Holiday Gift Guide: Men's Edition!

'Tis the season for holiday cheer and lots of gifts! If you are looking for some guidance on what gifts to give for those special men in your life, we have some ideas for you.

Idea #1: UGG Slippers - The Ascot
These super comfortable slippers are ready for indoor and outdoor wear. Rubber treading on the bottom of the slippers gives traction and protects the sheepskin from wear and tear. A full sheepskin sock lines the inside of the slipper and keeps the foot warm and comfortable. The classic mocassin style also goes great with any outfit!

[Pictured: Courdoroy in Chestnut & Gray Suede]

Idea #2: Button-up shirts from 191 Unlimited

Starting with 191 bucks and a big dream, two best friends started a collection of comfortable, well-fitted clothing. These woven shirts are stylish, featuring innovative detailing and great patterns.

Idea #3: Smartwool Socks

Give the gift of comfort and style with Smartwool socks! Perfect stocking stuffers, these socks come in a variety of colors and styles. From cushioned socks to casual business socks, we have the right socks for all types of needs.

Idea #4: Hunter Boots

Perfect for the men who work hard and play hard. Hunter rubber wellies are well-constructed, waterproof and have a comfortable insole for all-day wear. Featured above, the Bormio boot, is a more stylish look that complements any urban look.

We have more exciting gifts in-store and online! Check us out in University Village, or on our website... http://www.shopsolefood.com/

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Our new website is up!

I am so proud to announce the launch of Sole Food's new website! Now you can shop our awesome selection of shoes and accessories from the comfort of your own home, office, library, wherever! Check it out now! visit www.shopsolefood.com

In Vog We Trust!

Hey there Sole Foodies,
It's Linda again, and I have a serious problem. (Ok, maybe not that serious.) I cannot stop thinking about Fluevogs! Ever since Sole Food started carrying more styles from John Fluevog last winter, I have been smitten. These shoes make a big statement! While some artists use canvas, photography or sculpture to express their art, John uses shoes:

“I’m an armchair philosopher, and artist and a style monger, my shoes and messages are quite simply a part of me.”

I like to think that I am a "Fluevoger," with my BBC Radio boots. I can't count how many times I have received compliments from these boots and was so glad to help out some ladies in the store with a pair of the same ones last weekend. I wear these with everything and even commute on my bike with them.

New styles just arrived...

The CBC Radio shoe, in an awesome plaid pattern (available for men only.). And guess what? These shoes are VEGAN. Not into the pattern? We also have CBC Radio shoes in black, brown, and even green leathers. A true Fluevog classic.

The BBC boots (just like my brown ones above) are a great compliment to any outfit. For men and woman both, this boot comes in brown, black and burgundy.

The Bartoli ankle boot. A heeled boot inspired by John Fluevog's Giulia boot (which is also have in the store!)

One of my new favorites, the Promise shoe is a fun shoe. It has a small heel, layered leathers and a stamped pattern on the main part of the shoe. I would definitely wear these with black tights and my dresses.

Also part of the Radio series, the RCI boot for men is ready to slip on and go. It is seen here in charcoal gray.

Annie is showing off the RTP Boot! Details include super soft leathers, a grey buckle and strap across the foot with a matching strip along the back of the boot shaft, and two zippers on each side.

This is only a taste of Fluevog at Sole Food. Come see more for yourself!

Hunter Boots are here!

Welcome to Fall, Seattle. The rain, the wind, the cold...it's back. Whether you love the darker days or not, make sure you're prepared for whatever the weather will throw at you...and you know it could be anything! Hunter boots and accessories are back, with a much bigger selection that ever before!

The Lowdown
Hunter Boot Ltd. have been the preferred welly boot of Scotland and Europe since its inception in 1856. After a huge production boom that supplied boots for soldiers in WWI and WWII, Hunter became the official boot supplier for the Royal Households and earned a Royal Warrant from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977. Today, Hunter is huge in popularity with people who wear it for function, fashion and much more. The 21st century has inspired Hunter to design boots of all styles to suit a global following. Hunter is here to stay.

We have Hunter boots for everyone. For men, the coolest boot this season is the Bormio Lace Boot. The lace-up system is great for getting the perfect fit as well as the look of a shoe. The black boot is contrasted with a great dark blue-green toe and outsole.

The Tall Original Boot, the classic Hunter welly, is back for women. Pick and choose from a plethora of colors. Sole Food has four colors in the Tall Original and five colors in the Tall Glossy Original (seen above).

