shoe review — MomStart

Dansko Mommy & Me Shoe Fashion Giveaway

May 12, 2012 By Momstart 197 Comments

My daughter and I are both shoe girls and I think my daughter has more shoes than me, or at least she wears a larger variety of shoes than I do. I find a pair I like and then I wear them over and over and over again. I like to buy shoes from the same brand. Now, I’ve heard of the brand Dansko and heard great things about them but never owned a pair until now. I now own a pair of Dansko Valerie Canvas shoes and they are super comfortable. Plus they provide me with a little bit of fashion as they are quite cute. If you ask my daughter I need a lot of fashion help, so I’m quite happy to wear these. In fact, I’ve found a new favorite that I’m going to wear all the time.

Plus Zoe has a pair to match. Dansko has Mommy and Me shoes. For mom you pick out one of the Valerie and for your little girl you can pick out a pair of the Valentine. And Zoe loves them, she wear them outside all the time and loves to show them off.

About the styles:

Valerie: Our popular sneaker outsole is now available as a Mary Jane. Complete with a removable contoured footbed and rubber outsole, this fun and flirty interpretation will soon be among your comfort classics.

Valentine: This adorable Mary Jane is the perfect complement to Mommy’s grown up version. Plus straps adjust for a snug fit so she can look like a little lady but not necessarily have to act like one.

Enter to Win:

Mommy and Me Dansko Shoes

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me which color shoe you like the most

Extra Entries:

Please use the rafflecopter and leave us a way to verity your entry

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends May 28th. Please see the giveaway rules.

We received Samples.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Dansko shoes, girls dansko, giveaway, review, shoe review, women's dansko

Essence by Aetrex – Good Looking & Extremely Comfortable

April 3, 2012 By Momstart 328 Comments

Product Review and GIVEAWAY

By: Ashley

We’ve all heard it a million times before, shoes that look nice and feel great… well Aetrex has a line of shoes called Essence that truly deliver. When I had the chance to review these shoes, I decided to really put them to the test. I decided to wear the cute little black sandals, that even have a little bit of a heel, and do some housework. That’s right! I strapped on the sassy little shoes, plugged in my vacuum cleaner, and got to work! All I needed was a cute dress and a strand of pearls, and you could have called me June Cleaver. =)

After an hour of being on my feet the whole time, vacuuming, doing laundry, even carrying some boxes and sorting some stuff throughout the house, my feet were still feeling good! I have to say, they were looking pretty good too! No sweaty feet, no throbbing arches, and no beginning blisters or irritated skin. Essence by Aetrex really lived up to their claims. Back when I was teaching, a day at school was the real test (by the way, Essence by Aetrex would be FANTASTIC shoes for teachers). Now, if I can wear these shoes while hoofing it around the house, they really pass the test.

So what is it that makes Essence by Aetrex so special?

· They are cushioned with an orthotic insole and superior arch support.

· Fully equipped with Aegis® antimicrobial lining. (Very important in spring/summer sandals!)

· They are by Aetrex; imported.

· Many shoes in the Essence by Aetrex collection have adjustable buckles for a unique fit on each wearer.

· Last but not least, they are comfortable shoes that follow the styles and trends of today!

The shoe that I was sent for this review was called the Aetrex ‘Tanya’ Sandal. There are several different styles to choose from though, so you’ll be able to pick out exactly what matches your look. You should definitely take some time to check out all that Essence by Aetrex has to offer… especially since you could win a pair of shoes here on MomStart! Check out all of the directions in the Rafflecopter. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next one vacuuming in heels!

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Kerry.

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me by the manufacturer or a representing PR firm. All opinions expressed were my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Aetrex, comfortalbe shoes, Essence by Aetrex, giveaway, shoe review

Enjoying My Step Tenevis Toning Shoes

February 28, 2012 By Momstart 14 Comments

I’m looking down at my feet and remembering oh yeah I’m supposed to review these fabulous shoes. Two weeks ago, I received a pair of Tenevis Toning tennis shoes and I really like them. These shoes are so comfortable. I feel like I’m gliding when actually I’m toning. So I wear them all the time. I switched shoes for an outfit the other day and really felt a difference. My other shoes are so flat and these Tenevis are so cushioning.

