Dear Santa: My Knees Hurt

{Stay tuned to the end for a giveaway!}

I buy cheap shoes.  I always have.  In fact, I've always been a little smug about people who shell out big bucks for shoes, because I couldn't imagine it was really worth it.

It's easy to have ideals when your knee joints are, you know, 22 years old. 

But then your knee (and hip and ankle) joints start the downhill slide toward 40.  Suddenly climbing the stairs generates more popping than Orville Redenbacher, and you start to wonder if those quality-shoe people were on to something to begin with. 

Let's just say I'm reconsidering my smug cheap-shoe buying. 

My husband has some KEEN shoes (these, in fact), and he swears they are all kinds of crazy comfortable.  My noisy knees and I suddenly have our sights set on these:

They're clogs.  And Mary Janes.  Two of my favorite features in a shoe.  They also have a "metatomical footbed for personalized comfort".  I have no idea what that means.  But I think my knees would like it.

Just in time for Christmas, the KEEN people have offered to give one lucky reader any pair of shoes from their website, absolutely free.  Your pick.  For real.

To enter to win, all you have to do is visit their site, browse around the KEEN site, come back here, and leave a comment saying which pair you think you'd pick.

Oh, and it's not a requirement, but if you want to, tell me your shoe-shopping philosophy.  Are super-frugal, or do you think that's one item worth paying up for?

I'll close down the comments on Tuesday morning, 12/16, and I'll draw a random winner then.  You must have a valid U.S. mailing address to win. 

Good luck!

*The comments are now closed.*

Comments

[Emily]

I would love to win this! Living in New York City is thrashing all my shoes and giving me all sorts of foot pains! I need some decent shoes. I'd pick the Winthrop boots, or the Charleston mary janes, I think!

[Stephanie]

This choice is tough! I'd probably pick the Wear Around MJs or Barcelona MJs. Both fit my style AND ease of slipping them on without have to tie one more set of laces!

...That is - if I actually ever paid anything above $15 for a pair of shoes. :-)

[Caroline]

I would love the women's ridgeline!

[Christina]

Oh I used to have that SAME philosophy until I met Dansko Professional clogs. They are my best friends with my feet. seriously.
But these KEEN shoes look lovely! Off to browse their website! thanks for keeping us in the know!

[Tracy]

I wish I could call myself frugal, but when it comes to shoe shopping, I'm just plain cheap!
I love the Trailhead San Sebastion shoes in blue.

[Sally]

Would love to win this! I'd love the Wear Around MJ because they're super-cute and I think I could get away with wearing them to work...yay for comfort & style. :-)

[Christa Bartlett]

I pay for shoes. I have back issues, and since I am pregnant with my fifth kid, and the ones I have daily with me are 6.5, 2.5, and 1.5 - well, we'll just say people have a lot of things to call me crazy for besides my expensive shoes.

I love my plum-colored KEEN mystics. I love my Born bowling-shoes shoes. And I'm rather fond of my ugly Crocs as houseshoes (not street shoes). And I have a pair of Born Mary Jane clogs that tickle my fancy. And my Nikes certainly aren't lonely. None of them are new - they are all old friends, since a pair of shoes that you actually pay for lasts for years and still looks good. My Mary Jane clogs are five years old and still cute and classic - so for a little polish and some elbow grease, I've gotten to enjoy them for about $18 per year. They have at least three more years in them, so my final cost will be about $10 per year. That's a whole lot better than spending $10 on cheap shoes every year and having my lower back on fire.

I'd get either the sagey Wasatch Crest, which would replace the Nike's or just look cute with jeans - or the Orion blue Calistoga Mary Janes, which would look great with most of my favorite summer skirts. The only thing that is stopping me from throwing them in the hypothetic cart and checking out is the price tag. The downside to paying big bucks for shoes is that they must always be a planned purchase.

[Christina]

Oh geesh, in my excitement, I forgot to mention my heart's desire... the Wear around Mary Janes look super cute and comfy! Comfort is number one in my book!

[Andi]

This is a great giveaway! I love the black Winthrop Boots. But, if pressed, I could also be talked into getting my husband a pair of Austins- he has a pair that he loves & have a lot of wear on them.