New to Sole Food, the Hunter Kids First rain boots are too cute to handle. Available for those small feet, these boots fit better than any other rain boot out there. These are available in four colors: yellow, navy, green and fuchsia! For the older kiddies, the Hunter Original for kids is also available.

We also have a bunch of Hunter accessories in stock. Fleece welly liners go great with the Tall Originals and are available in many colors. We have these for women and kids. Keep your feet nice and warm this winter! Also available are care products for your Hunter boots. There you have it! Come in soon and get ready for the La Niña season...

Get smart with SMARTwool!

[For women, limited edition styles from the smARTwool gallery series, featuring artist Gina Triplett]

Sole Food is proud to have a huge collection of Smartwool socks for your choosing. We stand by these amazing socks for many reasons. Sometimes we will have a customer come into our store asking about Smartwool and what makes them so great. Below is a little FAQ about Smartwool's products...

Why is wool better than cotton or synthetic?

• Wool is anti-microbial, wicks away and evaporates moisture better than any other material. That means no odor- causing bacteria!
• Wool is a renewable resource; harvesting wool is much more energy efficient than making synthetic materials with fossil fuels.
• Wool is recyclable and biodegradable.
• Wool regulates temperature better than cotton. Your feet stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Fibers have tiny air pockets that “provide a buffering layer of natural climate control”.
• Wool is more breathable; sweat is wicked away from the skin in its immediate vapor state whereas synthetics don’t wick sweat away until it turns into a liquid. Your feet stay drier, longer in Smartwool!

[Men's Smartwool: "Double Insignia", "Herringbow Row" & "Diamond Jim"]

"But wool socks are itchy and shrink!"

• For a long time, that was the case. However, Smartwool pioneered a thinner, longer merino wool fiber that is incredibly comfortable without any itchiness.
• Wool is actually hypoallergenic, “allergies” are usually caused by lower quality wool that have lanolin, a coating applied to wool fiber.

Why does Smartwool cost more than other socks?

• Wool is a finite resource; sheep can only get a haircut once a year!
• Rather than shop around for the cheapest wool, Smartwool has made long term partnerships with merino growers in New Zealand who have the best animal welfare practices. When you buy Smartwool, you know that the sheep your socks came from are well treated.
• 

[There are lots of cute Smartwool for the kids! The "Bubble Stripe" sock is from Smartwool's "Kids4Kids" line, which features designs drawn by kids!]

So there you have it! To sum it up, Smartwool socks are good for your feet. At Sole Food, there is a wide selection of Smartwool for everyone. From casual wear, to more business, to athletic socks and to fun socks for kids, there is a lot to choose from. And now that fall is here and the weather is getting colder, it's a perfect time to stock up your collection.

Thanks to www.smartwool.com/woolology for the neat info!

ch-ch-ch-changes!

[The kids wall is packed with new stuff!]

Hey Sole Food lovers,

Linda here and I have just returned from a month long trip away. It feels good to be back in Seattle and at Sole Food again! What a huge difference four weeks makes in a small boutique like Sole Food. I did not recognize the store! It was quite overwhelming to see so many new shoes and a bunch of new accessories for fall. I am very excited to add new findings to my fall collection. After all, Autumn is my favorite season of all time. It is a perfect time to play with your wardrobe, especially with the dynamic changes in the weather that Seattle sees during this time.

I wanted to share just a smidgen of what's new in the store, especially those that first caught my

eye when I first got back.

[Mens Styles]

We've got some great styles in for the guys, including some new ones from Vans and J Shoes. The classic sneaker is always a favorite of mine and can be a bold detail in your outfit. It can compliment a fall wardrobe very nicely. As for other shoes in the store, the lace-up leather boot is another favorite, like J Shoes' Glen Boot.

Vans - 106 Vulcanized Shoe

J Shoes - Glen Boot

[Womens Styles]

I cannot even begin to describe my love for the fall lines we have. We have so much to ogle at, and a lot that you need to have in your wardrobe. The must-have shoes this season hail from Europe...Chie Mihara & Coclico from Spain, and Gidigio from Italy. Beautifully crafted, these shoes are pure eye candy, and feel great on your feet.

Chie Mihara - Jupi Oxford

Coclico - Oren Pump

Gidigio - Cresp Fume Flat

[Accessories]

So many pretty things! We have lots of new handbags and also welcome a new line of purses from Pallie! There are also lots of new wallets to choose from. For men, we have a special collection of shirts from 191 Unlimited. These Western-inspired button-ups are great. Also in the store we have lots of new knit hats from Pistil!

