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You are here: Home / Archives for shoes

Cleaning Out my Closet With TriNova

March 31, 2017 by Beeb 140 Comments

TriNova Shoe Cleaners
This is a partnered post.

Clean shoes are something I am fussy about. Dirty shoes really gross me out, and I feel like I am always battling the ick factor because I spend so much time on my feet. A pair of shoes worn on a business trip could easily see 15 hours of running through airports in one day, and my sneakers hit the gym and great outdoors with me. As a result, I am constantly cleaning my shoes with powders, sprays, rags, running them through the washing machine, and throwing them out/replacing them when they just aren’t salvageable. So when I had the chance to try out TriNova Shoe cleaner, I jumped at the opportunity to try a new method for deep cleaning!

TriNova’s system includes two parts: The TriNova Shoe Revival Spray & Brush and the Shoe Renewal Spray. The Revival Spray is spritzed onto the brush and used to clean the shoe, while the Renewal Spray is a deodorizer made with tea tree, mint and thyme essential oils.

I put these products to use right away. The first test was cleaning off my brand new sneakers that got caught in our yucky, rainy weather and got mud on them immediately. Ugh! Fortunately, I had the TriNova brush and cleaner to remove the dirt right away. The next test was using the suite of products on my shoes before a press trip last week where I would be crossing the country, and needed my shoes to transition from a cramped airplane to a nice dinner. I gave them a thorough cleaning and spritzed them with the Renewal Spray before I left for the airport, and I did feel like it kept my shoes fresher during my travels than they would have been otherwise.

But the ultimate test of TriNova came when I embarked on one of my many spring cleaning projects this morning. My closet was in desperate need of attention, with many old pairs of shoes way back there that haven’t seen the light of day in a long time. I couldn’t wear heels for years after I injured my knees, and many of them have been forgotten about in storage even though I can wear heels without issue now. I also have several pairs of fun, funky shoes in the back of my closet that collect dust because they aren’t exactly daily wear shoes. Since I’m getting ready to hold a garage sale, this was the perfect time to weed through my shoe collection. I identified several pairs of shoes that were in really bad shape – most of which I’ve owned for around a decade – so I set them aside and decided to test my TriNova products out. I fully expected to just throw most of them away, but figured it was worth a shot to see if they could be restored. Much to my pleasant surprise, 5 out of the 6 were still good enough to keep – and the only reason I threw out the 6th pair was because there was a hole in the heel, so I didn’t even bother trying to clean it. Here are the before and afters of the shoes I pulled out of mothballs:

Before:

Dusty goth boots
Cobwebs in my goth boots

I KNOW, I KNOW, THESE ARE SUPER GROSS!! In my defense, I bought these at Hot Topic around 2005, so I haven’t worn them in a while. And the cobwebs make it more goth, right? 😉

After:

Cobwebs no more
Vampire to vamp

After a thorough cleaning with TriNova, my goth boots no longer look like they belong in Dracula’s dusty manor! I didn’t use any shoe polish on these – the shine is strictly from the TriNova buffing them clean. The brush is perfect for getting into the crevices on boots to clean out dirt, including on the ridged sole of the shoe.

Before:

Dirty heels

These heels that I bought around 2007 were so gross, I almost tossed them right out without even trying to clean them. But, I decided I should try, for science.

After:

Pretty heels

After cleaning these, I was glad that I didn’t just throw them out. They look so different and are definitely good for a few more wears before I retire them!

Before:

Grimy polka dot shoes

These heels were also purchased around 2007. Where did the decade go?!

After:

Pretty polka dots

Age is just a number, baby!

Before:

Cobweb boots

Here are yet another pair of shoes I bought in 2007. Apparently I bought a lot of shoes then? These weren’t so bad, but had been sitting in storage long enough to be dusty, and there’s no way I’d wear them again without a thorough sanitizing.

Shiny boots

Time to party like it’s 2007!

Before:

Halloween heels

This pair is the most recent of the bunch, purchased in 2009 for my Lindsay Lohan Halloween costume. Clearly, they have seen better days.

After:

Happy Halloween Heels

Happy days are here again!! The brush was perfect for cleaning under and between the ruffled vinyl crevices.

