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UGG Australia
The roots of UGG Australia can be traced back to the sandy beaches of Byron Bay, where Australian surfers began wearing sheepskin footwear for warmth between sessions. Located on the eastern edge of the Australian continent, Byron Bay carves out a crescent of clear blue water that is separated into wonderful natural surf breaks with names like The Pass, Wategos, and Cosy Corner. In the late 1960’s and early 70’s surfers first discovered these breaks and came in small bands to ride the unique waves. They would stay for weeks on end, and during these stays, many looked for ways to keep their feet warm and dry. Because of an abundance of sheepskin in Australia, the surfers often turned to hand-made basic sheepskin “footies” for natural warmth, comfort and to wick away moisture. It was here that the foundation was laid for a brand that would later become a worldwide phenomenon.
In 1978, Brian Smith landed in Southern California with a bag of sheepskin boots and hope. He fell in love with the sheepskin experience and was convinced the world would one day share this love. The beaches of Southern California had long been an epicenter of a relaxed, casual lifestyle, a lifestyle that Brian felt was a perfect fit for his brand. So he founded the UGG brand, began selling his sheepskin boots and they were an immediate sensation. By the mid 1980’s, the UGG brand became a symbol of relaxed southern California culture, gaining momentum through surf shops and other shops up and down the coast of California, from San Diego to Santa Cruz. UGG boots reached beyond the beach, popping up in big cities and small towns all over, and in every level of society. Girls wore their surfer boyfriend’s pair of UGG boots like a letterman jacket. When winter came along, UGG boots were in ski shops and were seen in lodges from Mammoth to Aspen. The UGG brand began to symbolize those who embraced sport and a relaxed, active lifestyle. More than that, an emotional connection and a true feeling of love began to grow for UGG boots, just as Brian had envisioned. People didn’t just like wearing UGG boots, they fell in love with them and literally could not take them off. By the end of the 90’s, celebrities and those in the fashion world took notice of the UGG brand. A cultural shift occurred as well – people were embracing, and feeling empowered, by living a more casual lifestyle and UGG became one of the symbols of this lifestyle. By 2000, a love that began on the beaches had become an icon of casual style. It was at this time that the love for UGG grew in the east, over the Rockies and in Chicago. In 2000, UGG Sheepskin boots were first featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things® and Oprah emphatically declared that she “LOOOOOVES her UGG boots.” From that point on, the world began to notice.
Breaking into the New York fashion world is no easy task. But by the early 2000′s, UGG Australia began to take it by storm. The evolution of UGG from a brand that made sheepskin boots, slippers, clogs and sandals for an active, outdoor lifestyle to a brand that was now being touted as a symbol of a stylish, casual and luxurious lifestyle was swift. Much of this was due to a brand repositioning effort that transformed UGG into a high-end luxury footwear maker. As a fashion brand, UGG advertisements now graced the pages of Vogue Magazine as well as other fashion books. In the mid 2000′s, the desire for premium casual fashion was popping up all over the world and UGG was now perfectly aligned with this movement. Fueled by celebrities from coast to coast wearing UGG boots and slippers on their downtime, an entirely new era of fashion was carved out. As a result, the desire and love for UGG increased as people wanted to go deeper into this relaxed UGG experience. UGG began offering numerous color and style variations on their sheepskin boots and slippers. Cold weather boots and leather casuals were added with great success. What started as a niche item, UGG sheepskin boots were now a must-have staple in everyone’s wardrobe. More UGG collections followed, showcasing everything from knit boots to sneakers to wedges, all the while maintaining that luxurious feel UGG is known for all over the world. UGG products were now seen on runways and in fashion shoots from coast to coast. Before long, the love spread even further.
When the New York fashion community notices your brand, the world soon follows. The widespread love for UGG extended to Europe in the mid-2000’s along with the stylish casual movement and demand for premium casual fashion. UGG boots and shoes were now seen walking the streets of London, Paris and Amsterdam with regularity. To meet the rising demand from new fans, UGG opened flagship stores in the UK and an additional location in Moscow. As the love spread farther East, concept stores were opened in Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo. UGG Australia is now an international brand that is loved by all. This love is a result of a magical combination of the amazing functional benefits of sheepskin and the heightened emotional feeling you get when you slip them on your feet. In short, you just feel better all over when you wear UGG boots and shoes. In 2011, UGG will go back to its roots and focus on bringing the active men that brought the brand to life back with new styles allowing them to love the brand again as well. Partnering with Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP Tom Brady, UGG will invite even more men to feel the love the rest of the world knows so well. UGG will also step into the world of high fashion with UGG Collection. The UGG Collection fuses the timeless craft of Italian shoemaking with the reliable magic of sheepskin, bringing the luxurious feel of UGG to high end fashion. As the love for UGG continues to spread across the world, we have continued to offer new and unexpected ways to experience the brand. The UGG journey continues on and the love for UGG continues to spread.
