I still remember my first pair of NAOT sandals. I was in high school. Young, idealistic, and certain that comfort and style couldn’t coexist. Back then, fashion often came with a price, and for me, that price was sore feet after walking around all day in platforms or clogs that looked better than they felt. Then came NAOT. It was the 60s and I was a hippie chick, and Naot’s were always the brand of choice for those in the know.
They were simple yet beautiful, with soft leather straps that molded perfectly to my feet. I wore them to class, to the beach, and eventually—because they just worked with jeans and flowy skirts during my college years. Over the decades (yes, decades), I’ve worn countless pairs of NAOT shoes and sandals. I’ve broken them in on cobblestone streets in Europe, slipped them on for errands around Florida, and packed them for nearly every adventure I’ve taken.
I’m in my 70s now, and I can honestly say: few brands have stood the test of time in my wardrobe the way NAOT has.
But beyond their comfort, craftsmanship, and enduring style, what’s kept me loyal to NAOT all these years is that they’re a brand with heart—a company that truly cares.
A Brand That Walks the Walk
NAOT has always stood out to me for the way it combines beauty with purpose. Their shoes aren’t just designed for walking; they’re designed for living. They mold to your feet, offering that podiatrist-approved support that feels like they were custom-made. Over the years, they’ve evolved with the times—adding modern designs, trend-forward details, and new colors—but what’s remained constant is their integrity.
And now, they’re taking that same integrity and turning it toward a cause that touches so many lives: the fight against breast cancer. For those who follow me, you know that my mom passed away from breast cancer when she was only 55 years old. She only got to spend 2 years with my son and would be so proud of him (and my grandson, her great-grandson) if she were here today. So, breast cancer detection and education is extremely important to me..
I loe what NAOT is doing. For every pair of their Canoe Boot in Pink Nubuck sold on NAOT.com, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to help fund early detection, education, and support services.
I’ve seen and experienced first hand the ripple effect it creates in families and communities, so this hits close to home. One in eight women will face breast cancer in her lifetime. One in eight. It’s not just a statistic. It’s my 9our) mother, our daughters, our sisters, our friends. It’s all of us, standing together.
Why It Matters
The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is rooted in hope. Hope through early detection, through education, and through support for those who need it most. They’re there to ensure that no one faces this diagnosis alone. That’s something I can stand behind both literally and figuratively.
NAOT’s decision to partner with NBCF isn’t just a marketing move. It’s a reflection of who they are as a company: compassionate, community-driven, and grounded in a belief that small steps can create big change. The brand’s message says it best: When one is affected, we all stand together.
And that’s what I love about this campaign. It’s not about pink for pink’s sake. It’s about standing tall for women everywhere.
Meet the Canoe Boot: Comfort with a Cause
Let’s talk about the boot itself because, honestly, it’s gorgeous. The Canoe Boot in Pink Nubuck is everything I’ve come to expect from NAOT—crafted with intention, built to last, and made to make you feel good.
It’s the kind of boot that feels at home with jeans and a cozy sweater as it does with a dress and tights. The 1.5-inch polyurethane lug sole adds just the right amount of edge without sacrificing comfort, while the classic lace-up silhouette gives it a timeless look.
Inside, it features NAOT’s signature removable cork and latex footbed, designed to mold to your foot’s shape over time. It’s like a supportive hug for your soles, one that actually gets better with age (something I can relate to at 71). Orthotic-friendly and built for long days on your feet, it’s proof that comfort and style can—and should—coexist.
And that Pink Nubuck? It’s more than a color. It’s a statement of strength, resilience, and solidarity. Every time you lace them up, you’re not just putting on a beautiful pair of boots, you’re joining a movement.
Growing Is in Their Nature
What makes NAOT special runs far deeper than their designs or materials, it’s in their roots.
From a one-room workshop on the Israeli Kibbutz Naot Mordechai to a worldwide brand and a way of life, NAOT’s story began back in 1942 when the members of a small collective farming community in Israel’s Hula Valley began making shoes. What started as a modest operation quickly grew into a movement that celebrated craftsmanship, comfort, and individuality.
Today, NAOT continues to handcraft some of the world’s most comfortable and beautifully designed shoes, letting people express their true selves and walk with self-confidence. The company’s ethos is simple but powerful: individual expression makes the world a more interesting and better place.
And their uniquely engineered insoles are made from natural cork and latex and lined with supple suede, these insoles create a flexible, shock-absorbing base of superior support. They’re designed to replicate the natural shape of your foot, capturing its structure and essence for personalized comfort that lasts for years.
It’s no wonder that slipping into a pair of NAOTs feels like I remember them back in the 70s.
These are my NAOT booties that I wear all winter long!
Why I’ll Always Choose Brands Like This
As someone who’s been in the world long enough to watch trends come and go, I’ve learned to invest in brands that invest back in their communities, in their people, in the planet.
NAOT has always been one of those brands. They’re known not only for their quality but for their ethical production and social responsibility. Their shoes are made by skilled artisans who take pride in every stitch and seam. When you buy a pair, you’re not supporting a faceless corporation you’re supporting craftsmanship, care, and a culture that believes in giving back.
That’s what keeps me coming back. It’s what makes me proud to wear NAOT, knowing that my purchase carries meaning beyond my closet. And in this case, it carries hope for women who need it most.
A Step Toward Something Bigger
I think a lot about legacy these days. About what we leave behind and the impact of our choices. When I choose what to wear, it’s about more than fashion—it’s about alignment. Does this brand represent something good? Does it stand for something that matters?
NAOT does.
So yes, I’ll keep slipping on my NAOT sandals for beach days and slipping into my NAOT for crisp Florida mornings. I’ll keep supporting the brands that put their money—and their hearts—where their mouth is. Because when I look down at my feet and see that soft blush leather, I’m reminded that style and compassion don’t have to be separate.
Sometimes, the best fashion statement you can make is the one that helps someone else stand a little taller.
Walking Forward
There’s something beautiful about the fact that after all these years, I’m still wearing a brand I fell in love with as a teenager—but now for even deeper reasons. What began as a love affair with comfort has evolved into an appreciation for conscience.
NAOT’s partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation is a reminder that small steps—like buying a pair of boots—can add up to something much bigger. It’s proof that we can make a difference just by being thoughtful about where we spend our money and what we choose to stand for.
So, as I slide my feet into my new Canoe Boots this fall, I’ll be thinking of every woman who’s walked this journey, every survivor who continues to inspire us, and every loved one we’ve lost along the way. And I’ll be grateful—for the comfort beneath my feet, the cause I’m supporting, and the reminder that no matter our age, there’s always a way to stand up for what matters.
Because for me, fashion has always been about expression—but it’s even better when it’s about compassion. And that’s exactly what NAOT represents.
- To learn more or shop the Canoe Boot in Pink Nubuck, visit NAOT.com. A portion of proceeds from each sale supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s efforts in early detection, education, and patient support.
