Marian, interestingly enough I normally am a size 10 , but with the Naot's she had me try both that size and the next one up and it was the larger size with a better foot length for me. But that is me, though I usually am a perfect fit 9.5/10. W.

I know that if my feet aren't happy I am not happy. I would go to a local shoe shop and try on the Naot's, or whatever you are considering buying, on in person. Perhaps even buying your first pair from the shop. Wear them at home on your carpet - most good shops will take them back if you've only just worn them on the carpet. Feet are particular...shoes can be funky - find the perfect match and you can travel forever!

quote:

Originally posted by KarenM:
Jen, did you wear the Naot Matai shoes with bare feet?

Karen

I wore them both with and without socks, actually. I brought different sandals to wear with skirts, but ended up wearing the Naots anyway, even though they are rather clunky with a skirt, because they were just so dang comfortable! And yeah, whoever said they reminded you of bedroom slippers, I had the same thought when I bought them, but once again, the comfort factor beat everything. No rubbing, no blisters, no bruises, not even any soreness! I love these shoes! (Now if only I were so practical in my real life, huh?)

Also, for whatever reason, I have tried on a number of sandals by Naot and have not had any success. I think I've now ordered and returned three pairs off of zappos.com, as well as run all over two counties looking for them. I think it is just not meant to be. I like my shoes to be cute, but all of their cute styles are too narrow and the others are a bit clunky for my taste in sandals. So sad...

Jen, did you try to Naot Marilyn? I bought a pair in the copper color for Rome and loved them, and a pair as well for my 11 year old granddaughter. She too thought they were cute enough, but of course she would never wear hers when I wore mine

These Naots got me thru weeks of walking thru Italy on those cobblestone streets


I have many Naot styles over the years. I am so sad as my feet have changed and they are soo umcomfortable now.

I have a new pair of the Matai in black and gold and one similar in lime green that are collecting dust, It makes me sick to think the money I spent and cant wear them

I have easily returned 30+ of sandals to Zappos trying to find that comfy shoe for my trip I leave in 2 week and it just came, I think this is it!


They are really comfortable
Laurie

Interestingly, my SIL/BIL live in Israel on a kibbutz that is directly next door to Kibbutz Naot, which, if I remember correctly, is where these shoes and sandals are manufactured. I've been to their store outlet right on the kibbutz, and you can get some pretty good deals. I have bought many Birkenstocks there over the years.

thanks Marian...the ones I have been wearing for years and years are called Kayla....I wear thm with skirts, dresses and pants...for my long and narrow foot they are perfect...I wear a size 42 in these..have them in many many colors...

Ever since I got plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago, it's been a challenge to find comfortable shoes that I can fit my orthotics in.

Last October, I bought Stonefly shoes for my Italy trip. I didn't even have to break them in. Total comfort the whole trip.

For summer, I can't live without my Aravon sandals by New Balance. The foot bed can be removed and orthotic inserts can be put in its place.

Other shoe brands I also like are Ecco and Merrell.

quote:

(There is a note on the Zappo's website saying Naot advises that the Matai runs large, and recommends ordering a size down, so I ordered a 38 instead of my usual 39.)

Well, so much for that! I found the 38 to be quite small, so I returned them and now have the 39, which is just the right size. Just got them yesterday, so we'll have to see how they work out; quite comfortable so far. (And I'm much better now that my podiatrists removed the nasty little corn that I attribute to walking on cobblestone streets with those nasty thin-soled Geox!)

Chiqui,
Thanks for the info on the Aravon and the idea of removeable insoles which can be replaced by orthotics - relvolutionary! I think I'll try them.

Marian,
Glad your feet are feeling happier. As they say, "If the feet ain't happy, Ain't nobody happy"!

Laura

I just bought a pair of Merril sandals today in preparation for a trip that will naturally include lots of walking. I've been breaking them in today and all seems to be good. I agree with Chachalaca. If my feet aren't happy. I'll buy ordinary shoes online but serious walking shoes I have to try on.

quote:

I just bought a pair of Merril sandals today in preparation for a trip that will naturally include lots of walking

Funny to see this - I was just looking on Zappos yesterday for a new pair of sandals and were wondering how these are...then I came into this thread (which I must admit I rarely do), now I may have to go back and re-check Zappos.

quote:

the idea of removeable insoles which can be replaced by orthotics - revolutionary!

Actually, several makes of shoes have removeable insoles, --- including Naot and (some) Mephistos.

Kim, I am still loving my Naot Marilyn sandals (see above). They were great in Rome and this past Sunday I walked across lower Manhattan in them. Oh, and also I stood in them for 2 1/2 hours Saturday morning, as I was taking a turn as a "greeter" in my synagogue.

So far, I am also still loving my Naot Matai (the closed shoe). As others have said, they feel like slippers at first but somehow are really comfortable and sufficiently padded on the bottom to be really comfortable and supportive. They do have removeable insoles.

I bought Rockport Sanchuez today in the light grey suede. Tried them on, walking around the store, they truly felt like slippers.

Help me! I need an intervention! I have this urge to buy another pair of the Naot Matai in a nice color and I have absolutely no need for them!