I got sold on more expensive shoes during my first pregnancy 4 years ago while living in New York City. I bought a pair of Born sandals & was sold on paying more for my shoes. I love Danskos & think they're well worth the money- especially their sandals. But, I don't buy a lot of shoes, so I don't mind spending more.

Thanks!

[Angela]

I think the Winterport shoe would be my pick as I walk all winter with my dog. The Winterport would be waterproof and warm. I already have a pair of tall waterproof boots so these would be perfect:)

Blessings!!

[Elizabeth]

I love the Winthrop clog. They look so comfy! And practical. Two of my favorite qualities in a shoe.

And my shoe philosophy is to buy better quality and spend more if you have to. No payless for me!

[lisa mickey]

This is so neat.. what a great idea.
Being frugal and living on one income , I could never justify spending this much on shoes :-) !
But you asked me to dream..
so I would pick the Winthrop boot.. in cordovan.. :-)

Thanks again for linking to the site.. who knows.. maybe some day ..
Merry Christ-mas..
Lis

[Erica M]

Oh, I know it would be worth it, considering my knee, back, and ankle problems, but I still can't seem to make myself pay for quality shoes. I'm just way too cheap!

I've picked the CALISTOGA in Black!!

[jenni]

I love the calistoga shoe, but also the Winthrop boot! Oh my they are all so cute, and they DO look comfortable.

I am a terrible, terrible miser when it comes to shoes. My feet are so ugly I don't think they deserve nice shoes, poor things.

Thanks for the chance to win, Shannon!

[Karen F.]

I'm all about the mary jane's . . . to die for!
And I'm a cheapo all the way. Maybe if I had money to splurge it would be on a pair of shoes . . . but since I don't have any moola . . . who knows?!

[Katrina]

I love the calistoga shoes! I would love to win these! I have hip problems and stand on my feet all day at work. these would be perfect!

[Abbi]

I like the charleston MJ or the Palermo MJ. My bunions would thank me for buying these. :)

[Anna]

I like the Calistoga shoes... I adore my Prada Mary Janes, but they're getting a little beat up after 5 years and I'm their 2nd owner.

I find that the more expensive shoes last much longer and smell less (if at all) but can't justify shelling out the big bucks for them. If I can snag them on clearance, then I'll do it.

[Ashley @ mrs007.net]

I like the one you have pictured, but I also love the Portola in Shitake. Plus I just like saying that :)

I am in between. I don't shop at Payless anymore because my feet hurt when I do, but I can't spend an arm and a leg because I would like to keep my SAHM status and I would like to keep my hubby!

[Inna]

I'd love the BARCELONA MJ.

[Christy]

The Charleston Mary Jane...too cute!

I LOVE shoes so I have a tendency to find many that I like! My philosophy is one can never have too many pairs!

[chandy]

I like the same ones you posted, the Berkeley. They look cute and comfy!

[Christi]

Ooohhh! I would LOVE the Winthrop boots. They are awesome! I don't know how practical they would be in Texas, but who loves practical anyway?!

[Karen]

I hate to be a copycat, but I like the Berkleys, too. I also like the Sienna Ballet flats. I like to wear skitrs, so I'd choose some that would look good with them.

I used to buy cheap shoes, but since being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I have been spending more on shoes that have good support in them. But sometimes I miss my Target shoes!!

[Rachel @ Twilight Journey]

the one in the picture is amazing. Please pick me.

[Kristen]

Very fun shoes! I think I'd pick the Palermo MJ. Good for keeping up with three young children!

[Amy@ Joy of my Heart]

Oh enter me in!!

I love the Market St's! Cute!! And they look so comfy!

[life with the wisners]

seriously. i mean, keen must have gotten hold of you and your pals. these giveaways for my FAVORITE shoes has me grinning from ear to ear.

my kid SO needs a new pair of targhees.

and my philosophy? these shoes rock. i shell out the big bucks for several pairs. and that's it.

[karissa]

I am loving the Mary Jane clogs also, they are so cute.

