Shoe Review: Gdefy Scossa Sneakers

On the Run

Ask anyone who knows me in real life, and they'll tell you I don't like running. I believe shopping should suffice as cardio. However, my reality (aka thighs and waistline) doesn't match my beliefs. That said, this summer my daily power walk became a jog. I didn't jog every day, though, because there was slight knee and lower back pain involved. When the folks at Gdefy contacted me a couple months ago with a request for a review of their Scossa sneakers, it was as if the exercise gods were saying "don't stop. Get it. Get it!" These sneakers claimed to offer extra support and shock absorption, along with enhanced motion control. Worth a try, right? And so, with my Gravity Defyers on my feet, I didn't stop, and I got "it"... as in a slimmer waistline and a little muscle tone in my thighs. The sneakers? Well here are my thoughts:

The Look: 

Since I'm not a serious runner, I tend to prefer sneakers that look more casual than athletic. When I received my complimentary pair of Gdefy Scossa cross trainers, I wasn't completely disappointed, but I was also a little hesitant. They looked like real running shoes, and they had an extra piece at the bottom of the heel. I convinced myself the look was futuristic at best. However, I managed to get a few compliments. So... scale of 1-5, I give these a 3.5.

The Feel

Initially, these sneakers felt a bit odd. They were a little heavy, and my feet were not-quite-comfortable in them. The information packet pre-warned me about this, though, advising users to allow a "work you in period" before writing the shoes off as uncomfortable. Apparently, GDefy's technology causes the use of newly activated muscles in the feet and legs, which may lead to soreness. They also come with a removable insole that features moderate arch support (which is hard to find in most shoes these days). After a day or two my feet adjusted, and my sneakers felt like a godsend. Previously, I'd wanted to stop jogging after one block, but now I could go much further. It was as if I couldn't feel the heel strikes when I ran (thanks to the VersoShock Reverse Trampoline Sole), so the fact that they're a little heavier than some other sneakers ceased to matter. On a scale of 1-5, these get a 4.5. A half point is deducted because my heel tended to slip a bit during runs and walks, unless I tied them extremely tight.

The Verdict

This isn't necessarily a shoe I'd wear for fashion's sake, but it is my go-to shoe for walks and jogs. I checked out the website, and they do have a lineup of more casual shoes and sandals. They're not exactly my style, but they look like they'll be great for those who spend a lot of time on their feet or those who have foot problems. (Teachers, nurses, flight attendants, stylish women with diabetes, I'm talking to you! You really should look into these.)  They're worth the $160 so far. However, I haven't had them long enough to grade them on durability. In total, the shoes get a 4 out of 5. They are definitely #shoesnboozeapproved.

Shoe Review: Ssh-oes by Mary Arnett

 

Be Heel Quiet

Not too long ago, I received a pitch for a “quiet heel,” as in one that doesn’t click-clack loudly when you walk. I was a bit skeptical, but I accepted the request to review a complimentary pair of Ssh-oes by Mary Arnett.

I received the Kate sling back, peep toe bootie ($149 at Ssh-oes.com). The style was pretty sleek & simple. Still, black suede seemed a bit heavy for spring. Just as they arrived, though, the temperatures took a dip, so I paired them with some mustard colored BDG jeans and my Funtote bag (with which I am currently enamored) and took them out on the town for a day.

I walked at least eight New York blocks and up and down quite a few flights of stairs.

Likes:

• They’re lined in Lycra, so they feel really soft on the inside- no rubbing on the toes no matter how long I walked, EVEN with a little late day foot swell.
• The heel strike really is low volume. It’s not silent, but it’s definitely not as loud as a typical heel. (see the video comparison below…

Kate bootie from Ssh-oes by Mary Arnett

Classic black pump on the same floor…

• They’re surprisingly stabilizing for a 4 inch, slightly-thicker-than-a-stiletto heel. I don’t tend to wobble in my heels, but I often see women who do. Therefore, in the interest of research, I attempted a little left-right wiggle while I walked… They didn’t budge.

Concerns:

• They’re not colorfast. When I took them off, I noticed that the parts of my foot that had touched the black suede throughout the day were blackened by it. As for my jeans, well… It’s a good thing this is on the inside.

• The toe opening is an odd cut. I like that the part under the toe is a little pointy, but it’s like the shape of the opening mirrors that. As a result, it provides a slightly awkward toe view (but that might just be my feet). Also, it resulted in a bit of discomfort in that area.
• They’re not super cushioned under the foot bet. For the first couple of blocks, it didn’t bother me, but by block 3, I was wishing for gel inserts. This may not affect those who don’t do a lot of walking, though. Plus the elastic sling back pushes pretty tightly on the back of the ankle, which doesn’t feel too great after a while.

