Shoes

[Moonchilde]

For those who need Vionics for PF or pronation, Aetrex shoes, which have an orthotic insole very much like Vionics, are having an end-of-season sale right now, esp lots of boots, at up to 70% off their regular prices.

Months ago I was looking for a water-repellent shoe/short boot and I really did not want what Vionic’s answer was, so I passed. Today I found an Aetrex pair that’s the right color, a style I like much better (it doesn’t look like a hiking boot), at $35 off. 

aetrex dotcom

You might want to check out the sale.

[webbgarner1]

Thanks for posting, aetrex makes a good product for problematic feet. 

[Kachina624]

My feet are much happier in Aetrex than most other orthopedic shoes.  The footbed is more gentle than the rock-hard boulder in the Vionics.  I've picked up several pairs on Zulily at great prices.

[OKPrincess]

I wear Vionic but the Aetrex website has several flats and sandals I'm interested in checking out. 

[Moonchilde]

This is the pair I just picked up. Supposed to be fully water-repellent. I bought additional waterproofing as well.

Their shoes are pretty true to size with Vionic, but they’re perhaps slightly less forgiving as to size as in I wouldn’t size down half a size if you’re doubt. There is slightly less toe room for me, but only slightly. The ones I have are made with quality materials.

[suzyQ3]

I love their sandals. Currently I have the Naya in just about every color. I did just order a new style but haven't received it yet. Supposedly it is the same foot bed. I doubt that it is on sale, but I bought it on a site that has discounted it (shermanbrothers).

It's the Giselle Ghillie Tie Sandal:

[NickNack]

I bought two pair of Aetrex sandals last summer because I read about them here.  They are extremely comfortable.  I just checked their website and found a pair I really liked, but they didn't have my size.  I ordered a different pair after checking other websites for the first pair.  

@Moonchilde   How long does it usually take shoes to arrive when ordering from the Aetrex website?  I'm used to the speedy shipping from Zappos.  I'm not in a hurry since they're sandals but am curious.

[Moonchilde]

---

wrote:

I bought two pair of Aetrex sandals last summer because I read about them here.  They are extremely comfortable.  I just checked their website and found a pair I really liked, but they didn't have my size.  I ordered a different pair after checking other websites for the first pair.  

@Moonchilde   How long does it usually take shoes to arrive when ordering from the Aetrex website?  I'm used to the speedy shipping from Zappos.  I'm not in a hurry since they're sandals but am curious.

---

@NickNack, I ordered my shoes Wednesday and they shipped Thursday. Going from one coast all the way to the other, my delivery date is exactly a week, 2/1.  But there were different delivery choices for different fees. I chose UPS Ground as it was the cheapest (I should have had free shipping but I couldn’t get it to work in my order).

So - out their door within 24 hrs is great IMO. It’s just my bad luck I live across the entire country, and then I chose cross-country ground shipping.  In part it depends on how much you’re willing to pay for shipping.

I’m looking more to Aetrex because Vionic styles are becoming one of two things to me - either I already have several almost identical airs because they never change them up, OR as is more often the case over the last year, I must not be their target audience any more. 

They seem to be going sneakers-boots-ballerinas-dress. I can only use so many pairs of sneakers or canvas slip-ons, or even slippers. I don’t wear fashion boots or high heels of any type. Ballerinas and Mary Janes simply do not fit my feet - not anyone’s of any brand.

What Vionic doesn’t make are attractive full-on structured leather loafer types or relaxed oxford types - on the order of what is Clark’s bread and butter style. Yeah, Vionic makes mules like this, but not whole shoes.  And there are reasons I only have a couple of pair of Vionic sandals vs Aetrex or Spenco or Abeo BIO - namely the slippy-slidey plastic footbed I’ve almost fallen wearing. Then there’s Vionic’s obsession with “snake”, and all-white outsoles/sidewalls. 

[NickNack]

Thanks @Moonchilde.  I only had two choices for shipping.  I chose standard (I think that's what it was called).  That was $5, and my other choice was $15.  I'll be happy if I get them in a week.    I'm in TN, so they don't really have to come that far.

[Moonchilde]

@NickNack, I paid the $5 too.  Interestingly, Aetrex charges $5 for cheapest ground shipping while Vionic charges $5 for Fedex. I live a couple of hours south of Vionics headquarters and when I order from them I usually get it next day.

Unless there are severe snow issues right now, yes, I’d think being where you are would cut at least 2-3 days off of delivery vs me. Hope you like them!

This is a pair I got in summer. It comes in several colors & fabrics, leather and canvas. The leather is nice, the trim neat, not sloppy. The woven trim is navy and burnished silver, a nice touch. It’s like a cross between an espadrille and a Tom’s, with Spenco support.