Pedestrian Shops Blog

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!

I saw a co-worker of mine wearing these funky looking shoes - really funky - meaning that when you wear them, you are likely to be stopped by total strangers to ask what in the heck you are wearing, and thinking. These crazy shoes are the Vibram Five Fingers.
This co-worker of mine gushed about how wonderful these shoes were - and how she wore them everywhere - indoors and out. She even said she wore them running, which is something even Vibram themselves say this shoe is made for. Running? You have to be crazy! These shoes look like they have no support whatsoever. At least that is what I thought. So, with low expectations, I tried a pair on, and from that point on, I was sold. I now knew a little better what the whole craze of 'Barefooting" was about.
I have literally taken my Vibram Five Fingers running, hiking, and I have to say, one of the best places to wear Five Fingers is when you are traveling - especially on a plane. They are comfortable, light, and I have not been hassled by any airport staff while wearing mine.
Five Fingers can get a little stinky after a lot of wear - but that is ok - they are washable. These "shoes" provide a feeling of freedom and lightness that I have never experienced before in a shoe.
The Pedestrian Shops carries several styles of the Five Fingers for both men and women.

The Pedestrian Shops has been on Pearl Street for over 3 decades, so it is safe to say we are committed to the downtown/Pearl Street area of Boulder, and will promote it in any way possible. For anyone who has not been to Pearl Street, you are in for quite a treat - and we want to share a great guide with you - The Boulder Downtown website!
This is a great portal to downtown Boulder, and lists nearly all of the shops, dining, and entertainment venues that Boulder has to offer. It will even let you know about parking. The website has a search function, so if you type in "shoes," our store, as well as a handful of others will come up. By clicking on any result, you can get a detailed map of the store location, visit the merchant's website, and even see what stores and merchants are nearby.
This site is also a great resource for any Boulder locals who may not have visited downtown Boulder and Pearl Street recently, and need a 'refresher' on all of the great things that are down here! To visit the Boulder Downtown webiste, click on the logo below!

There is something to be said about being unique, or different from everyone else. When you visit any mall or playground, it seems like half of the feet out there are sporting the Crocs Beach. Like most anything else, after you see something too much, you tend to stop noticing it as much. That's why the Crocs Yukon is so great - it is similar to the Beach model, but very obviously different in many ways. Most noticeably, there is a leather upper that screams "Wear Me With Jeans!" The leather gives the Yukon an air of sophistication - a feature that will let you get away with wearing this shoe in more places and with a wider range of clothes. Still, this clog is very breathable with several ventilation ports in the side. The back strap also has leather. These clogs are definitely masculine, and would make a great gift for dad, or any guy in your family this coming holiday season, or for a birthday! The Crocs Yukon is a best-seller in our Pearl Street store - and for good reason! once people see this style in person, they see how unique and stylish they are. The Yukon is available in our store, as well as on our website in 4 different colors - Army, Black, Chocolate and Khaki.

The Wolky Strap-Cloggy isn't really a new style for us, but one that we are really glad that we carry. This has become one of our most popular in-store shoes! One of the reasons that we like this 'cloggy' so much is that it has the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA) seal of acceptance - which means that you better believe that it is both comfortable, and really good for your feet, body and posture.
These Wolky's are superbly crafted in Spain, and they use the finest materials available. We carry them in 5 rich colors - Brandy, Brown, Green, Navy and Red.