Fashion

[sgraham30]

Have any of you ladies worn Jambu shoes? How is their sizing? I have 3 pairs of one of their water ready sandals, which I had to order in a size 10 so that my toes don't hang over the edge when I walk. I also have a pair of closed toe water ready shoes that I had to order in an 11 since Jambu doesn't "do" size 10 1/2. The first time that I wore them, the backs of both heels were rubbed raw from the shoes sliding up & down on the back of my foot.(I didn't wear any socks the first time, now I make sure to wear socks)

I'm interested in ShopHQ's TSV but I'm not sure what size to order. On the Jambu sandals that I own, my toes rest a thumbnail's length from the edge of the sandal footbed so when I walk, they're right at the edge of the footbed. I normally wear a 9 1/2 W or a 10M but since the boots are made in China, I'm sure they're going to run small. I'm not sure if I should order a size 10 or a size 11 & just take up any room in the 11's with insoles.

[bluejeansluvr]

My feeling is that J41 is better quality than Jambu. I am not sure but I think it's the same company.....like Born shoes and then the lesser quality brand of B.O.C. by Born. Just not the same quality.

I have tried to buy and wear Jambu, but the fit is so different from the J41 fit for me. Jambu seems to run small on me and causes blisters and the stitching is rough, and the materials are not as soft and supportive as the J41 shoe materials. JMO.

[magicmoodz]

On 9/3/2014 imaclotheshog said:

My feeling is that J41 is better quality than Jambu. I am not sure but I think it's the same company.....like Born shoes and then the lesser quality brand of B.O.C. by Born. Just not the same quality.

I have tried to buy and wear Jambu, but the fit is so different from the J41 fit for me. Jambu seems to run small on me and causes blisters and the stitching is rough, and the materials are not as soft and supportive as the J41 shoe materials. JMO.

Hi Amp. Jambu fits my foot much better than J41, but I don't have narrow feet. Here is an article from Footwear News (2010 when Jambu was first launched):

Vida Shoes International is taking a bigger bite out of the women’s comfort market.

Fueled by the success of its J-41 line of adventure-inspired looks, the New York-based company introduced a sister brand last spring and is now stepping into the booming barefoot category.

Jambu, the company’s new companion label to J-41, launched for spring ’10, after management saw an opportunity to expand its distribution by going upmarket. (J-41 has been around for nearly a decade.)

Athletic-inspired Jambu is targeted to premium independents, specialty stores, outdoor retailers and boutiques. And the more value-driven, weekend-focused J-41 line focuses on department stores and big-box chains, including Macy’s and DSW. Independents previously selling J-41 have already transitioned over to Jambu, said David Jonah, GM for the brands.

[QueenDanceALot]

I can't get past the Jambu written in white on the side of the shoe.

[sgraham30]

Thanks for your response,imaclotheshog. I've never heard of the J41 brand. I've decided NOT to order their TSV because if I end up returning it, I'm paying $4.99 to have it shipped to me & another $6.99 if I decide to return it. I'll stick to buying shoes either locally or from websites that have free S&H to/from the customer.

[bluejeansluvr]

You are welcome Sgraham. I think they have BOTH Jambu and J41 brands at Zappos, and there is no shipping and free returns and exchanges. You might look there to see if you like anything they have. Have a great day.

[bluejeansluvr]

On 9/3/2014 magicmoodz said:

On 9/3/2014 imaclotheshog said:

My feeling is that J41 is better quality than Jambu. I am not sure but I think it's the same company.....like Born shoes and then the lesser quality brand of B.O.C. by Born. Just not the same quality.

I have tried to buy and wear Jambu, but the fit is so different from the J41 fit for me. Jambu seems to run small on me and causes blisters and the stitching is rough, and the materials are not as soft and supportive as the J41 shoe materials. JMO.

