Yeah, that’s probably a crazy thing to do, especially having never worn Jambu shoes before. Of course, I had tried them on…(my first pair were too tight – so I exchanged them for the next size). I’d also pre-stretched them in the spots that typically bother me with new shoes (the big toe), but other than that I hadn’t worn them.
It was cold and damp, and I’d put on a fairly thick pair of knee socks (it’s December in Bavaria). While our trip on the Danube River was cold, this was our first really damp day. I thought for certain it would snow. It didn’t. It drizzled and sprinkled, and never really got wet enough to call it rain, which was good as I didn’t have an umbrella or boots once we left the ship.
First you need to know
I have an ambulatory disability. What that means is….after seven knee surgeries (and a flexion contracture) I walk with a limp. Most people don’t notice it, but I do. I’ve worked long and hard to correct my gait so that it’s not noticeable. That being said, I have to be very careful about the shoes that I wear. I’m lucky to be walking at all, and while you’ve seen me in heels, it’s generally only when I’m going to an event where I’ll be sitting. I need good comfortable shoes on my feet!!!
Second
You’ll almost never see me in sneakers. I hate them. After my accident, when I was learning to walk I had a pair of sneakers….one side had a 1½ inch LIFT the other flat. It was awkward, embarrassing, and downright ugly. Because there was a question as to whether I’d actually ever walk again, I had no choice. I vowed that sneakers would NOT be a part of my wardrobe once I conquered the art of walking again.
Issues
If my shoes and feet aren’t comfortable, AND they are not supporting my knee well, I can only walk/stand for about a 20 minute stretch comfortably before I have to sit down (the same goes for sitting – only 20 min before I have to stand because of the pressure on my hips/back as a result of the knee injury). Yes, this is limiting for a travel writer, who LOVES to explore. Yes, I’ve put up with burning joints and not being able to get out of bed the next day.
JAMBU
I was sent two pair of Jambu shoes for my trip. One to explore the cities in, and a second pair for “dress.” My cousin and traveling partner Susie wears clogs all of the time, so Jambu sent her a pair that would easily carry her from day to night.
Still, while I want shoes that are comfy, I also need them to look good. I chose two pair that I I can wear either of them with a pair of jeans or a skirt (although those red Brooks are cute with a dress).
1. Jambu Sloane
2. Jambu Brooks
Susie: Jambu Bali
Budapest
Susie and I set out to explore the Christmas Market in Budapest. It was a large one and we had already been walking ALL DAY LONG on a tour of the city. My back hurt before I even started. Susie had put on her new black on black Bali clogs. I hadn’t even realized that they were her new Jambu’s as she never mentioned that’s what she had on her feet until later on in the evening. I put on my Sloanes. I was ready to take on whatever one of the largest cities in the European Union could dish out.
The Fit
As I said earlier, my feet are BAD. I have a high instep, a bunion (gross…huh), and because of my knee issue I lunge a bit and my foot pronates when I walk. TMI? I need comfort. After choosing a bootie that didn’t quite fit right (I should have known better), I ended up with a pair of Brooks and a pair of Sloanes, because I really like a Mary Jane styling and was secretly hoping that they’d fit and look good. The Sloanes tend to run a bit on the snug side (a bit narrower than I’m used to). If you’re in between sizes or have a medium or wider foot, I suggest going up a ½ size (both Susie and I found that to be true). Better yet, find a LOCATION from their “Find a Store” search that carries them and get fit! In retrospect, I wish that I had done that (there are four stores near me).
Comfort
Sloanes – This is where my new Jambu’s RULE. While the upper is a Mary-Jane looking suede shoe, it’s what’s inside that counts. I slipped them on and instantly realized that the bed of the shoe is made of memory foam…..wonderful, comfortable, pillow like memory foam. I sleep on a memory foam bed, but this was my first experience having the wonderful cushions supporting my feet. Heavenly! Add to that an arch that hit in the perfect spot, and a shoe back supple enough so that blisters wouldn’t form and I knew that I’d be able to take on this World Heritage Site with no issues.
Meandering
Cobblestones are not easy to maneuver even when your gait is normal, so I need to have plenty of all-terrain traction! Luckily my Sloanes came through, allowing me to have secure footing, even on the uneven streets. I never once felt as though I might slip or not have a good grasp of the street below my feet. The shoe flexed and gave with me, and even though it was cold out, the material kept my feet toasty warm. I walked up and down through the stalls, visiting not one but TWO large Christmas Markets, as well as doing a little regular shopping along the way. Budapest is one of Europe’s largest city, and we explored and explored. I noticed that after a day of walking around, that my feet still felt good.
After hours and hours of walking
I took a break and it was then that it hit me that we had walked for over 6 hours, and I hadn’t gotten a single blister, my feet felt good, but yes…I was tired.
I finally sat down and put my feet up….
As a travel writer, I’ve been looking for shoes that would handle exploring a destination and still look good with a skirt. Not only are the Jambu Sloane’s CUTE, but they gave me the support and comfort that I need to walk all day long. Luckily, it didn’t pour, but if it had, I had the extra security of knowing that Jambu shoes are not only water ready (they dry quickly due to water drainage ports), but they also have models that are waterproof &/or water resistant.
You’ll be seeing more of my Jambu’s soon, as I kicked off the Sloane’s and put on a pair of Brooks to go out to dinner in. I’ll bring you more about them soon!!
Karen says
I have had several pairs of Jambu shoes, and they have quickly become my favorites. One pair of sandals have been through two years of wear, even in winter with wool socks, and still look and feel great.
Zipporah Sandler says
Karen, this was my FIRST time wearing them and I’m a convert now. Comfort, comfort, comfort!