“And I don’t sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar; we talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick,” – President Barack Obama

After 60 days of BP pumping oil into the Gulf of Mexico (which has now officially surpassed Exxon as worst environmental disaster in American history) it appears that President Barack Obama is ready for answers.

So, the question remains, if our President is going to harness his inner Chuck Norris for a serious big oil ass kicking, what shoes will he be wearing?

Here are, what I believe are, his top 7 shoe picks:

1. Ariat Rambler Boots
   Talk about Ass Kicking, when your taking on one of the largest oil companies in the world, you want to be wearing this love child of John Wayne and Mad Max on your feet. The pre-worn look of these boots will match perfectly with the President’s favorite pair of navy or gray slacks. And with 100,000 gallons of oil washing ashore, you will never have to worry about oiling the full-grain leather and broad, square-toe while walking on the coast. BP had bring a hat that holds more than 10 gallons.
2. Donald J. Pliner Jador Loafer
   Who says you can’t be trendy while kicking ass. President Obama will look smooth and sophisticated in these professional, Italian made, dress loafers from Donald J Pliner. If the President finds his shoe stuck somewhere unpleasant, the wide leather stitching and elastic goring at sides make this loafer as easy to slip-on as to slip-off (and easily cleaned). The distressed leather upper and outsole rubber pads also provide enhanced traction when walking on slick, let’s say oily, surfaces.
3. Stacy Adams Men’s Genesee
   Every professional needs a touch of 1930s in their wardrobe. President Obama can travel the world in style wearing these square toe Stacy Adams Genesse oxfords. Don’t worry PETA, the crocodile used to make the embossed leather upper, recently died of natural causes along the gulf of Mexico. And like Agent Eliot Ness, President Obama will be cleaning up the fire-water from our great nation in these sleek, four eyelet lace-up, oxford wingtips.
4. Allen Edmonds Boston
   High class, kicking ass with smooth black leather and a monk strap. Looks like somebody will fit right in during BP’s Tea and Crumpet time. A modern style allows for a sophisticated look when worn with the dark wash denim our President loves so much. There is no metal shank in these classic dress shoes which enhances their comfort and allows for easier travel through airport security. The only uncomfortable shanks President Obama will encounter are those found in BPs brainstorming sessions. (…a smaller dome… Sorry, another swing and a miss, Sir Richard Cranium).
5. Kamik Men’s Icebreaker
   This 100% waterproof molded boot is perfect for wading through tar like substances. Kicking ass is no easy job and you are sure to work up a sweat. This boot offers a removable Zylex Performance 3-ply polypropylene liner to wick away perspiration. On top of being the practical choice, these boots will keep our President’s feet warm and dry. Molded Rubber outsole provides the type of traction guaranteed to keep President Obama securely standing on the decks of those once employed fishing vessels.
6. Itasca Steel Toe Boots
   These heavy-duty Force 10 boots by Itasca, ain’t your momma’s work boots. With full-grain leather uppers, padded tongue, permanent padded insole, and moisture wicking technology, President Obama will enjoy all the features he needs to stay comfortable on the job. He should get a pair of these while they are still affordable, as the durable rubber outsole, is crafted by petroleum based tire company, Goodyear. These ultra comfortable work boots are selling faster than oil through a broken undersea well.
7. Earth Vapor-K Walking Shoes
   Unlike our British friends, President Obama takes care of our environment, one step at a time in these Earth Vapor-K Walking Shoes. Earth Walking Shoes correct your posture and burn calories with each step (imagine how many calories he will burn kicking ass). But don’t let all the Green and Granola fool you, this athletic-inspired oxford walking shoe offers a padded collar that supports your ankle with Negative Heel Technology®. The weight redistribution helps the President tone and strengthen his lower body as he saunters towards victory.

Good luck Mr. President; may your feet be swift and your reach be mighty!

Natalie Portman Flower Shoe

The summer and spring always bring flowers to mind and sometimes to your wardrobe as well, but this year flowers are showing up on clothing in some unexpected and unusual ways.

Floral accessories are hotter than ever with flower shoes really catching a lot of attention. The way flowers are being used on shoes runs the gamut from printed floral fabrics to embellished gem flowers and layers of chiffon flowers.

