December 05, 2011

Kuru Shoe Review & Giveaway: Aalto Chukka


Remember how last week I was rattling on about how you should be wary of Evil Materialism as it can be one of the triggers of Holiday Stress?

Well... er ... seeing as Crabby's Cavalcade of Commericialism is continuing yet again with more reviews and giveaways, I'd like to be a total hypocrite explain that what I really meant was: don't overdo it and add stress to what's supposed to be a joyous season by buying a bunch of over-priced and useless crap.


But, um, winning or accepting free healthy and wholesome fitness products, or purchasing them after you read a review on a credible health blog? Totally different story!


So wanna find out what the deal is with the Kuru Aalto Chukka's, and maybe win a pair?


Pre-existing Bias & Other Disclaimers: This is not my first Review of Kuru Shoes; I tried out a pair a couple of years ago. Since I'm choosing to review another pair, it's fair to assume it's not because I think this brand of shoe sucks.

In fact, of the pairs dragged out of the closet below, only the beige ones were comped. This means I spent my own money for Kuru's Three Whole Times.


Also, I get to keep the Chukkas.  But don't worry, none of this means I'll abandon all objectiveness--or crankiness.  As usual when I review something, I am incapable of sucking up to sponsors and always have a few nitpicks, even with products I happen to like.

First off, in case you're contemplating a pair other than the Chukkas, here's my take on Kuru Shoes generally.


Kuru Shoes: Pro's and Con's


Pro: Unusually Supportive and Comfortable Shoes.  If you're trying to find a pair of shoes and have foot issues like pronation, plantar fasciitis, etc, you may have encountered the frustrating trade-off between support and cushiness.  Supportive shoes feel rigid and unyielding and mean; cushy comfy easy-going shoes feel floppy, insubstantial, and un-serious.   The thing Kuru is great at is combining both structure and comfort in one shoe. (As an aside, I've had good luck with several of Kuru's women's shoes, but am finding the "Draft" model particularly helpful for my plantar-fasciitis. The Draft is a mule-style shoe with an open back, which helps me land more towards my forefoot, avoiding the hard heel-strike I naturally tend towards. Various cloggy alternatives I've looked at have too high a heel, and not enough fore-foot cushioning to work as well as the Drafts).

Pro: A Range of Styles and Wearable Outside the Gym.  Even though you can walk for miles and miles in a pair of Kuru's as though they were athletic shoes or hiking boots, they're a bit dressier and come in lots of different colors and styles.

Pro: Friendly Grassroots Company.  The people who work there are really nice and there's a whole active community of Kuru fans who are just as nutty about the shoes as I am. They have frequent contests and giveaways which you can check out the Kuru Facebook Page.

Con: Mail Order Only. This is the biggest drawback of Kuru's--you can't try 'em on or see what they look like in a store.  I've ordered some, not liked the way they looked IRL, and had to return them and get my money back... a bit of a hassle. On the other hand, I've bought several pair quite successfully this way.

Con: Pretty Please Kuru, Crabby Needs More Black Shoes!  Kuru's come in a lot of cool colors, but dang it, I have mostly black jackets and sweaters and need more black or dark gray shoes choices!  The "Insight" line has black, but the leather looked better on the web picture and kinda low-grade in appearance when they showed up at my door and sadly, I had to send 'em packing.  So hey, awesome Kuru folks, could you please make the "Draft" in black for women? And perhaps bring the black Halcyons that I loved which you stopped stocking?  'K thanks!

So now on to the new Kuru style:  the Aalto Chukka.

Aalto Chukka Specs


Price:  They retail for $104.97. (In my opinion, this ain't bad price for a good-for-you shoe, and is much less than most of the competition in this niche. But if you're used to buying for style and not for function, you may not be used to paying this much).

Technology:  Here's the part where I cut and paste directly from the website, 'cause what do I about PU foam and integrated arch support?

  • Super Soft suede leather upper
  • Custom Fit - anti-microbial sockliner custom molds to your feet
  • Heel Support - innovative sockliner includes a varus wedge with integrated arch support for a healthy stride
  • More Comfortable - premium sockliner features high-performance, low compression set PU foam for unprecedented custom molding comfort
  • Moisture wicking liner for breathability
  • Eco-conscious, naturally derived crepe sole rubber outsole provides a cushioned ride
  • Nature's Cushioning - KuruSole™ contoured footbed cups your heel as nature intended

How Do The Chukkas Look?


