Kirsten B.

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Bella-Vita Athena: Comfortable Heel for Wide Feet

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Feb 7, 2012, 11:26 am
I'm often hesitant to recommend a three-inch heel on Barking Dog Shoes. Am I sabotaging my divine call to help women find sensible footwear for their problem feet? And then comes the wondering. Must I consistently feature only cork/la...
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Comfortable Shoes for Painful Instep

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Feb 2, 2012, 12:14 am
... in sizes 5.5-10, medium width at GentleSouls.com for $185, free shipping and returns; $185 at PlanetShoes.com.   6. Ara Bella: It doesn't look much different than Aerosoles in the photo, but let me tell you, these are good, good shoes. I have a similar style by Ara. Go...
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The Keen Sienna MJ is Back; This Time in Canvas

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 26, 2012, 11:19 am
... there were only five pairs of Keen Sienna MJs left in the whole ... ; After a two year hiatus, Keen is reintroducing the Sienna MJ; ... 've always loved the streamlined (for Keen) look of the Sienna, but how ... is not as roomy as other Keen styles.  Narrower than other ... ...
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Dansko Rylan Boot

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 24, 2012, 12:28 am
  Photo credit: Dean Powell from Footwear Plus Dansko Supplement      Isn't she lovely?   Isn't she wonderful? The Dansko Rylan from the Rio coll...
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5 Comfortable Sandals for High Arches and Bunions

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 19, 2012, 2:33 pm
Hey Kirsten, love your website! I live in Modesto, CA and summers are long, hot and dry (think Arizona). I recently acquired a bunion and have high arches. I am only able to wear my tennis shoes now because all of my boots, heels, flats and flip flops HURT SO BAD! Could you please recommend a spring...
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Anne Klein Drella and Shevanie Wedges

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 16, 2012, 10:50 am
Yes, I agree, the shoe in the previous post does look like it belongs on a kindergartner's foot. But I still contend it would be cute on the right full-grown person; perhaps an artist with a quirky personality?  How about this sensible but chic wedge by Anne Klein? That's more like it, r...
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Spring Step Lollipop, Bumblebee and Firefly

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 13, 2012, 12:17 am
... it. The Lollipop, Bumblebee and Firefly by Spring Step earn high marks for all-day ... about here.   1. Spring Step Lollipop: Springy cushioned insole and shock-absorbing outsole--very roomy toe box ... and returns.    2.  Spring Step Bumble...
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7 Stylish Shoes for the Size 12 Extra Wide Foot | Reader Request

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 10, 2012, 12:32 am
Hi Kirsten. I wanted to say I love the blog and am an avid reader. I love looking at all the cute/comfy styles you feature but I have had zero luck finding any for myself. I have a very wide feet (WW at least) fairly large feet (somewhere between a 11-12), and plantar fasciitis. I feel like this evi...
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Gentle Souls Ridge A Maru Wedge

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jan 5, 2012, 11:33 am
If I had an office job (or got out more often), this would be my it shoe. I've had my eye on the Gentle Souls Ridge A Maru wedge for a year, but no occasion to wear it. Perhaps you do? If not, just enjoy the window shopping experience of glancing at a gorgeous, well-made and comfortable ...
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Kalso Earth Shoe Iridessa Ankle Bootie Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Nov 2, 2011, 12:16 am
 After chaperoning Darth and hippie up one suburban neighborhood street and down the other, I can confidently provide a post-Halloween, trick-or-treat review of the Kalso Earth Iridessa ankle bootie.  Treats: The faux-fur upper is cozy but not overly warm. This is a plus if ...
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Clark's Wish Excite Tall Boot for Wide Calves

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 29, 2011, 11:32 am
You asked for it, you got it: a foot-friendly, stylish tall boot that won't cut off the circulation in your well, let's just call them "athletic" calves.  The Clark's Wish Excite features a 15" calf circumference with stretchy elastic goring at the back of the boot shaft. While this det...
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Beth's Review of Ahnu Camino Outdoor Shoe

