This review of the Kuru Quest hiking boots is sponsored by Kuru Footwear. The opinions are completely my own based on experience.

The Kuru Quest came my way not a day too late as my feet have been begging for a supportive pair of hikers. We recently relocated to Indiana and are fortunate to live across from the White River and miles of wooded nature trails. With my chronic toe woes and aching arches, longer walks really get the dogs barking, if you know what I mean.

Heel cushioning: Kuru footwear features the patented KURUSOLE which is designed to hug and cushion the fat pad of the heel, relieving plantar fasciitis pain. While I’m not currently dealing with plantar fasciitis, my heels are sensitive to hard surfaces. The KURUSOLE keeps my heel in a secure position while providing excellent cushioning. How best to describe? It’s like an enclosed tiny trampoline for the heels that never hits bottom. Read more about the innovative KURUSOLE here.

Arch support: I find the Kuru removable insole to offer good arch support which is just as essential as heel cushioning in relieving plantar fasciitis pain as it eases strain on the fascia. For me, good arch support alleviates mid-foot arthritis pain and keeps my feet, ankles and even knees aligned.

Toe box: My favorite feature of my Kuru Quest boots is the wide, squarish toe box. With bunions and painful tailor’s bunions (due to arthritic changes in my feet over the years), it’s challenging to find a shoe with a toe box that accommodates both. I need a toe box that stays wide all the way to my mid-foot and doesn’t taper too soon–does that make sense? The Kuru Quest offers ample room for my wonky toes (even with socks) allowing me to cover more distance on the trails in comfort.

Overall feel and fit of the Kuru Quest: My feet feel supported and secure without pinching or irritation. At first the leather felt a little stiff, but with each wearing, it softens up more. The fit at the ankle is a little loose, but I have slim lower leg/ankle area. In my opinion, the Kuru Quest runs true to size.

Bonus feature: Not only is the ankle cuff area cushioned, the material has a subtle sparkle to it which is hard to pick up in photos. I really like it because it adds a little girly bling to a functional hiking boot (so do the light blue laces).

The Kuru Quest boot is available in whole and half sizes 6-12 for $175 from Kuru Footwear with free shipping and free returns within 45 days (in original condition). If you’re looking for a supportive hiking shoe, take a look at the Kuru Chicane.

How about you? Do you have a pair of Kuru shoes? What are your thoughts about fit and feel? Leave a comment and let us know!

The post Kuru Quest Hiking Boots : Kirsten’s Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

In this video, I review Earth’s new Rellia block heel pump. The rich-hued merlot suede caught my attention as its the perfect shade for autumn outfits. The two-inch heel is manageable and insole cushioning is superb. My only caveat is the toe box, but that’s my foot’s problem, not the shoe per se. I have a wide forefoot due to bunions (and tailor’s bunions) caused by rheumatoid arthritis, so the toe box does feel tight.

Can I wear the Earth Rellia for short stints? Sure. Could you wear it for longer? Probably. Watch the video to get a better idea of fit and feel.

The Earth Rellia pump comes in six colors, whole and half sizes 5-11, 12, medium and wide widths for $65-109 from EarthShoes.com and Amazon.

If you’re looking for a more casual option from Earth shoes, take a look at a few of my favorites.

The Earth Lindy features a chunky 1 3/4″ heel for just the right amount of lift. A cushioned insole and round toe box ensure all-day comfort. Available in sizes 5-12 for $47-119 from Earth Shoes and Amazon.

We love the color combinations on these fun Earth Shoes sneakers! 100% of the components are made with partially recycled materials. The Maren sneaker features a removable footbed with moderate arch support, round toe, padded collar and tongue. Available in sizes 5-12 for $50-129 from EarthShoes.com, Nordstrom and Amazon.

The Earth Ezra clog is a perfect combo of cushioned comfort and structured support. Wear it as a shoe or slipper! Available in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $55-89 from EarthShoes.com and Amazon.

The post We Love Earth Shoes: Affordable Comfort and Style for Problem Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The things that can go wrong with the foot never cease to astound me. Did you know that you have tiny bones below the big toe called sesamoid bones? They’re connected to the big toe flexor tendons and they act like pulleys providing a smooth surface for the tendons to slide over–fascinating! But the sesamoids can fracture and the surrounding tendons can become inflamed causing sesamoiditis–it’s a form of tendonitis and it is painful! First, see a good podiatrist or foot/ankle orthopedist then get yourself into a shoe that will help you heal. That’s where BarkingDogShoes.com comes in!

