New Balance of Chattanooga gets ready for sandal season

As the temperature continues to rise and shade becomes sunshine, it's time to trade in your tall boots and closed-toed heels for trendy sandals.

"Ladies' brands are driving the train this spring," said Hal Kearney, owner of New Balance of Chattanooga. "Both New Balance brands, Cobb Hill and Aravon are exclusively women's brands."

He added that the Cobb Hill Fiona style sandal is doing extremely well this year, as it's one of the only sandals made in half sizes as well as medium and wide widths.

"We carry it in two colors," he noted. "They have three-way adjustable straps, making it easy to fit all shapes and sizes."

These sandals cost $80.

Another popular style is the Aravon Katy, the staple of the sandal business for more than 10 years, according to Kearney.

"The foot bed is so comfortable that we have numerous women inquire about just purchasing the foot bed alone," he said.

This style is available in three colors, and while it only comes in whole sizes, widths are available from 2A narrow to 2E extra wide. This style costs $125.

New Balance is also offering numerous flipflops and fun items to get the summer going. The Cobb Hill WOW product is very eye catching, Kearney said. At $70, these stretchy, woven, lightweight models are a hit amongst women thus far.

Men need not feel left out of the fun, as Dunham makes some great dress casual sandals that are available in up to 4E extra wide, Kearney said.

"These are similar to the Aravon Katy, in that the foot beds of these sandals are extremely supportive and comfortable," he said.

Although sandals are not recommended by every physician to wear exclusively for foot health, in moderation they can be fun and sometimes even dressy, Kearney added.

"We still get people that come in every day that say they love their flip-flops too," he said. "It's part of the modern-day culture and fashion trends.

"Regardless of the customer and what they are looking for this season, Kearney said that he, his wife and their welltrained staff are ready and willing to help in any way they can. New Balance of Chattanooga is privately owned by Kearney and his wife Angela who are both board-certified pedorthists.

"We leave no stone unturned when it comes to helping a customer and making sure we look at even the minute details of a fitting," he said.