The Tenevis brand just merged with Good Feet to create the most amazing walking shoes with personal fit options at Good Feet retailers across the country. The Tenevis by Good Feet "LaJolla" shoe is the ONLY FDA-Approved walking and body toning shoe on the market proven to strengthen the lower body, improve posture, & reduce impact on your spine. Their patented "bone & chip" technology gives 127% more cushioning to your feet and reduces muscle fatigue by 40%. These sneakers are truly a hybrid fitness/health product ideal for anyone wanting to walk "correctly", improve posture, and get fit.

Did you catch that? Why is Tenevis better?

FDA approved as an orthotics devise to tone and improve posture

Bone & Chip technology reduces muscle fatigue

The balance bone and chip absorb shock on the heel releasing tension as you walk.

The Cardiff, that’s the shoe I received, is an entry level-walking shoe with exceptional cushioning properties, toning characteristics and classic styling. And they’re Miles’ favorite color: BLUE. They have 3M brand reflective tape for visibility in low lighting and the mesh trim gives them breathability. I really really like these shoes. They make me taller too, I think with all that cushioning they give me at least an inch in height. These are my go to shoes right now because they are so very comfortable.

I received samples from Tenevis.

Filed Under: personal, review Tagged With: cardiff, la jolla, shoe review, tenevis, toning shoe review

Putting Kuru Draft Shoes To The Test

January 29, 2012 By Momstart 6 Comments

By Summer

A mommy must haves – comfy shoes! KURU asked me to try their shoes; here’s the deal, they asked for this review last year in about November or so … but some of my products I recommend and later do an update because they weren’t as great later as they were in the beginning. So I’ve given KURU a long go. I’ve been wearing their Drafts as my house shoes which occasionally make it outside.

Here are my real thoughts and opinions about KURU’s Drafts, THOUGH KURU does offer other shoe lines like their Insight, Chicane, and Aalto Chukka lines:

KURU Drafts are breathable shoes; these are NOT rain shoes. I had first tested these in our Seattle rain as this is the time of year I received KURU Drafts for review. I do purchase specific “no rain” shoes of the dry spring and fall days and our dry summertime. Let me say though, that these shoes are warm, so don’t let breathable be confused with cold.

KURU Drafts give full support, but are also SLIP ON. Every mom (and parent) deserves KURU Drafts in their fast paced life. You need the structured support as you sprint after runaway toddlers, and slip-ons as you run out the door to make your preschool’s drop-off time. These are my two requirements for purchasing a shoe as a mom!

KURU Drafts have a reinforced big toe area. I’ve owned many other pairs of summertime shoes. Some other shoes offer simply cloth which work well and I’ve never had a problem with it, but I’ve heard of people busting their big toe through the fabric of the shoe. Some other shoes offer rubber/plastic toes which won’t let your toe bust through but they’re not breathable.

KURU Drafts wash! That’s right; I put them in the wash – yes the regular washing machine with my clothes on a regular cycle. BUT be warned I DON’T check the instructions before washing them … I like to live on the edge (HA!) … but I did it anyways. They made it through the cycle and were like new; PROMISE! I was so happy! And so you know, I had to wash them (as I have to wash all my shoes) because I have very stinky feet. Gross?!? I know sorry for the TMI; it happens to all my shoes eventually especially if I don’t wear socks.

KURU is sustainable. KURU has a Consumer Empowered Sustainability^TM program which lets the consumer choose where a portion of your purchase profits benefit one of The Four Pillars of Sustainability and Social Responsibility^TM – education, economic development, health, or environmental impact.

If you want to learn more about KURU and check them out then keep up on their website, Facebook, and on Twitter @Kuru_Footwear. You’ll be happy you did!

