If you’re a fan of New Balance, you are going to love their new line of Wellness Shoes! The New Balance Rock & Tone makes it easy to fit a workout into your daily routine. As you walk, the cushiony, lightweight rounded outsole works muscles harder for enhanced toning and calorie-burning benefits. You’ll work your legs from your calves to your glutes! You can find these healthy benefits in two distinct styles. The Flip Flop thong sandal has a nubuck leather upper with a breathable, mesh lining and an EVA footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot. If you like a more traditional shoe, the 1442 Sneaker is a great choice with a synthetic leather and mesh upper, ultra-light midsole and removable insole.

Casual, go-anywhere styles… strappy, dressy sandals: I love them all! Because these summer staples get more wear than any other shoe at this time of year, we make sure that all of our sandals are “FootSmart”. We evaluate thousands of styles to select only great-looking sandals that deliver exceptional foot comfort. You can be sure that each one has one or more of the following features: anatomical footbeds, flexible uppers with adjustability, orthotic-friendly footbeds, superior shock absorption, superior arch-support and leg toning / strengthening benefits. Look for these foot-pleasing features from favorite brands like Easy Spirit, Merrell, SoftSpots, Naturalizer, Clarks and many more. 

Q: I spend a lot of time poolside during the summer. Do you have any suggestions on comfortable sandals that will stand up to water, heat and more?

A: You’re smart to be thinking about sandals for days by the pool, and you’ll find a great selection of comfortable Pool & Beach Sandals at FootSmart! Our casual styles will help keep your feet protected from hot cement and sand. Plus, slip-resistant outsoles are an important feature to have on slippery pool decks! We have a great choice of bright, colorful and affordable sandals from favorite brands like Teva, Crocs, Merrell and others. No matter which you choose, we’re sure they’ll add plenty of fun to your days in the sun!

Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about these new shoes, Skechers Tone-Ups. What’s all the talk about, and do they really help you tone up more than other shoes?

A: You’ve been hearing a lot about new Skechers Tone-Ups and a new category of shoes called Wellness Shoes. In fact, these are quickly becoming one of the hottest sandals around. The reason? These cool, summer sandals, from the makers of the popular Skechers Shape-Ups, are a great way to tone your legs, get more exercise and lose weight while you walk—an improvement in your overall health.

Have you ever taken a long walk on a sandy beach? Skechers Tone-Ups have a multi-density EVA foam midsole that feels much like walking on a “giving” surface… like soft sand! Heels sink slightly as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to the center and push off with your toes. This movement helps strengthen legs, buttocks, back and abdominal muscles, all while stabilizing your steps. The soft surface absorbs impact, takes the pressure off your body and feels gentle on your joints, and also results in a strengthened lower body and improved posture. We have a great selection of these exciting new shoes in thong and slide styles, in colors that will complement your Spring and Summer wardrobe.

Spring is in full bloom, and that means it’s time to update your wardrobe with the latest comfort shoes. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank when purchasing sandals that feel as amazing as they look. Think casual thong styles… perfect for on-the-go days, lounging poolside, anytime! I have hand-picked dozens of sandals under $50 in the season’s must-have colors that— an affordable way to build your shoe selection. You’ll walk comfy all day in the Teva Mush thong sandal, with its shock-absorbing insole and enhanced arch support. Crocs lovers take note: the Crocs Patricia slide is an easy-on, sporty design that is loaded with the Croslite comfort features you love. You’ll also find versatile favorites from WalkSmart, FitFlop and many more. At prices like these, you can afford to buy a pair for just about every occasion!  

When it comes to wear-with-everything shoe favorites for Spring and Summer, what do you reach for? You may be surprised to hear this, but you don’t have to limit your choices to basic black or brown! This season, versatile neutrals are my top pick to complement your warm-weather wardrobe. Shades of bone, pearl, soft sand and taupe pull together a style that is both effortless and classic.