Hi Amp. Jambu fits my foot much better than J41, but I don't have narrow feet. Here is an article from Footwear News (2010 when Jambu was first launched):

Vida Shoes International is taking a bigger bite out of the women’s comfort market.

Fueled by the success of its J-41 line of adventure-inspired looks, the New York-based company introduced a sister brand last spring and is now stepping into the booming barefoot category.

Jambu, the company’s new companion label to J-41, launched for spring ’10, after management saw an opportunity to expand its distribution by going upmarket. (J-41 has been around for nearly a decade.)

Athletic-inspired Jambu is targeted to premium independents, specialty stores, outdoor retailers and boutiques. And the more value-driven, weekend-focused J-41 line focuses on department stores and big-box chains, including Macy’s and DSW. Independents previously selling J-41 have already transitioned over to Jambu, said David Jonah, GM for the brands.

Thanks Magic! I was thinking it was the same company for some reason, I just didn't remember why I thought that. That's interesting. I knew it was mostly athletic-inspired footwear. I think the styles are a bit more artsy and stylish, than say ...something like Tevas.

I was taking a quick look at some of the online offerings for the brands and it seems that a lot of the Jambu shoes are more pricey or about the same price as the J41. They have some really cute ankle boot type styles for fall out now. I know that I have some sandals from J41 and I really like them. I do feel they run a bit small though on me anyway.

Have a great week!

[magicmoodz]

On 9/3/2014 imaclotheshog said:

Thanks Magic! I was thinking it was the same company for some reason, I just didn't remember why I thought that. That's interesting. I knew it was mostly athletic-inspired footwear. I think the styles are a bit more artsy and stylish, than say ...something like Tevas.I was taking a quick look at some of the online offerings for the brands and it seems that a lot of the Jambu shoes are more pricey or about the same price as the J41. They have some really cute ankle boot type styles for fall out now. I know that I have some sandals from J41 and I really like them. I do feel they run a bit small though on me anyway. Have a great week!

Amp, I deleted some of our convo since it was getting a bit too long. Admittedly, I only own one pair of Jambu shoes--the Barefoot Bath. They are so comfortable, but I can see where someone with a narrow foot might find them too wide. They are definitely an athletic shoe with a bit of a sandal vibe. I bought them for travel (easy to slip on and off) and I keep thinking I should buy another pair as a backup!

The other day I read that you just bought a new gray sweater. I did too. Gray has become my favorite neutral! Is your wardrobe ready for fall/winter? I will not be adding a lot--maybe just a few key pieces. I just called a realtor yesterday exploring the possibility of selling our house and am freaking about where we might move and how little space/storage we might have!

Hope you had a nice holiday weekend and are enjoying the end of summer.

[bluejeansluvr]

Thanks magic, I did have a great weekend and you are so thoughtful to ask. I hope you did as well. Fall is sneaking up on me! I am sad to see summer go in a way but I am kind of ready for fall. I have purchased a few things, that new charcoal cardi I mentioned and I do think I have everything I need but of course..... I will undoubtedly see something I "want". You know how that goes.

I bought a pretty linen- blend drape style cardigan from Loft in several colors, in an olive and a navy and sand color on clearance, they were $17 each so I couldn't pass them up. That are a really nice transitional piece for now through early fall. I am going to wear them over tanks and tees as it gets a bit cooler as fall begins! I do love neutrals and I am always drawn to things that make me feel great when I wear them.

Have a great week! I think I'm going to pick up a new spiced or pumpkin scented candle this weekend to get me in the mood for the season!

Oh, and good luck with your home sale. That is my biggest fear when we finally do downsize, is my lack of closet space. I don't think I can talk DH into giving me half of his closet!

[magicmoodz]

Amp, thank you for the heads up on the Loft sweaters. This might sound silly, but I am not really a robe kind of person. So if I am wearing a cami and pajama bottoms, I like to have a sweater to use instead of a robe.

I was going to order this from Nordstrom, but first I will check out Lofts's offerings. Thanks again!