Latest news with #podiatrists
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Travel + Leisure
12-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Dr. Scholl's Sneakers, Slip-ons, and Sandals Are Majorly Discounted at Amazon Right Now—Up to 78% Off
Dr. Scholl's shoes are hands down some of the most comfortable around. Known and adored for their cushiony insoles and superior arch support, this footwear brand is a top pick for avid walkers, folks with chronic foot pain, and even podiatrists (after all, the founder, Dr. William Mathias Scholl, was one himself). Frequent travelers also trust the doctor-recommended kicks to keep them pain-free as they explore new cities, race to catch trains, and cover miles of ground at amusement parks and festivals. Lucky for you—and your feet—Dr. Scholl's is having a huge Amazon sale right now on versatile walking shoes, slip-on loafers, and vacation-worthy sandals. To help you find the summer shoe of your dreams faster, we've already rounded up the best deals ahead. Keep scrolling for our favorite men's and women's Dr. Scholl's styles on sale, up to 78 percent off. If you shop around in the podiatrist-approved shoe sphere long enough, you will notice that platform soles are common in orthotic footwear. That's because a platform sole works to elevate both the heels and balls of your feet, which distributes your weight more evenly and provides more shock-absorbing cushion between your soles and the hard ground. These platform Savoy sneakers prove why shoes with a thick sole are a great choice for clocking thousands of steps. 'I bought these for a trip to Japan, and I literally wore them walking around the city all day and didn't feel a thing,' one reviewer wrote. 'They're really cute, and I think the platform part of the style/insert made them the best traveling shoes ever.' As if there weren't enough reasons to love them already, they're on sale for a whopping 70 percent off. With wide and stretchy woven straps and a contoured footbed set on faux wooden wedges, these Islander sandals are the 'perfect vacation sandal'. Touting a beachy aesthetic and an anatomically designed footbed, this sandal is serious about style and comfort. City travelers have also given them a nod of approval with their reviews, with one writing that they wore them for 10 days in France. Despite walking miles throughout their trip, they 'never got a blister', adding that they 'went with everything I brought.' For dinner at the resort restaurant or dancing at the salsa bar down the street, these wedges give you Dr. Scholl's-level comfort in an elegant package, and they're 58 percent off. They stay in place on your feet with the help of hook-and-loop-secured ankle straps, and they move with you thanks to hidden gore panels. More than 2,700 Amazon shoppers have rated the strappy platforms five stars, including one who called them the absolute best summer wedge sandals ever. These Time Off Sneakers have a massive fan base that includes nurses, flight attendants, and even a Travel + Leisure writer who walked 100,000 steps in them without getting a single blister. With more than 4,500 five-star ratings and 1,000-plus pairs sold every month, the numbers prove what a comfortable gem they are. Reviewers love that this crisp and clean white sneaker is versatile, easy to wipe down, water-resistant, and quick to slip on, partly due to its stretchy laces. One called it 'literally the most legendary shoe to exist.' Another said they bought a pair after seeing them advertised as 'the world's most comfortable walking shoe' and found that they do, indeed, live up to the hype. Strappy, cage-like fisherman sandals are the trendy coastal footwear choice of the summer, and this Dr. Scholl's faux leather version—made with recycled, naturally dyed materials—may just be the comfiest style you can buy. New to Amazon, these sandals are already on sale for 48 percent off. They're already reeling in rave reviews, too, including one from a shopper who called them the 'perfect sandals for lots of open air'. They're light, soft, and flexible, with one-inch stacked heels that offer a subtle height boost. Another Dr. Scholl's best-seller, this Nova sneaker excels in convenience thanks to its slip-on fit. It's styled like a loafer, with a low-cut silhouette and faux-leather upper, but feels like a comfy walking sneaker. Some Amazon shoppers report covering several miles a day in these shoes—and some say they're so comfortable on their own, they don't even need to wear socks with them. One reviewer credits them for saving their vacation, writing that they started their getaway with a different shoe 'that reviewers swore didn't need breaking in.' But by the time they arrived at their gate, the shoes had rubbed their heels raw. 'I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have these shoes,' they wrote. These sporty, strappy sandals share many design elements with the fan-favorite Time Off sneaker, including the same chunky, supportive soles and faux leather upper details. This shoe features a wide strap that holds the top of the foot securely in place, and an adjustable ankle strap that fastens with a buckle. Besides comfort, they offer abundant versatility. 