Dansko's Miracle Boots
For probably the last five years, I've anticipated boot season with excitement and hope, and ultimately have come out the other side disappointed. I know this may sound a tad melodramatic but it's true. My typical ritual is this: I fawn over online and print fall boot fashion spreads, hit the stores loaded with energy, and leave utterly deflated because everything I try on makes my calves feel like sausages. And it's not as if I have super large calves, just some little muscles from running and yoga. Nonetheless, all boots to date have suffocated. Until Dansko that is. Read on to learn more Dansko's kid's collection and "miracle boots" (my name for them), as well as to learn how to win a pair of Dansko shoes for you and your child!
When Dansko approached me about testing out shoes, I was intrigued. I used to wear Dansko clogs a lot; I first bought them when I was on my feet all day working at an art store during the bridge period between finishing my Ph.D. and starting my postdoctoral fellowship. I loved them and wore them all the time, and then eventually transitioned out of my clog phase. Nonetheless, Dansko grownup clogs are a handy pick for moms -- they're easy to slide on and off, supportive while walking endless circles around the neighborhood with your baby, and Dansko now offers lots of cool finishes to suit different styles.
Dansko also offers kids clogs and I was interested to see how they performed. Laurel tested out the classic Gitte style (these were like the clogs I used to wear) in the super cool Tiger's Eye Patent (shown; $69.95 at Onlineshoes.com). Laurel loves the look and styling, not to mention being the first one ready at the door (no laces or straps to deal with), and she's found them comfy for kicking around on the weekends shopping and strolling, and even while doing lawn work (I found her wearing them yesterday while she was raking leaves with Jon). My only concern is that the Gittes don't seem quite secure enough for wearing to school and running around at recess; in retrospect, perhaps we should have tested the Jada or Jemma styles, which have straps to secure fit further. All of this said, whichever style you opt for, the nice thing about Danskos is that they are sturdy little workhorses. If you purchase a pair of gender neutral kids clogs, no doubt you'll be able to use them across multiple kids.
Now, about the miracle boots. Dansko offers women's boots (and other shoes) in a variety of styles (they also offer lots of man shoes), and it's the Brielle boots ($239.95 at Onlineshoes.com) that I recommend you consider investing in. Beautifully styled, yet made with the trademark sturdy Dansko construction, the Brielle boot has a 2 5/8" heel that offers height and style while actually being comfortable -- I wore the Brielle boots for the first time traipsing all over the North End/Waterfront area when we attended the Boston Arts Festival earlier this month. And now I really know why women obsess about boots; they instantly make your outfit look awesome. The Brielle's are great because you can dress them up (e.g., with a chic knit dress, contrast tights, and some statement accessories) or down (e.g., with leggings and a tunic). Plenty of bang for your buck.
And circling back to my lead in, the most awesome thing? These boots are fitted yet accommodate non-stick thin calves! When I first received the boots, I tried them on my bare legs gingerly, bracing myself for disappointment, but lo and behold they fit! And I'll admit that I was increasingly gleeful as I discovered that they also fit with basic tights, thicker leggings, and even jeggings (jean leggings look fantastic with these boots...even Jon took notice...here's an example of me rocking the boot/jeggings look).
It took far too long for me to discover Dankso's boots, but I'm thrilled to finally know about them. Whether you're on the hunt for a stylish and comfortable pair of fall boots, or have found yourself in my sausage calf boot fitting predicament, check out Dansko.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Jen!
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Now, want to win a pair of Dansko shoes for you and your child? Here's how:
Rules:
*One lucky winner (drawn randomly via Random.org) will receive one pair of adult + one pair of child Dankso boots or clogs in their choice of size and style (subject to stock availability; approximate value of $190-$310 depending on style selected). The winner will be notified directly via e-mail, then listed back at this post using first name only.
Comments
I LOVE Dansko! I am a former restaurant owner and I can tell you that these are the ONLY shoes that you can wear standing and slaving all day and still walk out to your car on your own two feet at the end of a 29 hour (typo intentional!) day!
I get them at this GEM of a store here in my hometown - Panza Shoes in Framingham, MA. They have every size, shape and configuration and if your favorite Danskos aren't there they can order them for you.
Thanks for the contest - enjoy your day!
Posted by: Bren | September 27, 2010 12:32 PM | Reply to this comment
I'm wearing my Danskos as I type this!!! They are great shoes - worth the investment for sure! I live not far from you Bren - I'm in Hudson.
