If The Shoe Fits

I have a really hard time buying shoes. I wear a size 10 1/2 (and no they don't make them very often) and have a high arch. I work in hospital administration and I am on my feet a lot. After many false starts, I finally purchased a pair of Dansko Professional Clogs at The Walking Company. Mine are a shiny black color. They also come in "oiled" black -- which is a dull color, brown, red, blue, and white for nursing professionals.

THE PROS: These shoes are obviously very well made. The Dansko website shows their construction. They are built to last with good quality leather inside and out. They are a simple enclosed-back clog style. I have very narrow heels and have a problem with my foot slipping out of the heel of many shoes. Luckily, the Dansko clogs are designed to have your heel rise out of the back of the shoe with each step. There is even a hard plastic insert on the inside of the heel to prevent your foot from rubbing on the leather!

The stride does take some getting used to, as most people are not used to their foot coming up out of the back of an enclosed shoe, but this is how they are designed. The inside footbed is leather and is not squishy like some "comfort" shoes. However, it is very supportive. The proper way to walk is in a forward rocking motion, allowing your heel to rise and fall into the shoe with each stride. For this reason, you should make sure that you buy the shoe large enough. The shoes are European sized, and Dansko recommends you go up a size if the shoes are snug.

The shoes are generous across the toe box, as well, allowing for plenty of toe room. Although many of the stylish shoes today have very tight toe boxes, I cannot wear these due to a previous foot fracture.

These shoes are very attractive and I have received many compliments on them. I am sure I will be buying more Dansko shoes in the future!

THE CONS: The only negative thing about these shoes that I can see is that they are expensive. However, you do tend to get what you pay for. They should wear for years and years with proper care.