Summer '22 Staff Picks

May 20, 2022

Summer '22 Staff Picks

"What shoes should I wear with this?" Raise your hand if you've never said this. I'm guessing there aren't many, if any, hands being raised right now! Oftentimes we select our outfits and then search frantically for the shoes to complete the look. Other times, we put a lot of thought into our clothing and jewelry and then just throw on a random pair of shoes. As our shoe designer, Jamie, so perfectly stated, "Our shoes are like jewelry - they should be carefully selected to complete our outfits." People don't stop at our knees or ankles when looking at what we are wearing - they take it all in. The right shoes can make or break that image. 

In addition to offering multiple sizes and widths (4-13; Narrow, Medium, Wide and Wide-Wide), Walking Cradles has a complete line of shoe styles from which to choose. Whether you prefer a flat or heels, sandals or closed up styles, pointed toes or round, moderate arch support or enhanced arch support - we have it all!

Recently we asked the girls in our office to select one of their favorite shoes and show two different styles of outfits they would match up with these shoes. Versatility is a great way to make the most of everything in your wardrobe and we are here to share all our wonderful ideas with this season's best styles!

JAMIE WELLS, DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT; SIZE 8 MEDIUM

We will start with Jamie because she researches, sketches, develops and tests every single shoe offered by Walking Cradles. Pretty shoes aren't enough - Walking Cradles customers expect shoes that feel as good as they look and Jamie proves over and over that her expertise in comfort features and experience in shoe design combine beautifully!

Jamie chose the Natalia sandal in White Leather. 

Natalia is perfect for Jamie both at work and at home with her two small kiddos. Hidden gore on the toe post and instep allow complete flexibility while a hook at loop closure on the back strap provides adjustability and stability. The Tiny Pillows footbed lining is a soft, moisture-wicking sueded fabric, which keeps feet dry, while the extra cushioning from dual-density foam keep feet so very comfy!

"I love the comfort and the cushion this sandal offers for being relatively flat. I like that the back strap is adjustable and that the toe post had a hidden gore. I think a simple white sandal like this goes great with a fun printed wide leg jumpsuit, fun colored wide leg linen pants, or a simple black midi or maxi dress."

PHYLLIS WRIGHT, WEST COAST REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE; SIZE 6 WIDE 

Phyllis lives in California, and loves shoes that allow her the style and ease of being able to wear with many different outfits. She is on the go both professionally and personally so her shoes need to be able to keep up with her busy lifestyle. Finding wide width shoes can sometimes be a challenge - especially for the cute, trendy styles Phyllis enjoys wearing for work and play!

Phyllis chose the Phoebe Comfort Cradle sandal in Gold Crackle Leather.

Our Comfort Cradle construction provides soft cushioning in a footbed sandal! Tiny Pillows footbeds are lined with moisture-wicking micro fabric, which is great for sunny California days! Worn with a breezy floral dress, this lovely gold crackle leather sandal can easily be dressed up for an afternoon at a winery, where Phyllis can walk around and not worry about her heels sinking in the grass. Paired with a patriotic tee and frayed denim shorts, the Phoebe instantly becomes a statement shoe for a casual, yet very stylish ensemble!

Phyllis loves this sandal because "It’s so versatile and neutral, you can literally wear it with anything."

CINDY FISHER, CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST; SIZE 8 WIDE

Cindy is always busy at the office - running orders back and forth to our warehouse and keeping our customers and retailers happy! When she isn't in the office, Cindy loves spending time with her grand daughters - both at home and also at the campground where her family spends much of their free time. Cindy's favorite sneaker has become her go-to shoe for work, home and travel! 

Cindy chose the Orleans from our Metro Collection in Leopard Print Nubuck Leather.

Our Orleans slip-on sneaker has been a top-seller for years and there's many reasons for that! The Metro Collection was designed for the woman-on-the-go. With dual-goring and a padded collar, these are easy to put on and take off, yet don't slip when you walk. Our Tiny Pillows insoles gently massage every step, making you want to ditch your regular ole sneakers! Worn with slacks and a flowy blouse for a boho look, or with jeans, t-shirt and military style vest for a outdoors look, the Orleans is the perfect shoe!

"I really only ever wear the Orleans. I never switch to tennis shoes. When we go on trips, where ever we went, I only wore the Orleans. I like them!

ANITA BLACKWELL, CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST; SIZE 6 MEDIUM

Anita is also busy throughout the office all day, plus she is part of our social media team. Because she wears the universal sample size (6 Medium), Anita is often pulled into an impromptu photo shoot! When Anita leaves the office, her feet are far from done for the day. She's either off to a football game or a swim meet, or any other host of sports or activities that her family is involved in! Anita totally rocks the athleisure look, but when she wants to swap out her sneakers for something a little more dressy, she loves the look of a classic pointed-toe flat.

Anita chose the Raya flat in Leopard Calf Hair.

 

Worn with slim slacks and a blouse, this pointed toe, half D'Orsay flat is stylish and comfy. When Anita needs to head off to her kids activities, she can simply throw on a pair of linen shorts and a tee and she is ready to goThe Tiny Pillows in this classic silhouette are very cushiony, allow all day walking comfort in a shoe that elevates your shoe game!

"I like them because they are so versatile! They work with everything from a casual summer dress to jeans or even something dressier."

