Planet Shoes has launched a specialized Health and Wellness Shoe Shop including popular brands like Earth Footwear, Skechers Shape-Ups and MBT Shoes. The Health and Wellness shop includes shoes with technology designed to support the body; in fitness, in the workplace and in everyday activities.

“Health and Wellness footwear has really come a long way in terms of styling and technology,” explained Philippe Meynard, President of Planet, Inc. “People tend to associate Health and Wellness footwear with shoes that feel great but perhaps don’t keep up in terms of style. We’ve focused on finding brands that offer comfort, support and even calorie burning while being totally appropriate for everything from work to an evening out.”

Health and Wellness footwear, according to PlanetShoes.com, includes many styles from the traditional sneaker to cozy winter boots and even stylish pumps. The criteria for being included in the Health and Wellness Shop are based on the technology and health benefits of the shoes.

“Brands like Naot, Geox and Gravity Defyer all offer elegant styling and attention to detail with specially designed footbeds and technology. You’ll find posture support, anatomical foot support, temperature control and shock absorption.” explained Meynard. “These are shoes that may not look like Health and Wellness footwear on the outside – which is why we wanted to make a special push on the website bring these brands to our customer’s attention.”

The Health and Wellness shop includes hundreds of shoes, boots and slippers for men, women and children and brands including:

• Alegria
• Aura
• Birkenstock
• Chaco
• Clarks
• Earth
• Geox
• Gravity Defyer
• MBT Shoes
• Naot
• Power Diet
• Reebok
• Skechers
• Spira
• SpringBoost
• Z7

“The goal of the Health and Wellness Shop is really to express the breadth and depth of footwear that fits into this category. Planet Shoes has been all about comfort for a long time and we’ve been working hard to focus on various lifestyles; whether you’re eco-friendly, active outdoors or looking for boutique fashion. For us, the Health and Wellness shop is a natural extension and a way to help fans of particular brand to find other options that are equally healthy and supportive.”

About Planet Inc.

Planet, Inc. is an innovative lifestyle shoe retailer dedicated to selling the most comfortable and stylish shoes possible at value prices. Our flagship site found on the web at PlanetShoes.com specializes in active, comfortable, healthy, earth friendly shoes and products with a flare of fashion. Our product lines are ever expanding to bring our customer new fun footwear to choose from. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an eco-friendly fashionista, we strive to offer the selection you want.

We look at affordability and value in pricing our products. Customer service and unique products are our calling card. Contact us directly at 1-888-818-SHOE (7463).

So I got the great pleasure of travelling with the Earth Footwear team down to Asheville, North Carolina for the first annual Type A Mom Conference. This conference was started by mommy bloggers and mommy entrepreneurs so they could come together, network, learn from each other and also have a great time. Many of these women previously knew each other virtually, meaning web cams, phone calls, twitter, chat and emails but they all have commonalities – great minds for business and a total commitment to their families and children.

Earth and PlanetShoes.com travelled down together to introduce these dynamic women to the Earth Footwear brand in a creative and interactive way. Now, we’ve talked about Earth Footwear here in the blog before. Every pair of Earth Footwear has technology incorporated into it called the Kalso negative heel. This means that the shoe is at a 3.7 degree incline, so your heel is lower than the ball of your foot. Because of this technology, you not only stand up straighter, thereby strengthening your core, but you also burn more calories because your body always feels like it’s going uphill!

Earth Footwear has made a concerted effort in the last couple of years to reinvent itself. With their new lighter feel, their fashionable look and their calorie burning benefit, Earth Footwear is quickly gaining ground with younger women, especially those who are trying to kick the baby weight while they race after speedy toddlers.

What I found most inspiring about watching new folks learn about and try on Earth Footwear for the first time, was seeing their face as they felt their bodies adjusting to the technology in the shoe. Pretty much every mom we saw try on one of the pairs we brought down had a look of amazement on her face as her body became more upright and her core straightened and tightened up.

Earth had also brought down fitness instructor Tracey Mallet to do a demonstration based on her popular workout DVD that actually incorporates Earth Footwear for maximum calorie burning and minimal time and work! She pulled in two enthusiastic volunteers Leah Segedie and Fiona Bryan and had them do a quick workout in front of all the mom’s while wearing jeans, t shirts and their Earth Footwear!

Earth also interviewed women who had been wearing the shoes and some who were trying the shoes for the first time to get footage for a new promotional video they plan to roll out to their sales folks and vendors. We also made some great new friendships at the conference – these mom’s are amazing, energetic and super fun.

The other thing I found really interesting was which shoes the mom’s picked out among the sample pairs and examples we brought down with us.

The Earth Elite – This boot, in red faux patent leather, was by far the most talked about at the conference.

Every mom that was a size six couldn’t wait to get it on her foot and since its vegan and waterproof, it has been selling like crazy since it hit the site!

It comes in red, black, yellow, green and blue and I’ve been very interested to see that although the red seems to get the most comments, the other colors are selling just as well if not better

The Earth Invincible – The second most talked about – and fondled – boot at the show was definitely the Earth Invincible.

