Pedestrian Shops Blog

We've been on a bit of a kick lately about our UGG Boots. As this blog post is being written, it is cold and windy outside, and the forecast is for snow. The mountains above Boulder have those wispy looking clouds that scream "winter is on the way."
Many people around here are getting excited for ski season as well. Some of the mountains are already open, and many are pumping out the man-made snow to get a jump on things.
So what are you going to wear on your feet this winter after you are done shredding the slopes? Or, what is the best boot for you when you brave the elements to do your Christmas shopping? Naturally, being a shoe store, we have a favorite pick (well, one of our many favorites): It's the Ugg Classic Short.
One of the reasons that we like this boot is that it just looks warm and cozy. You can't help but to want to try a pair on as soon as you see them. And they are exactly that - warm and toasty since they are made out of lavish twin-faced sheepskin. The genuine sheepskin sock wicks moisture away, and the flexible, lightweight molded EVA outsole can handle the walk down Bridge Street in Vail while the snow is flying.
These boots are also easy to slip on and off, and are a great choice for when you are doing your Christmas shopping this year. They'll keep your feet cozy and toasty while you wait in those long lines at Target or Best Buy to get that super pre-holiday sale price!
The Pedestrian Shops carries most of the classic Ugg's in both the short and tall versions. The make a great gift to yourself this holiday and ski season, or a great gift for a loved one.

The Pedestrian Shops won "Best Shoe Store" in the annual Boulder County Gold!

1425 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.5260

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.449.7440

www.comfortableshoes.com

You say you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Take a hike! But don’t
hit the dusty trail in a sub-par shoe. Stroll into Pedestrian Shops for the
best-fitting, most-fashionable footwear you’ve ever stepped into. And
in this shop, they talk the walk. “Everyone needs comfortable shoes, but
people are looking for fashion, too,” says manager Lauren Polk. Mary Janes
are very popular, as are shearling boots like Uggs. There are pairs and pairs
of socks, accessories and a helpful staff to help you find the right (and the
left) shoe for you.

Read the full article here

Have you ever wondered how some people can get away with wearing anything, and pull it off somehow without getting laughed out of town? Then, do you wonder who started this particular fashion trend that would gather crowds in any circus? Well, we may have found the answer...at least when it comes to UGG Boots.
If you haven't ever seen them, UGG's are sheepskin boots that come in short, or tall versions. They kind of have a 'status symbol' effect going, especially when it comes to movie stars. You'll see the top of the "paparazzi food chain" wearing them with just about anything - shorts, cutoffs, mini skirts, muscle shirts, or even swimsuits and bikinis.
Just as Oprah can do by just declaring something "hot" or "in" - there are many other stars that can be considered fashion trendsetter elite. When it comes to UGG's, there is no more impressive iconic figure than miss Pamela Anderson. With a casual trot across the sand in her skimpy red lifeguard duds, Pam single-handedly declared that wearing UGG's to the beach in your teeniest of bikinis is not just cutting-edge fashion....it's art!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Richard Polk or Lauren Polk
Pedestrian Shops
Phone: 303.449.5260
Fax: 303.442.3516

Richard@pedestrianshops.com
Lauren@pedestrianshops.com

Long-time “green retailer” holds 20th Annual Thanksgiving Shoe Drive

Boulder, CO – Nov. 6, 2008 – In celebration of all we are thankful for, Boulder's Pedestrian Shops encourage their customers to donate shoes they don't use, to help people in need. From Saturday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 7, customers are asked to bring new or slightly used shoes to the Pedestrian Shops to donate.

In exchange for a donation, the Pedestrian Shops offer a 10% discount on any pair of new shoes, including footwear already SALE PRICED.

"It's great when people who don't need new shoes take the time to bring us shoes they don't wear," said Richard Polk, president of the Pedestrian Shops. "They want to help someone in need, and because it's Boulder, they don't want the materials and energy used to make their footwear, or anything else, to be wasted."