[191 Accessories - Western shirts for men!]

[Vin Baker Fall Purses]

There's too much to show here...you'll have to come in! See you!

- Linda

New Arrivals: Camper for Men

Hey Fellas!

You saw it here first: new arrivals from Camper are now in Sole Food! New fall styles have arrived and they are stupendous. Camper Footwear is one of our most popular lines of footwear we carry for men. If you are looking for a very well crafted, unique but classic look in your shoes, Camper may be your calling.

[Pelotas Ariel Shoe, Grey Leather]

One of Camper's original styles, the Pelotas shoe is a fun sneaker that features soft leather uppers, cushy rubber soles and attracting color palettes. Although Camper calls this a grey leather, it looks more like black. The vintage-inspired look is unique to Camper and this shoe is one of their most comfortable walking shoes available.

[Brothers Impala Shoe, Blue Suede]

Oh boy, this shoe is amazing. Camper took the traditional look of the casual oxford and redesigned it for the 21st century. With super soft suede uppers, leather inners and a cushioned insole, the Brothers Impala provides a distinctive look with ultimate comfort.

[Brothers Impala High-Top Shoe, Brown Suede]

Just like its brother above, this high-top version is comfortable and stylish. Featured here is the brown suede version, perfect for casual encounters and more. We also have a black leather version, perfect for the working man on his feet all day, or for those who need a more dressier look.

[Peu Cami Hi-Top Shoe]

The Peu is another classic Camper style. When you walk down the city streets in these, people will look and think "He's wearing Campers! Nice!" These leather sneakers features a soft rubber sole and a fun elastic lace...so no need to tie them--just slip them on and go! We have the hi-top versions, as well as the original Peu sneaker below.

[Peu Cami Shoe]

Sole Food has the Peu Cami shoe in Black leather too!

So that's them! They just arrived, so come in soon for the best selection, because they will sell quick. Hope you enjoyed reading, and we will see you soon!

-Linda

Back to School!

It's almost time for school to start back up again, and you know what that means...time for new shoes! New styles for kids of all ages are arriving almost every day. Here are a few of our favorites from Keen, Camper, Morgan & Milo, and Primigi.

Keen Coronado High Top (infant size 4-youth size 4)

Keen has taken their popular Coronado sneaker and turned it into an awesome high top! These shoes are comfortable and durable, and the non-marking natural rubber outsoles are perfect for school.

Camper Peu Shoe and Ankle Boot (size 26-34/US 9-2)

Camper really takes the cake when it comes to making stylish shoes for kids, and these are no exception! Super soft leather and ergonomic lasts ensure all day comfort, while the side zippers make them easy to take on and off.

Morgan & Milo-from left to right: Sequin MJ (size 7.5-13), Ginger Floral (size 7.5-13), Avery H&L (size 7-12), Woodstock Lace (size 6-12)

Morgan & Milo is a relatively new footwear company (established in 2003), but they have quickly become a favorite of parents looking for high quality shoes at a great price point. From sporty sneakers to sparkly maryjanes, Morgan and Milo has it all (and in half sizes)!

Primigi-from left to right: Jenny-E Boot (waterproof!) in size 28-38/US 10.5-6, Jenna Patent (size 24-35/US 8-3), Livia Boot (size 24-35/US 8-3), Jessie Boot (size 28-34/US 10.5-2)

Primigi has been crafting children's shoes with distinct Italian style for over 30 years. Their boots are perfect for fall and winter, and come in supple leathers, pretty patents, and waterproof GORE-TEX.

These are just a few of the great new styles we have for back to school... there are plenty more in-store! Come on in and we'll help you find the perfect pair to start the school year off right!

-Lindsay (315!)

New Arrivals! | Gabor

I know what you are thinking. "BOOTS? In August? But it's hot out!"

Believe it or not, boots are already here at Sole Food. It's a good time to act fast and pick out your favorite pair while they are still here!

I know what else you might be thinking. "I can't wear boots. My calves are too big."

This is a negative that is found in some boots...not enough versatility in the shaft widths so that the boots can fit a number of different leg sizes.

[Check out my little video...I go through some new Gabor boots and show you what's awesome!]

Well be sad no more! Gabor from Germany knows this plight of boots and has been a master of feet and shoes for a long time. Established in 1949, Gabor has been designing shoes and boots that feature many different options for the many different feet in the world. Gabor offers larger sizes, many widths and innovative footbeds that provide maximum comfort for you. All Gabor boots are produced in Europe, which guarantees highest quality and materials.