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 27, 2011, 3:08 pm
Beth is wearing the Ahnu Camino in Beluga--courtesy of Ahnu. With a flexible rubber sole and soft leather, the Ahnu Camino feels sneaker-like, but has a more winter-appropriate look with its flannel lining and better padding underfoot.  This is the comfortable shoe I’ll wear...
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Merrell Tetra Launch Waterproof Boot Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 26, 2011, 2:50 pm
Photo credit: Flickr user, mrsLiz, a Merrell fan Can a boot be waterproof and at the same time lack rubber uppers featuring all manner of flowers, cherries, horses and peace signs (no offense to Bogs or Chooka). Yes, 1000 times yes!  Meet the chic yet sensible M...
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Umberto Raffini Flavia Ankle Boot Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 24, 2011, 8:55 am
Umberto Raffini Flavia courtesy of The Walking Company What happens when a pair of sample shoes are one size too small for the Barking Dog? She hunts down her size 9 friends and coerces them into a review. To which her dear friend Heidi responded, "Free comfortable shoes? Twist my arm....
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Jambu Nottingham Barefoot Boot Review and Giveaway

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 20, 2011, 12:27 am
If the thought of boot weather makes you shudder and shiver, you're in good company. After a stellar start to October with temperatures above 70 and eight days of sunshine, our beloved Chicago meteorologist, Tom Skilling, predicted an end to it all. And if you know Tom, he's rarely-to-ne...
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10 Comfortable Shoes for Under $60

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 16, 2011, 8:46 am
... dirt cheap. My favorite style is the Aravon Maya pictured above--roomy toe box, rocker sole, accommodates inserts (sizes limited as it's an outlet). 10.  6pm.com--Where all the Zappos sale shoes go. Incredible selection with daily deals on many comfort brands. Currently offering FREE SH...
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Comfortable Shoes to Alleviate Back Pain

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 13, 2011, 11:58 pm
Dear Kirsten - I am looking for shoes with narrow heels and wide toe, but also shoes that are comfortable for my back. If they can go with an orthotic, that's ok too. Thanks, Nancy Nancy, Here are four suggestions based on my own experience and researching customer reviews....
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Earthies Trunk Show at Miroballi Shoes

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 10, 2011, 11:00 pm
I can not take credit for these fabulous photos.  My photographer friend made time to stop by Miroballi Shoes in Wheaton, Illinois for the Earthies trunk show.  This is what's going on inside Earthies shoes and boots. If you're new to the brand which debuted thi...
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Arcopedico Flower Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Oct 4, 2011, 3:15 pm
I'm a mom of boys. The mud-loving, light saber-wielding, wrestle anywhere kind.  I honestly don't know what I'm missing most days,  but when I invite myself over to play with the Easy Bake oven belonging to my friend's daughter, it's time to get back in touch with the girly-girl side. ...
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Dr. Scholl's Shoes Video Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 28, 2011, 12:23 am
My sister-in-law and I had a blast filming this "unboxing" video of three current styles from Dr. Scholl's Shoes. Oh yes, that's my fourth grade son as podiatrist, Dr. Scholl. Dr. Scholl's Shoes is so much more than the trademark wooden sandal you may recall from the 1970's. While that...
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Naot Exotic Tall Boot Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 23, 2011, 12:01 am
... 13; Zappos: $300, free shipping and returns. OnlineShoes.com: $299.95, free shipping and exchanges. Shoebuy: $299.95, free shipping and returns. The Walking Company: $299.95, free shipping/free returns to store. PlanetShoes.com: $300, free...
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Top 10 Comfortable, Stylish Flats for Fall 2011

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 18, 2011, 6:53 pm
Finding a comfortable flat is more difficult than finding a comfortable heel. Do you agree? Perhaps I feel that way because of my arch issues; one high, the other fallen and semi-corrected with surgery. Flat shoes tend to be lacking in any kind of arch support. I'd just as soon walk barefoot on the ...
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Gentle Souls Buckled Up Boot Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 13, 2011, 2:43 pm
Look ma, no brains! What's a gal with fused foot bones, a total shoulder replacement and a missing distal ulna doing on her son's Razor scooter...without a helmet? Going .03 mph, that's what. I'm a closet risk-taker so a Harley is out of the question, but a pair of  biker-inspired buckl...
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Art Therapy by Art Metropolitan Soul Footwear

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 8, 2011, 11:59 pm
Do I buy art? No. Why? Because I can't afford real art. Plus, my kids draw stuff that by obligation, I must display. Plus who doesn't love a two legged Narwhal.  Same thing goes for this new brand I just discovered. Art Company from La Rioja, Spain (home to El Naturalista). I can't aff...
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Dansko ProXP Video Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Sep 5, 2011, 5:16 pm
Remember, the back of the clog is supposed to lift up and down while walking. I'm wearing the right size!  Also, I don't think I truly stressed how much more cushioned these are than the original Professional clog. The entire ProXP line is available at 210 nationwide locations of  The ...
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Comfortable Boots, Biker-Style | Reader Request

