Not planning a trip to Nepal, I still figured that my beautifully funky Jambu Himalaya’s would be just the ticket for exploring the SS Red Oak Victory docked in the WWII Historical Region of Richmond, California.

Built by Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, and commissioned by the US Navy in 1944, the Red Oak Victory ship was converted to a floating museum in 1996. I wanted to test the walkability of my Jambu’s over the decks and through the tight passageways of this WWII ammunition carrier.

The first challenge is to ascend the bouncy gangway to board the ship. The Jambu’s had no problem gripping the less than stable metal walkway that leads to the deck. And although the Red Oak is securely tied down, it was a typical cold and windy summer day and I was grateful that I had shoes that were up to the task of keeping me from blowing overboard.

Outside decks of a ship are no problem for most types of footwear, but those narrow, steep stairways are a different story. The real test was descending on a metal ladder at nearly a 45° angle into the bowels of the ship. True, I was gripping onto the railings for dear life, but my feet tread confidently and without catching on the uneven surface. I really could have been scaling narrow mountain trails in the Himalayas.

There are lots of places to stub ones toes on a naval vessel, particularly going through those doorways which have a raised portion at the bottom. I was cautious enough to avoid that hazard but even if I had slipped up, I knew the sturdy construction of my Jambu’s would have come to my rescue.

Meandering in and out of narrow crew quarters, the communications office, mess hall, and a labyrinth of steel corridors, my feet felt cozy and happy. It seemed fitting to be wearing shoes made partially of recycled materials on a ship that was built at a time when nothing was tossed out and everything was reused. I didn’t even notice my feet, which allowed me to reflect on all the men and women who had built this ship and of those who had served on it. And that is what shoes should be; a complete afterthought.

A walk through history was absolutely the best way to try out my new Jambu’s.

I know believe in love at first sight. While walking through Nordstroms I spied the shoes of my dreams – Jambu Planet Vegan shoes? Sounds like a delectably delightful ice-cream flavor. Only these delightful Jambu Mary Janes were a treat for my feet.

My feet stopped unable to leave the mall. They had to know how they’d fit – these soft raspberry pink suede Jambu sandals with rugged black partially recycled rubber soles and cool feminine details. My feet slipped into the Contoured Memory Foam footbed and immediately relaxed. These Jambu shoes are the high heel equivalent for a hiker chic – flashy and stylish yet I could climb a mountain in a fuchsia pink minute or dance down Broadway with no blisters.

It was a match made in shoe heaven – they will sit proudly next to my Keens and Merrels only just a bit more prominent eagerly waiting a warm Spring day.

When my Planet by Jambu shoes arrived, I took them straight out of the box and wore them for the rest of the day…and for five of the following seven days. Does this tell you something about how much I like these adorable and comfortable shoes? I love how they feel like a sneaker, but give me a more polished look. Comfort-wise, the roomy toe box is a big plus, as is the slight elevation of the heel. They are cushioned with a memory foam liner, which in a perfect world I’d have be a bit thicker (especially under the ball of the foot), but they should be fine for normal feet in everyday conditions. They run true to size, so online shoppers should have no problem getting a good fit.

The styling is terrific -- not too rugged, not too dressy. I was a bit concerned about whether the  contrast stitching would clash with clothing (remember, I’m a recovering “matcher,”) but I’ve found the combination of colors works with just about any outfit. My favorite style element? The subtle flower details (see the side cutouts and cute sole.) Just about all Jambu shoes have these kinds of fun-yet-understated flowery accents. Finally, someone understands how to cater to a suburban 40-something’s inner flower child…tastefully! Thank you:)

Jambu's sister brand is J-41, and has come out with an entire new line for spring. The Planet is one of the more casual shoes in the line, but there are numerous other options for those of you who like what you see, but need something dressier or with a higher heel. Check them out and let us know what you think!

By Barking Dog Shoes contributor, Beth B.

Last year I was in search of the perfect comfortshoe. My search started in part because of my upcoming Gift Guide event but I am a shoe fanatic, connoisseur, lover of all things footwear. Seriously I have two closets full of shoes, and that does not include shoes I have donated over the years. So last year I found a brand that was formerly known as J-41 and I held a great review and giveaway. Well they were in the process of rebranding to Jambu at the time, along with launching their new website and this year as part of their launch they wanted me to help spread the word on their name and the fabulous brand.

Truly these shoes ARE the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. EVER!

I like my shoes to be versatile. As a woman and mother I like to be able to wear shoes that I can maneuver with the kids and still wear out on a date with the hubs. I also love a comfortable shoe that can move with me when I move with the kids, but still be stylish and not a “tennis shoe.” Basically I am not your average sweats and t-shirts or t-shirt and jeans mama. My step-father coined me best as a “classy broad.” Need I say more. In addition to style and functionality I also am conscious of the brands; are they eco-friendly, are they trade friendly (equal rights and labor in developing countries), etc. Here is why Jambu was so appealing to me, in addition to their fabulous line of stylish footwear.

Versatile: Unlike other outdoor brands, Jambu™ shoes are designed by women for women, therefore, details such as floral motifs, contrast stitching and materials keep Jambu a step ahead creating an outdoor fashion feel.

Comfort: With its Memory Foam™ Footbed, Jambu™ will cradle your foot and keep you comfortable all day.

Eco-Design: Because conserving our environment is important, Jambu™ shoes use partially recycled rubber outsoles, animal friendly materials available in Vegan collection, recycled and recyclable packaging.

The pair of shoes I received for review were the “Journey” which are part of the Sporty Wedge Design line of Jambu. This cute, sporty wedge features pretty floral motif detail, soft, nubuck leather and is quick and easy to put on. Perfect for a lady on the go, the Journey has a contoured foot bed and extra cushioning for additional support and comfort (Jambu, 2010). Truly these shoes are perfect for on the go, are stylish for casual everyday activities like running errands, chasing the kids at the park, but are chic enough to wear out for an evening.

The shoes are similar to a clog, with the feel of wearing a wedge and the comfort of wearing your favorite tennis shoes. Growing up in Arizona I have always loved to be barefoot so shoes are always so cumbersome and what I ADORE about the Jambu line is the breathable design of their shoes, the no stink insoles, and the extra cushioning for comfort. Plus the soles are rugged and tough and show little to no wear with how much I am in them.

My favorite pair? I could not pick just one. Narrowing my decision was hard enough, but needless to say that any shoe from the Sporty Wedge line would be a favorite. So to pick a true wedge or a sandal wedge? That was the question.

If you love a great shoe but are wanting a multi-purpose, fully functional, COMPLETELY comfortable shoe I would recommend Jambu. You can find them online too at Planet Shoes and Zappos. But feel free to browse their site and find out more about each line of shoes and their eco-friendly materials and animal friendly Vegan collection.