[Tami@ourhouse]

Fun! Barcelone MJ, or Sierra. I go both ways with the shoes. Cheap for trendy shoes and church shoes, better quality for my everyday shoes. i like Born and when I was pregant, Crocs saved my life.

[Becky Bost]

After dragging numerous boxes of Christmas items down from the attic and downstairs to the greatroom, my feet would love to have a pair of Keen Calistogas in Rum Raisin.

[fishie]

I totally used to be the frugal shoe shopper. Oh yes! But now... I am thinking I need to find myself a 'smart' pair of foot (and body) friendly shoes. I love the Venture Suede or even the cute NAPA for work.
I like this KEEN site... cool beans! Thanks for sharing !

[Amy @ Finer Things]

I'm generally a cheap shoes kind of girl, but I do try to buy quality tennis shoes... on sale, of course.

Love the look of the wasatch crest. That's my pick!

[pendy]

I'd love the Stockholm boot. Wow. I tend to buy inexpensive shoes but they MUST be comfortable. My favorite pair is a pricey (for me) clog from LLBean. However, I've had them for probably ten years, so that works out to less than .50 a month. :)

[melanie]

Winthrop clogs - so cute!

[Andy]

I learned the hard way that spending on shoes is a necessity for my knees after standing for hours at conference and conventions display booths. I normally drop some change for Rockports with their steel inserts for support but I'd be willing to convert to Keen if they work. I pair of Bison colored Richmonds look pretty good. Thanks for the introduction to this brand.

[Kathy]

I am cheap with shoes. I'm cheap with every thing I buy for me and would like to branch out but am afraid to spend the money and not like the expensive stuff any better then the cheap stuff. And then I'd be out the money. But something has to give and right now its my back!

I have issues!

I've now studied the "Keen" sight. I've never heard of them before. I was really excited by what I read and am anxious now to read some "testimonies".

Winning a pair might be just the thing to pull me over into the world where, as one of your commenters said, a world where shoes become friends.

My back would thank you.

[Junglewife]

The ones you picked are actually the ones I would pick, too! I love the clog/mary jane look! I think they're called Berkeley clogs... :-)

[Kathy]

OH MY! I forgot to put down the pair I'd like to try!

"Wintrop clog"

Slip on would be ideal and this one looks like it could take me from kitchen to carpool during Midwest winter with ease.

[Emily]

I think my favorites are the Palermo MJ's. I buy both cheap and not-so-cheap shoes depending on how often (and how long at a time) I think I'm going to wear them!

[Megan]

I've been to the doctor twice this year for feet issues. I need better shoes, but I just can't pay for them. I guess I need to start saving or something. Sell more tea wallets or something... I'd love this pair: The Palermo Mary Jane.

Crossing my fingers here!

[Cheryl]

Wow! I can only choose one. I'd have to go w/ the Ridgeline, because I'm on a running kick, but I love all the mary janes.
I'm pretty frugal, but if I can find good quality shoes on sale or clearance, I'd much rather buy something that's going to last and wear well!

[E]

yes, yes, I do need this! I choose Sienna Ballerina! I have rheumatoid arthritis (all over) but have bad feet, ankles and knees and if I don't spend decent $$ on my shoes, I just can't function!

[mombrud]

I am in desperate need of some new hiking shoes. We love to hike with our kids and my old shoes are shot. I would love Wasatch Crest WP in Shitake/Ruby Wine.
As for shoe shopping, I must be missing a chromosome because I HATE doing it and my hubby buys more shoes for me than I do. I guess part of the problem is that I need expensive shoes to get a good fit (I have weird feet) but can't stand to pay the money so I just don't!

[Kristin]

Oh, I love the sienna ballerina in coffee - adorable!

I have recently changed my philosophy, and have invested in better shoes. If you figure cost per wear, a $100 pair of shoes that you wear several times/week is a great value (and great for my back!)

My favorite brand is Privo by Clarks - I like to try them on at local stores to get a feel for the styles, then I go online and have been able to purchase them for HALF the price ("endless.com" is great)!

[Jane]

I really, really love the Berkeley clog.