'I wear them with everything,' one reviewer wrote, adding that they've styled them with everything from casual jeans to dresses. Available in eight colors, these Time Off Sky Sandals are up to 36 percent off. Another byproduct of the best-selling Time Off design, this fuss-free slip-on shoe looks and feels like the original, just without the laces. It's the highlight of the Dr. Scholl's sale for any fan of slip-on sneakers, marked down to $45. The no-tie format has long been sought after for quicker movement through the TSA line at the airport. Even though the "shoes off" policy has recently been rolled back, you'll still find plenty of benefit in the ease and quickness of a slip-on shoe during travel. For special occasions when you need something less casual and athletic-looking, these faux wood slides are a solid choice. These stylish slides have a synthetic outsole that is printed to resemble woodgrain, and a faux leather strap that is textured to look like actual leather, complete with realistic nailheads that attach it to the chunky platform bottom. Almost 3,000 shoppers have given them a five-star rating, including one who said they feel like 'walking on a cloud.' The best part? They're 25 percent off right now. The men's Madison sneaker combines the comfort of an orthotic Dr. Scholl's shoe and the elevated look of an Oxford shoe with its rich faux-leather upper. One reviewer calls it a 'good option for a sneaker-type shoe without it looking like a sneaker.' The 1.5-inch sole provides enough comfort, support, and bounce to wear them while walking 20,000 steps a day at Disneyland, according to one five-star reviewer. They're easy to clean, according to that same shopper—a huge convenience plus for travel. Snag them for $49, down from $95 right now at Amazon. One of the steepest deals on Dr. Scholl's right now is this 78 percent-off markdown on a classic pair of beach flip-flops. These handsome sandals include a foamy, anti-odor sole underneath comfy straps made of canvas and faux leather. They might cost a little more than your basic run-of-the-mill plastic thongs, but hear this reviewer out: 'Living primarily in tropical to subtropical areas, I wear flip-flops and sandals year-round. The sun and heat will kill almost all flip-flops, [but] these lasted through a heavy six-month beating.' The slip-on version of the aforementioned men's Madison sneaker is on sale as upper of this laceless style is also made with a convincing faux leather, and the elastic side panels allow for easy pulling on and off, not to mention a more contoured fit. Reviewers say they are the 'perfect airport shoes' for this very reason; even if you won't have to remove them at security, you'll be able to kick them off in a flash while getting comfortable on your flight. This Synergy style is a cool mix of a fashion sneaker and Oxford shoe that errs more on the casual side. These shoes do tie up, but they come with stretchy bungee laces so you can slip them on and off easily. The shoes were just added to Amazon in June and have no ratings there so far, but they're already listed at 52 percent off, marking them down to $50 from $105. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
11-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Vionic's Podiatrist-approved Comfy Shoes Are Up to 61% Off for Prime Day—Including Oprah's Favorite Slip-ons
There may be many different types of shoes you need to pack for a trip, but they should all have one thing in common: a combination of style and function. As a frequent traveler, Vionic has become my go-to brand for shoes that can support my feet all day while still being versatile enough to match everything in my suitcase. And I know I'm in good company: Vionic is also a favorite of Oprah's and is backed by podiatrists (many of the brand's shoes have the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance). Whether you're on the hunt for slip-on sneakers or sandals, every style has built-in stability, arch support, cushioning, and flexibility. If you're ready to upgrade your travel footwear collection, Amazon's Prime Day sale includes discounts up to 61 percent off on Vionic sneakers, sandals, ballet flats, and more. Plus, we also found markdowns at Zappos, Nordstrom Rack, DSW, and Vionic. We combed through the deals to find the best of the best, but with discounts this steep, it'll be hard not to add them all to your cart. Best Vionic Shoe Deals Overall Vionic Uptown Loafer Amazon These stylish loafers are the shoe that started my Vionic obsession. With a cushioned interior and built-in arch support, they rival sneakers in comfort. I've brought them on countless trips, and they've only become more comfortable over time as they've molded to my feet. Plus, my fellow overpackers can rejoice because these loafers take up minimal suitcase space. They're designed to be packable with a soft upper that can be flattened. Unsurprisingly, I'm not the only frequent traveler who swears by these loafers. One shopper called them 'very comfortable' and a 'versatile travel shoe' after walking over 10,000 steps on uneven terrain in Athens with no blisters. 