Each shoe company has its own manner of measuring shoes. One of the popular sizing’s that many shoe stores have in the store is European sizing. For first time buyers of European size shoes, the switch can be intimidating. Buyers should not be weary though, as the switch can be explained easily and is fairly easy to remember.

The conversion between American and European sizing runs between half sizes. For example, a woman’s 4.5-5 in American sizing would be a 35 in European. Each European size continues on in this manner. The following chart explains the rest of the size conversions that we have in our stores.

Among the popular brands that offered in European sizing are Dansko’s. For first time Dansko wearers, the fit can be slightly intimidating and shy the customer away; do not fear! Dansko shoes are supposed to fit like a backless clog, so the wearer’s heel will slip up and down when walking.   Women LOVE the uniqueness of hand-painted Dansko’s, but if they’ve never worn them, they are unsure of the sizing and fit.  There should be enough space between the wearer’s heel and the back of the shoe to place a full finger. No toes should be hitting the end of the shoe either, which means there should be space on both ends of the shoe.

Americans have a tendency to wear their shoes too tightly, which causes many foot problems. Dansko seeks to fix this problem, which may cause the shoes to seem too big. Most of us are used to shoes that hug, but the back of a Dansko clog is really there for protection, not to keep the foot inside the shoe. Along with the conversion between American and European sizing, these shoes offer new opportunities for the wearer.

Other popular brands that use European sizing are MBT (known as shape-ups) and Naot shoes.

As we look into expanding our footwear selection, we are happy to announce this new line: Alegria!

Not only are they beautiful, cute, and some say, “gorgeous”  They are also affordable!  Alegria is really taking off with unique and wonderful color patterns and styles.

With a rocker outsole for all day comfort and foot relief, these are a true blessing to any profession when you are on your feet all day long.  Happy Feet means a good day!

We are excited to be putting together our fall hand painted clogs line up for Dansko.  We have several new Medical themed styles that we have just unveiled. Check out the new Teddy Bear style or the Baby Feet style – perfect for the OB nurses or Pediatrician Nurses.  These will truly bring a smile to everyone’s face!

These styles are limited edition hand painted clogs by Carol Weber Green of Aberdeen, SD which are painted solely for Bur-Mar’s Shoes. If you are a Dansko follower you will fall in love with these beautiful custom hand painted clogs.  Check them out today:  Dansko Hand Painted Clogs

We are excited to announce our Spring into Summer Dansko Trunk show on May 20th. Mark your calendars to attend this event at Bur-Mar’s and check it out! You can also chat with us online, ask questions, and simply enjoy shoe shopping from your home!

We will have our Dansko Rep within the store from 10-5 on Friday to answer any questions and concerns that you may have. This is a great opportunity to try the new Sanibel Collection in fun solid and floral designs. Part Sneaker – Part Clog with Dansko’s historical comfort. They’re lightweight, slip-resistant with custom tread design for exceptional grip.  We have multiple designs and colors that are instock and ready for immediate shipping and or purchase within.

We also have a great stock of Birkenstocks, Taos, and Naots!!

Don’t Delay, Stop in Today!

As many of you, the bargain shoppers are beginning to prepare for the madness at 4am of the infamous Black Friday – us retailers are also doing the same but in another fashion.  As the time nears: display signs, postcards with discounts, flyers of early store hours, and simply mentally preparing for a crazy, fun-filled morning of long awaiting lines of shoppers.  This is a time of year that many of us look forward to finding that one bargain that is talked about for months.

At Bur-Mar’s, we hope to fulfill those hopes in many different areas.  We are featuring clothing lines from Life is Good, Mystree, Smartwool, and so many more.  Our footwear selection never ceases to disappoint as Naot, MBT, Eric Michael, Dansko, FitFlops, Vibram Five Fingers, Bogs, and Keen Footwear are just the beginning.  Whether you are shopping online at Bur-Mar’s or stopping at our store in Aberdeen, SD we look forward to serving all of your shopping wants and needs.

Also following Black Friday, we are hosting a daily drawing exclusively on Facebook from Dec. 1st-Dec. 2oth.  To enter, you must friend/like us on Facebook and enter the drawings on each given day.  This is going to be an exciting time as many of you will win Christmas Cheer at Bur-Mar’s.

Be sure to sign up ASAP!

As many of you know – The Dansko Professional Sole is by far one of the most popular sole throughout all of Dansko’s Collections.  I’m sure many of you ask, why the Dansko Professional or simply what’s the big deal about it…?

