Pedestrian Shops Blog

Blundstone Clogs are here at the Pedestrian Shops!
We have sold Blundstones for many years now, but really only in their classic boot styles. The Blundstone boot, or "Blunnie" has always been kind of a cult classic in the work-boot world - and a staple of our store and website.
I guess it never occurred to us that they would do much different than the tried and true boot. But, now that they have created the Blundstone Clog - it seems like a perfect fit, and addition to our store offerings.
The Blundstone Clog is a convertible version of our classic 500 series boot and offers the same durability and classic comfort that Blundstone is known for with their boots. And you wouldn't think it to look at them, but these clogs are lightweight too! Some of the other features of the Blundstone Clog include:

- Direct injected dual polyurethane outsole
- SPS in the heel
- Industrial strenght liner
- Waterproof leather

You can purchase this fabulous clog in our store on Pearl Street, or from our website!

We have added a new Brand of shoes to the Pedestrian Shops catalog - Pikolinos Shoes and Sandals!
These shoes are made in Spain, and they are beautifully crafted and supremely comfortable!

Pikolinos are hand-crafted, and hand sewn with all natural leather that is very soft, but very durable. The colors of Pikolinos shoes are rich and unique, as are the designs.

Pikolinos uses a "sewn to sole" method of production on many models, which allows the shoe to be flexible and to adapt to each individual's foot - thus achieving maximum comfort.

The Pedestrian Shops is proud to carry Pikolinos - among the styles we carry are the Mallorca, the Jerez, and the Romana.

Every year, and every season that the Pedestrian Shops receives new styles, there are usually a few that really stand out as being superstars. Many of them stand the test of time, and are shoes that we have now carried for years. Recently, the J-41 Journey made the superstar list.

As this is being written, it is almost 70 degrees in Boulder, and people are outside in full-force - most notably the runners! Did you know that Olympic runners frequently train in Boulder due to the wonderful weather, and for the elevation? Training at 5,000-plus feet really helps your lungs to get into great shape!
We also have the Bolder Boulder coming very fast. This year it will be held on the 31st of May (Memorial Day)

So what does this all have to do with the Pedestrian Shops? Well, after 30+ years of being in the business of selling the world's most comfortable brands of shoes - we are finally now selling the world's best running shoes! That's right - Boulder now has another great alternative for running shoes - and the great thing is that the Pedestrian Shops Pearl Street store is right in the middle of all of the great Bolder Boulder action!

Two of our big brands that we are now carrying are New Balance and Saucony. If you need your running shoes before the big race, you can take advantage of our website's FREE SHIPPING and have them delivered right to your doorstep.

We encourage you to stop by the store to see our great selection of running shoes, and we wish you a fun and fast Bolder Boulder!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It is that time of year again here in Boulder - the leaves are starting to change, and the mountains have this greenish/yellow look to them. The air is a lot more crisp, and you'll even see a jacket being worn here and there. Fall is here!
This is an exciting time for us here at the Pedestrian Shops as well - It means that our Fall 2008 footwear is in stock, and available for purchase in either of our 2 stores in Boulder (Pearl Street or Arapahoe) or on our newly-redesigned website!
We now have a great selection of Ugg Boots, Dansko Clogs, Ulu and a great selection of Crocs, Merrell, Keen and more! We also have toasty slippers and slipper socks by Acorn!
We hope to see you in our store soon, and we encourage you to take a look through our new site!

We are proud to let everyone know that we have added several of the Fall 2008 line of El Naturalista Boots!
This line has some really innovative features and designs. These shoes and boots are ergonomically designed with removable insoles - quite handy for anyone using orthopedic soles. Many of the materials are also recycles, giving them an Earth-friendly nod of approval.

El Naturalisa, you will probably find, are incredibly comfortable. They are anatomically designed, so they will fit the contours of your foot like a glove.

At the moment we carry the Ygdrassil boot, the Iggdrasil clogs and Mary Janes. We will continue to add more as we get them!

We have been adding a number of new styles from Simple to our site this week. Simples have always been a Pedestrian Shops favorite - with the classic Old School Sneakers to the New Original Clogs, these shoes seem to never go out of style. We even have one famous rock-star that orders the Old School sneakers from us occasionally (we won't name names, but he has been around for decades, and orders several pair at a time).
Simple is always innovating - and this Fall 2008 line is really quite special. Simple has really upped the bar on making green, "Earth Friendly" shoes this season. Many of the styles are made out of used tires, inner tubes and other materials that might normally be discarded to only add to our landfills. These new styles also use eco-friendly materials like Hemp and Bamboo.
This new line is really worth checking out, and we encourage you to take a look at our Fall 2008 Simples here.

We know that for most of the world, people are still wearing bikinis and flip-flops. Winter boots are as far from your mind as is hot chocolate. The Pedestrian Shops, however, has winter boots on our minds - most notably the Fall 2008 line of Ugg Australia.
We have started putting these boots on our site, and they will be available soon! We will be carrying the Classic Tall and Short models (these are the original, hugely popular boots by Ugg), as well as many new models including the women's "Cove" - with a shorter height, rich leathers and suedes lined in quality sheepskin and a wrapped lace detail. Taller boots will also be featured in the Fall 2008 line - the Kona boot is a stylish new addition to the UGG Australia Surf Collection. Made with rich leathers and suedes, the Kona has an edgy side detailing with elastic and faux bone enclosures. We'll have a lot more over the next few months. Check out all of our Fall 2008 Uggs!

We are excited to see a great new style in the store - the Dansko Sissy. This is a new style for 2008, and it is great for the warmer weather. Dansko has always been one of the best brands for the Pedestrian Shops, and we are excited about the new 2008 offerings.

The Dansko Sissy has circular cutouts dot the two adjustable straps for a touch of warm weather whimsy!

This great sandal can be ordered in our store, or on our newly redesigned website here