Of course flowers aren’t limited to shoes this season, they’re cropping up on handbags, jewelry, belts and even clothing. Just don’t fall into the trap of going over the top floral.

But if you aren’t willing to buy a new wardrobe or slate of accessories to follow the flower trend, there is still a way you can do it. Look for floral pins that you can attach to purses, shoes, clothing and anything else you can think of to bring the latest trend to your wardrobe. This is a wonderful way to add spice to your outfits without spending a lot. Collect a number of floral pins and you can design your own unique looks.

Jenna Fischer Thong Sandals

Before you bust into the thong song, I’m not talking about that sort of thong. But the thong shoe has made a huge comeback this year and it’s a good thing it has because it’s an incredible look and doesn’t come with that annoying flapping sound that flip flops do.

I think the thong sandal’s comeback is really due to the popularity of the flip flop and the gladiator sandal. The look brings the T-strap higher up on the foot and often including an ankle strap, which is wonderful for those people who have a hard time keeping a flip flop on their feet.

There are a variety of thongs on the market today but I think the classic style, like the Sam Edelman Women’s Gigi is the perfect shoe for the summer 2010. This shoe is simple and casually dressy, meaning it would work for a casual outfit or a dressier night on the town. The faux animal print is on spot trendy and appropriately subtle. And the flat heel is a comfortable trend that has been growing in popularity for the last couple years.

So break out your thong and enjoy the summer of 2010.

Father's Day

Father’s day is coming up and will be here before you even know it. For some reason dad’s are typically hard to buy gifts for so I thought I’d throw out a few father’s day gift ideas that are related to, what else, SHOES!

Let’s assume your dad has all the shoes he wants or needs so we’ll look at footwear accessories. Now, getting your dad shoe polish or leather care products is not exciting at all and may not even feel like a gift. BUT if you were to polish all of dad’s shoes and water proof them that would definitely feel like a gift, AND its one you can give year after year.

Similarly, insoles are not a fun gift by any stretch of the imagination but throw them in  your dad’s shoes, theme it with some other pampering gifts and you’ve got a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

Another hot (pun intended) gift for dad is a footwear dryer. There are a wide variety of dryers out there so do a little research as I’ve heard some are amazing and some are a little bit lacking.

So think outside the box this year and get a father’s day gift that dad both needs and wants and will also make him feel as special as he is.

Hilary Duff Animal Bracelet

The hottest accessory trend sweeping America now is Sillybandz a trend designed for kids and these rubber band bracelets are THE must have item this season.

Most Sillybandz are shaped like animals (although there are holiday specific ones and letters and numbers) and kids are striving to have every one of their favorites.

So what does this mean for adults? Well the trend is so hot it’s probably going to translate into women’s accessories as well. Doubtful that women will start wearing rubber bands as an accessory but we will start wearing more animal inspired jewelry and yes there are already some animal necklaces and animal charms on the market so you can get a jump start on the trend and appear cutting edge. But by the end of the summer the market will be flooded with animal inspired jewelry for women.

The trend hasn’t translated yet although I’m sure jewelry designers are frantically working, but the existing animal themed jewelry seems to be centered on a reptile theme. I’m really not sure why reptiles are a popular jewelry item but if you want to get a leg up on the competition it might be time to slip on a snake ring or bracelet.

Rachel Bilson Snakeskin Sandals

One of the trends that is already being touted as the hot one for fall is the exotic skin shoe. But the best part of this trend is that you don’t have to wait until fall to wear it.

Exotic skin shoes have been around for a long time and if you already have a pair feel free to break them out because the trend will be so popular you won’t have to worry about fitting in with a particular style or color. So those snakeskin shoes you bought three years ago and barely wore actually WERE a smart purchase.

But if you don’t already have an exotic skin pair of shoes or you’d like to refresh them then you’ll want to start with a pair of strappy sandals with a faux animal skin upper. The snakeskin look is really hot right now so going that route will not steer you wrong.

