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NOT a joke...unfortunate.

Yikes, when I first saw these I thought it was a joke. That obviously speaks to my optimistic nature...

One of a kind...whew!

Sorry about this one. I have access to an awful lot of shoes in my business so it's funny that I end up wearing one pair almost exclusively. One pair that fits just right, feels just right, works for my needs and has lasted (with a bit of repair and modification) for over 12 years now. Not to say I NEVER wear anything else but these are my favorite. You will never find another pair quite like them and that is well, quite lucky for you! Here's a short history...

In the beginning there was a Birkenstock London, and it was very good. However, Birkenstock soles are not ideal in every situation. Answer: Vibram Kletterlift sole. A little stiff to start off with these took a bit of getting used to. Once used to the stiffer thicker sole I felt like I needed a little more arch support. My answer: Tatami footbeds from Birkenstock. Tatami is an off shoot of Birkenstock and they had sandals with a higher arch. So I took my beloved shoes down to their elements and replaced the footbeds (not like removing and replacing a pair of insoles, more like replacing the engine in your car). Feels great! I think I've found the perfect shoe. I just wish that they were easier to get on and off. No problem, I cut the backs off to make them a clog. Now don't get any ideas here, they are NOT for sale. So don't even tempt me with your offers! Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you just can't give up? Let me know!

I got the Ahnu blues...

Has any one heard of Ahnu? Ahnu is the new shoe company started by the same folks that originally brought you Keen. A lot of footwear folks are pretty jazzed about them. In fact, REI is so into Ahnu that they have invested with them. The only problem is nobody has sold a single pair. They are not officially available until the beginning of April. I made my spring purchase in mid Dec., quite late for spring buying and just previewed the Fall line last week. So my situation here is: I have a new line no customer has ever seen and my rep is already hassling me for my Fall order, the next day after seeing the product. The shoes look good enough, but I've had mixed reviews from folks that have tried them on. As a small retailer a good line can make or break you so you are always looking out for the next "best thing". I'm having a hard time with the leap of faith on these though...more to come.

The good ol' days

Oh, the good ol' days, way back about 3 years ago when Chaco made shoes. I hate to post about a shoe that isn't available anymore but these were just too good not to at least eulogize. So here lies the Chaco Pitkin, Garvin and Beckwith: well built, great fitting all leather hiking shoes from a company that KNOWS feet. Looks like they might be on their way. ULU Boots have a new address and it just happens to be in the same tiny Colorado town as Chaco. Coincidence? Nope, Chaco purchased the company this winter.  So please, please, please us all Mark Paigen and company by bringing back in some way shape or form closed in footwear from Chaco. We know you have it in you!