Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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 NiƱa season...

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Miz Mooz!



Lindsay here, and I just wanted to tell everyone a little bit about one of my favorite lines at Sole Food, Miz Mooz! Miz Mooz is fairly new to the shoe world, and started with humble beginnings in 2001 in an office basement. Although they’ve grown and expanded a bit since then, the team behind Miz Mooz remains “committed to the principle that fashion and comfort can happily coexist.” These are fun shoes that will make you stand out from the crowd, but your feet will still be happy!

Miz Mooz shoes are designed by a small team in New York. Their concept is sent to Italy, where a last (kind of like the skeleton for the shoe) is designed. Then, the shoes are handcrafted with the highest quality leathers and materials. Finally, the finished product ends up in our store, and hopefully your closet!

Here’s a few of my favorite styles that are currently at Sole Food!

Bonnie boot in green and black


This is the perfect boot for everyday autumn wear! The low wedge heel provides all day comfort, while the slouch detail provides just the right amount of style. A hidden zipper in the back makes this boot easy to get on and off.


From left to right: Angel Shoe, Simone Pump, and Sloan Strappy Heel

These versatile heels offer everything from casual daily wear to the perfect party shoe. The fun menswear style (and the awesome olive color!) of the Angel will make you the envy of all your friends. The lines of the Simone are incredibly flattering on the foot, and the grey color is hot for fall! Finally, the Sloan is my personal favorite for being the best night out shoe I have ever seen. It combines the caged shoe trend with a super comfortable heel so that you can dance all night!

http://www.miz-mooz.com/

Come check out these styles (and many more!) at Sole Food!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Soles4Souls: Changing the World One Pair at a Time


Hey Sole Foodies,

Have you heard of Soles4Souls? It’s a great charity that collects new and gently worn shoes and distributes them to people in need across the world. They’ve been doing this since 2005, and have given away more than 11 million pairs of shoes to people in over 125 countries! They’ve helped people affected by the tsunami in Southeast Asia, as well as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sole Food is proud to partner with this amazing organization so that you can donate shoes! If you have a pair of new or gently worn shoes that you just don’t ever wear, bring them to us! Sole Food is a designated donation site, so we are always happy to take your shoes and get them to Soles4Souls so they can be distributed around the world.

If you want to help people who need shoes and save on a brand new pair for yourself, you’re in luck! October 14th-19th we are doing a special promotion with Soles4Souls. If you bring in a pair to donate, you can take 20% off any one pair here! Come in this week and get a great deal while helping out those need.

http://www.soles4souls.org/

-Lindsay

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

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

Thursday, September 2, 2010

New Website Coming Soon...


Hey Sole Foodies! We're in the works of creating a BRAND NEW website for your viewing pleasure. Best of all, you'll be able to purchase shoes from it (insert applause here)!!


So hang in there, and look for it in early October! If you still need pretty shoes to stare at be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter and here, our blog of course!


If you're not on our email list yet....be sure to get on there for updates on the new site, launch date and some sweet deals for our first online customers!


Yipeeee, we're so excited!
-Megan (206!)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Meet the Staff: Anilyn!


Meet Anilyn, a shoe fiend and fantastic employee for over three years!

Name: Anilyn America

Hometown: Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Guam

Primary Role at Sole Food: Selling shoes (and making people smile!)

Favorite Brands at Sole Food: Frye, Sorial, Tano, Coclico, and Chie Mihara

When I'm not at Sole Food you can find me: Doing hula at Gasworks Park!

Favorite Restaurants in Seattle: Thai Tom, Ezell's and Tango

Must have shoe for fall:


Indigo-Hedda Suede Boot in black
"Comfort, function, and fashion all in one perfect bootie heel!"

Friday, August 20, 2010

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


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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!)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

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