Verdict (Scale of 1-5):

Style- 3.75 They’re simple enough for work looks and grabbing drinks with the girls, but I like shoes with a bit more za-za-zoo (in the words of Carrie Bradshaw). Still, if I can figure out how to keep them from turning my feet and my clothes black, I’ll wear them again.

 

Comfort- 4 They don’t require a balancing act to walk, the rubber that makes them so quiet also seems to absorb some of the shock from the heel strike and the neoprene lining feels quite sock-like. However, the lack of cushioning under the ball of the foot, the toe opening and the tight elastic on the sling back keep them from getting a perfect score.

That said, aside from the color bleed concerns, they get my general approval for folks who don’t plan on walking 6 city blocks in them, especially if you work in an office without carpeting.

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Shoe Review: Nine West Actout Platforms

 

Acting Up

 

Nine West recently contacted me to review a pair of their sandals with the #flashingyourbrights hashtag. After seeing aqua, orange and white Actout sandals in their aid campaign, I figured it would be easy enough to add them to a look and flash my brights for my readers and twitter followers. When I opened my box of complimentary platform slingback sandals in black (instead of brights), I realized I had a fun challenge on my hands. Since the sandals weren’t bright, some part of my outfit would have to be. Well, here’s what I did:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red skinny jeans, a light peach button up shirt tied at the waist and black bracelets. Now for the Verdict:

On a comfort scale from one to five, they get a 3.75. Though they have a 5.25 inch heel, they’re sturdy and supportive thanks to a 1.5 inch platform. They’re also fairly cushioned. However, they’re a bit stiff, so when I walked, there was a little rubbing at the toe opening. Stylistically speaking, I give the black Actout sandal a 3.5 (because I’m not a big fan of black patent on cork). The bright colors get a 4, meaning they wouldn’t be the shoe that makes me run into a store, but if I saw them on someone else, I’d definitely pay the person a compliment. I’d also buy them if I was attending a music festival or barbecue where my stiletto heels might get stuck in the grass. They’re under $90, so they’re fairly affordable… Maybe that should earn them another fraction of a point?

 

The aqua Actout Sandal , orange Actout sandal, and white Actout sandal. Click images or descriptions to purchase.

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Shoe Review: Cougar Mirage Boots

 

I’m not a big fan of winter. Snow, slush, cold, black ice… none of those things are stiletto-friendly. Actually, they’re not even cute flat boot friendly in many cases. Granted, I have a few pairs of high heeled snow boots, but there are days when I want something a bit more comfortable. I think the shoe gods hear my laments last winter, so they sent a little birdie to mention Shoes N Booze to the folks at Cougar Boots, who then sent me a complimentary pair of Mirage winter boots for review.

Funny thing- the boots arrived right before that freak snowstorm that hit the Northeast a couple weeks ago, so I actually got to test them in some snow. They were AWESOME! Their “Polar Plus” lining feels like Heaven and is sure to keep me warm on frosty days (apparently they’re rated effective in temps down to –22 degrees Fahrenheit). They also feature a very cushy insole, so it felt like I was walking on some type of cloud. They’re not bad looking, either. They’ll be great with jeans or leggings and a sweater this winter. Will I wear them to parties or to get cocktails with friends? No. Will I be glad I have them when walking around New York in the aftermath of a snowstorm? You bet!

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Shoe Review: Nine West Abalene

 

Creative Loafing

Not long ago, a box arrived at my door containing a complimentary box of Nine West Abalene high heeled loafers. I’d been asked to style them into a look and then review them on twitter. Granted, I thought I’d be receiving an olive green oxford, so a gray loafer was a challenge (especially since I rarely wear shoes in sensible hues). Still I gave it a go…

Jacket: Thrift store find given to me by Enovia of Accessory Remix, Skirt: Kimichi Blue, Necklace from Sociallite Accessories.

The Verdict: Thanks to serious foot bed cushioning, they were incredibly comfortable. If you’re a teacher or work a job that requires a lot of standing or walking, I strongly suggest them. High heeled loafers are a huge trend this fall, and they’re not just for the office anymore. This pair is not only chic, but also versatile… they work as well with skinny jeans and a blazer as they do with slacks or a pencil skirt.  My only qualms… and they’re really small and very personal: I’m not a fan of the color (they do have a navy blue that I like, though), and I wish the heel was a half inch higher (Abalene has a 4 1/2 inch heel and 1 inch platform). All in all, they’re well worth the $89 price tag. Oh, here it is in Navy:

The Well Heeled Society also reviewed the Abalene. Check out the writer’s opinions HERE.

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