Website pictures can be misleading, so here's an pair of Aalto Chukkas caught on camera in the wild:


Because of the wide midfoot, they're perhaps somewhat chunkier in appearance than a traditional desert-boot type shoe, wouldn't you say? But they're more streamlined than most super-supportive shoes.

How do the Aalto Chukka's Fit and Feel?


The smidgin of extra width is the price you pay for the awesome supportive/cushy technology they build in to the footbed. And if you've got orthotics, you can slip 'em under the liner and get even more support. If you don't have orthotics, the shoes have support built in, and they custom mold to your feet. These Kuru folks are very clever in putting these babies together.

One difference I notice from other Kuru pairs is that the base feels a bit narrower, and the rubber soles aren't perhaps as sturdy for hiking as some of the other models. However, these are a great choice for urban/work environments where you're going to be on your feet all day.

Now On to the Giveaway!

Sorry, this is another US only one, darn it. But if you have a U.S. mailing address (or a handy friend or relative's address) you can enter by leaving a comment below. I believe either the Blue or the Sandstorm color are available but I need to double check.

Winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator by end of day Sunday December 11th, and winner needs to check back by the end of the day Wednesday December 14th or they'll be another drawing.

Note: And hey, you can double your chances! The Fitbottomed Mama's are also having a Kuru giveaway and I believe there's a day or so left to enter.

Good luck!

80 comments:

  1. Woo hoo! Count me in for an entry :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. They look interesting. If I were eligible and not hard to fit shoe-wise I'd want these.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have a terrible time finding shoes due to my plantar fasciitis and orthotics. These look like real possibilities. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wide midfoot is what i need, and have a hard time finding. Would love to try these out.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Cranky, I'm always on the hunt for a good show. These look interesting, I've never heard of them before. Count me in.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh darn you Amurikans and your U.S. only stuff! I abSOLElutely need to find a pair of comfy supportive shoes. I have only one pair that I can wear comfortably (and they have very little support) since a bad ankle sprain in the summer. At least now I know where to look. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have never heard of this brand of shoes, but they look interesting!!
    Count me in ( as a sufferer of plantar fasciitis!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Darn it - I would love a pair of supportive shoes!
    Sigh.
    They look comfy, too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I wanna give a pair to my mama! I'm a happy barefooter, but she loves the supportive shoe.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow. Supportive shoe giveaway = win. Sign me up.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I wear a lot of black clothes, too. And almost all of my shoes are brown. I can't wear brown shoes with black pants, and I don't know why! Black and brown look great together.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Count me in, my fussy feet can always use new shoes and I never have money for 'em. Haven't yet tried Kuru and would love to see if they help my plantar fasciitis any.

    Like the blue ones in the photo, but brown is OK too. I hear you about black, black goes with so much and doesn't show much dirt.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would love a pair, sadly I have no one in the U/S. to send them on to me :(

    ReplyDelete
  14. My old feet have lots of miles on them, so supportive shoes help. As it is, I make sure I don't wear the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row so my feet & leg joints don't hurt.
    I'd love to give a pair of Aaltos a try!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am always looking for a pair of comfy shoes. These look great!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the way they look! They remind me of the much-more-expensive styles of Camper shoes. I'd love a true black, too, but I'd love a very deep red (like a blood red) even more!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Will they get me to get up and go for a walk when it's wicked cold out?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for the give-away! Count me in. Maria Laing
    maria@wcoil.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the giveaway! Count me in.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ooooo! I NEED new shoes and my footsies hurt today so these look great!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have pronated feet so many shoes end up hurting my ankles. I'd love to try something that wouldn't!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am forever in search of a comfortable shoe! Sign me up! Thanks for the giveaway chance :0)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Never heard of them but I like the way they look and I'm definitely into comfort. Kind of...

    ReplyDelete
  24. I used to wear Maphistos, but found that Merrill Mocs were better for my plantar fasciitis and easier to get to a store to buy. However they were borderline too chunky for work. The Chukka looks great, and I especially like the blue ones in the picture above. Thanks for the review and the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  25. OMG, I so need these!!! Based on your description with support & cushion & extra width - and you have heard all about my bad feet - so want to win - pls random # generator. I only have Hokas & sneakers right now cause my feet work in nothing else. Really cool looking too!

    Thx for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  26. These look so comfortable! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have a pair of Kurus in black that look similar to these but with a black sole and laces that the company gave me to review. I like them and even wrote "An Ode to Kuru." for the company :-)

    I do not need to be in the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  28. They look like shoes I definitely want to try and would also like to get my daughter a pair. She has plantar fasciitis and I have flat feet so they sound ideal. Thanks for having the giveaway, please count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Me! Me! Plantar Fasciitis for six months and I'm getting desperate.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for another giveaway Cranky!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Another awesome giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  32. These look interesting! I've never heard of these shoes before.