DEBBIE STOUT, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER; 7.5 NARROW

Although Debbie manages our Accounts Payable Department, she isn't one to sit still for long and you can frequently find her helping out in the warehouse when she has available time! Debbie often times is limited with her choices in footwear, due to a condition commonly referred to as "foot drop." Throughout the day, Debbie sometimes needs to wear a brace for her foot/calf, but wants to be able to take off the brace at times. Fortunately she doesn't have to wear it with certain shoes that are lightweight enough. 

Debbie chose the Comfort Cradle Pool sandal in Nutmeg Marshall Snake Print Leather.

Pool is part of our Comfort Cradle collection, and is lightweight enough for Debbie to not need to wear her brace. This summer she is attending a wedding and plans to wear the dress above with this stylish, comfortable footbed sandal that includes two hook and loop adjustable straps. The great thing about this versatile sandal is that it will look just as great with a pair of jeans and a tie-dye shirt!

Debbie loves the Pool! "They are just so very lightweight and comfortable."

LAUREN PENNOCK, WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING COORDINATOR; SIZE 9 MEDIUM

Lauren joined Walking Cradles as an intern several years ago and we convinced her to join us full-time! She brought with her a young, energetic and vibrant energy that never stops! Always willing to jump in and do what it takes to get the word out there about Walking Cradles, Lauren is finding out in her 20's what many women don't realize until they have foot problems: size and fit matter - not just today, but for your future foot health! Lauren understands the importance of the construction of shoes, and loves the extra arch support that our Metro+ Collection provides!

Lauren chose the Metro+ Sandal Heston in Vanilla Tumbled Leather.

When surveyed, women who already loved Walking Cradles shoes asked that we design a collection with enhanced arch support, extra cushioning and a heel cup that would prevent or help reduce heel pain. The result was our Metro+ Collection, which delivers on all these requests! Worn with a flowing summer sundress, a pair of jeans, shorts or a cute pair of overalls, the Heston is versatile enough to complement many summer looks!

Lauren explains why she loves these sandals, and the Metro+ collection overall. "I have spent many days settling for the super cute & trendy sandals styles, that offered zero support or comfort. Why sacrifice comfort for overall look, when you can easily achieve both?! The Heston, along with our other Metro+ styles is not only super lightweight & flexible, moving with you throughout your day and keeping your comfort needs met no matter what- but it also provides all day support with our signature Tiny Pillows cushioning your every step. Don’t expect to be held up and readjusting all day either- there is absolutely zero slippage with our ergonomic heel cup and lightweight EVA•lution sole!"

HOLLY DAVIS, E-COMMERCE AND SEO SPECIALIST; SIZE 5.5 MEDIUM

Not only is Holly the E-Comm and SEO (search engine optimization) specialist for Walking Cradles, she has a side-hustle videography business. Her wedding videography skills are highly sought after, and we are fortunate that she brings that expertise to Walking Cradles, as well! For as long as I have known Holly, she has been a sneaker kind of gal! Perhaps it is due to her constant on-the-go lifestyle, but she definitely knows how to enhance the style of any given sneaker!

Holly chose the Dylan Metro+ tie sneaker in Silver Iridescent Leather.

Our Metro+ Collection sneakers have the same features as the sandals - enhanced arch support, an ergonomic heel cup, dual density foam for our signature Tiny Pillows insoles, and in the case of the sneakers, these insoles are removable (for those who need to accommodate an orthotic). The lightweight, flexible bottom make these an ideal choice for the gym, the park or (in Holly's case most recently) Disneyland!

"I'm a sucker for white sneakers and this one is extra special since it has that iridescent sheen-- really makes it pop and goes well with all my favorite athleisure outfits."

LISA SCHMITZ, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT; SIZE 6 MEDIUM

Having worked in the shoe industry my entire life, I can attest to the exemplary fit and comfort of Walking Cradles shoes. Witnessing the process of how Jamie designs and perfects each shoe is something that has helped me understand how to share the message of "why." Why we should wear shoes that fit properly. Why we should be concerned with comfort. Yet, the shoe lover in me so appreciates that Jamie finds ways to incorporate these fit and comfort features into such beautiful, fashionable shoes. My job is to shout it from the rooftops - educate women on the "why" and marvel when they try on a pair of Walking Cradles for the first time and have that "DANG THESE FEEL GREAT" moment! It was almost impossible for me to select just one shoe, but I landed on one that deserves the attention it is getting from so many of our customers.

For my selection, I chose the Porsha in Silver Glitter Leather.

High heels have always been my favorite! I'm 5'4" and my husband is 6'3" so I actually kind of need them when dressing up to go out together, too. The great thing about Porsha is that while it is a 3" heel, it has a 1/2" platform, so it doesn't feel as high as it looks. But, what makes this the best high heeled dressy sandal I have EVER put on my foot is that it has the sueded micro fiber sock so my feet won't sweat (I don't wear hose, so I'll have bare feet in these sandals), and it has super cushy Tiny Pillows. I have never had a high heel that feels like this before! Whether I'm wearing them with a cocktail dress or some jazzed up jeans and a halter top, this shoe looks and feels fabulous!

So there you have it! The Women of Walking Cradles have given you eight completely different styles, each with two outfit options! Every pair has comfort features found only in Walking Cradles shoes, like our signature Tiny Pillows that keep our feet feeling amazing, yet the designs Jamie creates keeps us looking classy and sassy! We hope you find your perfect shoes with Walking Cradles - we are confident we have shoes for everyone! In addition, we always make each style in multiple sizes and widths. Remember, your feet carry you through all your daily activities - treat them well!




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