Shoe Shopping for Back-to-School at Famous Footwear

Mama Mondays: 

Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card from Famous Footwear as well as the opportunity to shop for as many shoes as possible as part of a local Famous Footwear event hosted by Dallas Moms Blog. All the comments here are my own. 

It's no secret that I have issues with shoes. Really. 

While I enjoy looking at them, I don't like to wear them. When you have a wide foot it makes it hard to put on cute shoes and be comfortable. That's why I'm the queen of sandals and always in need of a new pair of shoes - at least ones that aren't summer specific. And since it was also right before back-to-school, I wasn't the only Reos could use another pair of kicks. 

That meant shopping. And shoe shopping is the worst... 

However, just in time, I was invited to a little special "mama time" with some friends to do a little private shoe shopping at Famous Footwear. Thank goodness. I needed some female opinions so I could make some purchases in a reasonable amount of time that weren't just comfortable, but functional and hopefully, cute too!

Oh, how I found all kinds of choices - just which ones should I buy? 

Considering my current athletic shoes were about two years old (and just a little note, that's way too long to not replace your running shoes), I really could use a pair, especially since the ones this season are fun, bright and very colorful. There were also some adorable Sperry boat-style shoes that were SO cute. I've always liked Sperry's for the whole family, especially since they give moms like me an alternative to flip flops - ideal during the winter time! Black and white damask with red laces, sequins and even leopard print, I eyed several pairs I would want to add to my wardrobe. And of course, I would have to peak at some gladiator sandals, my always go-to. The ones I found were so hot and had a little Bohemian vibe. Adorable. 

What to buy. What to buy? What to buy! 

Thankfully, for a limited time, I didn't have to purchase just one pair, but could get a second pair half off! (Gotta love some BOGO 1/2 off!) Then add my special discount for being a Famous Footwear Rewards member, I had discounts coming out my ears! Now that +  shoe shopping was something to be excited about. 

It was time I leaped over to the kids' aisle. While my little girl is a little young for these Converse, I couldn't help but stop to take a look at them. With all kinds of colors and fun tongues that even included emoticons on the reverse side, these shoes screamed "I would have to have you IF I had a teen!" 

Finally reaching the little girls' shoes, I set eyes on a pair of tennis shoes that Miss T. had to have. They were pink, glittery, blingy, and had studs all over them! And they lit up too! And considering little girl had a birthday the next day, I just had to snatch these up and surprise her for her big day! Aren't these Skechers CUTE!?!

Starting to really find my stride after my first must-have, I spotted this sign:

Discovering this great little kernel of knowledge was perfectly timed since I had eyed me a pair of these Naturalizer Peep Toes (both stylish and comfortable!) Unfortunately, my size was missing! What to do, what to do? I just brought the shoes to the register and they took my address. For $0, they would send these gotta-have heels to my doorstep. (Now that's service!)

And that wasn't all either! A little love from Lady Luck made me a winner of an opportunity to get as many pairs of shoes as I wanted in :30 seconds with a little shop-to-you-drop. That meant I was able to pull a pair of Sperry's for both me and my hubs, plus, of course, those cute shoes for my two-year-old! (And I may have also found a pair of sandals that would get a little play for the remaining weeks of the summer!)

So perhaps, maybe, I don't mind shoe shopping. Especially if I can get it all in one place and at a price I can afford. Thanks to Famous Footwear, I was able to find that and more. 

Now I understand why their tagline is "Victory is Yours." 

There's a mama challenge I was excited to win. 

Flip Flops That Make Your Feet Fit

Mom Mondays:

Disclaimer: I received these products for purposes of this review. All comments expressed here are my own. 

It's no secret I'd prefer to be barefoot to wearing shoes any day of the week. However, since it's kinda gross to walk around like that most the time, I'm always on the lookout for shoes that are good to my feet and hopefully are fashionable to wear as well. 

So when one of my favorite pairs of summer sandals bit the big one the other day, I was almost in a panic. Then like a little FedEx fairy, a box arrived at my doorstep with new flip flops that claimed with every little step my butt, hips and thighs are doing reversed incline stretches while toning my muscles. So basically, I walk and and the worst parts of my body get a little more toned? So like any woman would, I tore the box open and put these babies on my feet immediately.

Developed by famed fitness icon Tony Little (you know the guy with the blonde ponytail exercising on the Gazelle trainer), his new footwear line appropriately named “Cheeks” is constructed with an inclined sole that imitates uphill walking. The shoes work by placing the body at a three-degree angle; most of the weight rests on the heels, thus promoting improved posture. 

I was able to wear these sandals every day, all day for going to work out, walking around Schlitterbahn, the grocery store - well everything. And because of the design, I could easily wear them with many outfits.  While I didn't take my measuments before I began weating the shoes, I can tell you I could feel a little strain on my legs after I wore them for hours - just like I had been running up a hill. Success. 

And they have all kinds of styles too - from black, pink with some bling and even some interchangeable straps so you can coordinate your look by flipping it over! 

Starting at $24.95 this line is definitely worth a walk around the block. 

Available for purchase on HSN.com and TonyLittle.com. 

Anytime Dr. Oz makes a recommendation, we all come running and buying. And these sandals from Wellrox were high on his list for improving balance, better posture or just a more comfortable stride. So of course, I was quick to give these "bear claws" a try. 

By separating and providing individual thongs for each toe, Wellrox has developed "GRABS" technology, a revolutionary sandal that reduces the risk of slippage and enables a more surefooted gait. The GRABS™ technology offers added grip, relief, alignment, balance and support, so when spreading your toes, you’re redistributing your weight more evenly and begin using your proper foot muscles to walk as intended. This concept is well known throughout Yoga and wellness circles (yogitoes.)

These sandals bring much needed relief to your aching feet and leg muscles. You can wear them every day, or whenever you need recovery - before or after a workout or a Yoga session, or after a day of wearing constrictive shoes. You can even wear them for a pedicure. (At least they are much better than those throw-away shoes they give you at the pedi place!) 

You can buy these summer sandals at Macys.com and local Macy retailers. For more information, visit wellrox.com.

So now you have options to work out your feet and then give them a massage by just putting your shoes on!

Happy Walking!