'They packed down quite flat in my backpack, and were comfortable walking 12,000-17,000 steps a day,' said another reviewer who brought them on a three-week trip to Japan. Vionic Winny Sneaker Nordstrom Since adding these slip-on sneakers to my collection this past spring, they've quickly become the most worn shoe in both my travel and at-home wardrobes. They feature a sleek design that looks great with everything from denim shorts to flowy sundresses. I opted for the silver colorway, which is neutral while still giving my outfits a fun flair. Plus, they're designed with high-quality leather that will last in your collection for many trips to come. My favorite thing about the Winny Sneaker is how easy they are to pull on and off, which makes them perfect for travel days. I brought these shoes with me to Chicago the same week I received them, which might seem risky, but I experienced no foot pain or blisters. I've since packed them for Ecuador, and they're my go-to sneakers for traveling between New York City and my parents' house in the suburbs. They're so comfortable and convenient to pull on, I even find myself reaching for them for dog walks. Vionic Uptown Sonoma Sandal Amazon As much as I swear by walking sneakers for European getaways, I've been finding myself wanting to find a walking sandal before my next trip. This pair checks all my boxes: It has a platform to absorb shock, a strap to keep your foot sturdy, and a neutral look. The Velcro strap makes them easier to put on, while the small wedge heel helps them transition from day to night. One reviewer said she found herself choosing these sandals over flats on a work trip and walked miles in them. Vionic 23walk 2.0 Sneaker Zappos Whether you're planning a more active trip or plan to hit the resort gym, these versatile sneakers deserve a spot in your suitcase. They feature a durable rubber outsole for traction and padding for ankle support, making them perfect for hiking. I wore a similar pair on my recent trip to the Galapagos and felt supported on uneven terrain. Plus, the chunky design gives these sneakers a fun retro feel. Vionic Kimmie Slip-on Shoe Amazon Slip-on sneakers make going through the airport a breeze. I've been eyeing this pair for my upcoming trip to Spain. They have a breathable design with a perforated upper, so your feet will stay cool even on a hot and sweaty day. 'These shoes are flexible, have great arch support, and look great with many outfits, including pants and casual dresses,' raved one shopper with a history of plantar fasciitis. Vionic Kearny Lace-up Sneaker Amazon Want to make any travel outfit instantly cooler? Add a pop of red with these stylish sneakers. They're comfortable enough to wear all day wandering around a new city, but still sleek enough to help you fit in with the locals. 'Just got them today, tried them on immediately and was so happy, they are comfy from the start,' said one shopper, adding that they appreciate the extra arch support after having three foot surgeries. Vionic Kensley Slip-on Loafer Amazon A classic pair of black loafers is a wardrobe staple, so it only makes sense to grab this versatile pair while they're 62 percent off. These loafers have a minimalist look that's truly timeless. You'll find yourself wearing them with everything from trousers to wide-leg jeans. While you can't go wrong with black, these loafers are also available in a whopping 20 colorways, with a mix of leather and suede styles. Vionic Mar Sandal Amazon These stylish sandals caught my eye for their unique combination of a leather upper with a woven platform. With ankle straps, a raised footbed, and built-in arch support, they're sure to keep your feet comfortable in a beach destination. The black colorway is also dressy enough to be worn from day to night, and at 37 percent off, you might as well add them to your cart. This reviewer sums it up perfectly: 'Cute, comfortable, and thankful that 'orthotic' shoes can also be attractive.' Vionic Willa Loafer Amazon With slip-on styles, a perfect fit is especially important. Luckily, these loafers come in both standard and wide sizes with markdowns up to 54 percent off. 'The arch support, along with the stylish color, makes this my go-to shoe,' said one reviewer who is on their feet a lot and has experienced plantar fasciitis. Vionic Uptown Skimmer Knit Ballet Flat Amazon If you're looking for a shoe that's more supportive than a ballet flat but sleeker than a loafer, consider this hybrid style from Vionic. The knit upper is stretchy and airy, perfect for days when you want to let your feet breathe. The footbed features the brand's signature contoured arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning for all-day comfort. Plus, they're designed to be packable, with an upper that can be flattened in your suitcase. Vionic Aloe Sandal Amazon If you're heading to the beach this summer, you'll want to pack these flip-flops with built-in arch support and stability. They're a more elevated version of a rubber sandal that can be worn for walking, too. 