OUR MATERIAL
The UGG Australia story begins with one magical material, sheepskin. The mastery of this distinctive material in the fine craft of boot and shoemaking is deeply ingrained in our rich history, it’s what defines us. By fashioning boots, shoes, sandals, apparel and accessories using the finest available sheepskins, we deliver a luxurious comfort that is truly one of a kind, escapes words and cannot be equaled by any ordinary material.
We only select the highest quality Twinface sheepskin available which we truly believe is the perfect material. No other material so naturally keeps your feet cool and warm at the same time. Or, for that matter, is able to bring together cozy and cutting edge in a single pair. Once you have experienced this wondrous material, you’ll understand why you have to feel it to believe it.
QUALITY + CRAFTSMANSHIP
UGG Australia uses only the finest, most luxurious Twinface sheepskin in the world. Only Grade-A, Twinface sheepskin which is luxuriously soft, dense and malleable need apply. We put each sheepskin through an extensive process to ensure it will provide the signature UGG experience. Both sides of the Twinface are thoroughly examined as each pair of boots requires a large swath of material and even the slightest blemish will be cause for exclusion. We look for uniformity and a flawless, fine-grained texture with no visible defects. On the wool side there has to be an even “stand up” thickness across the entire piece. At six different points in our process we select, re-select and select again against these criteria ensuring only the highest quality sheepskin make it through. The final product is a finished piece of sheepskin worthy of the UGG Australia name.
Bringing out the best in shearling isn’t something that just anyone can do. For over 30 years, UGG has worked with, tested, improved and pushed the limits of this amazing material, and through this, has done more with it than any other designer. Our design team believes in the durability, comfort and style inherent in every piece of sheepskin. Designing and crafting footwear in sheepskin takes a patience and creativity unknown to working with other materials but the results are a distinct style that suits both a casual weekend as well as the runways.
Shop our selection of UGG Australia products here.
The Frye Company
About The Frye Company
Founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. Mr. Frye ran the business for nearly 50 years and after his death in 1911, his family continued to run the business until 1945.
Frye’s footwear has a long and illustrious history…
When homesteading sparked adventurous New England families to head West in the mid and late 1800s, many of those pioneers wore Frye boots along the journey.
Frye’s Harness Boot is rooted in tradition and continues to draw inspiration from the American Cavalry. During a 1938 trip to Washington, D.C., John A. Frye’s grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who noted his difficulty in finding the Wellington styles he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill these requests for boots through World War II.
By mail order, the company supplied thousands of servicemen with Frye Wellingtons, known as Jet Boots. Our boots traveled the world on the feet of American soldiers during the war — even General Patton wore a pair. Today our classic Harness Boot holds a treasured place in American culture, its has been featured in international fashion spreads, and enjoys strong sales all over the world.
In the 1960s, Frye re-introduced the Campus Boot based on its original 1860s original. The style featured a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to epitomize the attitude and the styles of the 60s and 70s. There was nothing like these “new” Frye boots on the market, and consumers began to demand “Original Fryes.” The Smithsonian Institute, in its search for items to best represent America during the Sixties, chose a pair of Fryes that proudly remain on display today.
The Frye brand remains true to its heritage and vintage American roots with finely crafted, fashionable boots, shoes and leather goods featuring rich leathers and quality hardware.
Dedicated to Quality Craftsmanship
The very first pair of Frye Boots was benchcrafted in 1863. What made them America’s best footwear back then still holds true as Frye’s quality is timeless. For almost 150 years, our leather products have continued to be benchcrafted from the finest full grain leather uppers with genuine leather and premium rubber soles. With our steadfast commitment and painstaking attention to detail, it takes more than 190 steps to make one pair of Frye boots.
Frye’s styles are timeless: From our heritage boots to newer styles that grow into old Frye classics, the look is ageless. From casual to dress to work, Frye offers something for everyone to be enjoyed over time. And what could be cuter than our Small Frye Collection?
Frye footwear can be seen equally on the streets of America’s bustling cities and towns, as well as on the feet of countless celebrities and in fashion magazines every month in the U.S. and abroad. A respected part of Americana, Frye proudly continues to hold an esteemed place in the forefront of American style.
Browse our selection of Fryes here.
Ahnu
Jenny Fredericks and Jacqueline Van Dine – friends, mothers, athletes and industry veterans who share a work hard/play hard philosophy. Preferring trails over treadmills, they enjoy outside activities with friends and family as a way to unwind from life’s demands.