A Facebook follower asked for recommendations of specific shoes for sesamoiditis from those suffering from the condition. Within a few hours, fellow sesamoiditis sufferers chimed in with their favorite pair of shoes. Understanding custom orthotics go along with alleviating the discomfort of sesamoiditis, you may want to order up a half size to accommodate them. Here we go!

1. HOKA: Podiatrists, orthopedics and physical therapists commonly recommend this brand. But which style works best? There are so many! Physical therapist James McCormack who specializes in sports injuries, insoles and running shoes recommends the Hoka Bondi model in this video (along with Topsole insoles). The Hoka Bondi 9 is the most recent iteration in the Hoka family of lightweight yet super-cushioned running, walking and lifestyle footwear. And don’t forget to checkout Hoka’s recovery sandals for an easy-to-slip-on option for warmer weather.

2. Saucony Endorphin collection: If you’ve tried Hoka and for one reason or another they just don’t work for you, consider a shoe from Saucony’s Endorphin collection. Their trademarked Speedroll technology acts as a rocker sole, propelling the foot forward through the stride and taking pressure off the forefoot. Find in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths from Saucony.com, Zappos and Amazon.

3. Fitflop F-Mode series: Recommended by a Reddit user with sesamoiditis, the F-Mode series of boots, sneakers and loafers might be just what you’re looking for with their trademark Microwobbleboard insole, enhanced arch support and flatform outsole (plus, they’re APMA approved). Available in sizes 5-11 from Fitflop, Nordstrom and Amazon.

4. Haflinger clogs: For around the house, it’s hard to beat the comfort and support of Haflinger. I’ve heard that the metatarsal ridge on Birkenstocks can actually irritate the sesamoid area. Haflinger provides the same enhanced arch support as Birkenstock but without the metatarsal ridge. Just make sure you get the cork-latex clogs instead of the flimsier slippers. Find a pair in sizes 5-11 from Zappos.

5. Mephisto Hannel: Another Facebook follower mentioned that her Mephisto Hannel sandals “fix me everytime.” If you find Birkenstock bothers the sesamoid area due to the metatarsal support, try Mephisto cork sandals–awesome arch support without the metatarsal ridge. Find a pair in sizes 6-12 from Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.

The post Best Shoes for Sesamoiditis: Facebook Fan Favorites appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The Oofos Oolala Sandal provides exceptional arch support, which has been instrumental in taking the pressure off my sensitive forefoot (I recently had a cheilectomy and fifth metatarsal osteotomy). There’s a mild rocker sole also, which guides the foot through the stride while alleviating pressure on heel and toes.

I typically don’t like the feel of a toe post, but after a few days, it didn’t bother me at all. I understand podiatrists say to steer clear of flip flops, but Oofos sandals are anything but flimsy.

I find the fit is true. The Oofos Oolala sandal is available in whole sizes 5-11 for $69.95 from Oofos.com, Zappos, and Amazon. (FYI, the color in the video is called “Stardust”).

The post Oofos OOlala Sandal Review: Video Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Let’s take a look at 5 of the best rocker sole shoes on the market today from athletic to casual-dress shoes:

Best rocker sole sandal: Alegria Bailee

We appreciate that Alegria is making more neutral-hued footwear these days in addition to their bright and cheery colors and patterns. The Bailee sandal is a newer addition to Alegria’s rocker sole collection. A non-flexing, slip-resistant outsole helps relieve pressure and a cork, polyurethane, memory foam footbed provides arch support and cushioning. Three adjustable straps allow for a custom fit. Find the Alegria Bailee in euro sizes 35-42 (5-12) for $45-120 from Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.

Best rocker sole shoes for fitness: 

You don’t even need to be a runner to enjoy the benefits of Hoka footwear. The Clifton  features a meta-rocker outsole (as most Hoka shoes do) which the company describes as “wheels for your feet,” meaning the thick rounded outsole propels the foot forward through the stride. Read more about the meta-rocker sole here. Zappos customer Sandy says this about her Cliftons, “True fit. Extremely comfortable. I need this style of shoe because my great toe joint is damaged, the slight rocker action takes the pressure off. Excellent quality.” Find the Hoka Clifton  in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $115-145 from Hoka and Zappos.