'So comfortable I bought a second pair a week after buying my first pair,' said one shopper. Another Vionic fan chimed in, 'I like this footbed material the best of all Vionics—it's easy to clean when dirty and doesn't deteriorate after long wear.' Vionic Gemma Ii Mule Amazon Hotel slippers tend to be flimsy and oversized, which is why I prefer to pack my own. These cozy mules are easy to slide on and will keep your feet warm and toasty. With a hard sole and arch support, you can also wear them to walk around your hotel or cruise ship. Plus, you're sure to get plenty of wear out of them at home in between trips. Vionic Uptown Juniper Sneaker Amazon Sneakers tend to take up valuable suitcase space, which is why this packable style is a game-changer. Another take on the brand's uptown style, the upper is soft and deconstructed while the outsole is lightweight and flexible. 'I wore these almost every day on a 10-day vacation in Spain with a lot of walking, and they were wonderful,' said one shopper. Other reviewers appreciate their soft leather and cushioned footbed. Vionic Rebound Recovery Slide Sandal QVC Recovery slides are a must for adventurous trips with packed itineraries. Not only will you wear them between hikes on your trip, but your feet will appreciate them once you're back home and resting, too. This chunky style has a dual-density foam footbed that feels soft under your feet but holds its shape. Vionic Orinda 2 Ballet Flat Amazon Ballet flats add a feminine touch to any outfit. This classic pair has a square toe, which is ultra flattering on the foot. The curved footbed offers more cushioning and support than your traditional ballet flats, making this a versatile shoe to pack for any trip. They're available in 11 hues, but I'm personally eyeing the gold leather, which is currently 55 percent off. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Mail & Guardian
18-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
It's all about convenience and experiential retail
Immersion: The Luxurious Marble Cirus event, which is returning in October, takes experiental retail to another level. Photo: Supplied It's fascinating to see something in retail that is simple yet attracts the right small group of enthusiasts who will launch your business experience for the world to see. Once this wildfire starts, there's no stopping it. Take Crocs, for instance. The brand was launched in 2002, and the shoes were famous (or infamous) for being hideous. The shoe design died, and many said prayers of thanks when they went out of fashion. Zoom forward to 2023, throw in some hot shoe designers and ta-daaaah, Crocs are back in fashion and doing better than ever. In fact, I am wearing a pair right now. You may be wondering how the questionable plastic Crocs made such a major comeback. Podiatrists promoted them as comfortable shoes that were good for your feet. But then along came Covid, and people started spending a lot of time at home, cooking in the kitchen and gardening in the backyard. Crocs were the go-to shoes during quarantine, and the trend has grown ever since. With comfort and functionality being the key selling point, Crocs have taken over our streets and social media. The ugly duckling example of Crocs illustrates how a product can be reborn and make a comeback. Other brands also fight the fashion feud to stay current. The good ol' Stanley flask — known for its exceptional quality and ability to keep drinks hot or cold, has been popular among the camping crowd, hunters and adventure seekers for decades. Similar to Crocs, Stanley has successfully opened itself up to new markets and, as a result, the brand is now considered cooler than ever. Today, it has become a must-have accessory for teenage girls, despite its hefty price tag. Brands like Crocs and Stanley already have a good product. What they are doing differently is expanding their brand experience into new dimensions and markets. Pair the customer experience with convenience and you are on the right track to satisfying the customer of today. Many people forget that they are prepared to pay extra for convenience. I would consider this an opportunity for most retailers. If you look at the hotel industry, years ago people would book holidays months in advance and pay deposits. This made occupancy forecasts much easier to make and receiving the cashflow from deposits was a huge plus. Today, travellers are the kings of last-minute bookings. In fact, there are plenty of apps today that encourage it — why? Because they adhere to the tastes and preferences of today's consumers. Customers will pay a premium for the flexibility of being able to book or cancel reservations at the last minute. Airbnb offers their hosts a higher chance of getting bookings if they allow for cancellations of