A couple of years ago, I stopped to let a fast-moving pedestrian cross the street.  I happened to notice she appeared to have quite a bit of “pep” in her step.  I looked down and saw the most unusual shoes I had ever seen…with springs in the heels!  As someone with limited mobility who has difficulty with long periods on my feet, I was intrigued at the time but forgot about them by the time I reached my destination.

Recently, I tried my first pair of shoes from J. Rubio.  I got style 118, clogs in saddle-brown.  What I like about the clog style is that the buckle strap pivots, so that it can serve to support behind the heel, making it ideal for someone less steady on their feet, or one who works in an environment (like a hospital) where a slip-on shoe is inappropriate.  (And, yes, they come in white).

I wasn’t sure quite what to expect, but as soon as I slipped them on my feet I knew they were different from any other shoes I had ever tried.  I could definitely tell I was on a spring.  The sensation was ever so subtle, but it didn’t feel awkward or unsafe.  Just…a bit…boingy.  I felt like I was walking on air.  I actually giggled out loud!  When I took the shoes off, I even got that brief sensation one gets when stepping off a trampoline…like the ground is just so much harder and less forgiving. 

OK, admittedly, the shoes aren’t exactly…sexy.  But they’re made for comfort, and by those standards they do their job extremely well.  Manufactured by a small company in Elche, Alicante, Spain, the shoes feature a thick pine wood base which adds quite a bit of height (a bonus for shorties like me).  The anatomic insole is made of very thick, dense padding, making the shoe extremely comfortable.  Thick leather is stapled to the wooden base, rather than glued, so these shoes are made to last a while.  They finish the shoe with a non-slip sole.  One caveat: the bottom of the shoe, being made of wood,  is very flat and unyielding.  For this reason, they are most suited to the nice flat surfaces of the Standard American Shopping Mall, rather than the ancient cobblestone streets of Rome, which I discovered the hard way.

I have since acquired a pair of navy sandals, in style 2101, consistently their most popular style for the last 20 years. I love them so much I had to recommend them to my mother, who was impressed enough to immediately order more.  My next pair is going to have to be the 2103 sandal, just because I think it looks the coolest for summer.  And I love red. 

The US distributor is a one-woman operation based in Florida, but Laurel ships to the US, Canada, and Australia.  Take heed of the sizing recommendations on the website.  These shoes tend to run small, so they recommend you adjust your size up.  Normally comfortable in a European 39, I found a J. Rubio size 40 to be the perfect fit. 

I don’t make a habit of recommending products unless I fully believe in them.  For quality and comfort, I offer my highest recommendation for J. Rubio.  But you don’t have to take just my word for it…check out the page of fabulous testimonials too.  (Ed. Note: this is not a paid endorsement and I get no commissions…I just really believe in these shoes and want to spread the word).

Put a spring in YOUR step!