Posted by: Lisa Anderson | September 27, 2010 2:50 PM | Reply to this comment
Nearest retailer selling Dansko is Brown's Shoe Fit in Durango. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: John S. | September 27, 2010 5:23 PM | Reply to this comment
The Walking Company at Florida Mall in Orlando
Posted by: Lauri Steck | September 27, 2010 7:16 PM | Reply to this comment
Available at Zappos.com
Posted by: Joy Bennett | September 27, 2010 11:13 PM | Reply to this comment
Dansko clogs are so comfortable...
In healthcare we all wear them--great for those
long days on your feet.
The only problem is cobblestone streets... I find
a tendency to roll or twist the ankle on uneven
surfaces. Have to be a little careful of this.
They look great--
Always a fall staple with jeans.
I found them at the Tannery as well as Nahas
shoes here in Boston.
Posted by: MB | September 28, 2010 6:23 AM | Reply to this comment
What's not to love? I agree with what some others have said--for someone who is constantly on their feet, these shoes are a godsend...and I expect to be on my feet even more when this little one arrives! I tell everyone I know to get a pair of danskos--we're starting a revolution!! :D
Posted by: rae a. | September 28, 2010 7:44 AM | Reply to this comment
I agree with the other posters! I had a pair a few years ago and they were so comfortable! I entered too :)
Posted by: Valerie C. | September 28, 2010 11:29 AM | Reply to this comment
I bought my first pair of Dansko clogs last year and they are worth every penny!
Posted by: Sharon Steele | September 28, 2010 12:40 PM | Reply to this comment
I LOVE my dansko black soft leather clogs, i've worn them for work when i have to run around like a crazy person and still look professional. I bought my last pair in Acton on Great Road. I can't wait to get another pair, something funky would be great. My 2.5 YO is a fashionista, so I'd love to win.
Posted by: Dawn Morton | September 28, 2010 12:57 PM | Reply to this comment
I've given up on regular boots and finally opted for wide calf boots. They are just a hair big (I'm not plus size everywhere, just my calves), but better than feeling like sausages. Will definitely check these out and enter the contest.
Posted by: Angela at mommy bytes | September 29, 2010 9:13 AM | Reply to this comment
sign me up
Posted by: donna | September 29, 2010 6:31 PM | Reply to this comment
I have two pairs of the clogs and I LIVE in them from fall to spring!! I would love to try the boots.
Posted by: Kate Neville | September 29, 2010 7:36 PM | Reply to this comment
They can be found about 20 minutes away at the Quality Scrubs in Allen, TX.
Posted by: rebecca | September 30, 2010 4:17 AM | Reply to this comment
Conerly's is a place near me where they are sold among many other locations
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Posted by: meeyeehere aka rachel crisman | September 30, 2010 2:51 PM | Reply to this comment
Oh, man, I have ALWAYS had the too-tight-on-the-calf issue. I LOVE boots, but hate how they never fit. :(
Posted by: Alicia Cross | September 30, 2010 4:22 PM | Reply to this comment
Fantastic! Thanks for the entry!! I was really excited to see a store location right on my street!!
Posted by: Zanna B. | September 30, 2010 4:37 PM | Reply to this comment
The Trinket Shoppe, Inc.
103 Main St
Danielson , CT 06239
Posted by: Alice C | October 1, 2010 9:56 AM | Reply to this comment
nordstroms in Atl
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com
Posted by: Ria | October 2, 2010 4:24 PM | Reply to this comment
Wow-I can find them at the Walking Company at 12 Oaks Mall in Novi, MI
Posted by: Diane Baum | October 2, 2010 9:29 PM | Reply to this comment
very nice boots, would love to win there
Posted by: pat jasmin | October 3, 2010 1:35 PM | Reply to this comment
I can find these at The Walking Company in Highland Village, TX.
Posted by: Jennifer Bolf | October 3, 2010 1:59 PM | Reply to this comment
Love love love Dansko! I wear my clogs almost every day. I used to get knee, hip and back pain from standing all day... Not anymore!!!
Posted by: Erin | October 3, 2010 6:55 PM | Reply to this comment
I entered. This would be great as-no work, need boots. They are beautiful, too.
Posted by: c y | October 3, 2010 7:41 PM | Reply to this comment
I just got the email that I won! I'm so excited - my daughter has picked out hers, I'm still trying to decide... Thank you so much!
Posted by: Jen | October 10, 2010 7:10 PM | Reply to this comment