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 30, 2011, 11:35 am
 Did this summer find you strolling the streets of Sturgis?  Me neither.  But I’ve always adored the rough-edged look of biker-style boots.  Too bad they don’t always play well with problem feet.  Here’s a comment from one of our readers:  “I have bunions as well as osteoarthrit...
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Janelle's Review of Aetrex Essence Heels

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 25, 2011, 10:49 am
My friend Janelle reviews the Veronica sandal from Aetrex's new Essence line of comfortable heels. So I was cooking dinner the other day wearing heels...Aetrex "Veronica" to be exact.  A silly thing to do really, but for a worthy cause - your feet.  Now mind you my feet i...
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9 Comfortable, Stylish Low-Heeled Dress Shoes

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 19, 2011, 5:25 pm
 Dear Kirsten, I truly wish I could wear the fun Alegrias and chunky Danskos you feature so often. However, the dress code at my place of work does not allow such "frivolity," so I'll relegate those to weekend only wear.  Here's my problem. I love a little bit of a heel as I'm 5'3", but I c...
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Review of El Naturalista Cork Oak Wedge N401

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 12, 2011, 12:02 pm
Pop the cork and celebrate, El Naturalista aficionados, it's a new style! And aren't they the bee's knees?    The leather is pull grain. This means it's been treated with river stones to "temper" the hide. I wonder if this happens in the factory or o...
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Great Deals on Alegria Shoes

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 9, 2011, 11:49 pm
I went for a walk tonight. And yes, I'd love a round of applause. My stupid RA is flaring like a bonfire in my hands and of all places, HIPS...and my hips don't lie.  A walk around the block was the last thing I wanted to do, yet I knew it was the best activity for my tin man joints.  ...
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Patrizia Comfort Shoes on Sale for $20

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 5, 2011, 11:00 am
Italian comfort shoes without the sticker shock! I just noticed this brand today at 6pm.com. Owned by Spring Footwear Corporation (makers of Spring Step shoes), Patrizia footwear features lightweight, flexible soles and padded footbeds. Faux leather uppers keep the price down. The shoes featured bel...
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Open-Minded to the Narrow-Footed

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Aug 2, 2011, 11:09 am
Hi narrow feet. I haven't forgotten about you. What do you think of these footwear options? 1. Naya Rustica:  Sister company to Naturalizer, Naya shoes are both eco-friendly and supportive, plus they come in widths. The Rustica features a memory foam footbed with moderate ar...
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Reader Question | Comfortable Shoes for Flat Feet with Bunions

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jul 25, 2011, 2:18 pm
Greetings from Holden Beach, North Carolina--God's country and the land of Cheerwine soda and Pimento spread sandwiches. While it's still difficult to type on a laptop after wrist surgery a month ago, I'm attempting to get caught up on a few reader questions I've received lately. I'm hoping all of y...
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BC Footwear Sandal Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jul 15, 2011, 11:49 pm
BC Footwear "Sleep Under the Stars" sandal Thanks to Barking Dog Shoes reader, Chimera, I learned about this fun little sandal by BC Footwear. She left this comment under a recent post highlighting comfortable, stylish footwear for bunions. This summer I'm loving B...
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Great Deals on Aravon by New Balance

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jul 12, 2011, 10:26 pm
Have you heard of Joe's New Balance Outlet? You'll want to bookmark the link once you see these mid-summer deals on comfortable shoes! While you can find hundreds of athletic styles at Joes, I'm featuring five finds from New Balance's casual-dress line, Aravon. The styles below many not classify as ...
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8 Comfy and Cute Shoes for $50 and Under

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jul 7, 2011, 11:56 pm
1.  Soft Style Coral Reef: Soft Style is a division of Hush Puppies, yet I probably wouldn't have noticed them unless I was specifically looking for footwear under fifty bucks. But I really like these, don't you? Most Zappos reviewers award the Coral Reef espadrille five stars for comfort. S...
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A Dansko for Wide Feet? Meet SARA

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jul 2, 2011, 6:21 pm
Dansko Sara perfectly posed at the pool. I had nothing to do with this set-up, just happened to notice the comfortable sandals right next to my chaise lounge. The owner came back right after I snapped the shot and strapped them on. I said nothing. The comfortable shoe chatter...
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Earthies Monaco Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 26, 2011, 9:07 pm
Faux snakeskin, wood platform, sexy slingback. This shoe has all the ingredients of a high-fashion heel, but would you believe it's from the makers of Earth shoes? Yes, the ones with the negative heel and varying degrees of frump factor depending on the style (said in love as I have two ...
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O Bunion, My Bunion | 5 Shoes That Won't Aggravate the Bunion