Go, Marian, Go! One can never have to many shoes!

Denise

In the words of the great greek god,Nike, "Just do it!"


ALSO...I was reading a magazine at the doc's office today and noticed a Sketchers shoe that looks curiously like the MBT but at 1/3 the price. You can see it here on the front page www.skechers.com Has anyone tried them?

Laura

quote:

Originally posted by Kim:
[QUOTE] I was just looking on Zappos yesterday for a new pair of sandals and were wondering how these are...then I came into this thread (which I must admit I rarely do), now I may have to go back and re-check Zappos.

Update on my Merrils. I did about 8k / 5m tonight in them and not a hint of blister. If they were going to give me a problem I would know by now. I'm thrilled.

IMO, I don't think Skecher's are going to do it. FWIW

Chiqui - I'd love to know where in Vancouver
you bought Aravons - I got a pair at Right
Foot on 4th but I haven't seen them anywhere
else.

Marian - summer's coming and then winter's
on its way - what better reason for buying
more pairs of the Naots! I love the green
ones and may give into temptation.

Lynne,

There's a location finder on the Aravon web site (www.aravonshoes.com). If you are ever in Bellingham, Hilton's Shoes downtown on Magnolia carries Aravon. I bought two pair of Aravon shoes (Kate & Monica) there two years ago, and I've worn them several days a week every summer since. So comfortable.

do the Naot Matai's (sp) go with skirts and dresses or do they look a bit clunky? thanks

Definitely not clunky --- they look like sportier Mary Janes. As to wearing them with skirts, I don't know what to tell you. I would, especially if my skirt or top picked up one of the colors in the shoe, or with the black ones.

But I don't really care that much about fashion anymore.

EDITED TO ADD: I see on the Zappo's site that many of their customers wear the Matai with skirts.

Thanks Marian I will check them out...

I think clunky is in the eye of the beholder. The reason I ended up in Italy without my Naot's is husband said my shoes were clunky. I had to resort to two Aleve at bedtime to counteract foot fatique because the shoes I packed just could not cushion my soles from the cobblestone streets and hard pavement.

There are Naot's that are dressier, and I own several pair, but I don't think they are as comfortable as the uh, clunkier models.

I usually wear a 38 and have a wide foot. I've never had a blister when wearing Naot's on trips, even new shoes. But we are all different and I suspect there are folks out there with just the opposite experience.

Next year, call my Naot's clunky and I will toss them at your head and then put them in my luggage. That's what I told my husband while soaking my feet in our Rome apartment.

Bags packed which naots do you own that are dressier...I think for me is that I have long and narrow (size 42)feet so when they are that big...i find the closed in ones too look really big for skirts or dresses and all eyes go to my feet rather then to me :-) but I am all about comfort first...looks later..

I think many of us feel the same - comfort first. I have 3 pair of Naot's that are a bit dressier, purchased about 4 years ago and still looking brand new. However, I should disclose that at least half of the year I'm in flip-flops.

I just checked Naot and didn't see the models I own. I have one pair with a small heel and two pair of sandals. The difference seems to be there is no thick, waffled bottom to the shoe (cannot think of a better description or term this early in the morning).

Apparently Naot has scaled back on their offerings - there used to be many more styles to choose from. When I selected my shoes, the catalog had a separate section with dressier shoes and the photography seemed to be aimed at urban professionals.

I travel in the cooler months of the year, so sandals are usually out of the question. I know what you mean about the closed in models - they can look large and a bit clunky, especially with skirts or when you want to dress up a bit.

Speaking of Naot: I have also used their foot cream - it's very nice.

I wasn't going to post this, thinking most here want solid, enclosed shoes for travel, but Bags Packed's comment about flip flops made me think there are some out there who enjoy slip-ons for less arduous walks.

I went to pick up my Keen rainboot my dog chewed the zipper on from the repair guy and stumbled on these 'Bali' Keens: They're immediately comfortable in my 39 B, have arch support, are very flattering to the foot, and great for those whose 3rd (middle) toe is long! I love them and haven't taken them off since I got them. If I go to France this fall, I'm definitely taking them.

Hi Lynne,

I bought my Aravon sandals at the New Balance Delta store on 120th St & 64th Avenue. There's a New Balance store on Robson Street, as well.

While on vacation in Orlando recently, I was able to buy an Aravon sandal for $30.00 at the New Balance outlet store. Woohoo! The regular price is US$150.

Thanks, Chris and Chiqui:

I took a closer look at my three year old
Aravon sandals and then I wielded my trusty
black Sharpie and, voila, ready to go again!
The style I have doesn't appear on their new
website so I presume it's gone the way of
the dodo. More reason to shop!

While traveling, I never get tired of my Rainbows. Around $50 for comfortable, mold to your feet kind of leather. Another plus, they're cute looking and go with everything.

I got these on sale from Cole Haan for $78. Super comfy with the Nike Air and they look like ballet flats!

quote:

Originally posted by KellyC:
I got these on sale from Cole Haan for $78. Super comfy with the Nike Air and they look like ballet flats!

I was at the Cole Haan Outlet on Monday and looked at those...they didn't have my size How are they?

