Fashion Friday - Shoes of Summer

Few things can compete with walking along a sandy beach barefoot, dipping your toes in the water, or wading in a lake, river, or waves of the ocean. That is until you step on an odd shaped rock or shell and want to cry like a baby. Any who, as much as we love going barefoot whenever possible, especially in the summer, when shoes are required these are the three you'll find on us most often.

Explorer Shoe

Hiking boots for days spent exploring trails, mountainsides, and waterfalls. Boots are ideal for you if you will be in rough terrain, packing a load of 20-30 pounds, and/or you are looking for support for bad ankles or knees. They area also recommended for beginning hikers and those who don't hike often. While some pick a hiking shoe over a boot thinking a hiking shoe will weigh less, many boots weigh mere ounces more than a shoe and may be better suited for you. Shop around and find a pair that is comfortable and gives you the support you are looking for.

SEA Shoe

The beloved Flip Flop for days spent seeing the Sea. Sea what we did there. Beach side at the beach lake, reservoir, or just bumming around town we typically burn through a pair a season, sometimes more until one of our husbands introduced us to Rainbow Sandals. Their claim is a better glue to hold straps, a special sponge rubber with "memory" to mold to each owners foot, and a parachute stitch to hold the whole bit together. Supposedly this combination results in a longer lasting sandal that is not only comfortable but environmentally sound because they do last so long. So far we are believers. While they are a bit pricier than a regular flip flop, the comfort and fact that you don't have to buy a new pair each year make the price worth it. The pair pictured was $38 before tax.

Move It Shoe

Tennis shoes. Running Shoes. Whatever you want to call them they are the work horse workout shoe and stand in for any other shoe when needed. I often hike in mine. A few tips for buying this well used shoe; take a close look at your old pair and figure out where they are worn most. This will help you figure out how you walk and help lead you to a shoe that will better fit your foot. Also before buying any old pair on the wall of shoes figure out what you'll be using it for the most. Running, walking, cross training, hiking, etc. Shoes are made with a certain activity in mind. Buy for that activity and they'll suite you well. Ignore brand names. To a point. If you have positive recommendations for a certain brand sure give it a try. But don't just purchase a brand because you like the look or the symbol on them. Choose a pair that matches your foot and activity needs rather than your style and your tootsies will thank you!