The Pedestrian Shops donate the shoes to local assistance organizations, including the Deacon's Closet at Boulder's First Presbyterian Church. Pedestrian also collects old worn Crocs for recycling year-round as a part of the Crocs Soles United program www.solesunited.com, which distributes shoes in response to natural disasters around the world.

This is Pedestrian's 40th shoe drive. The shops also conduct a shoe drive each April as part of their Earth Day celebration. A total of 25,000 pairs of shoes have been collected in the twice-yearly drives over 20 years. The comfort shoe retailer's "green business" practices also include recycling and use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. In addition, with its own 10 kw photovoltaic solar array, the company generates energy equal to half of its flagship shop's energy use.

"In the future we hope to increase our alternative energy generating power and become the first retailer in the world to sell shoes without leaving a carbon footprint," Polk said.

This year Pedestrian adopted a simple closed door heating and cooling policy, which if implemented by small retailers nationally, could save millions of dollars in energy while keeping millions of tons of carbon out of the atmosphere. See http://www.comfortableshoes.com/blog/pedestrian_shops_in_the_news/

Pedestrian Shops background: The Pedestrian Shops have been family owned in Boulder, Colorado, for the past 40 years. They operate two Boulder stores (one on the Pearl Street Mall and the other in The Village shopping center), as well as the website www.comfortableshoes.com.

The Pedestrian Shops sell the world's most comfortable brands of shoes. They recommend that customers enjoy life and take a walk.

On the Downtown Mall:
1425 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302

In the Village:
2525 Arapahoe (Facing Folsom)
Boulder, CO 80302

I remember about 8 years ago when I was working for an outdoor sporting equipment company, one of the items that we put on the site was the Merrell Jungle Moc. I didn't really think of this as an "outdoor" product but our company had a line of shoes (mostly climbing shoes, etc), and this one made it on the list of offerings.
I remember someone in our office wearing a pair, and I loved how he could just slip them on or off under his desk when he was working. I am of the type of person who likes to work at the computer "sans footwear." I asked him about these shoes, and he said that they were his favorite pair. I did notice that he wore them every day.
So, naturally, I bought a pair. My first pair was Taupe, which is a color that Merrell seems to offer a lot in many of their styles. Merrell also does experiment with a lot of colors, and has done so with the Jungle Moc line. Some of these colors have come and gone, but Taupe, Gunsmoke, and Black seem to be the standards for the Jungle Moc.
I really liked how you could get away with wearing them with Jeans or even with shorts. Many of my outdoor enthusiast friends liked them as "campsite" shoes or car shoes since they are really easy to put on and take off. They also have a pretty grippy and durable sole. The Jungle Moc also keeps your feet reasonably warm in the winter, but also cool in the warmer months.
I wore my Jungle Mocs literally into the ground. They have consistently been a favorite in my humble collection of shoes. Now that I also have a small child, I am excited that Merrell offers Jungle Mocs for kids. Again, they are easy to wear and very durable. Mine lasted for several years.
The Pedestrian Shops carries a full line of Merrell's, including the Jungle Mocs for both men and women, and, as mentioned, for kid's too!

We have just gotten in a new line of really cool boots - Kamik Boots - which are made in Canada. Canadians are probably pretty adept at making quality boots, since this is the land of weather extremes...a place where "the harshest conditions intersect with some of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see." These boots are not only built to protect, they are also a fun feast for the eyes. The styles and colors lean towards the crazy and extreme, but somehow, they don't go into the realm of obnoxious. They are simply put - fun.

The actual "line" we are carrying comes from their "Atrium Rainboots" collection. In specific, we now carry the Women's Tulipe, Ellie and Bohemia styles. Each one of these boots are made to protect you from the elements. Colorful and functional with funky patterns that you have likely never seen.

