Women’s Walking Shoes, Choose the Style that Fits You

Walking shoes is a necessity especially when traveling, because the odds are high that you will be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable and hardy walking shoes are important whether you plan to spend hours shopping at the mall, or simply just to sight see. Aside from comfort, choosing a walking shoe should also be based on its versatility especially when traveling, so you don’t have to pack multiple pairs and so that it looks good with any outfit. A lot of walking shoes are available in the market, and here several brands and designs that you can choose from, depending on your style and activity.

The Merell Encore Moc Pro is the perfect shoe for everyday excursions. It has a full-grain leather  upper that’s easy to maintain,  Dri-Lex® Shubuck lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial technology creates a healthy foot environment., side goring ensures effortless on/off wear and a customized fit,  4.5mm Orthlite® anatomical footbed delivers the height of comfort with every step, Q-Form® EVA footframe, nylon arch shank and Air Cushion midsole add extra stability, SATRA tested slip-resisting rubber outsole maintains traction and grip, and a  1 1/2″ heel. You get all of these features for just $95. This shoe is rather plain, rugged, and not very fashionable. But if comfort is what you’re looking for, then this shoe is for you.

For women who are more fashion-conscious, Aerosoles offer walking shoes that are stylish, comfortable, and affordable at the same time. The Aerosoles Printz Charming Travel walking shoes is a vintage-inspired ballet flat in soft supple leather with contrast leather piping. It is detailed with teardrop cutout and leather bow tie, and has a breathable suede lining and extra-cushioned footbed with flexible sole. You can pair it with skirts, dresses, or dress pants. Choose this shoes if you need to be well-dressed in your travels. It is very reasonably priced at $69.

Another cute and comfy Aerosoles walking shoe is the Aerosoles Soft Spoken. This casual women’s shoe features a canvas or denim fabric upper with frayed edges for a laid-back look, and an adjustable strap with a buckle closure lends a snug fit. A cushioned, faux-suede covered footbed offers support and comfort, while a diamond-pattern rubber sole provides traction. It only costs $48.95.

Ecco, on the other hand, offers a wide range of sleek and stylish Mary Jane walking shoes. The Ecco Bouillon Mary Jane travel walking shoes is one of the most comfortable shoes in the market, beautiful and versatile at the same time. The ultimate pretty city walking shoe, wear it if you paln to go sightseeing in London or Paris. It has a streamlined silhouette and classic design that brings this shoe to life. Made of genuine leather, the uppers are easy to clean and maintain for extended wear. It has leather-lined interior wicks away moisture for a healthy foot environment, a lightly padded footbed offers continuous support and cushioning for added comfort, and a lightweight polyurethane outsole helps absorb shock for a lasting and durable finish.

Whether you’re a no-nonsense, outdoorsy type, or sweet and feminine, there are a wide range of women’s walking shoes to choose from. The right style, support, and fit will surely make your errands, travel or leisurely walks a pleasant experience.

Technorati Tags: aerosoles walking shoes, ecco walking shoes, name brand shoes, walking shoes, Womens Walking Shoes

Women’s Running Shoes, What to Know and What to Buy

“Shrink ‘em and pink ‘em”.

This is how sportswear companies describe women’s running shoes as it becomes no more than a men’s shoe in feminine colors. They recognize the market potential of the female runners, thus, the start of various designs and engineered running shoes for females.

Sportswear companies take note that women are very different from men, and those differences give insight on how to design such running shoes. There are a few differences between males and females regarding their running bio-mechanics, and these differences are being utilized by the companies to make women’s running shoes.

Women have wider Q-angle due to larger hips leading to more pronation than men. A different midsole/outsole is needed on the women’s version, and a combination of shapes and materials that can offer women the extra support they need.

Less body mass for women (15% less statistically) implying that women’s version of the shoe is lower or softer. For the same reason, the flex grooves need to be more emphasized in the women’s running shoes, as the lower body mass makes it more difficult to flex the foam material of the midsole and needs to be aided.