[Mindy]

I would love the BERKELEY but in black. Very cute. I'm of the philosophy of cheap shoes but my sisters have got me convinced that good running shoes are essential. I do buy expensive athletic shoes.

[Jane @ What About Mom]

I'd get some snow boots for the Hubs. We've all got boots, but not him.

[Lori]

The Sydney II would be my choice.

My shoe-buying philosophy is: if they have a "W' after the size, are less than $20 and aren't ugly, then I will take them home. (I have wide, stinky feet so most shoes don't fit properly and I can't bear to spend a lot of money on shoes that will quickly become profoundly odoriferous.)

[crystal]

I like a lot of the styles, but I kept going back to the pink and gray Ridgeline. I could get so much use out of those!
I usually cheap out with shoes, but since I've started having back problems, I'm trying to go for quality. I pretty much live in athletic shoes since my chiropractor pretty much forbids me to wear flip flops!

[Phyllis Wilbanks]

I actually like the Berkley's you picked. Those MaryJane clogs are super cute. =)

[Jenn]

Ok, I'll bite - Shay Boot. They look comfy warm.

My philosophy, I can be mighty cheap most of the time, but there are a few things that it is worth spending the moola on. Shoes are one of them.

[mzzterry]

I choose the Wear Around MJ, In black. I have to have shoes that are good to my feet and my back...... I have MS, and it is important to my health, I learned this lesson the hard (painful) way!! I have never heard of this brand, they are very appealing to me, thank so much!

[Amy]

Oh, how I love the Berkeley! They are Mary Janes! And they have little daisy cutouts! What could be better! I wear size 11, so that limits my shoe budget considerably...since 11s are hard to find. I am pretty cheap, so I rarely spend more than $20 on shoes...but they had better be comfortable. (And, actually, I wear a 10.5, but that size doesn't exist...except that I just found that it does on the Keen site. Who knew!!! They may have just won a customer!!!)

[stacie]

The Pallermo MJ's are PERFECT for me!

I am a cheapie shoe buyer. My shoes I wear every day are super old too. :)

[Nicole @ Here's The Diehl]

I love the Ventura in brown!

I usually try to get good shoes, but at discount retailers like TJMaxx...

[Amber]

I would pick the Sydney II...I love Keen shoes, they last for ever and are great for painful feet! :D

[Alyson]

I LOVE the ones you posted, but I have so many clog type shoes I'd probably go for the same style but with the back (so the Mary Janes)... probably in brown. Those are so cute!!

I'm generally frugal in my shoes - buying at PayLess or Kohl's on sale (that's where I always get my running shoes), sometimes Target or WalMart.

[Mandy/Mommy Cracked]

I love the Market Street shoes! They look super comfortable.

I honestly didn't used to care about quality shoes until I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the ripe old age of 30. If I am going to be standing in them for any great length of time, then I have to have GOOD shoes.

[Kim]

Wow! Great shoes! I love the Calista in blue!
Thanks for the great contest!
Love your blog!

-Kim
www.foreverwherever.com

[Minnesotamom]

I used to be on the super-cheap bandwagon, but then realized that it didn't pay to have feet that hurt all the time to save a few 10s. So...now I try to buy quality (but if it's on sale it doesn't hurt!).

You know, I think I've picked a different shoe for every one of these dern giveaways, but I'm going to have to stick with the one you picked - the Berkeley. I just wish it came in a color!

[MooBeeMa]

I buy cheap shoes too and usually regret it. I need those mary janes that you are gonna get. I hope they have two pair!

[Judy S.]

Chamonix. Way cute

[Camille]

I would pick Sienna Ballerina in Port Royale. They look so cute and comfy!

And I have always bought my shoes at Payless because I can't afford good ones.

[karen]

Ooooohhh. My tootsies are begging you to draw my name! I need those great Shay boots, and I'd LOVE them in black. I don't have decent boots--haven't for about 6 years! Not smart, as I live in blustery Michigan!

I'm a cheapo when it comes to shoes. But then again, I have yet to hit 30. :)

[Katy]

I really like the Ventura Suede, but can't decide between the Pinecone or Midnight Navy.

