I know that its a long way off but we have just returned from our buying trip to Dusseldorf and I really wanted to tell you about a new brand that will be joining our CheerfulSoles collection this Autumn / Winter. They are an Austrian Shoe manufacturer, recommeded to us from an established comfort shoe retail who we trust and they are simply wonderful and will fit nicely into our range of unique and stylish shoes that don’t compromise on comfort.

So who are Think! Shoes? The Koller family has been involved in the making of shoes for over 200 years. The Narko Company with its emphasis on mens shoes was founded by Mr Koller Sr in th 1950s. In 1990 his son Martin Koller hit on the idea of moving awayfrom the original field of mens shoes & repositioning the company as an ecological shoe maker.  Along cam the Think! Shoe brand.

The question of what makes a Think! shoe special, according to them can be answered in four simple Words; Individuality, Comfort, Naturalness & Passion

Individuality

According to Think! every person is a unique work of art and that is exactly what they claim to offer for your feet. We agree, the styles are interesting and unlike anything we have seen before!

Comfort

The main aim of Think! shoes is to be good for the feet. Their shoe designs and insoles make no compromise when it comes to fitting the shape of the human foot to ensure that healthy feet stay that way. What we love is that the insoles come out of the Think! shoes so they are orthotic friendly. If you don’t wear an orthtic then Think! also offer a replacement insole service so you can enjoy that new shoe feeling for longer!

Naturalness

Think believe that everything that goes against nature Will not endure. They use vegetable tanned leather of European origin for all the parts of their shoes that come into direct contact with the foot. They rely on renewable raw materials such as natural rubber & cork. They act in an ecologically sustainable manner and guarantee that their manufacturing steps are environmentally friendly and they conserve resources where possible.

Passion

For generations Think! have been developing their shoes for the joy of designing with a commitment to loving details and have a passion for the art of making shoes by hand.

What do they look like?

Just to give you an idea of the unique styling of Think! Footwear here’s a sneaky peak.

We love them and lovingly refer to them as our ‘Marmite Shoes’ because you either automatically love them or are really not that keen. Well, give Alegira Shoes a try is what we say and don’t just take our word for it, have a look at some of our great customer reviews.

Alegria Caiti Boot

The Cheerful Soles description is right – this is a fantastic little boot. This is a very comfortable and cute addition to the the range – I even wore them with a shortish skirt and opaque tights. Read full review……..

Alegria Paloma Shoes

have problems with the ball of my right foot and for months have not been able to walk very far, but went shopping on Saturday and had the best walking day I have had for a long time. Read More………

Buying Advice

Don’t forget that the Paloma Shoe, Caiti Boot and Dayna Shoes are ‘fitting big’. Order a size below what you are normally. So, if you are a 39, order a 38!

Are you Loving your Alegria?

let us know what you love about your Alegria Shoes, leave a comment below.

We are very excited to tell you that we now sell Mens Waldlaufer Shoes too!

Waldlaufer Shoes have long been synonymous with comfort and style but up until recently only our female customers were able to buy this European Comfort Shoe from us. Mens Waldlaufer Shoes offer complete comfort at what we think is a really reasonable price. Waldaufer, or ‘Wood Walker’ have long been associated with the comfort shoe market with over 50 years in the business. No wonder our customers love this brand so much. Many of the Waldlaufer mens shoes have removable insoles making them ideal for men with a wider than average foot or who need to accommodate an orthotic insert.

Go straight to our Mens Waldlaufer Shoes department now to have a look.

Complete disbelief today whilst listening to the radio and working on the  CheerfulSoles website. I have seen some questionable fashion choices in the school playground from mums (and Dads) who are rushing from here to there, dropping off and picking up kids from school. BUT, never have I seen someone drop their kids off wearing pyjamas! Amazingly this appears not the be the case in Middlesbrough where the local Gazette report that some schools in east Middlesbrough have had to ask parents to stop wearing pyjamas on the school run. Headteachers across 11 schools have requested that mums and dads show decency and respect when attending school premises.

What is even more amazing is that on radio 2 this morning, although most shared my complete disbelief, some people were actually ringing in defence of poor mothers who have had sleepless nights and are too rushed in the morning! No make-up I can forgive, but where I am from, turning up somewhere in the morning wearing the clothes you were wearing last night is called “the Walk of Shame”!

Why not go the whole Hog and wear Slippers too?

It did make me chuckle though as we describe some of our shoes as, “like walking around in Slippers”, especially the Mephisto Helen Sandal range. I also know that Kate wears her Alegria Clogs around the house because they are soooooo comfy. Both of us regulalrly wear the Mephisto Helen Sandal and Alegria Clog to pick our children up from different schools. Of course we haven’t sparked the national debate that these unfortunate ladies in Middlesbrough seem to have done.

Want to Read More?