Clean shoes

The cleaning process for these grody shoes was simple: First, I would dampen the brush with water and then spritz the Revival Spray onto the bristles, scrubbing the shoes inside and out, including the heels. One concern I had about the brush is that it would get nasty quickly, but it cleans off very easily when you run water over it, so you don’t have to worry about the brush becoming permanently icky or spreading dirt around. The brush does a great job of getting into nooks and crannies; it’s a little large to reach into the “Peep toe” area on my heels, but that’s OK, because the final step in the process is to wipe the shoes dry with a towel, so I just get a little of the Revival Spray onto the cloth and wiped down into any areas the brush couldn’t quite reach. I let the shoes dry, then went over them with the Revival Spray and brush a second time, finishing with a thorough spritz of the Renewal Spray inside the shoes.

In addition to being effective, this system is also affordable: The TriNova Shoe Revival & Brush retails for $17.97 and will clean around 100 pairs of shoes, while the TriNova Shoe Renewal Spray retails for $13.97. I’ll absolutely be using this system again!

You can purchase TriNova products on Amazon, and learn more about the line on their official website and on their social channels via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

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How to clean old shoes

Enter To Win:

One lucky MomStart reader will win the TriNova Shoe Revival & Brush, TriNova Shoe Renewal Spray, and a $50 Amazon gift card! ARV: $81.94

To Enter:

Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Giveaway is open to US residents, 18+ and ends on April 6th, 2017 at 11:00 PM PST. Please see widget for full details and click here to read our giveaway rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review, shoes Tagged With: Spring Cleaning

End of Summer to Back To School Shoes

August 8, 2016 by Momstart 3 Comments

This is a partnered post.

My daughter is a shoe connoisseur, she loves them. For summer she has to have sandals and lots of them.  Before summer even started she received a pair of purples sandals from See Kai Run. Those have been perfect for any time we go to the lake, the pool or the creek.

imageIt’s been so nice for her to have these because they are water safe.

BUT…

image

She also needs a “nicer” pair to wear around. See Kai Run sent her another pair of sandals that she’s been wearing everywhere. These pink ones are so comfortable, actually both pairs have been comfortable for her. But these pink ones she considers to be FASHIONABLE. They are quite fashionable really they are. See Kai Run is really good a bringing fashion to function in their shoes. Plus they last!!

image

We have so many hot days left that I know Zoe is going to be wearing her sandals for a few more months before switching to tennis shoes, but she will need a pair of shoes for sports. And See Kai Run has plenty of options for back to school. Their sizes run from babies sizes all the way to Youth size three. Be sure to check them out.

image

Filed Under: fashion, shoes

Play Hard: KEEN Kids is Uneek @keen.kids #BoundlessWonder

May 17, 2016 by Momstart 1 Comment

We received samples.

If you have kids then you know they can go through shoes so fast. The best thing to do is to find a shoe that should last a long time and be very versatile. One of my favorite most versatile brands is KEEN. I have three pairs myself. KEEN Kids recently launched their brand new UNEEK collection for kids on May 1st. This unique collection mirrors the adult UNEEK shoes and defies traditional footwear style through its innovative two-cord construction and open- air footwear technology. Coming out in five vibrant color combos for youth and children, its water-repellent nylon cords are manufactured to adapt to the natural form of kiddo’s feet for a custom and comfortable fit—perfect for exploring the trails, city hopping and running through the sand! These shoes are available for little kids (sizes 8-13) and big kids (sizes 1-6).

We’re showing off @keen.kids version of @keen #uneek #kids #shoes @zoecstart #boundlesswonder #shoes #fashion #shoefashion #kdfashion

A photo posted by Louise Bishop (@momstart) on May 11, 2016 at 5:01pm PDT

 

We’ve already been wearing ours all over town. My kids have been wearing them on our walks through town and running in the park. They dip in the river and then play at the park. They have even been rock climbing with them.  

image

On Mother’s Day we had such a fun day outside. We took the ball and bat and gloves outside and had so much fun. At first we had a mock baseball field in the parking lot at our apartment complex. Then we decided we needed more running room so we took it over to the park.

image

It was the perfect Mother’s Day. I love spending time outside with my family.

image

And Keen was perfect for his little feet. As a mom what’s great when you need to wash them is either throw them in the washing machine or just hose them down. I’ve done both, my husband has done both. I love getting Keen Shoes for the kids and even though these were given to us as samples. I will be purchasing more for them and for me.

