Inconsistent shoe sizes

I ordered two pairs of Crocs - one pair of thongs and one pair of cayman crocs. I used the sizing chart provided and ordered both pairs in M5/W7. However when they arrived while the Thongs fit perfectly with room to wiggle the Caymans were way too small (I'd almost say a full size too small). The Thongs were "made in China" and the Caymans "made in Mexico". I went to my local store and discovered that they receive Croc orders which are often made in multiple countries. It would appear to me that there is no "standard" mold used. So beware - just because you have tried them on in a store and think you have the correct size - you may end up getting a larger or smaller size depending on where they are manufactured.More detail ...

Okay for $14.99

Acceptable I suppose but not nearly as comfortable as the identically-priced (at the time) "Florsheim Men's Tommy Clog" especially in the heel area -- I do not know how slippers are made but there's obviously a difference. Also the lining does not hold up at all; it flattens out very quickly.More detail ...

Probably your best choice for a warm basic snow boot

These 10" high winter boots set the standard for basic cold weather boots in snowy conditions. They're probably the boot most commonly worn by locals in snowy Western mountain towns.



But be advised they do not have a lot of lateral stability in the sole of the boot. That is to say the rubber bottoms tend to twist sideways making them in my opinion unsuitable for anything other around town use and possibly some work situations. The twisting motion makes traveling off beaten paths especially climbing hills or side hilling more difficult and tiring. My seven year old (Canadian made) Sorel Caribou models have somewhat thicker and probably more water resistant leather uppers but the current (Chinese made) Sorels seem to have more advanced combination synthetic and wool felt liners and apparently much-needed additional underfoot insulation.



These boots have a cool look with the faux shearling collars but their relatively modest height means you will need to wear gaiters to keep out snow if you leave beaten paths. Felt lined pacs are typically the warmest boots for the bucks and the liners can be taken out to dry. I've washed my Sorel liners on gentle cycle using wool-friendly soap with excellent results and spraying some Armorall (used to perk up rubber and plastic in cars) on the rubber bottoms keeps them looking great as well.



Recommended to anyone who wants a warm foolproof traditional looking boot to wear in around-town or to cold weather outdoor events keep in the car for emergencies and possibly wear to work or riding snow machines in really cold weather.More detail ...

Join the revolution

a.) 11 years of plantar fasciitis (on and off again)

b.) one article in Men's Health on the Tarahumara Indians

c.) one book called Born to Run

d.) 2 months of barefoot exercises to build up the foot muscles and calluses

e.) 1 pair of vibram KSOs

f.) 2 weeks of burning calf muscles

g.) no more foot pain



I think the shoe companies and podiatrists might have a lot to learn.



Seriously I think these may have cured me. Time will tell but the results have been far more impressive than anything else I've tried. It takes a while to get the stride ride but it makes running more fun - particularly in the grass. More detail ...