• *Read Kates Mephisto Helen Sandal ReviewRead Now>>
• *Read my Alegria Clog ReviewRead Now>>
• *To read more on the story about Middlesbrough parents being asked not to drop their kids off at school in their pyjamas  click here>>

Thanks for reading – Jo

Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists cause a stir about Ballerina style Pumps

Well the Society for Chiropodists & Podiatrists (lets call the the SCP from now on), have definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons with their article on the “Perils of Ballet Fashion”. Following the release of the film “Black Swan” the SCP published an article summarising the potential foot problems that can arise from wearing Ballet type pumps on a day to day basis. Read the full Article

So what to the SCP say about Ballet Pumps

In the article they state that like Pointe Ballet shoes, Ballet Fashione Pumps also offer little to no support to the foot, causing increased pressure on the joints in the lower body. Because these shoes contain no strap to support the foot and keep it in place, it also means toes are likely to claw in order to keep the foot in the shoe”….

Advice from The SCP for “Ballet Fashionistas”

• ~Consider wearing shoes with a strap or lace over the instep rather than slip-ons.  This will help stop your foot sliding forward, a bit like a seatbelt in a car
• ~Choose shoes with a toe box that is high enough and wide enough to comfortably fit, either rounded or square shaped, not point
• ~Footwear should have a firm thick heel to help with shock absorption and a supportive arch to keep the foot in place
• ~Vary your shoe type and heel heights from day to day, avoiding wearing either extreme – flat or very high – on a frequent basis. For everyday use, it’s ideal to keep your heel height to 3cm
• ~Always wear the right shoe for the job. Not all foot problems can be prevented but a large majority of problems do result or are exacerbated from incorrect or poor footwear. If you are going to be active then wear a low heeled supportive shoe, but heels are fine to don if it’s for a special occasion

The Daily Mail reports on comfortable and stylish footwear following SCP Article

Referring rather cheekily to the SCP as the “Foot Police” and “Spoil Sports” Daily Mail reporter Lydia Slater set out to put some more well known comfort brands to the test. Fit Flop, Hotter and Barrats did not fair well. What a pity Lydia hasn’t heard of the brands that we sell to fashionistas of all ages who want comfort and style in equal measure. At Cheerfulsoles we think that there is a time and a place for pumps and killer heels in everyone’s lives, BUT if you constantly wear one or the other all the time then you may find yourself developing footpain or joint pain in other areas of the body (calves and back mainly). Best then to take the advice of the SCP and vary the height of the shoes that you wear everyday and keep the killer killer heels for those nights out when anything else simply won’t do!

Check out our stylish selection of pumps that would leave you and your Podiatrist with a smile on your faces and a spring in your step!

Waldlaufer Pump £76

Mephisto Pump £109

Vary the type of shoe you wear by wearing a slight heel…….

Mephisto Shoe £144

Theresia M Wedge £99

Fidelio Sandal £85

Let us know what you think about the debate on Ballet Fashion. Add your comments below.

Great news for all those of you who loved the Fidelio Sandals that we had last summer. We have just taken delivery of some super stylish sandals that are great for enlarged joints and bunions.

Stylish Shoes for Bunions at CheerfulSoles

You no longer have to be condemned to a life in ugly unflattering shoes simply because you have an elnlarged joint or suffer from bunions. Here are the latest super stylish Fidelio Sandals available now at CheerfulSoles.

Fidelio Fabio in Red Patent

Fidelio Hallux Sandal

To view our full range of Shoes that are suitable for enlarged joints and bunions, click here

More Informtion about Bunions

What is a Bunion

For those who are interested, the medical term for a bunion is hallux valgus. Of course this may be of little importance to you if you are living with them. Lets be straight forward, bunions can be really painful, they look like a big lump sticking out at the side of your foot next to your big toe. This lump occurs because your long big toe bone starts to point toward your other foot while the big toe itself starts to point in the direction of your other toes on the same foot.

Even Victoria Beckham reportedly suffers from Bunions

Like VB, you may not suffer from pain all the time, and you may even persevere with your pointy heels, however bunions can limit the amount of movement you have in your foot. As your toe joint can become so painful that you find it hard to walk in the shoes you would normally wear. You may roll your foot inwards as you walk, again putting extra pressure on your big toe joint, and as a result your bunion. Some experts think that rolling your foot inwards while walking is a contributing factor to getting bunions in the first place. Pain may typically be experienced as you push to lift your foot off the ground to walk. You may be finding it hard to find a pair of shoes that fit you properly as the width required to accommodate the area near the ball of your foot has increased while your actual shoe size has not. Have you started buying shoes that are too big yet?

What to look for in a shoe if you have Bunions

It probably doesn’t need saying, but we will anyway, DO NOT wear tight fitting shoes or shoes that are too big for you. Tight fitting shoes will only make the problem worse and could lead to other foot problems such as corns and calluses as your toes are squeezed together for most of the day. Wearing shoes and especially slippers that are too big can lead to further injury if you fall, trip or slip as a result. If you are aware that you roll your feet inwards when you walk, then you may wear an orthotic insert that you have bought ‘off the shelf’, or has been tailored by a podiatrist. You will need to account for this when looking for a healthy and comfortable pair of shoes. The same applies if you wear a bunion pad.

