Earlier today, I tweeted, "NO LIE. i am stopped daily and asked about my and lulu's @nativeshoes. my pal is their publicist but i do the unofficial STREET HUSTLE!" And then Jean at NOTCOT inquired, "@hustlerculture hehe ~ are they comfy?" and Gelatobaby Alissa posted, "@hustlerculture Show photos!"
Somehow, I have unofficially become a street rep for Native Shoes. On a day-to-day basis, I champion them to everyone who asks because they are amazing shoes for kids of all ages. This is what I think of the Canadian shoe company's rad wares:
1. They're 100% comfortable. From the first time I slipped on my Jeffersons until now, I've been blister free. I did worry a little because I wear them with bare feet but walking on air has no pain affiliated with it. I don't know what kind of space age materials are used but the rubber is pillow-soft. And I feel like I'm on a gymnastics floor when I walk in them; I get an extra spring in my step.
2. They are carefree kicks. They look good with jeans, great with shorts, and cute with a skirt. Lulu wears her Corrados with everything. Best of all they come in rainbow colors so there's something for everyone. And they're so light, toting around a pair is easier than carrying around your wallet. These company buzzwords are also noteworthy: waterproof, anti-microbial, animal free, shock absorbent, odor resistant, and washable. For those who might care, I believe they're vegan-friendly too, but I'd have to confirm that.
3. The design rules! I love the casual and classic silhouettes: penny loafers, Converse slip-ons, Keds, and Topsiders. They remind me of the shoes I once rocked from my Eastern Seaboard upbringing. They're perfect for lifestylists and for people on the go. They're Crocs for cool kids.
I was recently at a party with my creative cabal and many of them were rocking Native Shoes. We're talking, gallery owners, their kids, artists, their kids, and jetsetters, and their kids. I had to ask my renowned Manhattan tattoo artist buddy why he wore them. Simply put, "They're comfortable shoes, man."
4. Native Shoes are affordable at $28 - $45 a pair. Although they are carried at select shops like Undefeated and Fred Segal, I recommend that all my friends go to Zappos because they have the largest selection of available styles and sizes in stock.
Here's an email my friend L sent to me earlier this month:
From: L < XXXX@gmail.com>
Date: June 7, 2011 9:42:42 PM PDT
Hey, Desi and I had a fab time at Lulu's party! Looking forward to seeing you guys again this weekend. Took a couple of pix of Desmond in his new Native shoes for your PR pal. Not that she doesn't already have a gajillion pix of super cute kids in the shoes.
And my new pal, B wrote me this only yesterday:
From: B <XXX@MIT.EDU>
Date: July 1, 2011 12:18:12 AM PDT
... fyi the entire kids stock of Natives is sold out--so good job to you
I've gotten a bunch of calls and texts from friends asking about Native Shoes. Can you tell I love these shoes? They actually make me want to walk more and in Los Angeles, that's a great thing. Do yourself a favor and slip them on. I'm pretty sure you won't want to take them off until you retire for the day. Go Native!