it structure.

(definitions from: http://shoes.about.com/)

    So we have talked about the foot fitting and now we have talked about the shoe fitting, which means from now on when I mention the midsole of a shoe I expect all you faithful follows to know exactly what I am talking about.  This entry should be that last one that breaks from the usual routine of describing a specific shoe or shoe brand.  Just a preview for next week...Merrell Barefoots; I'll let you figure it out from there.  

Happy Trails :)  

If the Foot Fits...

     This post is dedicated not to the shoe but the foot that goes within it.  The foot deserves respect!  They support us day and night; whether we're short & fat or tall & skinny; whether we're running fast or walking slow.  The feet are always there.  

    Every person has two pedi (or feet), 10 metatarsals (or toes), arches per foot, insteps per foot and many many bones.  The foot is loaded with so many pieces and parts I can't even remember them all.  If you don't believe me just look at the diagram below.  

 

    
    Looking at this picture makes me so glad that I am not a medical students.  However, it is good to have a basic understanding of the foot so let explain some of the key terms (i mentioned several of these terms above).

• Pedi: 
• Variant(s): or pedi- or pedo-
• Function: combining form
• : foot : feet <pedicure>
• Instep: 
• Pronunciation: \ˈin-ˌstep\
• Function: noun
• : the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint
• ; especially : its upper surface
• Metatarsals:
• Pronunciation: \ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl\
• Function: adjective
• : of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot 

• Arch:
• Pronunciation: \ˈärch
• Function: noun
• 1 : an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as
• a : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it: 
• (1) : a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of the calcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones 
• (2) : a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch
• b : arch of the aorta 
• 2 : a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn
• Heel:
• Pronunciation: \ˈhē(ə)l\
• Function: noun
• 1 a : the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch b :the back of the hind limb of other vertebrates homologous with the human heel 
• 2 : an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel: as 
• a : the hind part of a hoof 
• b : either of the projections of a coffin bone 
• c : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist

<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html>

    It is also important to note that people tend to have a half-size difference between their feet.  Listen to me as a shoe expert, or a person that works at a shoe store, fit your bigger foot!  A shoe that is too small will lead to tons of problems in a persons foot that you do not want.    

    Well I hope this brief post has helped illuminate your knowledge of the foot.  

Happy Trails :)

Blowfish Will BLOW You Away!

    So in case you couldn't tell by my earlier posts I am a very active person.  I especially tend to favor running.  So when it comes to learning about shoes I get really excited about the hottest new things for distance athletes.  However, based on my recent poll, that only two other people responded to (thank you Lexi and Liz!), I guess people want to hear about other shoes that are comfortable and as close to barefoot as you can get.  With that in mind I have decided to branch out and write about one of my favorite casual shoe brands and a hot new item of theirs for this upcoming fall.  

Say hello to...

  

    Several of my female followers may be familiar with this brand; for those who aren't and or the more testosterone favored, let me enlighten you... BLOWFISH IS AWESOME!!!  This brand is recognized by their traditionally wider and shorter toes as well as a distinct retro/original/vintage/unique/alternative/indie style (possibly too many adjectives there ... oh well).  Blowfish also tends too make more casual footwear favoring low heels or flats and is generally priced very reasonably.  You can find Blowfish shoes at most department stores or places like DSW.  

This fall Blowfish has come out with what they call the Hat Field or officially, BF-1798.   

    On Blowfish's official website (Blowfish) they describe the Hat Field: "The Hat Field bootie sits atop our rubber sole and features tons of cool details like a foldover cuff and laces all the way up."  The Hat Field comes in four color choices of black flannel, grey flannel, dark brown relax faux leather (shown above), or black relax faux leather.  

    If any of you are familiar with vintage boxing boots of the 40's and 50's the Hat Field is defiantly a throw back to those early days in the ring.  Although lets hope you wont have to throw any right hooks this fall, if you do, you'll look fabulous in these shoes.     

Happy Trails :)

Adidas Climacool are SOOOO COOL!

    So I know that last week I was totally pumped about the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 but I've been giving it some thought ... and I've changed my mind.  Although the GEL-Kayano17 is a fabulous shoe it's not the shoe for me.  
    When I run I do what is called forward running.  Essentially, I run toe-to-heel instead of the traditional heel-to-toe that most people do.  This technique is supposed to emulate the natural style of running humans are born with.  This is supposedly how we ran in ancient times when we had no shoes, "barefoot" running.  With forward running a runner uses their legs as springs that absorb the shock of hitting the ground.  A runner who implements forward running in their stride is able to run faster, harder, longer, and ends up toning their calves so they look awesome.  Below is a video of a runner demonstrating "barefoot" running; here you can see the toe-to-heel forward running technique.

    What does how I run have to do with the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 you may ask....Well, the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 has tons of cushioning and a significant rise under the heel as most running shoes.  Although all the fancy stuff that I talked about in earlier post is great, these fancy features actually tend to get in the way of runners who do forward or "barefoot" running.  This is why I am changing my vote to the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride; which is SOOOO COOL!