Different foot shapes between men and women of the same stature as men have broader and longer feet. Results show that women’s feet have different shape characteristics than men’s, especially in the arch, the first toe, the lateral side, and the ball of the foot. This factor tackles the last of a shoe (the shape around which the upper of the shoe is constructed). It is the feature of each brand and very crucial to the final fit of the shoe around the foot.

Now that we learned some differences between men’s and women’s feet, along with different foot types and pronation, you can now choose the best running shoes.

Remember that if you are an overpronator and a flat feet runner, the best choice for you should be a motion control running shoes such as Brrooks Beast 10 for about $130, Saucony Progrid Stabil CS Running Shoes for $115, Nike Zoom Nucleus + MC Running Shoes for $120,  and Asics Evolution 4 Running Shoes for $110. These shoes emphasize medial support by having dual density midsoles, roll bars or foot bridges. This medial (inside support) support slows the rate of over pronation.

For neutral pronator, use stability shoes such as Asics GT 2140 Running Shoes for $100,Nike LunarGlide+ Running Shoes for $99, New Balance 850 Running Shoes for $115 and New Balance 1224 Running Shoes for $135. These shoes combine cushioning features and support features into its design.

If you are a supinator or underpronator, buy cushioning shoes such as Asics Nimbus 10 Running Shoes for $120 and Asics Womens GEL-Nimbus 11 for $125. These womens running shoes emphasize enhanced shock dispersion in its midsole and/or outsole design. Many shoe companies add materials to the heel and forefoot areas to enhance the cushioning properties of the shoe i.e. air, gel, hydro flow etc.

Technorati Tags: asics womens running shoes, name brand shoes, running shoes, Women's Running Shoes

Looking for Womens Hiking Shoes? Try Merell

In hiking, choosing the right hiking shoes is just as important as bringing the right gear. There is no replacement for the ideal hiking shoes, considering the walking and trekking that you have to do. A lot of women are engaging in this sport nowadays, so it is important to provide tips on how to choose the right women’s hiking shoes.

It is of utmost importance to understand the features of hiking shoes and how they work in order to choose the right one for you. To better understand, here are the main characteristics of hiking shoes in general.

Hiking shoes should be lightweight. A general rule in hiking is to go light. While your backpack accounts for most of the weight you’ll be carrying on the trail, your hiking boots also add some considerable weight to your legs. That’s why you need women’s hiking boots that are lightweight. The lighter the weight of your women’s hiking shoes is, the easier your walking will be.

Next to weight in importance is the water resistant capability of your women’s hiking shoes. When it comes to hiking, one of your biggest enemies is moisture or water. That’s why your shoes should be breathable and made of watertight material at the same time. Next is lateral rigidity. A good pair of women’s hiking shoes is one that can support your feet and ankles, and keep them from twisting on uneven surfaces. Look for women’s hiking shoes that have a higher upper, as these usually have stiff ankle supports.

Another is strong arch support. Aside from supporting your ankles from twisting and your feet from over-bending, your hiking shoes should also support the arch of your feet so your feet will not flatten out under heavy pressure. A curved shank between the midsole and insole of your women’s hiking shoes is often inserted to provide arch support.

Still not sure of what hiking shoes to purchase? Check out Merell Overdrive II, one of the best women’s hiking shoes.

The Merrell Overdrive II hiking shoes are for adventure runners who want to maintain speed over changeable terrain. It has many features including: air mesh uppers with leather trim which are treated with Aegis™ Antimicrobial Technology, injection TPU heel counter and support arm with 360° reflective trim, Kevlar lace, TPU molded lace lock system and heel securing top eyelet system for a proper fit, bellows tongue with lace keeper flap and forefoot protection design with gaiter hook, anatomical ventilated footbed with Etc.® anti-friction socklining and a drainage system in the forefoot, injection TPU Trailspring™ structural support, alignment and cushioning system and gaiter strap channel at arch bridge and Merrell Air Cushion® midsole for enhanced support. These are available at zappos.com for $100.