Filed Under: fashion, shoes

Don’t Put Those Boots Away Yet

March 23, 2016 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Still snowing or planning on going skiing? Whether another snowfall is heading your way or you’re dealing with the aftermath of slush, all you need is a pair of durable BareTraps to withstand it all! I received a pair to review and I love them. I’ve been walking around Ashland Oregon in them for two weeks. They keep my feet warm and comfy for our daily walks. I love it in Ashland, we’re surrounded by mountains and while El Nino is holding on for dear life we get to watch the snow level fall and rise almost daily. It’s beautiful to see, and now my feet are nice and toasty while we enjoy!!!

This is the Yasmen!

image

The BareTraps Stay Dry System features water repellent technology and faux fur lining, perfect for keeping your feet warm and comfortable during this winter season, especially with temperatures dropping as low as $49.99. image

But don’t think these boots are just for harsh weather – they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a commute to work or running errands around town. Here is a collection of boots from BareTraps that they recommend.

clip_image002

Sabella – $79.99clip_image004

Adyson – $69.99clip_image006

Yasmen – $69.9clip_image008 Fairlee – $49.99

For additional styles and colorways, please checkout  www.FootwearUnlimited.com/BareTraps.

Filed Under: fashion, review, shoes

Venettini Shoes for Kids

October 18, 2014 by Heather Heyer 1 Comment

Venettini

Samples were provided and opinion is my own.

“Fashion starts young, with Venettini. Every Venettini shoe is made with quality, fashion, and comfort in mind. It has been this way since Italian artisans crafted the first Venettini shoe almost 25 years ago.”

I have to say, I was totally excited to try Venettini shoes for my daughter and my daughter who LOVES fancy shoes was over the moon asking daily when her shoes would arrive. We ordered the Sara 55 in Black Zafiano and they were cute, cute, cute! Can you hear her squeal? An $84 pair of Italian “mostly hand-made” shoes! Are you kidding me? That’s right…. Now you can hear her squeal.

Cute shoes

“Venettini shoes continue to be mostly hand-made with the love and care your child’s feet deserve. So, each pair is unique.”

We ordered the shoes according to the Venettini conversion chart. Now, I know my child’s foot size and I know it especially well since we JUST bought back to school shoes AND dance shoes AND riding boots. Let me just say that IF you order Venettini shoes, order AT LEAST 2 sizes bigger than you think you need. My daughter was sorely disappointed when her shoes arrived and she couldn’t even get her foot into them. No problem right? I’ll order the next size up because by golly it can’t be that far off. Right?

Measuring shoes

The second pair of shoes arrived after those days of answering if they were here yet. Yeah! Ugh…oh no! These shoes were also too small with another miss. She could at least get her foot into the shoe though. Well I tried, I really did. Put them on for a bit, stand up, walk just a bit, just have them on your feet for a bit. I finally gave in the exasperated glances over looking to see if she could take them off yet…

As far as quality goes, the first pair I received looked great, no issues. The second pair that I received had a broken buckle and bits of fabric hanging out that were sewn into the shoe. For $84 shoes, I expected better.

Over all they really are super cute looking shoes and if you order a few sizes up from what you normally would and check the buckles, you will have yourself a happy girl. Venettini shoes are available online at Venettini.com and many other online shoe retailers.

Filed Under: review, shoes

Daniel Green Slippers: Does The Shoe Fit?

December 20, 2013 by Beeb 1 Comment

Leopard Print Slippers

Slippers provided for review!

Earlier in the month, I reviewed a pair of Abigail slippers from Daniel Green. The slippers ended up being a bit too small for me, and Daniel Green immediately asked if I would like to try a larger pair. There is also a free return label inside every box, so any customer can easily change out their slippers if they don’t work out! This time, I tried an 11 XX Large Medium Width, which was quite a leap up from the 9 Large Medium Width I tried last time. I usually wear and 8 or 9 in shoes – sometimes I can even get away with a 7.5, so this is probably the largest I’ve ever gone in footwear.