So now there are TWO pair of shoes that I want, both Naot ---

First another pair of the Matai, but can't decide what color, then these really cute lace-ups, Naot Kumara. I am still looking for a sneaker-type shoe that's less kludgy than my old but very serviceable (but very kludgy) New Balance walking shoes.

Tracey: I love the cole haan shoes! they are so amazingly comfortable. try online. they are 20% off and free shipping!

KellyC what are the cole haans called...and where did you get them...thanks

Just bought a pair of Naot "angela" sandals in practical black, yesterday. They are discounted to $67.50 at a little local store here in S. FLa.

jan

Jilm:

Cole Haan Air Bria Huarache Ballet

They are marked down to $99.95 on the Cole Haan website, shipping is free and you can put in EXTRA20 at check out to get an additional 20% off. They came to $79. They run pretty true to size.

thanks Kelly...I noticed it is a B width and I have very long and narrow feet...but I will check them out when I return in September...they look great and comfortable as well as a good choice with skirts...

The Naot Kumara came yesterday; I tried them ont today and was walking around, deciding if they were comfortable enough to keep. That was six hours ago, and I haven't taken them off yet.

I wish I had the same experience with the Cole Haan Air Bria Huarache Ballet--I ordered them after you recommended them, Kelly, in my usual 8.5, and while I loved how they looked when on, they were too tight; and also, the leather wasn't soft like I remember CH shoes--felt quite hard and unpliable. Seemed like they'd take quite a break-in period. I did like the soft bottoms from the Nike Air feature, but was so disappointed by the leather, I'm not sure if I'll reorder a half size larger or not.

Karen: I'm normally a 9 but have a wide foot so took a 9 1/2. My coworker is a 7 but has a narrow foot and took a 7 but thinks she could have gone smaller. The half may be worth it. I was happy they weren't too soft, since I don't like when ballet style shoes get all out of shape and wonky looking. Hoping they won't do that since they aren't so soft.

Just an FYI, shoebuy.com has some Aravon sandal models on sale with an additional 20% off with a JULY4 code. I purchased another pair of the "Monica" model as they are a nice dressy sandal to have for work. They do ship to Canada but I don't know at what cost.

I love the look of Cole Haan shoes but my foot is too "high" to fit into them comfortably. That Nike technology sounds wonderful though.

These shoes are NOT made for walking!!

I thought everybody would enjoy some of the more outrageous styles I saw in Rome.

And another one. These are high heeled boot sandals!!

And to prove that Italian women actually wear these!!

I can't make it an hour in shoes like these, yet European women wear them daily! I guess I have the "wrong" foot DNA.


Thanks for the photos,
Laura

Well you must have better foot DNA than I do because I can't even stand up in them!! I have to admit these are absurd but there are always gorgeous high heeled shoes in Rome. I have looked at them with lust in my heart.

My niece and I were window shopping and I said "I would love to wear those but I couldn't last a minute". My niece looked at me and said
"Aunt Mary, you are in a wheelchair!!".

True but I still have to be able to transfer and occasionally get out and climb a curb!! At least in Rome.

One thing I want to tell everyone that my doctor told me. Don't just assume that because a brand has a great reputation for comfort that you will be able to wear the shoes/sandals comfortably.

ALL shoes are made on the company STANDARD forms (called lasts). Each company has its own patented lasts. What makes the shoe fit (so to speak) is how your feet conform to that company's lasts.

A better idea for anyone considering long distance walking (particularly while traveling) is to get custom orthotics. There are companies out that laser measure your feet and then create the perfect fit for YOU. Google them, for less than the price of some of these shoes you have guaranteed comfort. ALSO wear the orthotics for an hour the first day, 2 hours the second, so you need to get them at least a week before you start out on your adventure.

Once you have your orthotics then go shopping for shoes. Look for shoes that have high impact cushioning soles. Pounding the pavement is one of the reasons your feet get tired. Repeated "hitting" the ground is not good for tender tootsies.

The reason people get blisters is the shoes don't fit. They just plain are too big or too small so they rub. Make sure you take the socks you are going to be wearing with you when you try on your shoes so you don't buy shoes too big or too small.

So comfortable or stunning if the shoe fits - WEAR IT!!

I also took pictures of shoes when I was in Rome; there was a gorgeous pair in the Gucci window that I was plotzing over, white with a tortoise platform, but I'm about 20 years too old for them. It's fun to look.

It was also fun to see how everyone was dressed and shod, the variations from Rome to Florence to Milan to Venice. So much purple in Rome and not as much elsewhere. Lots of jeans tucked into knee high boots in Rome, lessening as we traveled north.

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisV:

It was also fun to see how everyone was dressed and shod, the variations from Rome to Florence to Milan to Venice. So much purple in Rome and not as much elsewhere. Lots of jeans tucked into knee high boots in Rome, lessening as we traveled north.

I saw lots of purple in the windows but almost nobody actually wearing it. I am particularly "allergic" to purple. It screams little old lady to me. So if I saw a typical italian fashionista wearing purple believe me I would have noticed. The merchandisers are pushing but not many people are buying.