My New Favorite Shoe

    The Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride is actually a minimalist shoe.  Even though it looks like a typical running shoe the amazing part is the technology within.  The CLIMACOOL Ride has a significantly lower drop between heel and toe allowing for a more barefoot feeling when running; this is what makes it a minimalist shoe.  There is still a large portion of cushion on the bottom though to protect a runners foot from rocks and rough trails.  The out-sole is made with Injected EVA tooling allowing for maximum flexibility and breathability. 

    Breathability is a main feature on the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride.  A perforated sock-liner and a non-woven material constructing the upper allow for 360 degree ventilation.  These features actually decreases the inner-shoe temperature by 12 percent during running.  In addition, 50 percent less sweat develops in shoes and socks cutting down on foot injury and disease caused by high moisture and temperature levels.  As a runner who know what it is like to run 8 miles and have hot sweaty feet, 360 degree ventilation sounds freaking AWESOME!!!
    Pretty much the Adidas CLIMACOOL Ride is AMAZING!!!  I already have my order in for a pair of neon green and black ones...PIMP!  I am so excited and can not wait to see how a minimalist shoe helps my forward running.  Trust me you will hear back soon about my cool new shoes and how cool my forward feet feel in them.  

Happy Trails :) 

"Prince Shoe Charming" and the Kingdom of Asics

    Lately, I have taken up running.  In my opinion it is the one sport an uncoordinated buffoon like myself can succeed in (without practicing everyday since they were three, like a child prodigy).  It's not that I'm not athletic; I simply can not catch, hit, throw, kick or anything of the sort when a ball is involved in some competitive activity.  Usually I just want to have fun and Susie Sport with Warren Winner get mad at me for not playing right.  However, when it comes to running it's just me and I can just GOOOOO!
    Recently I have been trying to find my dream running shoe.  There are lots of shoes out there and I'm not sure I have found my "prince shoe charming" yet but I have defiantly found a contender.  My prince hails from the kingdom of Asics where Kihachiro Onitsuka is king.  In 1949 Asics celebrated its first independence day in Kobe, Japan.  The kingdom was established under the slogan, "a sound mind in a sound body", from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano.  King Onitsuka believed that the key to happiness is through health and fitness and with the help of his first son, The Asics Tiger, Onitsuka took on basketball then moved on to other sports from there.    

This is the kings first born, The Asics Tiger...ROAR!

    Since then the thriving kingdom of Asics has really expanded and has come to be known as one of the foremost authorities on running; which is where my prince comes in.  Prince GEL-Kayano 17 is his name and running is his game.  The first time I saw him boy did I go weak in the knees.  I knew right off the bat this was a guy I wanted to get to know better.  

As you can see there is a lot to know.  

    Here are the highlights on my man, who may be the one for me.  He is the top gun in the structured division of the empire.  He cares especially for people who tend to overpronate, ankles tip inside instead of strait up and down, like myself.  Also, he'll be sure to wrap you up nice and tight with his Biomorphic Fit Upper to reduce irritation wherever it may come.  

    One of the best things about him is he's loyal.  With his Personal Heel Fit there is no-way-Jose he can cheat on you because you left your memory in his foam.   He knows how to treat a girl nice to with a ComforDry Sockliner, providing a nice environment that's cool, dry, and all around healthy.  

    However, the two things I love most about him are his Gender Specific Space Trusstic System and his new Guidance Line.  He understands how not only my mood can change through out the month but my arch too and is willing to adapt to accommodate me.  When I need some extra support he'll rise to the challenge and when I feel like laying down the law he'll back off.  He's always thinking of me thou.  With his new Guidance Line he's only concerned about getting me where I need to go in the most efficient way possible.  Plus I'm bad with directions and he helps keep me pointed the right way.  

    So I think for the next step in our relationship we should keep dating each other but stay open to other options.  All I know is Prince GEL-Kayano 17 has certainly made an impression.  We'll just have to see if he is my "prince shoe charming" or if he'll send me running for the hills.    

*Underlined words are key features on the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 model.  

The Purpose of It All

I have always had a deep love for shoes.  Boots, heels, athletic shoes, flats, sandals, you name them I love them!  Recently I have acquired a job at Tradehome Shoes in the Provo University Mall.  

I have decided as part of my new employment I should become more knowledgeable of shoes; therefore, I created this blog (and it happened to count for class credit too which was great!).  Here I will post information and on a single shoe (probably not daily, but defiantly weekly) along with my "review" of the shoe.  This of course is just my rough idea right now.  The Blog may evolve and develop into more information on shoe brands or history but right now we’ll shoot for specific shoes.  I will also have occasional surveys on the side for readers asking footwear related questions.  This may be interesting and something totally different from what you’re used to reading but I am pumped to learn all sorts of stuff about all kinds of shoes.  I know I will enjoy this and I hope you will too.  Happy trails J