With the use of different textures and terrific styling, Earth has offered, here, a boot that will please any fashionista. The leather is supple and the look of the boot is fabulous, belying its healthful benefits.

And of course, you look fabulous while burning calories with every step. We love the negative heel that hides within a great looking boot, do we not?

Earth – anything red. The third most popular choice really ended up being a tie. Basically anything red and classic was picked up, oohed and aahed over and generally enjoyed.

From the mules and clog styles to Mary Jane’s, anything in a rich, dark red leather was instantly popular.

So all in all it was a great experience. We met a ton of bright, savvy mom’s and we were able to introduce them to Earth Footwear, which many of them were eager to try. It’s exciting and fun stuff to see people discover new technology and cute new shoes!

We just got back from the BTSA show and one thing’s for sure - fitness is in! From Skechers Shape Ups to Earth Footwear and MBT Shoes and on over to Reebok EasyTone, we’re seeing a lot of new fitness brands and styles that help you burn more calories and tone your body, in theory, with less work.

Not everyone has heard about these amazing shoes that are popping up all over the place that actually help you tone and lose weight just by walking around. Just in case you haven’t heard of brands like Earth, MBT, Skechers and Reebok, all of whom are getting in the game in different ways, we’re here to offer you as much information as possible so you can consider whether or not you’re ready to shape up, burn calories and invest your dollars in this new generation of fitness shoes.

Having the energy to teach all day means you can’t be plagued by pinched toes or tired soles. You need to be quick on your feet and you need to be able to illustrate your personal style at the same time. You could be classically elegant or perhaps a bit modern and funky – but either way you need durable, well made shoes that can keep up with your students and keep your feet comfortable and happy throughout any kind of day.

Likewise, we know that all teachers out there are on a budget – but I recommend considering a wise investment in a high quality comfort shoe that will last throughout the fall, winter and spring over buying ill fitting discount shoes in higher quantity. To that end, we’ve made some smart and truly well made shoes for our fabulous lady teachers.

You may not have heard of Naot, but as soon as you slip into these shoes, you’ll never forget them. This is a shoe brand that is all about combining comfort and classic fashion – with a little edge of modern design. Here we have the Naot Kirei, a lovely flat, Mary Jane style that is classic but updated with contrasting textures and detailed stitching.

The strap is adjustable Velcro for maximum comfort and fit and the suede footbed is made with latex and cork for maximum shock absorption and all day comfort. This footbed is also removable so if you have a custom orthotic or preferred footbed, it can seamlessly fit into the well constructed, stylish and durable Naot shoe.

Next up, we pull from one of our favorite brands here at Planet Shoes, Clarks. Clarks has an eye for classic silhouettes and beautiful, high quality materials and the Clarks Timeless is timeless indeed. They also have the benefit of decades of shoe making which has led them to incorporate some excellent comfort technology in the brand.

This means you get a simple, elegant style that you can pair with almost any outfit and your feet will thank you for the active air insole system that absorbs shock and cushions your soles. The shoe is flexible, supple and simply accented with contrast stitching and a low, stable heel. If you need an every day shoe and you like simple, clean lines, Clarks is a great brand for you and the Clarks Timeless will serve your needs beautifully.

If you prefer a sturdier shoe, or something that will easily work with trousers and jeans and can move indoor and outdoor with no worries, you may consider the SpringStep Vicky. This is a modified slip on – really like a Moc, with a zipper enclosure on the soft leather upper.

Spring Step is absolutely designed to keep you on your feet all day, with special incorporated spring technology to help you go further, faster and longer. The insole is super soft cushioned for maximum comfort and the insole has excellent arch support. The shoe is also light and flexible and the classic colors and European styling is simple and elegant.

Finally, we bring you an option from Earth. Earth footwear has been around for a long time and has an absolutely stunningly loyal and vocal customer base because of the quality and comfort of their shoes as well as the special technology that is incorporated in every pair.

The Kalso Negative Heel is a design that slightly elevates the ball of the foot, shifting weight back to your heels. This improves posture and also helps you to burn calories and build core strength just by wearing the shoes every day. Earth offers lot’s of great designs, but we chose the Earth Inertia to show off today because of its updated and feminine styling.

Perfect for trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses, these Earth shoes are lightweight, super supportive and incorporate BioFoam cushioning which keeps your whole foot in comfort while you burn calories just by being a great and active teacher.

Teachers are up and down and on their feet all day long. The key to finding a great pair of men’s shoes for a teacher of any grade is a classic style and a comfort brand. You want to look up to date, be able to move easily and be supported properly throughout the day. No, we’re not going to highlight the trendiest styles for our teachers who are back in school and enriching young minds, but we will highlight some great styles from some well known, and some lesser known brands that will keep you comfortable all day long and keep you looking great as well!

We love the classics! This Earth Regan is a simple and formal Oxford style but with a twist – this shoe is souped up for all day comfort and long term back support and health. All Earth Shoes incorporate the Kalso Negative Heel Technology which angles your foot to shift your weight back over the heels, improving your posture and helping you to burn more calories and build core strength.

