"Jest remember.........
seven days without laughter
makes one weak."

 JJJJ

Shopping Hints

In this section I will provide info on some of my shopping experiences.

I will give comments on what I liked, didn't like, cautions, and recommendations.

And some Shopping Hints
along the way.

 

 
Updated May 2008
My most recent thumbs up goes to
The Walking Company
located in the Woodland Mall
on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Adam Redmond, Manager
1-616-956-9255

I, like many, want a comfortable walking shoe. I have a 'bad' knee; (shattered kneecap injury) - so that is another factor affecting  comfortable walking for me. The knee also doesn't provide me with many exercising options. This store carries many different brands - all with comfort in mind. But what stands out is their CUSTOMER SERVICE. I feel they DO want you to be happy with your shoes and will work with you to find what works for you. Talk with them about trial periods, exchanges & refunds; together you will come up with a plan that works best for you.

We search the world over, so you can walk the world in comfort.

My Reviews on Earth, MBT's &
Tsubo shoes.

On my first visit I was there looking for some Earth shoes for my Mom & myself. A nurse, that does 12 hr. shifts was buying some MBT's. I had never heard of this brand. Since that day I have heard of several nurses wearing MBT's.  We learned about the Masai Barefoot Technology and we tried some on. I really liked the 'rocking chair' shape of the sole, but was wanting some Earth shoes (I wore them as a teacher in Plymouth, MI while I was pregnant & they were wonderful). My Mom didn't think she'd like to adjust to the MBT's, but liked the Earth shoes & left the store wearing her 1st pair of Earth shoes - Pirouette 3. It's been 3 months now, she wears them while doing work in the house because they have helped her feet, legs & knees feel better.

The Earth shoes I wanted were not available at the store so they quickly shipped the 2 different styles to me. The sizing was perfect but the Earth shoe styles I selected had too much arch support for me. So I called Adam & let him know I was returning those but wanted to try the MBT's  this time.
No problem.

Jan. 2008
I put on the MBT's & walked around the mall for a while. Yes - I wanted to try these. I did my internet research before going & these are known to help with posture, easy on the knees, tone up leg, butt and back muscles as well as burn calories. Sounds like they are worth trying!  I also bought a pair of Tsubo Algol to wear around the house because slippers don't give me enough support. A couple days later after checking Tsubo's website, I called Adam & ordered another pair of Tsubo, the Viana style to be delivered to home.

Feb. 2008
I'm on vacation and doing a lot of walking as we do our site seeing & I am wearing the MBT's. They are working out great. I can walk more comfortably longer, in these shoes. Less lower back ache too.

I wear them when I'm doing house work too so that my body gets an additional work out as I walk around the house & cleaning it.

May 2008
I like these so well I am looking to buying a pair of MBT sandals.

Caution:
MBT's are made for walking & exercise walking, but because they do not have the appropriate tread, I don't recommend them for use outside in wintery snow & ice, wet gravel and muddy conditions. And I don't recommend these if you need solid footing - like for getting up on step stools, ladders, lots of stairs, lots of zigzagging because of the curved sole. For these types of conditions I use my New Balance shoes or boots.

As I wear the MBT's & Tsubo's I will report my thoughts and results here.

My Review on New Balance shoes

Now I must recommend my first most comfortable shoes: New Balance athletic shoes. I've worn these for a couple of years.

I have 3 pairs(2 white & 1 black) of style:
# WW575   

I use these for work in & out of the house, including gardening, shopping and walking where there will be lots of stairs & uneven surfaces.  I also use these in rain, etc. - they have a gripping sole & are easy to clean.

I did replace the inner soles of all 3 pairs  with one's that provide more cushion & support.

 AND New Balance donates to the
Susan B Gomen Cancer fund.

 

FUTURE
As I wear the MBT's & Tsubo's  I will report my thoughts here.  So check back in a few weeks,

You can Find more shoe reviews & sales at:
http://www.shoeblog.com/

 

J J J J

..........

Not all return policies are equal.

Check the site's Return Policy BEFORE you order anything. 

Most expect you to pay for the return shipping cost. But some don't.

For Example: Overstock.com does not
give full refunds to items that have been opened.
I believe this is due to the nature of their site.
It is a clearinghouse for other companies products.

Be informed before you order
 - online
 - by phone
 - by catalog
 

 

I really, really like OxiClean

Email me if you want info on my experiences.  It even takes out old yellowing stains.

holly@Hollyshints.com

 

CHECK OUT  
HOLLY'S PHOTOGRAPHY Available to view & purchase