Technorati Tags: hiking shoes, merell hiking shoes, name brand shoes, Womens Hiking Shoes

Discount Name Brand Shoes, BCBG Max Azria Posh Shoes at a Bargain

“Good style, good attitude,” is what BCBG (“bon chic, bon genre”) stands for and it obviously mirrors the designs of Max Azria, a French fashion designer who founded the fashion house BCBGMAXAZRIA. Azria is one of the most sought after designers by a lot of Hollywood celebrities for their red carpet gowns, shoes, or accessories. Some of the celebrities who wore Max Azria collections were Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, Kate Bosworth, Hilary Duff, Fergie, Alicia Keys and Rachel Bilson.

Designer items on sale are usually outdated or “so last season” but with a lot of patience and scouting a number of stores, you could come across great finds and unbelievably slashed prices – some up to 60-70% off! BCBG shoes is one of the best discount name brand shoes  since they are bold, funky, and unique and you can find some items on sale which are still trendy and up-to-date.

I love the BCBG Ella platform sandals. Nice and racy, it has crisscrossed satin vamp straps and contrast stitching, an adjustable ankle strap with buckle closure, a back zipper for easy wear, leather lining and insole, a lightly padded footbed with logo, leather sole, a 1.5”covered platform and a 4.5” stiletto heel.  These platforms are perfect for a girls ‘night out, or simply for just giving an outfit a “bad girl” edge. It is on sale at 20% off, from $325 to $259.95.

Another pair of shoes on sale is the BCBG Max Azria Ebbe, a beautiful and bold bootie which is undeniably very fashionable. It is a peep toe bootie with a metallic leather upper with extra wide vamp straps. It has a pull-on design with goring on both sides, leather lining and insole, lightly padded leather footbed,  1/2″ platform, a 3.75” stacked diamond-shaped heel and a leather sole with BCBG Max Azria logo. It is on sale at 70% off, from $275 to $160, which is certainly a bargain.

The BCBG Max Azria Colly, a very charming ankle boots is also on sale for a whopping 80% off! Originally priced at $350, and now for only $280, fall in love with this captivating shoe which is available in three different styles – black nappa, black satin, and dove nappa. It has a back-zip closure, 3.25” covered heels, cushioned leather footbed, and a leather or satin upper with layers of ruffles that adorn the instep. The ruffles give the shoe a very feminine yet edgy look. Pair it with leggings, skinny jeans or a short skirt, these shoes will surely make heads turn.

With a little persistence, you can find a lot of fashionable shoes that you can get at a bargain price. Just make sure to check the size and condition of the shoe before you purchase because sale items usually have a no return, no exchange policy.

Technorati Tags: BCBG Max Azria shoes, Discount Name Brand Shoes, name brand shoes

Womens Name Brand Shoes, Take a Cue from Paris Hilton

“Paris Hilton Footwear is perfect for the fashion-forward young woman who wants to look and feel great from head-to-toe, without spending a fortune.” – Paris Hilton

I have always admired Paris Hilton, the famous love her-or-hate her hotel heiress, socialite, actress, fashion designer and entrepreneur, not because of her countless scandals and controversies but because of her distinctive fashion sense. From her different hairstyles, clothes, accessories and shoes, she never fails to express her style and individuality. She recently launched her Paris Hilton shoe collection, one of the newest name brand shoes, at Macy’s South Coast Plaza, offering a wide array of shoe designs – pumps, boots, ballet flats, wedges and sandals.

I find her collection of pumps very impressive. The shoe designs remind me of Christian Louboutins, only a lot more affordable. My personal favorite is the women’s black peep-toe Destiny Paris Hilton pumps. A real entrepreneur indeed, because she patronizes her own products, Paris Hilton was spotted wearing her Destiny pumps in Beverly Hills last January 14, 2010. The Destiny pumps has a man-made sole, 4” heel and 1.25” platform, wrapped heel, patent leather or smooth leather upper, and a flirty bow embellishment  that wraps the vamp for a lively finish. What’s special about the Destiny pumps and the rest of the Paris Hilton shoe designs is the heart-shaped comfort pad sewn into the inner sole for comfort. Definitely the right shoes for clubbing and dancing all night long. The soles of the shoes are pink, which according to Paris, herself, makes them look super cute.