Sample was received.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm

Filed Under: review, Summer Tagged With: Kuru, Kuru Drift Shoes, shoe review, Summer

Back To School Shoes Crocs Sneak Summer Into School Sweepstakes

August 16, 2011 By Momstart 23 Comments

Back to school with Crocs makes kids run faster, just ask my daughter about her new pink sparkly crocs.

Since you can’t ask her you can watch her run away:

Crocs are stinking awesome. I love shoes that you can bend in half because they are more comfortable. They are easier to walk in and they are more natural for developing feet that children have. Experts say that letting you children go barefoot is best, but I’m sorry, I won’t allow my kids to go outside without shoes on. Call me crazy, cause I know I am. So I love FLEXIBLE Shoes and these CROCS are amazing.

Remember when you were a kid and you got a new pair of shoes? At least for me it was so much fun to get new shoes. I always thought they made me run faster and jump higher. And here, Zoe is showing me the same excitement with her new Back To School Crocs.

As far as the CROCS back to school line goes both boys and girls have some fun options.

Boys Shoes:

Girls Shoes:

Let’s have some back to school fun together. This video is interactive. You can click on different things in the video for Easter Eggs. Below is a big clue to unlocking a fun Easter Egg right here on MomStart (well inside the video that is)

And for the Sneak Summer into School Sweepstakes with Crocs:

You could win a trip for four to San Diego: oceanside, family-friendly hotel, San Diego or Sea World tickets, $200 play money, and a rental car. And since I was just there, I can say it’s a wonderful location and I would love to go back with my family. Good Luck in the contest.

This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media and Crocs. I received a pair of Crocs shoes for the purpose of this review. I was also compensated for my time investment and work on their Back To School campaign. Thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Back to School, children's shoes, crocs, fashion, shoe review, sparkly crocs, sweepstakes

Naturalizer Shoe To The Rescue

July 11, 2011 By Momstart 19 Comments

Last year was my first time to attend BlogHer, it wasn’t my first conference but it was my first BlogHer. BlogHer is the largest women’s blogging conference out there and many of the parties were off site and I did a LOT of walking. I knew that it was going to be that way and I did break in my shoes but it wasn’t enough. I still had blisters way before all was said and done. Here are the guilty parties:

They may look innocent, but alas they are not. So this year my plan is to let Naturalizer sponsor me to Blogher 11 and let me sport three different styles of their brand representing comfort, fashion, and function!

I know I have plenty of cute outfits to be matched with these shoes. The Alarm, Kiril, and Violette are made from rich leathers, soft suedes, and have cute details that I adore. The simple bows on the Alarm, the clasp on the Kiril both catch my eye with the simplicity and functionality they poses. It’s like Naturalizer footwear captures the essence of modern femininity, allowing me to walk around the Expo Hall, run to my room change my dress for the parties, but leave on the same shoes.

Here are a few of the outfits I plan on pairing them with.

Now, if Naturalizer chooses to sponsor me to Blogher this year, I also get to help others with Shoe To The Rescue. I’ll have 30 pairs in full and half sizes 4 – 11 of the Violette to give out to attendees I see in need of a "shoe rescue." You know how I will identify you, I’ll be attending some of the parties and if I see you with your shoes off, I’ll know you need a "shoe rescue" and I’ll ask you what size you wear and we’ll get you hooked up with comfort.

Don´t forget to Follow Naturalizer on Twitter and Like Naturalizer on Facebook!

This opportunity was presented to me by Naturalizer and the Brown Shoe Company, through MyBlogSpark, and that this post serves as my entry to win a sponsorship for my attendance at the 2011 BlogHer Conference.

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: blogher contest, blogher11, dress, fashion, myblogspark, naturalizer, shoe review, shoe to the rescue, shoes

Thinking of Summer….Loving My Crocs Tone Skylar Flip

April 5, 2011 By Momstart 10 Comments

Even though it’s hardly warm enough for flip flops, I’m totally loving my Crocs Tone Skylar Flip Flops. Since they are so easy for me to just slip on, I wear them inside and out to do my chores, and I’m getting the added benefit of a work out on my legs.