Back by popular demand, these boots will fit you like a glove. Featured here we have three tall boots, all with adjustable shaft-widths. Whether you have the large calf or the skinny one, these boots feature a buckle system that can loosen or tighten as needed. Another way to look at it is that you can wear these boots with pants tucked in, over the boot, or with leggings, tights, thinner socks, thick socks...the possibilities are endless!

Thanks for reading, Sole Foodies!

- Linda

DO YOU see kai run?

New see kai run footwear has arrived at Sole Food! The new fall line is once again too cute to handle...

[See Kai Run's Gwen Maryjane, US whole sizes 3-8]

see kai run is the brainchild of Cause Haun, Kai's mom. For a long time Cause was looking for the right pair of shoes for her growing boy, ones that would help his little feet grow healthy and strong.

When she didn't find what she was looking for, Cause went on to develop her own shoes for Kai, and the rest is history. see kai run was born.

[See Kai Run's Augustin Shoe, US whole sizes 3-8]

Starting in specialty boutiques around Seattle (including Sole Food!), see kai run is now a phenomenon around the world. These shoes offer what parents and kids want in their footwear...style and comfort! see kai run shoes feature super soft leathers and a flexible soles, which is key for foot development in children. These shoes have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of acceptance because they meet the rigorous standards for foot health and functionality. Go Kai!

[smaller by See Kai Run's Kai Shoe, 0-6 months to 12-18 months]

Also from see kai run is a line of soft baby booties. smaller by see kai run is all about cuteness for the littlest feet out there! A unique feature of these booties is two rubber pads on the bottom, perfect for the babies almost ready to stand or even take a few steps.

[smaller by see kai run's kat maryjane bootie, 0-6 months to 12-18 months]

There are many more styles from see kai run here at Sole Food, one more cuter than the next. Our well-trained staff can help size and fit your little ones with the right pair. We know you'll be happy with these shoes. Thanks for reading!

New Flats for Summer!

New flats are here! We have some über-cute styles ready for you! Featured in our post are styles from Gentle Souls, Gee WaWa, and a newer company we started carrying just this spring, Kelsi Dagger. Check them out!

Gentle Souls' Bay Braid Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

One of Sole Food's most popular styles, the Bay Braid flat is everything you want in a flat...cute AND comfortable! The metallic finish is great for summer, but will also carry you perfectly into fall.

Gee WaWa's Lucy Ballet Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

This flat will surprise you with its super soft leather! This flat hugs your foot with its nubuck-like softness, and is the perfect simple ballet. It goes great with everything - your skirts, dresses, denim and more!

Kelsi Dagger Shaye Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

Time and time again, Kelsi Dagger designs stand out on our shelves, but especially on your feet! The Shaye Flat is a simple ballet with beautiful eyelet detailing.

Kelsi Dagger's Melia Flat [US whole and half sizes 6-10]

Another great flat from Kelsi Dagger, the Melia flat is soft, feminine, and cute! The deep purple leathers go well with floral dresses as well as your earthtones.

This is just a teeny sample of what's to come for late summer and fall. We'll keep you updated as more come in! Happy Summer!

New FRYES at Sole Food!

We know, we know. Summer just started. But in the world of shoes, spring and summer is ending, and fall is a few weeks away! Sole Food's fall collection is already arriving, and we are excited; we have some great new styles from our one of our favorite companies...from Frye!

Carson Riding Boot 15L [US whole & half sizes 6-10]

This boot is a timeless piece, with great hand craftsmanship and beautiful, simple detailing. Made with fine, soft leathers, the Carson Riding Boot is a perfect modern interpretation of the classic riding boots of the wild west.

Jane Ankle Boot [US whole & half sizes 6-10]

The Jane Ankle Boot is made with awesome hand crafted leather and detailed with the signature Frye harness ring, studs and straps. With a little bit of lift with the 2" heel, this boot is ready to be dressed up or down.

Heath Outside Zip 15L [US whole and half sizes 6-11]

This boot is sure to be this season's best seller. The Heath boot blends together the best of Frye: its classic square toe seen on the signature Harness boot; oh-so-soft leathers, and great craftmanship! We have this boot in a beautiful maple brown, which is perfect for wearing all year round with your denim, skirts, dresses, everything!

This is just the beginning...we'll be getting more and more Frye boots as the summer takes off! And if you know these boots, these will not last long in our store! We have many more styles already in stock, and we have a great team that will help you get fitted with the right pair. Thanks for reading!