The Destiny pumps are available in five different colors and textures – black croco patent, black smooth, black patent, brown suede, and olive croco patent. All are in neutral and semi-neutral colors, which make it versatile and wearable with a wide range of outfits. They are on sale at $77 a pair (previously $ 93.00) at Zappos, $89 at Macy’s and shopping.com – relatively inexpensive compared to other designer or couture pumps which costs $300 or more. The Clarice and Gilian pumps from Kate Spade, which are similar in design to the Destiny pumps, costs $216.90 and $325, respectively, and only come in two different colors.  On the other hand, similar styles from Alexander McQueen cost around $700.

The only competition of the Destiny pumps in terms of style, price and comfort is the Toppazz Steve Madden pumps. It has five different colors – black, blue, gray, purple and red, a deep suede upper with a decorative ruffle at the vamp, 4.5” heel and 0.75” platform. It has a lightly cushioned man-made footbed for added comfort. It costs $99.90 at Zappos, which is slightly more expensive than the Destiny pumps. The ruffle embellishment in the Topazz is slightly more durable than the ribbon in Destiny. However, the Destiny pumps are more comfortable despite its high heels and platform, because the cushion is placed right at the ball of the foot.

Overall, the Destiny Paris Hilton pumps is a versatile shoe that lends a glamorous feel to any outfit – classy enough to wear to church, weddings, or work, and chick and sexy for parties and dancing.   This shoe is definitely a catch – stylish without shelling out big bucks.

Technorati Tags: Destiny pumps, name brand shoes, Paris Hilton shoes, womens name brand shoes

Get the Gossip Girl Style with NYC’s Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade

Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, best friends and lead characters in the hit novel and TV series Gossip Girl, are the style icons of many teens nowadays. Played by Blake Lively and Leighton Meester in the CW’s hit TV series, both girls are dressed in designer clothes and name brand shoes in today’s latest tends. Couture designers are patronized by the rich and famous, and by those people who love high-end quality and style, especially when it comes to shoes. How could we not love designer shoes – its authentic smell, meticulous craftsmanship, sophisticated designs, the hefty price tag, and the conspicuous label that will surely turn heads? Check out these newest designs from Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade, and be ready to hit the streets, New York City style!

Marc Jacobs is the head designer for Marc Jacobs and the diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. He is also the Creative Director of the prestigious French design house Louis Vuitton. His bag and shoe collections are worn by Serena both in the novel and series. Achieve Serena van der Woodsen’s party girl and boho-inspired look by wearing these exciting new shoe styles of Marc by Marc Jacobs: peep-toe bootie with patent leather upper and 4.25” heels ($490) for hitting he clubs and dancing the night away; go boho with leather ballet flats with colorful rhinestone accents ($280) for your casual stroll; and the dramatic and attention-grabbing pattern print pumps ($330) for a dinner date with your man.

Kate Spade is the co-founder of the designer brand, Kate Spade New York, which offers fashionable and highly-desired handbags. The brand also offers a shoe collection with feminine and classic designs. Get Blair Waldorf’s fresh and classy preppy look with these new shoe designs by Kate Spade. The charming Nicolina ballet flats ($298) with captivating crystal-accented floral detailing, oozes with elegance which would surely show everyone that you are the Queen Bee, the elegant Kellis pumps with a fascinating floral accent will make your evening date enchanted, and the captivating Guest 2 stilettos in black suede upper and lipstick pink satin contrast satin bow embellishment for a sweet and polished look.

Of course, there are less pricey and equally stylish shoes out there, but the feel of designer name brand shoes is unique. It may be because of the superior craftsmanship or the chic designs, but most the time, because of the high social status it gives its owner. If you are capable of shelling out big bucks for a pair of name brand shoes, then go ahead and buy one.

Technorati Tags: Kate Spade shoes, Marc Jacobs shoes, name brand shoes, womens name brand shoes