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!  

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.

 Shoes featured in this post

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!

Shoes featured in this post

With the return of warm weather, my thoughts naturally turn to thong sandals. They are a consistent favorite for many, and I am frequently asked if there are notable differences between the types or if there are certain styles that I favor. The simple answer is yes; however, each style has special features that set them apart. The Moszkito Archy features tooled leather straps and extra arch support for those who need it. I also like Island Hawaii Island Thong, a handmade sandal that is so comfy and lightweight you’ll forget you have it on! SoftSpots Camilla slips on easily with adjustable hook-and-loop side straps and cushiony Pillow Top™ memory foam footbeds. The New Aravon Robin combines feminine style with New Balance athletic engineering for additional comfort. The difference lies in the sculpted, deep heel cup and arch support, while supple leather straps have adjustable, hook-and-loop closures for a customized fit. One thing is certain: with so many comfortable styles to choose from, I am sure you will be happy with your final decision!  

Shoes featured in this post

Moszkito Archy	Aravon Robin
Island Hawaii Island Thong	SoftSpots Camilla

Q: Help! I suffer from plantar fasciitis, which causes lots of heel pain, and it’s very challenging to find shoes that don’t make the pain worse. Can you recommend any shoes that would be comfortable with this condition?

A: You’ve come to the right place! If there is one thing we understand at FootSmart, it’s problem feet. We specialize in comfortable shoes, but did you know that we also carry shoes that are designed specifically for plantar fasciitis and other painful foot conditions? In fact, I think you will like the choices that you find. From sporty sandals and thongs to cozy slippers, you’ll find styles that are perfect for Spring… and for your comfort level.

Whatever style you prefer, the most important thing to consider when shopping for shoes is arch and heel support. Customer favorite, podiatrist-designed Orthaheel Tide thong realigns your feet to their natural position, which improves posture while relieving heel and arch pain. We also have some other great new Orthaheel shoes and colors available. The Orthaheel Seaside slide has classic appeal with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a great fit, plus it features the same pain-relieving benefits as the other styles. Another great casual choice is the Moszkito Wing. Ideal for those with weak or fallen arches, this thong features arch-enhanced footbeds that help align ankles, knees and hips to a natural position. If you’re looking for problem-solving athletic shoes, you will appreciate the New Balance 927 walking shoe. Designed for flat arches, this full-grain leather shoe helps stabilize feet and control overpronation—controlling pain in the process. Regardless of your choice, you will find plenty of stylish pain relief at FootSmart!

Shoes featured in this post