Unfortunately the outdoor industry offers only bulky and banal footwear that compromises their sense of style. They yearned for active products that made you look as good as you feel, and feel as good as you look.
Joined by Jim Van Dine, the three founders combined their passions by engineering performance shoes with modern organic aesthetics, on-trend designs and sleek, vibrant colors. By making “outdoor” more accessible, just as fun and a little less “agro,” they hope to inspire life of nature sufficiency.
With careful and intentional choices, they found a balance between fitness and fashion, performance and aesthetics, profit and philanthropy, and work and play. It was only fitting that they named their company after the Celtic goddess of balance between well being and prosperity.
Ahnu. Walk new ground.
Product Philosophy
Our product goal is to achieve uncompromising footwear performance. We work with leading biomechanists, designers and athletes to develop footwear that will provide the appropriate balance of traction, grip, flexibility, cushioning and durability for a variety of outdoor activities whether on trails, beaches or sidewalks.
Ahnu pioneered Numentum Technology; a neutral positioning system engineered to encourage your foot’s natural biomechanics. It is designed to center and guide the foot to promote an efficient, stable and balanced stride.
From our factory standards, to the use of certified post-consumer recycled fibers in our catalogs and packaging, our commitment is visible throughout all aspects of our brand.
Inspiration
At Ahnu we believe that collaboration inspires innovation and vice versa; and it shows in our teamwork and our products. We are a small team that works together, plays together and thrives on shared inspiration. That philosophy improves our results and adds to the fun.
We also draw inspiration from our company name. “Ahnu” derives from the goddess of balance and well-being in Celtic mythology. The choice is both deliberate and appropriate, as we balance work and play, as well as business goals with social and environmental responsibility.
Browse our selection of Ahnu shoes here.
Sorel
Born from the desire to make a boot that would deliver explorers comfortably into the beauty of the great unknown, SOREL has been creating footwear for the fearless since 1962. As we forge forward from the frozen tundra into city streets, we translate the stunning landscapes that inspired our founders into a new generation of footwear that is fashionably bold, unapologetically daring and beautifully brave. Luxurious materials and flawless construction are brought to life by designs that challenge, invigorate and surprise. From sweet sneakers for sultry summer days to boots that turn heads while taking on the tundra, SOREL inspires fashion-forward feet for every season.
Browse our selection of Sorel shoes here.
Find your Haflinger Size
Haflinger footwear is made in European sizes. The chart below reflects the calculated
size conversions. For larger women’s sizes, order men’s sizes.
Haflinger-size-chart
Meet The VIVOBAREFOOT Brand!
In 2004 VIVOBAREFOOT launched and became the first minimalist shoe with a patented, ultra thin puncture resistant sole that offers maximum sensory feedback and maximum protection.
What is the idea behind the VIVOBAREFOOT revolution?
70% of your brain’s information for movement comes from the nerves on the soles of your feet. The more you can feel the ground, the greater your body’s understanding of its surroundings and natural movement.
In 2010, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Harvard University, both released studies which show support that barefoot running reduces injuries, reserves energy, and improves technique.
As scientific support for barefoot health grows, so does demand for VIVOBAREFOOT and thus, the collection features the most comprehensive line of minimalist shoes on the market. The VIVOBAREFOOT difference is in the sole. We make a series of constructions specifically designed for varying elements, terrains, and activities. From high performance off-road and trail running shoes, to work and kids shoes, VIVOBAREFOOT offers a total lifestyle solution for the whole family and options for transitioning from walking to sports.
VIVOBAREFOOT footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials, with efficient and eco-friendly production techniques, in independently monitored ethical factories. Sustainable yes, it must also be comfortable and durable in quality and style.
What are the benefits of wearing VIVOBAREFOOT?
Strength
While naturally strengthening the muscles in your feet, you are also exercising calves, thighs, gluts, the lower back and abdomen, increasing your core strength.
Alignment
As our posture naturally improves, we lessen impact on our knees and hips.
Stimulation
By increasing sensation to all 200,000 nerve endings in your feet, you enhance sensory perception and improve circulation.
Protection
Our patented, puncture resistant sole allows all the benefits of barefoot, with all the protection of normal shoes.
Features
VIVOBAREFOOT additional features:
- Natural leather uppers
- Vegan options available
- Non sweat shop production (independently monitored)
- Recycled, sweat absorbing and antibacterial shoe liner
- Breathable, removable and washable footbed
- Anatomically aligned to the axis of the foot, allowing toes to move; vital for correct foot function.
- Lightweight, flexible design promotes natural, development of all muscle groups in the foot, leading to strong, healthy feet and ankles.
Shop our selection of VIVOBAREFOOT here.
Treksta
A different kind of shoe company.
