Functional » ShoeLaLa

Clog Love

Functional, Vegetarian Shoes 2 Responses »

May 032008

I have a crush on this orange clog: the Encore Dream, made by Merrell. Another great vegan shoe from that company…it’s taking all my willpower to refrain from ordering it.

(Internal dialogue: hi, you have too many shoes already! what about downsizing! what about the epidemic of consumerism! …but…they’re so cute! …and um, I need more casual shoes! …and…they’re comfy so I would actually wear them!)

They do look super comfy. Most clogs look really comfy, but then they tend to have a barely-there back on them that I find really annoying to walk in. I like that these ones have a bit more structure to them.

Plus, I confess I’m a total sucker for anything ‘naturey’ looking, so I love the cool leaf pattern on them.

Did I mention they look comfy?

A compromise between nature and "ow my foot!": Barefoot Shoes

Wacky & Tacky No Responses »

Apr 082008

Behold the FiveFingers shoe, made by Vibram (Geekologie wonders why they aren’t called FiveToe).

Maybe a decent compromise for timid members of the Society for Barefoot Living!

The FiveFingers website touts the benefits of this weird looking shoe:

FiveFingers footwear acts like a second skin to offer a gecko-like grip over a variety of terrain. It protects bare feet from rocks, gravel, and sharp objects. And it promotes a natural walking motion, reducing impact on your knees, hips, and lower back.

I can’t help but think that with all that material between your toes, the wearer would feel like they were in a constant state of pedicure. And I don’t think I’d have the balls to wear these down the street. But I can’t deny that this is a pretty neat shoe.