So, it’s nearly time for us to go on one of our twice yearly buying trips to Dusseldorf in search for more comfortable shoes for CheerfulSoles and I have been looking online at some of the manufacturers who will be exhibiting in the hall (or halle) where we tend to spend most of our time. The Essential Halle is where all the Wellness Shoes Collections are and it got me to wondering if people outside of the shoe industry use the term or search for Wellness Shoes.

What is Wellness

Wellness Shoes is big business in the industry at the moment. Footwear that looks after your feet, is kind to your feet or will generally provide you with some form of benefit to a foot problem or your overall fitness and well being are all the rage. You only have to look at the growth of MBTs and similar offerings from other manufacturers such as Sketchers, Nike, Reebok (even out dearly loved Alegria Shoes) to understand that the notion of health benefits from footwear is growing faster than most of us can keep up. So is wellness just a gimmick, is it about wearing comfortable shoes that are ugly or provide you with exercise or does it literally mean that the shoes that we wear can make us feel well or better?

As Consumers we are a demanding lot

As more information and awareness about what wearing the wrong kind of shoes will do to our feet (think of the Ugg Shuffle), we are rightly demanding footwear that wil live up to our lifestyles and requirements. Who hasn’t read about Victoria Beckhams Bunions and remember the story about Sarah Browns feet that gripped the nation during the general election rather than her husbands policies?

It became uncool last summer to squeeze feet into pointy uncomfortable shoes that irritated enlarged joints and squashed toes beyond the point of feeling. Celebrities were out in flip flops and the bunion shoe of the season was the worishofer (as worn by the likes of Maggie Gyllinghaal and Kirsten Dunst). We want to tone our legs whilst we walk about, we wear orthotics more than ever before and we need to accommodate more widely recognised foot problems such as bunions, mortons neuroma, plantar faciitis and other wierd and wonderful foot problems. No wonder then that at last some fashion retailers and manufacturers are raising their game as there is a demand for shoes that make you look great and more importantly feel great too. 

Of Course we already knew this!

It’s good to see more and more manufacturers placing as much importance on how footwear feels as well as how it looks for the wearer. Our dearly loved brands such as Theresia M Shoes and Mephisto Shoes have been doing this for years and it’s really encouranging to see that season on season their styles and designs have improved to match the comfort and ‘wellness’ that they provide.

At CheerfulSoles we believe that you can have your cake and eat it, comfort and style in equal measure for all kinds of feet. That is what wellness means to us, shoes don’t have to tone you whilst you walk, have a negative heel or accommodate an orthotic insert (or other foot problem) to come under the umbrella of Wellness. Fundementally they have to look great and feel great no matter what kind of feet you have, only then will they pass our wellness shoes test and make it on the site.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

At last our NEW Semler Shoes have arrived and are available for you to buy now. We are really excited to introduce you to this brand as they came highly recommended to us by a Podiatrist from Donegal, Ireland who we met in Düsseldorf  at the Spring / Summer 2011 GDS Global Shoe Fair.

With her own small Shoe Shop attached to her surgery, she couldn’t speak highly enough about the quality, service from Semler  and of course, the fact that they fit problem feet and orthotics beautifully.

Take a look at our Semler Shoes now

Cleo Shoe

Duffy Shoe

Semler Shoe

New, Fidelio Hallux Shoe for this Winter

At last a clever solution for feet with sensitive Bunions! You clearly loved the Fidelio Sandals, which were a huge success this summer, we now have the pleasure of introducing you and your lovely feet to the Fidelio Hallux Shoe for this winter. Pictured above in a sumptuous wine suede with croc leather detail, we feel sure that you will agree that they really are a stylish solution to painful bunions.

How will these shoes help relieve pain?

The secret to the success of Fidelio Hallux lies in the ingenious design of the stretchable insert that significantly relieves pressure upon your bunion. Fidelio Hallux is easily adjustable and the insert’s soft padding snuggles comfortably around your bunion whilst helping to hide unsightly differences between the left and the often more burdened right foot.

Providing pain relief after Bunion Surgery

When, as a last resort, bunions are surgically removed there is normally a period of a few months between each operation. It is at this time, when every step is painful, Fidelio Hallux through its adjustability, softness and anatomically formed removable insole can also be of great beneficial service.

Can I wear my Orthotics with these Shoes?

Yes, absolutely! All Fidelio shoes and sandals that we sell have  a fully removable anatomical footbed. Once removed, there is plenty of room in these shoes for you to pop in your own custom or off the shelf orthotic.We have shown this brand to lots and lots of Podiatrists who recommend Fidelio to their patients and we are confident that you and your own Podiatrist will not be disappointed.

What do you think, is there really such a thing as pain free shoes for Bunions?

I don’t know about you but I do not personally suffer from bunions, I only know that many of you find it really hard to find shoes that will accommodate swollen joints and painful bunions. We think that we offer a great range of stylish footwear that are not only fit for purpose but look great as well. That said, we would love to hear what you think and we always encourage people to leave reviews of shoes that they have bought, particulalrly if you have problem feet as this may help others decide if it would be right for them. Feel free to write your comments below or visit our CheerfulSoles site to leave a review of the shoe you bought now.

View our range of Fidelio Footwear at CheerfulSoles now>>>>