If you’re looking for a pair that will carry you from summer into early fall then look for a pair of clogs with an exotic skin upper. Clogs used to be strictly fall shoes but they’ve changed a bit and this year they are a very popular summer shoe as well. Some of them even come with cut outs that make them look more like sandals than anything else. But however you categorize them, this new sandal clog with and exotic skin upper is the perfect trendy shoe for summer into fall of 2010.

Rachel Bilson Embellished Sandals

This summer the sandal has come in so many incarnations that each one seems to want to stand out on its own and grab everyone’s attention.

Gladiator sandals are desperately trying to hold onto their position in your closet but with the fad fading it are not an easy task. To make gladiators more appealing there are now crystals, sequins, studs and more and more straps that ever before to cross trends and add more wow factor.

Platform sandals have gone a similar route by adding a lot of embellishments but you’ll see a lot of platforms with metallic touches in the way of buckles and studs or complete metallic uppers that are everything but subtle.

Flip flops are providing a bit of a twist by adding ruffles and faux flowers, one of the biggest trends of the summer. They’re also playing with prints on both upper and sole to grab a little more eye appeal.

Fisherman sandals are getting a little boost in acceptance by adding exciting new colors. A lot of neon seems to be popping up on fisherman sandals and in ways that are appealing.

I do have a bit of a prediction, I expect we’ll start seeing some reflective or glow in the dark material being incorporated into fisherman sandals and flip flips in the future and quite possible in other sandals as well.

Outdoor Shoes

The summer of 2010 should be a beautiful one, perfect for spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying Mother Nature. So as all shoe lovers know, you need the right shoes for outdoor activities.

One of the most popular summer outdoor activities is hiking because it can be done by almost anyone. Today’s hiking shoes come in a variety of styles from the traditional high top rugged boot to a light airy sandal. Rather than trying to choose which one you’ll use more frequently, why not buy one of each.

For hikers who like to take it a step further and try a little trail running there are trail running shoes designed specifically just for that. Look for a pair that not only fits well and provides the support you need but also has a rugged sole.

On the other end of the spectrum are people who enjoy watersports in the summer. Of course there are watersport shoes designed to provide traction in the water, some provide protection from moisture and others let it flow through freely. Tailor your watersport shoe choice to fit your water activities.

Outdoor shoes are not only key for women but they’re also a great idea for men and children as they give you the support, function and comfort necessary to get you through the summer.

In the last year shoes that claim to give you a little extra work out while you walk have really caught the attention of consumers. The originators of this technology are MBT or Masai Barefoot Technology but it’s the ad campaigns by Skechers Shape-Ups that got the world interested and it will no doubt be the reasonable price point of Reebok’s EasyTone that will encourage people to buy.

But there are other ways to improve your foot and overall health just by making the right shoe choice. Today’s foot comfort and wellness technology has come leaps and bounds with new materials designed to support where necessary and provide cushioning and comfort in just the right spots.

There are also shoes designed to cater to your athletic activities, specific shoes for specific sports whether you’re an active participant or just a sports fan.

The technological advances in athletic shoes and casual shoes are remarkable and will make you want to buy a shoe for every activity, I’m just waiting for them to transfer this technology into fashion shoes.

Sex and the City Metallic Shoes

The metallic strappy sandal has been proclaimed the big summer sandal trend and one that every woman should own. But are your feet really ready to go metal? And if you are is your daughter or your mom? Metallic shoes have a bit of an image and that image isn’t for everyone. Or should I say that image wasn’t for everyone because metallic sandals have shaken off old preconceptions and now really do have a place in every woman’s closet.

The super studded, accessorized, glam, bling and WOW Luichiny Women’s Shock Me Sandal isn’t for everyone but there definitely is market for this shoe and for those adventurous souls then these are the soles you want.

For someone on the other end of the spectrum, the Annie Women’s Saturn shoe is a great way to go. This subtle metallic sandal is low heeled, comes with a duo of metallic finishes and adds just a simple touch of glamour.

The Reef Women’s Wispy flip flop is really a shoe for almost anyone. The metallic touch of the strap makes it neutral enough to go with almost any  outfit and it’s not bold enough to feel uncomfortable to distracting.

Put aside your preconceptions and peruse the metallic sandals available until you find the right one to suit your tastes.