A great option for casual-dress is Alegria shoes. Alegria means “happiness” in Spanish and that’s what they’ll bring to your soles. Most styles feature some form of rocker sole, cork-latex removable footbeds and a generous toe box. The Keli is a versatile slip-on featuring a rocker style outsole with tapered shaping at the heel and toe, which promotes a natural rocking movement with each step. See Kirsten’s full review of the Alegria Keli here.

Alegria recently expanded their sizing to include  euro sizes 43-44 (13-14) and wide widths. Find the Keli for $129.95 from Zappos, Amazon, and Nordstrom.

We’d be remiss not to mention Dansko Professional rocker sole clogs! No doubt you’ve heard about them, but have you seen these iconic clogs in leopard yet? How about neon pink?  It’s refreshing to see these tried and true rocker sole shoes in new patterns and colors every season. Find the Dansko Professional in euro sizes 35-43 (5-12.5) for $130-140 from Dansko.com, Zappos and Amazon.

Made in Portugal, Dromedaris is a lesser known comfort brand specializing in beautiful leather footwear with attention to detail. The Dromedaris Hornbill is a classic brogue style with roomy toe box, removable footbed with arch support, and a PU rocker outsole to offload pressure through the gait cycle. Find in euro sizes 36-43 for $160 from Amazon.

Best rocker sole sandals: Alegria Bailee, Dansko Season, Finn Comfort Sausalito

The Bailee is a new addition to Alegria’s rocker sole sandal collection and it’s getting glowing reviews from customers. Zappos shopper Allison says, “Many foot surgeries and issues and this sandal causes no pain, out of the box!” A non-slip, thick rocker sole will propel you forward through the stride in total comfort. Three adjustable straps allow for a customized fit while the cork and memory foam footbed cushions and supports. Find the Alegria Bailee in euro sizes 35-42 (5-12) for $89-109.95 from Zappos, and Amazon.

Zappos customer Holly says it best about the APMA-approved Dansko Season: “I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect summer sandal. So far I’ve tried at least 5 different comfort brands and multiple models. When these shoes arrived I knew I had found “The One”. I have bunions on both feet, arches that need support and narrow ankles. These shoes fit like a glove and the rocker action of the sole combined with the platform provide perfect cushioning for walking through the streets of Chicago from morning till dusk.” The Season features a buckle strap at the ankle and a hook and loop fastener at the forefoot for adjustability. This particular style features a lightweight PU outsole with a woodgrain look, and a cushioned memory foam footbed for extra comfort. Find the Dansko Season in euro sizes 36-42 (5-11.5) for $$85-125 from Zappos, Dansko and Amazon.

Honorable Mention: Finn Comfort Sausalito sandal, Alegria Debra in wide width, Oofos recovery sandals and shoes, SAS Walk Easy (available in multiple widths).

How about you? Do you have a favorite pair of rocker sole shoes? Leave us a comment and tell the Barking Dog community all about them…

The post Stylish Rocker Sole Shoes : Glide Through Your Stride and Look Good Doing it! appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Revere strives to provide a perfect fit with adjustable straps (and strap extenders), contoured arch support, removable footbeds in all shoes and some sandals, and more!

Watch my video review of the new Revere Georgia sandal in gorgeous gold linen leather with removable footbed to accommodate an orthotic or AFO. Find the Georgia sandal in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $159.95 from Revere Shoes (use code BARKINGDOG for 15% off your purchase).

We all know how difficult it is to find a ballet flat with good arch support, let alone the capacity to accommodate bunions and hammertoes, but the Nairobi does all that and more with style and grace! The designers of the Nairobi somehow figured out how to add enhanced arch support and heel cushioning without adding bulk to this sleek skimmer. My arches feel supported and my heels aren’t complaining after standing on hard floors. The footbed is removable and could probably fit a dress orthotic well.

The Revere Nairobi features a vamp that crosses the foot below the bunions, enveloping them in soft leather with no irritation. I have tailor’s bunions, but you’d never know in these sweet flats. And if you’re as unfortunate as me to have hammertoes, you understand that most flats can’t accommodate them as the toe box is just too shallow. For a shoe with a low profile silhouette, the Nairobi does a fairly good job at making room for hammertoes–the leather is very soft and forgiving.

The Nairobi comes with two sets of fillers: a full-length unit if the flats are feeling a little too roomy and a forefoot fitter to help prevent heel slippage.

The fit is true to size and best fits a narrow to medium width foot. Find the Revere Nairobi in six colors, whole sizes 5-12 (size up if a half size) for $129.95 from RevereShoes.com (use code BARKINGDOG for 15% off purchase).

