I had a pair of these Dr. Scholl's Exercise Sandals many years ago, when I was a teenager. Actually, EVERYONE had a pair of these sandals (or so it seemed) in the 70's! I just loved mine.
When I noted on Amazon recently that these were still available (and at the best price I could find anywhere online, including over at eBay) I put them on my birthday "wish list" and lo and behold, a pair arrived for me, as a gift that day. ;-) Thanks Joe!
Mine are navy blue and are very similar to the ones I had years ago. I think the soles are a bit different but otherwise, the same design as I remember.
They take a bit of getting use to wearing again, with the toe/foot grip feature, on the wooden sole. But after wearing them inside for the past couple of weeks, I just love how they feel. They really do seem to give your feet and legs a mini-workout!
There is one feature that I do not like on these sandals and that is the buckle. I don't remember this being an issue years ago but they are VERY hard to open and close.
Over at Amazon, I did read the suggestions made by other customers who had bought these sandals but still wasn't able to get them to undo. I didn't want to break the clasp or scratch them up, trying to get them open. Joe tried as well.
I then contacted the Dr. Scholl's company and got a reply with these instructions how to open the buckle:
1. You will need both hands - - place both index fingers under the strap (the shoe should be sideways) and then place one thumb on each side of the buckle and press down while sliding the buckle out (you may need to press down on the buckle with as much force as possible while sliding the strap to the desired notch)
2. Pull the band to the right so that it is no longer in the buckle
3. Decide which hole in the band will provide the correct fit
4. Insert the end of the band into the buckle, pressing the hole in the band onto the metal peg that is located on the buckle
5. Slide the buckle to the right to secure the band
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I still don't understand why these have to be so hard to adjust.
I have never had any other shoes or sandals that required actual written instructions when it came to adjusting a strap!
I did suggest to Dr. Scholl's that they should be including these directions or diagrams with their sandals, if they are going to continue to make this type of adjustment buckle design. I read a LOT of complaints about this feature online!
It turned out that the instructions they sent me were NOT for these particular sandals. The ones I have actually have a hinge that needed to be lifted up, to adjust the strap. It took a LOT OF STRENGTH to get this hinge open. Joe did it but I know I couldn't have managed on my own, maybe with a screwdriver but not just with my hands. How anyone with any kind of strength/hand issues could open these, is also hard to imagine.
This is a VERY poor design for a sandal closure.
I have written to the company again about this. They should take a look at this buckle and do something about it.
Otherwise, I am loving this retro-sandal and can't wait for the weather to warm up just a bit more and start wearing them outside.
Now I need to start working on getting my feet and toes in good shape!
Bring on the foot cream!!! My tootsies sure need it. ;-)
Overall rating for this product: Good. 3 out of 5.
Great review. I agree about these buckles. They were very difficult to open. And some people would definitely have a problem trying to get these undone. A very poor design for something that should be easy for everyone to open.
ReplyDeleteThey really should redesign this buckle, I agree. How crazy is that, needing instructions how to open them! But otherwise, I am loving them. :-)
DeleteMy first thought was those are comfortable...i have to have flats, but upon reading your review, I am not going to give it a try, thanks for that G. thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThey are very comfortable actually Lorraine, it's just the buckle is a bit of an issue. After that's adjusted, wearing them is great. I really do think they give your legs and feet a bit of a workout. Kind of like walking in sand with bare feet and you know how good that can feel! :-)
Deleteoh I remember having a pair of these in middle school
ReplyDeleteI had a cousin that painted them
Brett
Brett, I've seen some on eBay with intricately painted soles, they were pretty cool. When I was a teenager, everyone was wearing these. I'm so glad they are still making them! But the buckle closure has got to go. ;-)
Deleteme too, i had a pair.
ReplyDeleteI think they are attractive on feet or visa versa.
It is good to keep our feet and legs in shape, they are so important to us.
these really do give the feet and legs a mini-workout Tammie. so many people have commented here and at Veggies...that they also had a pair long ago. It's fun when a fashion trend continues for a long time, isn't it? I think they are as popular as ever, based on what I've read recently. thanks for stopping by.
Deletehum I'm confused did I dream your post yesterday about predators? can't seem to find it or your poetry blog?
ReplyDeleteStill at the top of the page there Lorraine, along with some new comments about the reblog and the original post.
Deletewww.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com
I agree with your buckle comments. Have you tired Berkemann Sandals? I got a pair at styllbox.com. The buckle is very secure and the wood is a bit lighter that the Dr. Scholls sandals.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't tried the Berkemann sandals. When I needed new ones, I will definitely check them out. Thanks for the heads up and your comment. Happy summer!
DeleteThe buckle shouldn't be so hard to open, they need to make it easier. Also, I find the sole wears out quickly and I need to have a new one put on within a few months of wear.
ReplyDeleteI agree re: the buckles. I haven't had any issues with the soles but I usually wear mine mainly indoors, that helps with that problem I think. Thanks for stopping in.
DeleteThis was the only explanation I could find that worked. Thank you so much!
ReplyDelete