up to 24 hours before. This, of course, is risky for any host, because you could lose a two-week prime New Year's Eve accommodation booking worth thousands of rands all in the name of giving the customer what they want. The retail landscape shifts when consumer tastes and preferences change. I want to touch on the retail landscape since the pandemic. Loads of new trends have developed, one of them being a rise in competitive socialising. This is changing retail as we know it. Fewer people want to hang out in dark, loud, smokey nightclubs until 2am. Studies show an increase in demand for alcohol-free entertainment. We are seeing this trend develop across the retail space and firmly in Cape Town and parts of Johannesburg. We are also in the experiential retail phase. Stores are transforming into interactive spaces and are no longer straightforward shops with products on the shelves. A great example of experiential retail, where customers can interact with the product, is Nike in Soho, New York. The store has a basketball court where you can shoot some hoops and test out your Air Jordan sneakers in a game setting. Customers are encouraged to play, which leads to product purchases on the spot as well as at a later stage. On a more local scale, Johannes-burg-loved brands such as the Marble Hospitality Group have introduced interactive retail experiences for their customers that go beyond the doors of their restaurants. Marble Hospitality Group operates multiple restaurant brands and one newly launched restaurant, Marble, is at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Johannesburg restaurants include Marble Restaurant, Saint, Zioux and The Pantry by Marble. There are plans for another Pantry by Marble to open in the new Olympus mixed-use development in Sandton, which will be home to 512 apartments across two towers. The multibillion-rand project is a joint venture between Growthpoint Properties and Tricolt. Marble Hospitality Group has entered the world of experiential retail with The Luxurious Marble Circus event. It is described as an avant-garde food and music festival curated by Marble Hospitality Group in collaboration with Grid Worldwide, G&G Productions, and Investec. The immersive weekend expedition is certainly a feast for the senses. The last event took place in October 2024, at Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift, near Johannesburg. It was such a success that it will be held again this year on 4 and 5 October at the same venue. In today's consumerism culture, the importance of brands providing an immersive, experiential retail experience cannot be stressed enough. Notice the increase in experiential retail, such as escape rooms, pottery and paint venues like Clay Cafe, padel courts in central areas, boutique fitness studios, virtual arcades, — the list goes on. Going out to a bar and drinking all night is no longer in fashion. It's about gathering and connecting. As for boutique fitness studios, the consumer wants an artisanal workout experience in a smaller class. Every detail of the retail experience needs to be attended to, including cleanliness. Since Covid, there is a significant emphasis on hygiene. One of the biggest talking points about any petrol station is the state of cleanliness, especially when it comes to the bathrooms. A bathroom that is not clean could be the sole reason that you avoid stopping at a particular petrol station. An untidy bathroom could be the sole reason for someone not using a specific petrol station on their route. Floors of stores need to be cleaned regularly, bathrooms must be sanitary, and anything the consumers touch must be clean. Satisfied customers expect high-quality products, excellent service and fast processing. When these key elements of convenience are consistently met, you create satisfied customers who return for more. Once you achieve that, your goal should be to turn these happy clients into enthusiastic advocates for your brand. Customers who feel valued and receive exceptional service become natural brand ambassadors for your business. These customers represent the ultimate form of loyalty; they enjoy your retail experience so much that they willingly write outstanding online reviews and positively discuss your business with friends, all without any compensation. Every company should strive to achieve this level of customer engagement. As a customer with ever-changing demands, I suggest that business owners regularly take a step back and look at their operations from a broader perspective. Consumers' needs, wants and preferences are constantly evolving. Customers essentially 'vote' with their money, and they will not support your business if you fail to meet their diverse needs. Although it requires significant effort, ongoing research and dedication, staying attuned to customer preferences is essential for retaining loyal customers in today's fast-paced and experience-driven retail environment. Ask Ash examines South Africa's property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email (