    ReplyDelete
  33. They look interesting, but in the unlikely event that I win, I will strike a blow for internationalism and let the Canadiennes draw straws.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

    ReplyDelete
  34. Would love to try these out on my old tired feet! TU !!

    ReplyDelete
  35. oooh I LOVE the laceup kurus.
    who knew knews?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Huh. Why haven't I seen these before? Must investigate more thoroughly. Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  37. these shoes look wicked comfy
    raggammuffin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. always need another pair of squishy shoes....

    ReplyDelete
  39. A co-worker just told me about these shoes (I hadn't heard of them before). They sound fabulous. I've got plantar fasciitis, and am always on the lookout for shoes that will keep my feet pain-free.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Count me in! I love Kuru shoes! Honestly, the most comfortable shoe I own. My only con, I needed black for everyday and they look a bit orthopedic. I would love the chukkas! Those look way more cute than the ones I opted for.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I would really love a pair of the Aalto Chukkas. Pick me please. :D

    ReplyDelete
  42. To counterbalance an upcoming schedule of heels & holidays parties plus Christmas shopping, my feet are hoping you pick this number!
    Thanks for the great review & giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'd love to try a pair of Kuru's!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nice kicks, I could use another pair of Kurus.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love Kuru shoes and would love to win a pair! I already have one pair and they are great for my plantar fasciitis. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would love a pair of Kuru's..

    ReplyDelete
  47. Would love to win a pair. Have had my eyes on these shoes but afraid to try mail order only shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I LOVE how they look!!!
    Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  49. enter me I have just found out about the shoes and was about to buy a pair.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I hope you will be my secret Santa! I love Kuru shoes, they have helped my feet so much since I suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. My fingers are crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Been dying to try these shoes out. A free one on the house would be most welcomed :D

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please let me win these. I can't seem find shoes that are comfortable and stylish at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Please let me win these. I am just about to wear shouse on both feet after surgery on my Achilles tendon 7 yes 7 months ago and I need HELP. I wear a men's size 7 1/2 blue please but I'm not picky. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think they're cool! :) Love your giveaways! I'm in!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oooooh ****WANT!***

    sooo cute! :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Please count me in for the giveaway. I'd love a freebie pair of comfy shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would love to try a pair, my heel in killing me. Thanks for checking them out.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I would love to try a pair, my heel in killing me. Thanks for checking them out.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am dealing with some painful foot issues--would like to try these!

    ReplyDelete
  60. These look fantastic, thank you for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Cranky, I love all of the contests. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow, they look amazing! Thank you very much for hosting the giveaway and I'd be so grateful to win a pair!

    ReplyDelete
  63. These shoes look awesome! Great "giveaway item". Count me in on the free drawing!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am extremely happy with my two pairs of Kuru shoes. I purchased them because I have planter’s fasciitis. I am a teacher and am on my feet 7+hours a day. The floor is concrete. My right foot was hurting so bad I could hardly walk. I read about Kuru shoes online and am very thankful I gave them a try. The pain in my foot has been drastically reduced. I am happy and will continue wearing these shoes as long as I work on concrete floors.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I so want to be entered for a pair of Aalto Chukka

    ReplyDelete
  66. enter me in for a free pair Aalto Chukka

    ReplyDelete
  67. Been looking to get a pair of Kuru shoes, would love to win a pair!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry Elizabeth, afraid this was an old post! But thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  68. I sooo need to try these. My fee are killing me. Pick me pretty please

    ReplyDelete
  69. My feet are so tired.. and they want to be free... so please bring some Aalto Chukkas to me!

    ReplyDelete
  70. I have been reading a lot about Kuru shoes and would ultimately like to try out a pair!! Winning these Aalto Chukkas would be a great way to start!! I stand on concrete all day long and am desperately in need of a great, heel supportive and comfortable pair of shoes!! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. This is a great pair of shoes! I like the PU foam of the shoes that are very much comfortable for wearing for a long time. In addition, the heel support design with innovative sockliner gives me the way to deal with it! Really a good pair of shoe for my day! Is there any color selection of the shoes?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting, Cranky Fitness readers are the BEST!

Subscribe to comments via RSS

(Note: Older Comment Threads Are Moderated)