Searching for a stylish sandal that can take on your orthotics, adjust to the shape of your foot and compliment your warm-weather wardrobe? Consider the Emerald, Revere’s much-loved adjustable sandal. If you find Vionic’s arch support to be too rigid or aggressive, I think you’ll like the feel of the Miami sandal’s footbed–it’s definitely noticeable, filling in the arch area without pushing up uncomfortably. Plus, if you have wide feet, a pair of strap extenders is included with the purchase!

The adjustability is helpful for high or low volume feet (explained here), feet that swell, or need extra room for bunions or wider forefoot. Read a recent Revere customer testimonial for the Emerald sandal:

My knee pain improves markedly when I wear these sandals. And the adjustable straps mean my large bunions easily fit into the sandal. I can walk all day in these sandals without limping at all.

The Revere Emerald is available in whole sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $89.95-149.95 from RevereShoes.com (use code BARKINGDOG for 15% off purchase).

Do you wear an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis)? Did you know that you too can wear cute sandals? Revere’s Geneva closed-heel sandal may be your answer! Read Victoria’s testimonial:

Looking for a little lift in the form of a supportive, stylish wedge? The Revere Sorrento offers that and more! The Sorrento is my personal favorite of the three that Revere graciously sent to me. The 1.75″ wedge heel is the perfect height to add height without compromising comfort and cork-wrapped footbed feels divine!

In fact, there’s a metatarsal raise to take pressure off the ball of foot. This feature feels awesome if you have any pain in your forefoot from metatarsalgia.

With two adjustable straps (strap extenders included), you get a customized fit across the forefoot and instep. Find the Revere Sorrento in whole sizes 6-12 for $139.95 from RevereShoes.com (15% off with code BARKINGDOG).

The post Revere Shoes Rave Review: Find A Perfect Fit for Your Finicky Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Watch this short video to learn more about the superbly supportive footbed and other key comfort technologies of Alegria shoes. We think you’ll see why Alegria (“happiness” in Spanish) is a fitting name for the brand.

If you suffer from chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hallux rigidus or back pain, Alegria shoes feature ergonomic cork and a latex footbed combined with a rocker sole that may bring the relief you’ve long desired. And not to worry, many styles feature a removable footbed to allow for use of a custom orthotic.

If the classic clog isn’t your style, take a look at four more bestsellers from Alegria.

The Verona is a great option if you prefer a less chunky sandal but still like the feeling of a rocker sole. Three adjustable straps allow for a custom fit. Reviewers like the good arch support and three adjustable straps and also mention the fit is a little wide. Find the Alegria Verona in sizes 5.5-11.5 for $120 from Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.

We’re happy to see Alegria shoes finally issue a recovery sandal! Waterproof with excellent arch support, the Ode flip flop features a mild rocker sole to propel the foot through the stride. Fits a narrow to medium width foot best. Find the Alegria Ode in sizes 5.5-11.5 for $59.95 from Zappos and Nordstrom.

Do you work in an industry where you need an easy-to-clean shoe with a slip-resistant outsole? The Keli Pro has all that and more including Alegria Shoes “Perfect Fit” cork, latex  and memory foam footbed that’s removable and replaceable. Good news! The Keli comes in wide widths. Available from Zappos, Amazon and Nordstrom.

The sporty Henna sandal joins the Alegria shoes family and we love it! Made from vegan leather, the Henna features three adjustable straps, a contoured footbed with arch support and a lightweight outsole (not a rocker sole). A happy Zappos customer remarks, “Extremely comfortable and go with every outfit! Great for wide feet, very adjustable!” Find the Alegria Henna in euro sizes 35-42 (5-11.5) for $79.95 from Nordstrom, Amazon, Zappos

Do you have a favorite style from Alegria? We’d love to hear from you and so would other readers. Feel free to leave a comment and let us know how they help any foot issues that you have.

The post Awesome Alegria Shoes: Happy Footwear for Unhappy Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

 The Finn Comfort Phuket Sandal is a great, well made, but pricey shoe.  The downside of Finn Comfort is that they are not always very stylish, but I like the Phukets because they are comfortable and stylish as well. I purchased them last summer in black patent leather and have found them to be very versatile (you can wear them with jeans or a skirt).

I have had knee and hip replacements and a lot of foot and back issues, so a comfortable shoe is a must for me.  I chose Finn for their reputation for being a well made and comfortable shoe.  A big plus for these shoes is that they have an adjustable toe and velcro top strap.  However, the toe piece hits about half way between the curve between the toes and the end of my toes.  Since I can adjust the top strap, they still stay on well and it isn’t a big problem.  They run true to size.  They have great arch support, a removable foot bed, and I find that I can wear them comfortably all day.