I love shoes. I really do. But I have a tendency to be way too frugal and buy cheapie shoes that turn out to be not so comfortable. I always shop for sales, and occasionally end up with a great pair of shoes, but I am in sore need of a good pair of casual shoes right now. I'm still wearing a pair of New Balance tennis shoes that I bought when I was pregnant with my daughter, who turns 2 in January.

[Lizc]

I like the Palermo Mary Janes or the Sienna Ballerinas. I am a believer in good shoes! So while I would like to buy cheap shoes, I know that good shoe are better for my feet, my sore heels, and my achy joints!

[Condo Blues]

I like the beet red Jaspers! I have munchkin feet, so I have to buy kid's sizes. *sigh*

As for shoe shopping I follow the John Waters rule, "Nice girls don't wear cha-cha heels!" Guess who has a few pairs of cha-cha heels?

[Melinda]

You have some of the nicest giveaways. Thank you. I like the Calistoga, and the Palermo MJ, and the Barcelona MJ. My shoe philosophy? I don't think I have one.... They need to be comfortable and cute. I prefer cheaper, but sometimes my 32 year old knees need support. Oh, and I want to be able to wear the same shoe for work or play. :D

Thanks again for a great giveaway.
Hugs,
Melinda

[Michele]

I love the Calistoga Mary Janes! I am cheap, cheap, cheap when it comes to shoes! The cheaper they are, the more I can buy!

[Stonefox]

Wowser. I like the Saratoga II, the Calistoga, or the Sarasota. Seeing that I don't have a single pair of closed toe shoes, I'd probably go with the Calistoga.

I'm actually in the shoe shopping mode right now. Normally I go for cheap, but since being pregnant have learned that the extra support is worth it.

[Deb]

I have spent time on and off in the past 2 weeks trying on good shoes for winter. I generally buy a good pair of leather shoes about every 4 or 5 yrs but this time it has been longer because I can't find exactly what I am looking for. I love the Keen Calistoga style for this winter. I need a great pair of comfortable shoes. I work in a library and I am on my feet the whole time I am there, w/out a great pair of shoes my back is screaming at me by the time I get home.

[Sarah]

I think I would choose the magenta Sienna Balletflats. Maybe not the most practical color, but definitely pretty!

[anna]

oh my goodness, how I want to win. I've been wanting a pair of keen mary jane's for so long now! and when I went to check out their site, I fell in love with so many styles.

please pick me. please??!! :)

[Staci at Writing and Living]

I like the Wear-Around MJ.

My shoe philosophy? I'm a pharmacist. When I was in pharmacy school, an older and wiser pharmacist gave me this piece of advice: take care of your feet.

Standing on your feet for ten and twelve hours shifts will make the vainest of twenty-two-year-olds go out and buy SAS shoes. Ask me how I know.

[kelli]

I go for quality - but I use coupons and watch for online sales to get good shoes for less. It works! And I definitely pay the money for good, stable running shoes.

[Miranda]

I'd LOVE to win these! My current everyday shoes are starting to fall apart. The frugal side of me cringes spending so much on shoes!

The Palermo MJ's would be my pick!

bleucowgirl at hotmail dot com

[Laura]

I love Keen's new Wear Around Lace shoe! It's so funky casual, and socks are optional, which suits my lifestyle most def.

I splurge on shoes, good shoes, for my kids and myself. Your feet need to support your frame for a lifetime, so I want them not only to grow well but also continue to be well maintained. If you do a little research about it, you'd might be surprised by how closely the two-our feet and bone health-are related. Pamper those tootsies. They will love you for it.

[Diane]

Sienna MJ, look cute to slip into with jeans or chinos

[wolfprint]

I would have a tough time choosing between the Winthrop boot and the Winthrop clog. I'm a hard to fit kind of gal and have been partial to Borne's, but have always had my eye on Keen's as well. My hubby and I consider ourselves frugal, but we never, never skimp on shoes. We would prefer to buy one pair of comfortable, good shoes, every few years (yeah, they actually last that long) than 10 pair that hurt our feet, knees and back.

[Kristen {dancing in the margins}]

The Sienna MJ. I've been eyeing that shoe for a while now!