At FootSmart you’ll find the neutrals you want combined with the comfort your feet crave. Instantly feel great on your feet with Propet Capri wedge slides in pearlized white. The Clarks Bermuda Daquri slide sandals in taupe offer all-day support with an anatomical footbed that supports your arch and cradles your foot. If its complete cushioning you favor, try the SoftSpots Darby slide in cream: the footbed boasts layers of foam that surround your foot with softness and feel light all day! Another lightweight, flexible option is the Dansko Sela classic clog in sandpiper nubuck leather, with an anatomical footbed and rocker bottom. Explore the many options and enjoy the versatility of neutral colors!

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Q: When Spring gets here, and the days are longer, I find myself busier than ever: running errands, Spring cleaning and socializing more with friends in the neighborhood. Are there any shoes you could recommend that will keep my feet feeling comfortable and energized all day?

A: While we may not be able to reduce the number of items on your “to do” list, we can certainly keep your feet pain-free and feeling great! The Crocs Prepair clog has an innovative, lightweight design that reduces muscular effort while walking or standing—an escape for your tired, achy legs and feet. If you’re looking for something a bit more pampering, new Privo by Clarks Silana fisherman-style shoe has a Soleassage footbed that absorbs shock and massages your foot with every step. The new KEEN Whisper fisherman sandal with a quick-draw elastic cord lacing system features a foot-cushioning EVA footbed and excellent arch support. All-day, long-lasting comfort is easy with the new Propet Sparkle lace-up sneaker that is made of washable leather. Whether you prefer a shoe that slips on or ties, you’ll find plenty of all-day comfort options—no matter where your feet take you.

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Comfortable Sandals for Wide Feet

In search of great-looking, feel-good sandals for your wide feet? Look no further than FootSmart! All of our sandals undergo a strict selection process to ensure that they are both beneficial and comfortable… and this includes our wide width sandals. You’ll find a great selection of the season’s best colors and styles from the comfort brands that you trust. Soft Style by Hush Puppies Chic Stretch slide is stylish and super comfortable with stretch fabric straps and a cushioned step. The New Easy Spirit Fabiola everyday sandal feels light as air with Anti-Gravity construction. If it’s extra wide widths you need, you’ll love the casual looks of the Hush Puppies Angya fisherman-style sandal and the SoftSpots Adona with a cushiony soft, foam footbed.

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Spring Must-Haves: Huaraches

A warm-weather favorite for years, Huarache sandals are known for their strappy, woven leather uppers, a design that originated hundreds of years ago in Mexico. Today’s designs keep many of the traditional style elements, but our selection takes them further with the comfort and technology features that you crave. Look for gentle support, pillow-like cushioning and features like the Air Circulation System to keep feet dry and comfortable. You’ll find styles from favorite comfort brands like SoftSpots, Easy Spirit, Brand X, Clarks and more in the season’s best colors. Wherever your Spring adventures lead, Huaraches carry you with ease!

Q: Spring is right around the corner, and I am really looking forward to sandal season! Can you give me some insight into what colors and styles I should look for in 2010?

A: Spring is definitely on the horizon and that means lots of colorful, comfortable sandals. There are many reasons that I love Spring, and tops on my list are cool, strappy sandals or heels in a variety of colors! This season, you’ll see a return of some of your favorites like huaraches and gladiators. Plus, you’ll want versatile wedges, thongs and flats to round out your options. What about colors?  I think you’ll love the new neutrals! Shades of sand, beige, cream, latte and caramel provide a versatile foundation for your springtime wardrobe of brights and patterns. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of color with a return to brights (think citrus shades of orange and green).

Check out some of our Spring favorites. SoftSpots Traci refreshes the classic huarache with plush cushioning and style. Pillow Top™ memory foam cradles your feet while woven leather straps comfortably criss-cross your feet. If you love the lightweight comfort of Crocs™, try new Crocs Farrah sling-back wedges. In a departure from their usual style, they have an elastic heel strap for a better fit and a heel height of just over 3”! Dressy occasions call for a pair of Sofft Sabatina gladiator sandals. These croc-print leather shoes add a glamorous look with comfort to spare! In search of a comfy, go-anywhere slide? Easy Spirit Get Real blooms with comfort. The versatile leather upper has a soft, latex foam footbed and a 2” heel. You’re going to love Spring at FootSmart!

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