The Crocs Tone Skylar Flip comes in assorted styles and colors. I chose the flip flops so I would have something to wear pool side as the kids were taking swim lessons. We’ll be taking more lessons soon, and I need some shoes to wear around the pool as I’m watching them. Of course, I also need them to wear when I visit my mom in the Sandy beaches of Florida, and (yes this will be a run on sentence) I’m wearing them around the house and when we have our Pacific NW Summer heat wave I’ll wear them none stop as I really hate wearing socks in the summertime.

The Crocs Tone provide a sculpted outsole that creates a rocker-effect while I walk that initiates key muscle activity providing me with toning benefits I wouldn’t get with normal shoes. The toning ring also provides stability and support which I need because I’m not exactly graceful. I love how they feel on my feet, I was worried that the texture would tickle me, but it feels more like a massage. Crocs calls the texture circulation nubs and I have to agree they are just that.

So while I have my shoe choice ready, I’m anxiously awaiting Summer. Bring on the heat!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: personal, review Tagged With: crocs, crocs tone, flip flops, review, shoe, shoe review, skylar flip

Umi Fun Children’s Shoe Review and Giveaway

February 22, 2011 By Momstart 388 Comments

Zoe and I both have a great appreciation for color in our shoes. Umi shoes has fantastic colors, varieties, and comfort all in their shoes. I’ve loved umi as a brand for six years, almost seven. I was first introduced to umi as a shoe sales manager. The store I was working in started carrying umi and they were one of the easiest shoes to sell because they were the most colorful and had the largest variety. umi makes shoes for babies, toddlers and children, all in fun colorful designs. I know I’ve said this before in past shoe reviews, I wish I could get a pair of umi shoes. I would love to have the exact same pair that Zoe just received from umi to review.

Umi sent us the Riley in purple and pink. This canvas sneaker is comfortable, supportive and durable all important qualities for a kid’s shoe. The Riley features a lace up style with vulcanized rubber toe and outsole, which is what helps provide the extra durability. The Riley retails for 50.00.

Zoe’s review would be she absolutely loves them and wants to wear them every day. We tried them on and she didn’t want to take them off. She wants to wear them every day. Even Miles likes them, he always says, Zoe should get to wear her new purples shoes today mommy they are her favorite color. That’s why I like them. He’s such a good brother!

Last year we received the Lauren in Lavender and it was a huge hit as well. They lasted forever and we were even able to wash and dry them in the washing machine which is a huge help for moms.

Umi believes that it takes years of experience to make a great pair of shoes and they have that. Umi shoes also believes that caring for little feet also means caring for the earth. They set their standards sky-high. Every shoe they make is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials. They use non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components. They are protected in recycled packaging. Become a fan of Umi on Facebook and Follow Umi on twitter to keep up with the latest on their shoes and little feet.

Enter to Win:

Your choice pair of shoes on umi!

To Enter:

Go to Umi and pick out your shoes, leave a comment in the comment section telling me which ones you want.

Extra Entries:

Become a fan of Umi on Facebook

Follow Umi on twitter

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Win a Pair of Shoes of Your Choice Umi Shoes #Giveaway @MomStart http://bit.ly/gMW7Dn

Subscribe to my blog
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble (or any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway ends March 7th. I received samples for this post. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: giveaway, Shoe giveaway, shoe review, shoes, Umi, Umi Shoe review

Back To School Shoe Savings With 6PM

August 4, 2010 By Momstart 8 Comments

This is kind of silly but I’ve been posting great deals for 6PM.com for about eight months now and I never took advantage of the savings. One of my friends that reads my blog saw some of the deals a while back and even she took advantage of the savings. So, I’m the one that’s been missing out on the great savings here.

6PM gets all of the shoes that Zappos is done with and they want to sell them as quickly as possible so they mark them down at the best possible rate. So for mother’s like me that like to save money and need new shoes for school or Pre-school if you want to get right down to it; 6PM is where to find the best deals on the best brands.