These boots are waterproof with Italian lining, and interestingly, these boots are recyclable, according to Kamik. They have a removable footbed, and have outsoles that give excellent traction in rainy conditions.

Maybe the best part about these Kamik boots is that they are really affordable. Ordering them online from the Pedestrian Shops gives you a $10 discount, bringing the Tulipe and the Bohemia to $59.95, and the Ellie to $74.95.

I remember when Earth Footwear came "back" several years ago. They were originally called "Earth Shoes" in the 70's, and since I am all of 37 years old, I don't really remember them. Our owner, Richard brought a pair of the new ones in and he was very excited about them. He, of course, remembers what a big deal they were back in the day. Time magazine even took time to 'remember' them in 2001 with a sort of a 'they're back' article. I took one look at the pair Richard was holding and thought "They look nice, but what is the big deal?" I sort-of took his word for it that we might sell a few pair if we carried them in the store. I wasn't holding my breath, though.
As I remember, we were one of the first e-tailers to have the "new" Earth Footwear/Shoes available online. Almost immediately, we could not keep up with the demand. It seemed like every aging hippie in America was calling us, e-mailing us, or coming into the store to get their hands on a pair of these flashbacks to the past.
It was an exciting time, and over the past 4-5 years, the Earth brand has really developed. I actually bought a pair, and wore them until they fell apart. The reason that I liked them, and the reason that most people like them is that they have a unique "negative heel" that keeps your posture in good shape, and tones your calf and core muscles while you walk, and apparently they also burn more calories in the process:

The first year they were back out, I can only remember a handful of styles. I think the style I was wearing was called the "Dynamite" but I don't think they make that one any more. Now, it seems as if Earth Footwear is on the leading edge of innovation and style every year. Their product line has grown incredibly to include boots, sandals and shoes.
I think it is safe to say that Earth is in it for the long-run. Every year, it is exciting to see what they come out with. If you can burn calories by wearing their shoes now, maybe in 10 years you'll be able to run the equivalent of a marathon without ever leaving your office. Well, probably not, but I'm sure they will continue to innovate!

I was doing some searches today on google for a few specific Patagonia Shoes and came across a video clip on Youtube about these DIY (Do It Yourself) shoes by Patagonia. Although, I have to admit, our store doesn't carry these yet, I had to post this video because it is just downright cool.

We like Patagonia for many reasons. Firstly, as is very obvious by the video clip here, Patagonia is cutting-edge and very orignial. Their styles are unique as is their company. Patagonia is a leader in creating products that are earth-friendly. Patagonia is also a leader in being an environmental voice and example. "We evaluate raw materials, invest in innovative technologies, rigorously police our waste and use a portion of our sales to support groups working to make a real difference." Many of their shoes use recycled materials and renewable resources.
The Pedestrian Shops is proud to offer a number of great styles from Patagonia, the casual Bagley, to the more dressy Pau style for men that features pliable leather outers as well as Dri-Lex backed wool footbeds that cradle your foot and help with temperature and moisture control.

The 'Crocs Room' at our Downtown Boulder location is home to Colorado's Largest Selection of Crocs and has just been remodeled! We're so happy with the outcome, we're offering this great deal for our customers in celebration.


This exciting offer is only available in our 2 Boulder stores and over the phone. If you don't live near our stores, please call 1-800-906-4225 to take advantage of this limited time opportunity.


Click here to see our online selection of Crocs.

We are now carrying a really great brand for our store - GroundHog shoes. The reason that this is such a great brand to carry, especially in "Earth Friendly" Boulder, Colorado is - exactly that these shoes are nice to the Earth! Boulder "crunchies" love this kind of stuff!
Groundhog shoes use renewable or recycled materieals in the making of their shoes wherever possible. They also try to source materials local to the factories where the shoes are produced, which cuts down on transportation and energy use. GroundHog shoes are also really stylish and comfortable. The Pedestrian Shops hopes to expand our offering of GroundHog shoes as they become more available to us!