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 24, 2011, 11:08 am
Hello new Barking Dog Shoes readers. Apparently the new Arthritis Today magazine is out! I plan on nabbing a few copies next week at my rheumatologist's office. For the rest of you who don't subscribe, this month's issue features an article about comfortable shoes and I was interviewed for suggestio...
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Alegria Pisa Sandal Review and Giveaway

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 16, 2011, 11:05 pm
Alegria Pisa courtesy of Alegria Shoes I took this photo last weekend while picking up some colorful zinnias at our local nursery. I dressed up a little since I'd been in sweats and other pull-on garb after wrist surgery last week. One lady came up to me and said, "Where did...
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Jambu Odyssey Review and Giveaway

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 9, 2011, 11:07 pm
It's 4:30 pm, June 8th. If I could take a living snapshot of everyone wearing the Jambu Odyssey at this very moment, the collage would look something like this: Upper left:  Middle school teacher just wished her students a safe summer. On the way out the door, a seventh gra...
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El Naturalista Wakataua Slingback

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 6, 2011, 10:49 pm
  I'm on narcotics after surgery, but I think this shoe is totally awesome--it is, right?  Reminds me of the dreams I've been having: vivid colors, slightly off-beat--but in a good way.  The El Naturalista Wakataua N433 appears to be the perfect summer shoe fo...
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Surgery

Kirsten B. posted an article on - Jun 4, 2011, 10:24 am
good morning! hen peck typing here to let you know i underwent wrist surgery yesterday. it's called a darrach procedure. the ortho actually cut the end of my ulna bone off--it"s all RA related and complicated. i'll spare you the details. it hurts and i love my narcotics. i hope to be bac...
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Keen Sula and Harvest MJ Utilize Re-purposed Fabric Scraps

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 31, 2011, 12:50 am
Holy Liberty of London, these are dreamy.  And these are home ec.-scrap wonders. The too-cute-to-be-true Sula sneaker and Harvest MJ II are the newest additions to Keen's collection of shoes incorporating re-purposed fabric scraps. Compliment-fetching for sure,...
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Acorn Earthroamer Mary Jane Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 26, 2011, 3:11 pm
Earthroamer Mary Jane courtesy of Acorn You've probably heard of Acorn slippers, but did you know they make shoes now? Cute, comfortable shoes. I've been wearing my new Earthroamer mary janes for two weeks from park to park with my kids. I like them. I really do. Here's why: ...
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Funky-Chunky Heels by Naot | Union and Bond Styles

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 20, 2011, 11:28 pm
Cork and latex contoured footbed=good.  Platform and chunky heel=good. Adjustable instep strap, pine green hue and shiny hardware=good. But when they're all combined into one, is it still good?  I vote yes. These two new styles from the Duet collection rock the Naot boat full of mary j...
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Orthaheel Porto Sandal Review and Giveaway

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 15, 2011, 11:35 pm
And then the wind picked up and apparently struck me speechless, but I have so much more to say. I'll continue from the safety of my den computer (no basement): If you suffer from the pain that comes with plantar fasciitis or pronation, no doubt you've been told b...
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Rieker Vanessa by Remonte Dorndorf Review

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 10, 2011, 8:23 am
Review and photos by Connie of  ConnieTameling.com I am not gentle on my feet . . . never have been.  I love being barefoot, and have the callouses to show for it.  Throw in twelve years of ballet as a youngster (five on pointe with a ballet instructor who insisted we must "feel" the ...
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Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pikolinos

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 6, 2011, 11:34 am
Photo courtesy of Flickr member calamity_hane. She calls her Pikolinos Turin Oxfords "Victorian Cowgirl." Spot on. Pikolinos. Fun to say, beautiful to look at, comfortable to wear.  The above shots feature the Pikolinos Turin oxford. I chose this comf...
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Introducing a Lightweight Dansko Clog for Summer | The Volley

Kirsten B. posted an article on - May 3, 2011, 4:21 pm
Photo courtesy of LeslieMc5 Do you wear your Dansko Professionals in the summertime because you can't bear to part with the stellar support and all-day comfort? Do you wish Dansko offered a warm weather alternative? Look alive my friend, the Volley is in your court. ...
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