6pm.com is where “brandaholics”go to get their daily fix on the brands they love in apparel, footwear, and accessories, all at 75% off MSRP – every single day!

When looking at the shoes I saw great brands like Converse, Nike and New Balance. I spent a lot of time looking at the girls shoes because Zoe will be going to Pre-school in the fall. She is so ready to go to school and she’s learning her letters. I picked out a pair of New Balance that were marked down to 15.00. That’s hard to find a name brand pair of shoes at such a low price. You find shoes at Target that are Target brand for that price you know what I mean?

I’m also very pleased with how quickly they came. There are three categories that are all are under $25. Boy’s Athletic Shoes, Girl’s “Sugar” Shoes, and Girl’s Athletic Shoes. The athletic shoes are perfect for kids that play and wear out shoes like my son does. Man, he’s just like his father the way he wears out his shoes. Love ya honey but you know it’s true! The “sugar” shoes are quite cute and I wished they had more toddler sizes in the boots. My daughter needs a new pair of boots for next year. I’m sure they’ll get more in as we get closer to the season.

I received a pair of shoes to facilitate this review.

Filed Under: review, savings Tagged With: 6PM, 6pm.com, Back to School, shoe review

See Miles run in See Kai Run or Smaller Shoe #giveaway

October 24, 2009 By Momstart 487 Comments

I have known about See Kai Run for quite a few years. I have sold probably close to 50 pairs of them and purchased quite a few myself. My daughter’s first pair of shoes were purchased. They were See Kai Run tennis shoes and they were pink and velcro. I just feel in love with how adorable they were and putting them on her chubby feet was very easy to do.

Babies often have chubby feet and brands like Nike, Addidas, and New Balance are not made with the chubbiness in mind. They also are not as flexible as See Kai Run. In my not so expert opinion I feel that you should be able to fold a shoe for a child completely in half. Especially if it is a first shoe or for a walker that is still a bit wobbly. You can have a flexible shoe that is still sturdy.

The last pair I received from See Kai Run was from the Summer Back To School party I did with a few other bloggers. I wanted to say, please you don’t need to send me a pair, I already know and believe that you have good quality shoes. But I didn’t I accepted the “free” pair along with all the other bloggers participating. I mean it saved me some money and my son needed some new shoes.

However, shoes don’t last forever because little guys grow fast. So, I was at the store and picked up another pair of shoes for my son. It felt good to purchase them myself and know that I was supporting a local company. I mean, Woodinville is my backyard now and that is where this family run business is based.

I have to say as a purchaser in retail and a purchaser/ consumer this company stands behind the product they sell. They take back their shoes if they have defects and delivery is so fast. I used to fax in orders and they would come the next day. When I order on-line they come super fast too. I do really like going into a store that carries them though so I can get the tactile feel even though I know I’m going to love them. And as you can see this new pair has my son playing and sliding at the park just like his last pair of See Kai Run.

I asked See Kai Run if they would allow me to host a giveaway and they said yes.

Why?

Because they are an awesome company and they know I love their shoes. I would love to work for them if they had an opening for a stay at home mom. And because of FTC Regulations, you the reader can trust my opinion on these shoes because I have purchased them for both of my children. I’ve purchased more than one pair for each of my children. Yes I think they can be pricey but everyone has sales. You just have to buy them off season if you don’t want to pay full price. I’ve been paying full price, well except for their sandals, I always buy their sandals off season and hope they fit the next year.

To Enter

for your choice of See Kai Run or Smaller

You need to follow See Kai Run on twitter.

And or

Become a fan of See Kai Run on Facebook

And or

Tell me what shoe you would pick from their site

See Kai Run

And or

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site and tell me where you advertised it. 10 Extra Entries
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and to the sponsor for 10 extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Comment on any other non giveaway post and come back and tell me you did
Use any of the Share options at the bottom of this post: Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
Add my button/blog to your blogroll/friend list 3 extra entries
You can vote for me too for five entries: