Let’s talk about my feet.
Did you know 5 years ago I had a major foot surgery? It was to un-fuse a fused subtalar joint [which was apparently a birth defect that didn't become symptomatic until I sprained that ankle in high school!]
It’s amazing I can run again, really. I’ve had no trouble with the joint since my surgery (although my tendons + tissues in the incision area took a LONG time to feel normal and sometimes still give me trouble).
So I’ve gotten a bit of criticism on KERF for my SHOE CHOICE.
Yes, I like to wear super comfortable and sometimes dorky shoes. I’d rather wear Danskos than heels and sneakers over wedges. I bike for transportation a lot, so that’s a factor as well. But really, my feet have been through 8 years of pain and 5 years of surgery recovery, so they deserve some pampering! Heels hurt me, or they give me blisters. So I often just wear what’s comfortable. Luckily I have found some cute shoes that are also comfortable, but it’s definitely not the norm!
But apparently the ladies at Fleecefootwear.com are big fans of KERF AND my feet! Not only did I receive this awesome giant birthday card and a fun email….
…but I also received a pair of UGG boots for my birthday!!
They are just the kind of boots I’ve been hoping to purchase myself – tall (I’ve never owned tall boots), cowboyish, rugged yet with some style. And so comfy!! I have never owned anything UGG (my winter boots are Target-fancy) and having worn these all day hiking yesterday, I am starting to feel the difference. I didn’t think my jeans would fit in them (my calves have some girth, ifyaknowwhatimean) but they fit (snugly!)
Here is a message from the Fleece Females:
So I’ve been running around in my mind the best way to sum up why we have contacted you, and basically we are just fans! Luckily for us, here in Southern Oregon there is a very healthy fresh food movement. We are surrounded with fresh weekend markets, co-op’s, family friendly gardens, etc. The office here is 90% women, very close knit and we are always talking food, bringing in basked goodies, and we all enjoy your blog. Sam, part of our Fleecefootwear extended family has always made us amazing snacks and she turned us onto you. Your blog is fun, and done with great taste, <double entendres>, and I think people who enjoy your blog may just want a comfy pair of UGG slippers to enjoy while they have their morning coffee.
And a coupon for YOU! [They also have free shipping!]. Coupon = KERF15 for 15% off at Fleecefootwear.com today through the end of the weekend.
***
I decided to go run errands today since it was RAINING and SUNNING at the same time and I couldn’t go running quite yet!
Seriously, the weather has been so weird! Sun one minute. Pouring the next.
I got home from the grocery store at 1:30 and we immediately started in on some kale chips. Topped with a little nutritional yeast!
With egg, bread and fruit
This walnut bread from yesterday is very good! So chewy! And who needs cream butter when you have pumpkin butter!
A mini seckel pear + sunflower sandwich!
Hoping to work for a few and then get that run! I love to run on my birthday but yesterday my legs still needed a little more recovery from Sunday’s 8. Today they feel ready to rock n roll! Here we go FEET!
And in conclusion, here’s a video tribute to turning 28 years old!!!!!
{ 131 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow that’s so awesome they sent you comfy and adorable boots for your birthday! I noticed how cute they were in your pics from yesterday!!
those boots are AMAZING! i’m so jealous…they’re the perfect combination of style and comfort!
Loved the video !
Cute video. Like the bears.
I am all about comfy shoes as well, and wear some pretty nerdy shoes too (which I think are cool). My favorites are my Dansko clogs and Saucony Jazz sneakers.
Anyway, I wear comfortable shoes for my feet as well – I have really flat arches, and get foot cramps when I wear heels or shoes without support. I’m much happier this way, and we definitely have style, regardless of what people say.
I have huge calves, so I understand your concern with the high boots. I don’t wear alot of heels anymore either. I used to for work, but now that I work from home, it’s flip flops or bare feet. I think you should wear whatever is comfortable for you!
My calves are HUGE too. I have a hard time buying jeans sometimes because of them…and definitely with boots! Those are insanely cute
I’m all about the comfort too! i have totally flat feet, and I just can’t wear cute flats, and heels…well…I love the way they look, but I just don’t want to do that to my feet. It’s Dansko’s for me, all the time…unless it’s a fancy event.
Ahh I’ve been looking for tall, comfy boots forever!! Especially ones that would fit around my calves…iknowwhatyoumean. I got a pair kinda like those in Italy but they aren’t the most comfy and I gotta reaaaally stuff my jeans in there. I’m gonna check those out. Thanks for the rec. Love your video…I was starting to miss the bears. Sad I missed them this past weekend!
Those boots are super cute! I have a similar pair of flat-ish medium brown boots and I love them!
Love this post! I was turned on to Danskos after seeing them on your site, and I’ve worn Birkenstocks for years. (Totally worth the investment!) I swapped heels for flats after taking up running and getting serious about yoga. I have hereditary bunions, and my feet are too valuable to risk injury. I choose comfort over fashion.
If you are interested in heels, you should try Tsubos. Pricey, but they’re more comfortable than more heels and ergonomically designed. Love ‘em.
And by the way, I would never have guessed that those boots were Uggs. I think the traditional ones are Ugg-ly
Yours are gorgeous.
Hi Kath – Found your blog through Emily’s, and I’ve been lurking for some time, admiring all the pretty pictures, and am now finally commenting.
I am funny about comfy shoes too, especially during marathon training. I don’t want to risk that I’ll twist an ankle in a pair of heels (I’m clumsy), so I rock my New Balance slides for most of the winter. But now I want those boots asap! Cute & comfy! Thanks for the coupon code!
Welcome!!
Loved the video-what a cute way to forever remember such a special day.
Quick question- what’s the name of the trail you and Matt took up ‘the hill’? It looks beautiful! I live in PA and couldn’t think of a better day trip than going down to for a hike.
Humpback Rocks off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Great video, and the boots look lovely too!
Well, it sounds as though you now have some ‘Happy Feet’ and the boots are adorable! Cheers:)
Love the footage of the Parkway – it’s so beautiful this time of year! We’re just minutes from our end of it (Mabry Mill, Meadows of Dan, Buffalo Mountain).
I would have NEVER guessed those were UGGS! They are super cute. I’ve never really like the looks of their normal fleece/casual boots, but these look incredibly stylish and comfy!
Uggs are looking good these days! You wear them well
I love your video Kath, and your boots! I meant to comment on them in your birthday post but forgot in the end. I think having comfy feet is more important than having them look fashionable all the time – I do love buying shoes and have my fair share of heels, but sometimes I just want to wear running shoes to work!!
Those sure are cute!
I didn’t think I liked Uggs but those boots are super cute! Adorable video too.
I noticed those boots in your pics yesterday and thought they were so adorable! And the sweater, too. I usually wear comfortable shoes, too. Just because I like to be comfy, not because of any food problems.
Those boots are surprisingly minimal yet cushy looking from your photos for an UGG boot! THat is so nice of Fleece Footwear to send you them! My dad used to buy UGGs before they became cool…like 15+ years ago and just raved about them. Now he jokes that he started the UGG movement. Ha!
That video is so cute and I love the soundtrack as well. Such a great way to remember your 28th!
I loved your boots — and I’m surprised that they are Uggs — I just think of those big fluffy Uggs that girls wear with sweatpants tucked into
Bread + pumpkin butter = delicious
I had no idea ugg’s came in such cool styles! Those women rock for sending you a pair for your bday.
Those are the cutest UGGs I’ve ever seen!
What a cute video!! I love tall boots! I wear them all the time in the fall
Those boots are great, but a little on the pricey side. Lucky you got some for free!
Lovin’ the boots! You look great in them
Such a cute video! And that music was perfect too.
Happy belated birthday! Looks like you had a blast.
I almost didn’t want to comment since you were at 28 comments, but I figured if I didn’t, someone else would! Of all the nut butters, and seed butters out there – what is your favorite? I just tried almond butter and it is great, and I’m looking for more to get hooked on.
Katie
OH gosh…tough…I don’t think I could proclaim a favorite in general – probably just a basic peanut butter. But there are so many different categories:
For sweetness: Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter
For dripability: Sunflower butter
For crunch: Nuttzo
For uniqueness: Coconut butter
For flavored: Nutty’s Butterscotch
For almonds: Maranatha and Barney Butter
For chocolate: Justin’s Hazelnut
Your reply is hysterical, Kath…you are adorable!
Writing this down. Haha
Love the boots! I was checking out some UGGS today…I wish they were mine. I hear ya on recovery, it is a long road, but it feels great when you hit that good point.
Those boots are adorable! I was admiring them on your post yesterday
I totally feel you on the foot pain thing. Literally! Finding happy-feet shoes hardly ever coincides with finding cute shoes.
I live in tall boots in the Fall and Winter – love ‘em. Those are super cute, and much more stylish than typical Ugg boots.
Laura
Love the boots!..Love the video…so cute to “capture” everything—-like a “reality show”.
love love this post! i am currently in school to be a podiatrist, so i def hear you on the comfy-ness and good for your feet!
Those boots are so cool! I love them!
I would not have guessed those were UGGs. I bet they are super warm. Maybe I should get a pair for our Alaskan winters!
In terms of comfy shoes, I do think that they make some stylish models – I happen to love Born shoes and also Campers, which are also environmentally friendly/conscious (although those can be quite pricey). I’m a teacher and am on my feet for most of the day, so I can’t sacrifice comfort for style, but I think that you CAN have both!
I would give up chocolate for a month for those boots! They are rockin’!!!!
I have an obsession with boots! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! Those are super cute
I noticed those boots yesterday and LOVED them!!!!
Love those boots! Unfortunately, my calves have way more girth than yours do, so they are a no-go for me!
lol
I like comfy shoes, too. Heels make me feel sophisticated, but I feel I am too clumsy for everyday wear. I need my feet flat on the ground most of the time, LOL.
I noticed your boots yesterday and thought they were super cute!
I have been looking for a similar pair, but there are so many choices. Boots are a big ticket item, so being picky is a must.
I was totally going to comment on your cute boots yesterday! Which style are they? I also would have never guessed that they were UGG.
Also, I loved the video! What a fun way to remember your birthday!
Here’s the style: Broom in Chocolate
http://www.fleecefootwear.com/Ugg-womens/boots/Broome%20II%20Leather.html
Cute Uggs! I’ve had my pair forever, practically since before everyone in the world was wearing them, but they still haven’t failed me.
There’s nothing wrong with pampering your feet with comfy shoes!
i spy kale chips!
I had ‘em for lunch yesterday with the last (wiping a tear) of my garden kale for the season!
love,
cathy B. @ brightbakes
Love the boots!! I’ve never been much into wearing boots, either. Mainly because they’re such a pian to take on and off- flip flop speed is more my thing. But boots are always so cute!
Sweet! I have huge calves. I know what you mean. I have been on the HUNT for boots with a big enough opening. My feet are size 6 so since they are tiny, the boot opening around the calf is always so small. I am going to look these ones up! They are super cute.
Sweet deal getting those boots for free!
Your lunches always look so cute and gourmet
I noticed those boots yesterday in your post! I would have never thought that they were UGGs!
Ever since I learned about kale chips through your blog, i have become hooked!! I crave them at dinner every single day, and eat them several times a week. SO GOOD! Is there such a thing as too much kale chips? I wonder!
Aww such a cute video!! Side note- we have almost exactly the same Pottery Barn (I’m pretty sure) duvet cover. Mine has the green trim as well, but with a solid line border!
Yep!! It was a wedding gift
Kath- You look so GREAT in those boots!! Are those the Broome II Ugg’s?
Yep!
Nice video. I never realized you had a southern accent (although I should have, duh!). It’s cute!
nice video!! and happy belated birthday….looks like you & Matt had a blast!!!
Today is my 40th!!! OMG!! that went fast!!
I have a huge boot fetish
that is one pair of cool boots!! make sure you treat them.. I forgot to do it with my first pair of UGGS…
I may have to treat myself to yet another pair
Happy Birthday!!
People give you crap about your shoe choices? Really? I’m with you on the comfy shoes. I wear sneakers to work. I bike in sneakers. I wear flip flops around town. I have some comfy other shoes.
But heels? Yikes. I bought a pair that I wore once a year. Always hurt. Then I bought a gold pair of strappy sandles for a wedding (I was a bridesmaid). Wedding was Saturday. Shoes were freecycled on Monday morning. I bought a silver pair a half size bigger – ah, so pretty, but again, can’t wear them. Wore them once, donated them. Now, if I want silver and cute, I wear my sparkly Target flip flops. I just can’t torture the feet.
Those are darling boots.
Happy 28! We’re both the year of the dog. Which just means I’m getting old.
The last time I wore real heals was holding Baby Kath, crying, in the church nursery. Babies and heels didn’t mesh with me. And ya’ll know how many years ago that was!
Love the boots you lucky girl.
Perfect boots for walking up and down in San Francisco next week
You got them right on time. I have mail coming for you this week, travel stuff.
Your video is so cute, especially the bear voices
What a beautiful place to live too..I live in California and it doesn’t get any better than what we have here, but the beautiful scenery and colorful surroundings makes me want to visit and re-create your birthday day with my fiance. We both love outdoors activity and he makes his own bread too so I could see us doing similar things you guys did.
See you soon.
The boots are adorable! They have that rugged, sophisticated charm.
Awesome video!!!
These are exactly the style of boots I’m looking for: tall, comfortable, casual, brown. Oh my gosh, I’m in love!
Your new boots are adorable! It really is amazing that you can run again!
super cute video! That hike looked intense but the view (and picnic) looked well worth it
I hear ya on the comfy shoes! I am a new teacher, and the dressiest shoes I can tolerate are leather flats with a touch of heel. Even those make my feet hurt. I look at other teachers who wear heels every day and cringe!
Kath, you are a beautiful person! I love the video.
Thank you
This post hits home for me – I’ve had a problem with my toe that has necessitated two, and possibly more, surgeries, and it was only yesterday that I was told by my doctor that I coudl do some slow exercise for the first time in 18 months. And I had to buy ugg boots this winter too to protect the toe, but I wasn’t too happy about it. In Australia, you see, where ugg boots were created… it’s considered aboslutely bogan to wear ugg boots in public!
Love the Uggs. I never understood why people always give you crap about your shoe choice. Your shoes always look totally normal to me!
That video was adorable! What did you shoot it with?
A Flip Ultra HD
What lovely girls! That is so so sweet of them! They look super comfy!
oh my goodness girl, i LOVE LOVE LOVE those boots! hope you didn’t as bad of weather as we had here, there were tornado warnings all during rush hour and it was so scary!!
Ahh, I was just going to ask you about your boots! I love them! SO cute!
I will admit, I too have thought your choice of shoes to be somewhat dorky, but I would never imagine telling you and can’t believe people have given you a hard time about it. Who is anyone to judge your footwear? They’re your shoes you should be able to wear whatever you want!
How sweet of those ladies to give you boots though. They are very nice and stylish!
those boots are such a fun birthday surprise!
Cute boots!
Don’t let anyone give you flack for your shoes! Wear what you like most!
sweet deal on the boots! i know what you mean; when it comes to shoes, comfortable and cute usually don’t go together. it’s a gift from God when it does
those boots are adorable! and I bet they’re gonna keep you warm during the cold days of winter! happy belated birthday kath!
Hi Kath! I’ve been ‘lurking’ at your blog for months and I love it! Great video! It looks like you and Matt had a great hike with all the beautiful scenery! Love your boots!
Those boots are awesome… I didn’t even think twice about them because I have quite a large calf (and shorter legs) so I hardly ever find boots that work for me… But I do have a tip for stuffing in your jeans… Get a pair of knee high stockings and pull them OVER your jeans then put your boots on. The stockings are thin enough to not interfere with the boot but keep the jeans in place.
And this might sound weird, but I’m in love with your and matt’s relationship. It seems that ya’ll have a lot of fun and how much you love each other really shows in your blog!! It’s so refreshing! (and gives me hope!)
Oh that’s a good tip!! They got all bunched
Danskos are the BEST! And wow, what a sweet surprise.
What stylish boots! Sometime I’d love to hear a little bit more about your rehab process after your foot surgery. What was the surgery like? Did you end up with any hardware?
I don’t have any pins or anything in there. I can show you more photos if you want!! They weren’t really blog appropriate because of all the staples and grossness, but you know I have some!
I was on crutches for a month (non-weight bearing) and it was awful because I was in college and had little help. I had to rent a golf cart to get around campus! After a month I started with weight bearing physical therapy. The PT wasn’t bad. I had my surgery on March 20, was walking OK about 6 weeks later and by May 15 I was walking with a limp. I did a lot of cycling that summer, and I remember I went for my first run on Halloween!! So about 7 months later. My left ankle still feels weaker than my right, but I don’t have pain there, especially nothing like the arthritis I had pre-surgery.
I was going to ask the same thing, so thanks Kath, this is helpful. I need to have foot surgery in both my feet to bring in my bone that holds my pinky toes (looks like I have bunions on the outside). I’m going back and forth with whether or not I should get it over with. At this point, my foot doc says it’s up to me since it doesn’t cause a lot of pain (it mainly hurts to be barefoot on hard surfaces for a long time). I want to get it over with, but I don’t want to give up running for 7 months… especially when I’m finally up to long enough distances to sign up for my first half-marathon!
WOAH! free uggs…..jealous!!! i love uggs they literally are the most comfortable shoes in the world. i will definitely be using that discount!
In one of my classes a group did their project on “Fitness Enthusiasts,” Kath Eats Real Food was displayed and it is now apart of my daily readings. Your video was adorable, and the boots look great on you.
The oatmeal is the best thing ever, and I am going to try the cold version tomorrow
Oh how fun!!!
So glad you had a great birthday! Love the video!! Those Uggs are great & perfect for a hike. I have to wear heels to work most days and trust me…they are overrated! I would love to wear comfy shoes everyday!!
Love the boots…now you need some inexpensive stretchy skinnys!
The video is so cute! I’ve only been to cville once but I went to that winery while I was there! Loved their whites!
Kath, this is one of my favorite posts, ever. It is such an achievement that you are such an accomplished runner now, given what your feet have gone through. And the video shot taken from the bears’ p-o-v- was so cute!
Thanks for the coupon code! I was debating a pair of Dakotas and your offer sealed the deal! They are ordered and on their way ; ) Thanks for sharing with us!
Glad you had a good birthday, Kath
Love the addition of the cute bears hahaha
Just had to let you know, when I used the KERF discount on Fleece Footwear for the boots I want, they were reduced by 26 dollars!
That 2-6 keeps popping up!
Wheeee!
Love the boots! How true to size are they? I’m usually a 5 or 5-1/2 and the smallest size is a 6.
Naturalizer has super-comfy heels.
I wear an 8 and they fit me perfectly, but I think given they are boots and you always wear socks, I could also get an 8.5 and be totally comfy
I got exactly the the same well shaped lower leg thing going on and have always lusted over knee high boots. Yes I too could never get the zipper up. Duo boots based in the UK do boots in a huge variety of widths for skinny to (I like to say) muscular legs! They are pricey but totally worth the investment. I have two pairs, the first are now 6-7 years old? I guess I don’t wear them that often but they are just brilliant.
I got exactly the same well shaped lower leg thing going on and have always lusted over knee high boots. Yes I too could never get the zipper up. Duo boots based in the UK do boots in a huge variety of widths for skinny to (I like to say) muscular legs! They are pricey but totally worth the investment. I have two pairs, the first are now 6-7 years old? I guess I don’t wear them that often but they are just brilliant.
Love the video! That is a romantic picnic on top of a montain! pretty cool
I think it is weird that we can SEE what you describe in the previous post. Like, she really does everything she said, she really exists? lol.. The internet feels all imaginary sometimes. It’s fun to see you really had a great day
Being 28 rocks. I’ve been since July 2010.
Geeze, I can’t believe people would leave criticizing comments about your shoes!!!! What a waste of time! I’m all about comfort, in shoes and clothes, especially since I’m walking around a huge college campus all day! Those boots you received are totally cool – they looks comfy and versatile! Glad you had a great birthday!!
I share your calf “problem”. I am only 5’2″, with size 6 feet, and my calves are about 15″ around. Finding boots with a large enough circumference is tough (and then, boots that can fit pants too!? pshht). I just tried on some skinny jeans yesterday and encountered the “these are too tight around my calf problem” with one of them.
Enjoy your new boots – hope you had a great birthday!
I had someone tell me that people who do not wear heels have given up on life. Whatever! I have had foot surgery and fractured an ankle twice! No way am I risking anything on something no one notices anyways. Anyways, moral of the story… who cares what kind of shoes you wear. You always look so cute in all your pictures!
I am so, so glad that you make appropriate shoe choices for you!!! Everyone I know harps on the fact that I wear flats all the time, but I had back surgery a while back and wearing high heels isn’t great for your back. Regardless, I dress for comfort and style, not just style!
i loved your boots and was wondering where they were from! how nice of those ladies… and I always said I’d never be an uggs kinda gal, but I am really itching for some Ugg cozy slippers.
And I just got my first pair of tall boots recently, too!
I totally get your foot issues. I cannot wear heels to save my life. I’m always in flats or flip flops & I loved my danskos.
Awesome boots!!!! I may have to get me some.
I’m a big fan of your blog! Especially posts like this. I’m currently going recovering from a difficult ankle injury, and it’s SO motivating to see someone come out on the other side. Your blog has also helped me adjust my eating habits to make up for my inactivity, and inspired me to start my own blog about my recovery. Feel free to check it out: http://marygoround-mary.blogspot.com/
I understand you on the wearing comfy shoes thing! I had a bunionectomy (I’m pretty sure that’s a word..) in 2007 at the age of 20 and was told to never wear heels again (or run distances, but that rule is a bit harder to follow for some reason). I love flats, but sometimes feel like I am judged for my grandma-type shoes. I have decided that if the people judging my footwear choice had my feet they would understand, so I don’t really care what people say or think any more.
Also, I would have never guessed those were Uggs – they are way too cute! Too bad we get enough cold weather in Texas to wear boots like that for about 2 days without sweating. Oh well, I still have my cowboy boots!
Darn They don’t have my size…..I’mm 22 years old and have a size 2 in kids!!! lol So hard finding womanly shoes without iCarly or Hannah Montana on them haha
I wondered where you got those cute boots from when I saw them in your previous post! What an awesome birthday gift! I have a hard time shopping for boots too because of my calves. They need to start making more boots for people with muscles!
kath! the video is adorable. what editing program did you use?!!
Thanks! Windows Live Movie Maker
Excellent video!! The bears are my favorite stars
and my, what lovely voices they have!
Which style Uggs are those?
See link in comments above ^
hello Kath, i was googling about the foot problem you have because i have been living with the same condition and have been trying to find out inforation on any procedures to “Un-fuse” my fused feet. i have been living with the pain for as long as i can remember and we found out i had both ankles have been fused which is super duper rare. We found out 16yrs. ago and back then my parents were consurned with the procedures. I live with terrible pain everyday but basically taught to put the pain behind me and live my life. i was wondering if you had any information on your procedures you had and doctors names. it would be greatly appreciated. And i tell people i basically should have been born with sneakers on because i live in them. From the time i wake up till the time i go to bed, in am always in running shoes for comfort! So the website about the comfy shoes was awesome. thanks Lindsey
Hey Lindsey,
I had my sub-talar joint unfused in 2005 at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC by Dr. Easley. As you see above, it was not a piece of cake, but it was a big success. I have ran a half marathon since! My foot no longer has arthritis and my joint feels great. My tendons still get stiff and do weird things, but I think that’s more a result of the surgery and not a real problem. I’m sorry to hear you have both joints fused – I would recommend doing only one a a time!
Best,
Kath