Pedestrian Shops Blog

Bolder Boulder allows Ipods

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:46:54 -0700

Well, the Bolder Boulder is upon us again - the 31st annual if you can believe that! It is an exciting year for the Pedestrian Shops too - we are, for the first time, carrying running shoes in our store (we have mentioned that in a previous blog). It is also an exciting year, as the Bolder Boulder are now going to allow Ipods and other musical devices. I think this is great news for many runners, as Ipods and music help pass the time, and help to establish a running rhythm. Personally, I don't think I would rack up as many miles as I do every week if I couldn't listen to music. We hope everyone has a great race, and we also hope you will stop by the Pedestrian Shops before or after the big event! If you just got into town, and realized that you forgot your running shoes, you might want to check out our Saucony and New Balance pages. We carry some great styles and we can accommodate just about any foot and size!

Pikolinos Shoes from Spain

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:40:57 -0700

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.

The Pedestrian Shops on Flickr!

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:56:40 -0700

The Pedestrian Shops is proud to now be on Flickr! Today, we set up our own Flickr Profile where we will upload and profile many of our top selling shoes. This is a great way to scroll through many styles quickly. We plan on setting up a number of categories, and each shoe photo will have a short description of the shoe, and a link into our website! We started our Flickr! photo collection off with a photo of the Dansko Professional Burgundy. Stay tuned to our Flickr! account, as there is more to come!

J-41 Journey

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:03:24 -0700

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.

This sporty wedge features nubuck uppers with cute, decorative "holes' that allow your feet to breathe and feel really comfortable. It also has a very effective closure system that is easy to adjust for people "on the move." It also has a removable, contoured footbed, adding to the Journey's versatility. If you wonder about comfort, this shoe will likely give you an "Ahhh" feeling as you slip into it. The J-41 Journey has superior cushioning, so it really can be worn all day. Don't worry about scuffing up any floors as you travel throughout your day - the sole is non-marking. The sole also has great traction, and since it is made of compressed rubber, it absorbs shock very well, and is extremely durable. These shoes should last you a while. In addition, the Journey has toe and heel bumpers to protect sensitive parts of your feet from the elements. This is a versatile shoe in that it can be worn in very casual environments, and may also be a great shoe for work. The Pedestrian Shops carries the Journey in Blackberry, Brown, and Grey colors!

Running Shoes in Boulder Colorado

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:47:44 -0700

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!

Free Shipping on Shoes, Sandals, Boots and Clogs

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:22:55 -0700

Forever! That's right, the Pedestrian Shops is now offering free shipping on everything in the store from now on! In the past, we have often done free shipping during the holidays, and during our special promotions. This year, with the economy in not-so-great shape, our free shipping really seemed to be of more value to our customers. So, we have decided that it is a good thing for everyone to offer it from now on! The Pedestrian Shops is a leader in providing the worlds' most comfortable shoes, sandals, boots and clogs, from the best brands in the world! Whether you order Danskos, Crocs, Wolkys, or any other shoe from our great selection of brands, the shipping will be free!

FREE SHIPPING - DECEMBER 2008

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:06:15 -0700

As our Holiday gift to you, www.comfortableshoes.com is offering free shipping on every order placed in December. So, shop away and we will email you a corrected total reflecting free ground shipping within 1 business day of placing your order.

This free shipping offer is good on every item we stock including items from Dansko, UGG, Keen, Born, Crocs, Naot, MBT, El Naturalista, Blundstone, Merrell, Acorn, Kamik, Ecco, Vibram Five Fingers, Simple and more!

KEEN Sock Giveaway!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:50:37 -0700

Keen is helping to spread the warmth this Holiday Season. The first 350 people who bring a canned food item will receive FREE KEEN SOCKS!!!
Only at the Pedestrian Shops on Pearl St.
Saturday, December 6th
10am until 2pm

All food collected will donated to food banks within Boulder and Broomfield Counties.

Ugg Classic Short Boots

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:54:02 -0700

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.

BEST SHOE STORE IN BOULDER COUNTY: Pedestrian Shops

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:11:25 -0700

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

Why are Ugg Boots so hot?

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:10:12 -0700

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!

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

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:28:13 -0700

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

Merrell Jungle Moc Stands The Test Of Time

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:37:17 -0700

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!

Kamik Boots Fall 2008

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:26:22 -0700

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.

Earth Shoes Burn Calories?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:52:49 -0700

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!