When we decided to build shoes we made the conscious choice to follow our own path. We looked long and hard at how shoes were made and saw ways we could do it better.
Shoes should not inhibit you, whether on the trail or in the office. We set out to develop new technologies that enhance your experience, and also leave your feet less fatigued and ready to do it all again tomorrow. Over the years we’ve combined things like our proprietary HyperGrip and IceLock compounds with the best from trusted companies like Gore-Tex and BOA to bring you functionality that lasts.
And we didn’t stop there. We studied the shoe manufacturing process and set out to revolutionize it. By scanning thousands of feet we’ve created a last that… believe this… actually mimics the human foot, and NestFIT was born. With NestFIT your feet have finally found freedom and true comfort, no matter where the day takes you.
Slip into a pair of TrekStas and let your feet be the judge.
The 3D NestFIT last mimics the human foot.
Unnecessary gaps are filled and extra space is allowed in the places your feet need it most. Upper, insole, midsole, and outsole work together in unison to provide unrivaled comfort. Variable density EVA & PU in the insole and midsole offer both cushion and support.
UPPER
The upper is built around a last designed by measuring the curves and contours of 20,000 different feet. The last mirrors the contact points of the leading portion of the big toe, the curve along the other four toes and the indentation of the arch and instep.
LAST
The NestFIT last is designed to account for every contour of the human foot, eliminating unnecessary gaps and pressure points.
INSOLE
The insole matches the curves and contours of the bottom of the foot, eliminating gaps for unmatched comfort. Three different densities of EVA polymer give the correct amount of support to each area of the foot.
MIDSOLE
The variable density midsole compliments the insole to give you that “walking on a cloud” feeling.
OUTSOLE
The top of the outsole matches the midsole rubber profile for a seamless supportive whole. The slight heel and forefoot “rocker” eases the impact of the initial foot “strike: and suppers the natural progression of the step.
All-year indoor comfort and outdoor protection. Extremely breathable to prevent feet from overheating. Optimum heat conductivity and excellent moisture management ensure all-day climate comfort inside the shoe. Durable waterproof protection stops moisture from seeping in.
Tightness can be fine tuned by dialing in perfect closure force. The Elongated Lace Guides™ provide perfectly distributed closure force across the eyestays. Low friction and the Elongated Lace Guides™ combine to eliminate pressure points and provides a unique glove like fit. Closure is solid. It can’t loosen up or come untied. No more lose shoelace ends. Special Boa laces wind up inside the reel.
TrekSta footwear with IceLock offers the best traction available on ice and snow. Micro-glass filaments are electrostatically aligned in the rubber compound of the sole creating slip-stopping surface tension. The vertically-aligned filaments will be exposed for the life of the sole, ensuring a solid grip as they wear.
Superior traction on dry and wet surfaces. Exceedingly wear resistant. Strong and stable, light and tough. Won’t degrade or discolor.
Browse our selection of Treksta shoes here.
Introducing Cushe!
Dardano’s is now a proud retailer of the brand Cushe!
Cushe®, (pronounced ‘Cushy’) was born in the summer of 2004. A brand conceived by a group of footwear designers and enthusiasts, we are an independently thinking, design led footwear brand, based in the UK, offering unique and exciting footwear choices for a dynamic, inspired and confident generation. The Cushe name reflects a way of life that we as a team aspire to and we spend every day refining our art to deliver only the type of shoes that we love to wear ourselves.
Cushe was set up as a direct response to the global brands that dominate the lifestyle footwear market. Our aim is to make something a bit different, unique and set apart from the masses, challenging the boundaries of footwear design rather than following trends set by others.
Ever mindful of the increasing work hours and stress levels of modern living, we strive to create shoes for a lifestyle that is independent and individual, with the freedom to do things our own way, at our own pace. That’s the theory anyway, and we design our shoes with this ideal in mind.
We love detail – the little things you can and can’t see that make our product that extra bit unique and special. Because we have the know-how, we also utilize the latest manufacturing techniques, and the most innovative materials to make our shoes conform to your foot’s natural shape, ensuring comfort, protection and stability. Each shoe’s design is thought through, making sure that only the best components and constructions are used.
Season after season, we’ve strived to challenge our previous collection, to keep bringing fresh and exciting product to the table and we reckon we’ve once again set the bar even higher. Every shoe in our collection reflects the passion, commitment and enthusiasm of the Cushe team. We hope you love everything about our shoes. Go ahead and take a closer look.
Browse our selection of Cushe shoes here.
A family tradition since 1938
For over 70 years, it has been the tradition of the Dardano Family, to provide quality comfort footwear, expert repair services, and exceptional customer service, making Dardano’s Shoes your One-Stop Shoe Shop!