The Dansko Professional Sole is a stapled, hand-made, true rocker sole.  Hand Made? That’s correct, each sole is attached to the upper, by a person – not some robot like 95% of the other shoes out there.  In return each shoe is made slightly different, so try out multiple pairs until you get the right ones.  Think of it as “custom made” for your foot.  One of the newest styles of this season is the Dansko Professional Felt Swirl(left), it comes in three color variations: Black with Grey Swirls, Black with Purple Swirls, and Pink with Light Pink Swirls. Happy Holidays!!!  Another style following the Professional Felt Swirl is the Dansko Professional Penny Sequin(right) – Are you looking for something to really aww-shock your family at the Christmas get-together? Well these are your ticket to fame!

The Dansko Professional is built above industry standards giving them the ultimate support system.  Each sole is consisted of a sturdy thermoplastic polyurethane toe box that protects the feet from bumps, enhancing the durability without compromising free toe movement.  Polypropylene mid sole supports your heel-to-toe flexibility and side to side stability; which in return reduces torque and over pronation.  The stress reducing rocker -bottom outsoles simply push the feet forward for easier walking; the slip-resistant outsole design also carries a SATRA approval.  The Dansko Professional is also accompanied by the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. There are numerous Dansko Professionals specifically made with a protective covering which keep your shoes less harmed upon any spills and messes.  View the Nurse’s Clog here!

Being on your feet for many hours a day, you should clearly try the Dansko Professional Clog.  Your feet are the true foundation to a long day at work or play! In Men’s and Women’s, there’s no reason to have unhappy feet!

Here are few leading occupations that rely on the Dansko Professional Clog day in and day out:

• Chefs/Food/Serving Industry
• Nurses/Doctors
• Hair Stylists
• Retail/Sale Personnel
• Professors/Teachers
• and many other professionals.

Give them a try – what do you have to lose..?  A pair of happy, non-fatigued feet at the end of your day?

Yes, it’s the time of year again to start layering up.  Whether you’re enjoying chilly football games, sitting in your favorite deer stand at 4am with icicles growing from your dripping nose, taking a family ride on your snowmobiles, ice-fishing, snowboarding/skiing, and beyond – Smartwool is here to simply keep you dry and warm.

Smartwool – many people hear WOOL and run away because they think of that itchy-scratchy feeling.  Well let us explain the difference between WOOL and Smartwool.

Smartwool socks are one of the most comfortable sock, natural fibers - Merino Wool. Managing moisture, Smartwool regulates your body temperature, keeping your feet odor free!  Smartwool wicks away moisture, just as your Body Armour does but remember, odor free! Smartwool socks come in many different styles, weights, and sizes(Don’t forget about the Children Socks)!

Just to list a few, for your winter activities you can always go with the 3/4 Crew, Crew, Mid-Calf(personal favorite), Over the Calf, or even the tights.  Yes guys, these are amazing! Each of these lengths also come in various cushions.  How warm would you like your feet? Light Cushion, Medium Cushion, Heavy Cushion, or Extra Heavy…warm!?  But remember: Getting one pair will only lead to more small loads of laundry as you’ll want to wear these every day! Trust us…

Smartwool Sweaters, two words: Simply Amazing!  Just as the socks, these come in many different styles! Crewnecks, hoodies,half zips, 3/4, and full zips.  Do they not only come in sweaters but many layering possibilities.  Form fitting long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, and beyond.

Smartwool can also be worn during the summer, not just the chilly winter months.  Believe in it, wear it, and love it!

So many of us want that super cute, adorable, beautiful looking shoe for a special occasion.  But are they really that comfortable? Are your feet aching, cramping, and simply not happy with you after 4hrs of wearing them?

Through the years, I have learned to wear what is comfortable.  Judge your feet, not the cuteness factor. Are the boots, shoes,clogs, or sandals really that comfortable?  Do they feel like a 10hr pair of shoes? We’ve come to realize that one of our favorite sayings is, “Fit your feet, not your head.” Easier said then done, we know!  Just because someone else finds them comfortable, doesn’t mean your feet will like them too. At Bur-Mar’s, we go to shoe conventions and markets all over the US where the cuteness factor is tenfold.  Of course we love to check out the adorable, stunning shoes but our main concern is the comfort level.  Let’s face it ladies, we are all vain in some way or another.  Working on your feet 60hrs a week the way I do, I don’t want to go home to collapse because of cramping, tired feet.  Enjoying life at the end of each day with my husband and our Lab, Scooter is a must.

We are true believers that these purchases are made easily through Dansko, Naot, and Eric Michael.  The Dansko Professional Clog available by Dansko comes in over 30 colors and textures.  This is the choice of teachers, hair stylist,medical, retail, and food industries.  They also offer us a choice of dress and chic styles of boots – as well as weekend wear! Naot offers us comfort and cute dress-casual shoes and boots that fit the narrower to medium width feet.  Comfort dress is truly hard to find anymore and the cork comfort support through Naot is a must try!