El Naturalista Ygdrassil Mary Jane Shoe : Sweet and Natural

One of the things I like best about El Naturalista shoes is that they look like they were made by elves in a sunny, peaceful glen.

The elves are pretty versatile, too, because the men's shoes look like men's shoes, the women's shoes come in all types of styles -- from flats to heels, strappy to chunky, and boots for town and country. The elves also have great taste in colors -- all of the shoes come in rich, natural colors. And all of the processes involved with preparing the leather and soles involve both natural and recycled products. So, these elves are also concerned with keeping their glen as green as possible. I like this corporate culture.

I almost never wear women's shoes because my feet are so wide, but I was determined to give these fanciful shoes a try. I love the deep red color, the decorative white contrast stitching, and easy-off velcro Mary Jane strap. It took me awhile to get used to the heel (there's barely a heel, but I spend a lot of time in tennis shoes or Birenstock sandals), but I have to admit that I like the look. They're quite striking with a pair of jeans. What can I say -- when I wear them I feel sort of girly, which is rare for me -- I'm 5'11" -- nothing makes me feel light and limber. Must be that elfin magic.

I also like that I was able to remove the insole and replace it with my own full-length custom orthotic, so that's another bonus. The shoes are a bit tight on me, but I have D-EE wide feet (and I will be stretching these!!). I'm assuming that most women will have no trouble finding a fit with a pair of El Naturalista shoes.

Available in European sizes 36-42.

Bottom Line : Adorable, fun shoes. Wish they were available in longer and wider sizes. But I have to love a company that makes both red and purple shoes!!--E.D. (Dec 08)

Price : $160 at onlineshoes, , on sale for $145 at , $120-145 at Amazon--Click to Purchase

Manufacture's Site : www.elnaturalista.com

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