[Jane]

I would choose the Palermo or wear around MJ. I love the idea of good feeling mary janes! It's been too long since I had some Mary Janes!

[Carrie]

I'd love to add a pair of PALERMO boots to my meager shoe "collection". I don't buy new shoes until my old ones are falling apart but when I do, I always by higher end shoes. I'm all about my Dansko clogs these days and my current boots are Merrells. I've found that spending more on the shoes not only make my feet happy, it also saves me money because they last much, much longer.

BTW - I also own an indecent number of sandals, for an Alaskan girl, including a pair of Keens I bought for our Ethiopia trip. (The best excuse to splurge ever!) The sun may not shine here very often but I'm all set when it does!!

[Kate]

Orion blue Calistoga, for awesome comfort and extreme cuteness -- great with jeans, a denim jumper or a skirt.

And I bet my orthotics would fit in them as well.

[Maranda]

You put up a good challenge! I think that if you are going to be constantly wearing that pair of shoes then the price is worth it. But if its just an every once in a while shoe then its not worth spending that kind of cash. For me tho I think if I were given the choice I would either get the Shay Boot in black or the Briggs shoe in the purple. Both look sturdy and the Shay boot looks like what I wear now only it has the sock already there. I would never have to worry about matching socks again!! MUAHAHAHA!

[Mrs. Pear]

I have to say, I looked around, and I agree with you! I love the Mary Jane style, and love slip ons - after all, we can wear them year round out hear in California without worrying about snow getting in!

[Jenn]

Oh, cool. Love Keen shoes.

I really like the Briggs in blue.

[Karen]

I like a lot of them, but I heart the Palermo Mary Janes. The Berkeleys you picked out are cute, too.

[AndiK]

Oh, I love the Calistoga in seal brown! I need a pair of new shoes so badly! I am cheeeeaaaap...ahem, I mean frugal. But I'm learning to loosen up just a little.

[Kristin]

I like Sidney or Charleston Clogs.

[Kim]

I'd love the bronze green Jaspers. I think that shoes that fit you are worth the money. I've had badly fitting shoes before. All they did was sit in the closet. That wasn't money well spent!

[Kel]

I love Keens! In particular, the Ventura line. I have a pair and they are extremely comfortable and durable. The chamonix look cute, too. As far as my shoe philosophy goes, you really do get what you pay for, so I spend a little more on my basic, wear-all-the-time shoes. I find that they last years, and my feet and knees thank me! If I get something trendy, I buy cheap. :)

[Christa @ No End in Site]

I like the PALERMO MJ, but I also love the ones you chose. I can't decide. :) As for my philosophy: I tend to be pretty cheap, too, but I do invest in one pair that might be a little pricier as long as it won't go out of style soon. ;)

[The (Almost) Amazing Mammarino]

The Palermo MJ! I ruined my feet waitressing at Chi-Chi's years ago and have to wear inserts in all my shoes now. I would normally buy the cheapest shoes I can find, but I have to shop for comfort. Even then it's hard to find shoes that feel good.

[Teresa]

Oh I love, love, love those Mary Janes! Then when I looked at the site...they come in other colors! HEAVEN! It'd be hard to choose what color I'd want...but I could if I won!

I usually by cheap shoes at Walmart...but I have spent money on shoes in the past (pre married/kids life) and they really stand up.

[Britiney]

Oh mercy!! How can I just choose one!!?? I've narrowed it down to three - the berkely, the palermo, the calistoga. I think the palermo would probably be my top pick for winter. I do tend to buy cheap shoes but my poor feet always pay the price. I do buy expensive running shoes. Somehow I justify that to myself. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!

[Amanda]

I am in need of a good pair of flats. The sienna ballerinas are way cute!

[Melanie Lawrence]

Those there in the picture, I want those, they're mine! My hubby spends tons on shoes and he has talked me into doing the same, but I just am sure to get all my monies worth out of them.

[Laura]

My husband is a big fan of paying for comfort, and he has converted me. Good shoes are worth it! I would love the Market Street Wear Around MJ. So cute!

[Marcy]

Ridgeline!!!