Although they are quite expensive, if you have a lot of foot and joint issues, as I do, Finn sandals are well worth the price!

If you prefer a sandal with multiple adjustable straps for a customized fit, consider the bestselling Finn Comfort Gomera pictured below.

The Gomera sandal features four adjustable straps for a secure fit. The forefoot strap covers the bunions without irritating them since the leather is of high quality and super soft. I recommend the Gomera for relief from plantar fasciitis with its low 1 1/2″ heel, excellent arch support, deep heel cup and secure back strap.

Available in eight colors in euro sizes 35-43 (5-12.5) for $170-255 from Nordstrom, Zappos, and Amazon.

Do you have a pair of Finn sandals or shoes? What do you like about them? Do they relieve any foot conditions? Any concerns? Leave a comment and help our readers out! Thank you.

The Finn Comfort Barbuda sandal is a newer style with excellent reviews for support and adjustability.

The post Finn Comfort – Promising Shoes and Sandals for Foot and Joint Issues appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Are you conflicted about your Dansko Professional clogs? Your feet crave the arch support, but the footbed is too hard. You love the roomy toe box, yet the clog feels heavy on your feet by the end of the day. End the conflict and find perfect harmony for your soles in the Dansko Pro XP 2.0.

Teachers, medical professionals and anyone else on their feet all day should know about the Dansko Pro XP 2.0. The lightweight construction helps to alleviate foot and leg fatigue. This is accomplished with “coring holes,” which are exactly as they sound–cored out holes in the midsole to reduce the overall weight of the clog. Brilliant! To further reduce the overall weight of the clog, a lightweight EVA outsole replaces the PU outsole of the Professional.

Now for the special sauce that truly differentiates the Pro XP 2.0 from the Professional: a removable, dual-density polyurethane foam footbed. Take it out and replace with orthotics if need be, or leave it as is for outstanding cushioning and shock-absorption. The footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology–a TPU arch stabilizer for exceptional support.

Recent reviews of the Dansko Pro XP 2.0 are overwhelmingly positive with 23 reviewers awarding the clog 4-5 for comfort and quality (out of 27 reviews).  We also notice that this Dansko style has sleeker, slimmer styling than Dansko Professional clogs, yet still has ample roominess.  This might appeal to those who want Dansko comfort, but desire a less clunky look.

We wanted some first-hand feedback, so we turned to our friend Robin, a busy chiropractor who for the past 17 years has helped children and adults live healthier lives (learn more about her practice at Balance Family Chiropractic). Like many healthcare professionals, Robin spends 10-12 hours a day on her feet and often experiences foot pain.  She admits that finding comfortable shoes is a challenge.  Robin says she appreciates the high level of comfort, arch support and cushioning of her Dansko Pro XP 2.0 clogs, and notes that she experiences much less foot tenderness while wearing them.  She says, “The reduction in foot pain was remarkable, even after a long day.”

Here’s another rave review from a The Walking Company customer in the hospitality industry:

I’ve been a server for over a decade and have always worn the Cabrio Professional. Paired with my compression socks, my feet rarely hurt. However, after walking upwards of 10 miles per shift (yes I checked with a pedometer) any additional help is gratefully appreciated. My body still aches after a busy weekend. I decided to try out the new, lighter version and am SUPER thrilled that I did. Yes, they are more expensive, but I’ve learned that preventative measures are far less costly than reparative! My steps are lighter and I notice I carry myself differently when I walk in this lighter version. I also appreciate the cushy insole included in the show already. My feet are MUCH happier. The only thing I noticed is that my size 37 seemed *slightly* roomier than my old Cabrios tended to be. I was worried they were too big, but once my feet swelled a little, I was happy for the extra room. I definitely recommend this newer version!

We’ve tried on the Dansko Pro XP 2.0 and think they feel great!  Have any readers tried them?  Do you agree with the great reviews?  Please share your thoughts, we love hearing from you!

The Dansko Pro XP 2.0 is available in 8 colors/patterns in euro sizes 36-42 at Dansko.com, The Walking Company and Zappos.

Are you a Dansko aficionado? We think you’ll enjoy our page dedicated to the brand and their best styles.

The post The DeLIGHTful Dansko Pro XP 2.0: Updated and Improved appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.