I would say the 11 is just about perfect for me. It doesn’t cut into me the way the 9 did – the band is still very snug, but that’s really the ballerina-slipper-style design rather than it being too small size-wise. My heels do pop out occasionally because it’s fitted so tightly (Kind of like a stretched rubber band popping off something), and after about 2 and half days of continuous wear, I’m noticing that my heels are feeling uncomfortable from the pressure. It does leave a dent on the back of my heel after a lengthy session of wearing them – perhaps I just won’t wear them non-stop. 😉

These shoes feel very comfortable otherwise – the lining seems to be a bit puffy/bunched up inside the slipper, but the only reason I noticed this was because I was wondering if it was extra padding for comfort. There was also one loose string on the tag, which is completely inconsequential, although I hope these will hold up with repeated wear. I wouldn’t even hold it against them if they didn’t, because those of us who work from a home office are brutal on slippers!

I do love the heavy sole that can be worn indoors or out – it’s so handy for getting the mail, running outside to take impromptu photos of sunrises, or completing any number of very blogger-like tasks. 😉 The print is so much fun and right up my alley as someone who loves bold patterns. Tomorrow is the first day of winter, so my toes need all the help they can get staying warm!

For more on Daniel Green, be sure to visit their website!

Filed Under: review, shoes Tagged With: Slippers

REI – sale goes to extra 50%

January 7, 2009 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I love to shop at REI but I hate to spend the money on REI. I just bought my son his first pair of shoes at REI yesterday.
While I was there the associate was kind enough to tell me that everything that ends in .83 cents will be going to an extra 50 percent off on Friday morning. So do you want to know where I’ll be Friday morning? That’s right, I’ll be at REI, where I can pick up some KEENS, Merrels and maybe something special for me for cheaper than knock off brands on sale at Target.

LOVE IT

I’m off to RiteAid to see if I can get a gift card for 50.00 for transferring some prescriptions.

Filed Under: KEEN, Merrels, REI, RiteAid, Sale, shoes

Aloha Friday

December 12, 2008 by Momstart 9 Comments

Welcome to Aloha Friday. You have to congratulate Kailani then you get to her site!!!
If you could have any pair of shoes, what would they be?
There was this pair of boots from Coach in their catalog a few months ago. I hate to spend more than 20.00 on a pair of shoes, but I do from time to time. Anything over 120 is crazy and these well, I didn’t even want to ask what the price was going to be. The stores weren’t even carrying them.

Filed Under: aloha Friday, Coach, shoes

See Kia Run – review, contest link, and Donation

September 25, 2008 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Aren’t these cute. These were donated to my MOMS club for our gift basket raffle. I wonder how many tickets I can buy myself. I love them so much so I don’t want to give them to the club. I want to keep them.

See Kia Run. When I worked at Kids Club I got to order shoes. I loved ordering shoes and this brand was our best seller by far. It was a good price point compared to the other shoes we sold. I love them. The facts :

Why See Kai Run?

Healthy Fit

  • Very flexible soles are healthy for developing feet.
  • Wide opening and toe box accommodate even the chubbiest little feet.
  • Velcro closure allows for adjustable fit and easy on and off.
  • Leather lining is breathable and durable.
  • Padded collar adds comfort and helps our shoes stay on little feet.

Quality Construction

  • Leather used for our footwear meets the most stringent available U.S. and international guidelines.
  • Sheepskin leather uppers are butter-soft and more durable by weight than cow leather used by many other brands.
  • Durable construction and rubber sole stand up to heavy play indoors and out.

Urban Style

  • Hip, urban styles in modern color palettes.
  • Bold designs and detailing.
  • Modern takes on classic styles.

I took this information from their site. To me, they are flexible hard sole shoes that are perfect for first time walkers. Zoe’s first pair of shoes were the April . They were perfect for her. They bend completely in half and they were easy for her to take off if her feet were hot in the car. The shoes above are the Levi . They are both on clearance and you can order them directly from their website. I’m such a huge fan and I had no idea you can order them from their site. You have to look at the site. http://www.seekairun.com. The shoe line is named after the owners first son Kai. I met Kai the first time I bought shoes for Kids Club.

Oh and I bet you are wondering, she said something about contest. Yes I did. At some other websites you can find a contest and enter to win a pair.

Here:
http://www.momdot.com/?p=1661
http://akblessingsabound.blogspot.com/2008/09/put-little-pep-in-your-childs-step.html

There are probably more out there but this is all I could find for now. I’ve been trying to win myself a pair. Visit See Kai Run.

Filed Under: contest, donation, giveaway, review, See Kai Run, shoes

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