Also outfitted with specialized arch support and BioFoam cushioning, Earth shoes will feel like heaven to anyone on their feet or on the go all day long. So basically, this shoe appears to be a normal dress shoe, but it will actually help you get kit, improve your posture and provide you with all day comfort. We don’t think it gets much better than that.

Patagonia is a great brand to support, especially for any teachers with a green bent and an eco-friendly spirit. They also create classic styles out of durable materials and their shoes are designed for active folks, perfect for a dynamic teacher on the go! This shoe, the Patagonia Cedar is a casual, classic shape with simple details and most importantly a compression molded EVA footbed that provides maximum comfort that is also removable for cleaning!

Lace up to keep your shoe in place and featuring a full toe box for comfort, this shoe is also designed with a need for minimal adhesive and with eco-friendly leather processing the laces are made from scrap leather to further reduce waste!

Tsubo is a really interesting brand with a unique and modern look and this shoe, the Tsubo Plana which is considered a hybrid dress casual would be great for a young teacher on the go. The elastic lace up enclosure keeps a firm, comfortable and secure fit while the double density insole will keep your feet happy no matter how long you’re standing at the board or wandering the aisles helping students.

The leather is high quality and supple and although the shoe is modern in design it will look great with khaki’s, jeans or cords and will easily see you through the seasons. If you’re looking for an interesting and incredibly comfortable, high quality shoe, consider the Tsubo Plana – push your style envelope!

Finally, we had to highlight a great, classic loafer – and this option, the Geox Newport is a perfect combination of classic shape, modern styling and awesome comfort technology. Geox shoes are all specially designed with an ultralight, waterproof and breathable rubber outsole which offer traction, flexibility, temperature management and shock absorption.

With the great shape of this loafer, the super comfortable fit and feel and the temperature regulation, you can pace the halls at lightning speed, walk your classroom, and make it to all your meetings in comfort and style and your feet will stay dry, well supported and great looking all day long.

We’re always happy to show you the latest and greatest women’s flats because really, you can’t have enough of this comfortable and versatile shoe! Perfect with a casual suit, skinny jeans, a summer skirt or a flirty dress ballet flats are comfortable and the designs this year have taken this simple shape to a totally different level! Ballet flats this season are all about delicious, bright and tasty colors that offer a gorgeous contrast to neutral outfits or the perfect pop of color for your preppy look this spring and summer.

Blowfish, White Mountain and Earth Footwear are all offering some fabulous bright and colorful ballet flats and moccasins for the season.

First off let’s start with the Blowfish Summerfest! This tie die canvas flat is cushioned, breathable and super comfortable. Offered in three gorgeous and bright colors including turquoise, fuchsia and yellow these are really the perfect casual flat for any summer outfit.

The flat sole will keep you comfortable and the design is simple, yet a bit different. Just slip them on with your favorite pair of jeans or shorts. Every time you look down, these adorable and well priced flats will make you smile. As usual, Blowfish manages to use simplicity, shape and color to create an adorable and versatile shoe.

Blowfish offers a brighter and shinier option in the Blowfish Seize, an adorable flat patent loafer. The shine of the material along with the texture that comes from the stitching and gathering of the material offers terrific visual interest and the delicious sherberty colors will add a terrific and colorful pop to your cutest summer outfits.

Blowfish has a way of taking a trend and popping it – this loafer would make a great alternative to a boat shoe and the patent leather offers a different versatility that can be brought up to business and down to preppy casual. Lined with an adorable contrast seersucker material and adorned with matched lacing and a simple tassel, the Blowfish Seize will definitely seize your attention.

While Mountain always offers classic shapes and styles, and the White Mountain Chance is a gorgeous little classic flat that is sure to fit into your look for years to come, while keeping you current with its poppy color. The smooth leather upper offers seasonal and fashion versatility and the off center seaming and small contrast stitching detail give this flat a modern and updated look.

The cushioned insole will keep you comfortable all day long while the girppy rubber sole with specially designed treads will offer excellent traction. If you’re looking for a flat that combines delicious color with classic lines and features, the White Mountain Chance is a great choice!

Earth Footwear is doing a great job at bringing trends into their calorie burning lifestyle designs and as a result the Earth Acquire could be the perfect summer shoe. Set in a stretchy vegan canvas, this flat is casual and colorful with charming metallic details and contrasting textures and materials.

The best part is that this flat looks great and will help you burn calories because of the Kalso negative heel technology incorporated within! The inclined sole will shift your posture helping you to build core and leg muscles which help you lose weight! So get the benefit of the charming and colorful flat of the season with the healthy fitness benefits on top!

Ankle strap sandals and shoes are in style in a big way this spring and summer. The best part is that there is a huge versatility of styles available, so whether you prefer the sexy bohemian lace up the ankle or the more structured ankle strap incorporated into a gladiator sandal, you’ll be able to find a great ankle strap shoe or sandal for this season.

Perfect with capris pants, your favorite spring or summer dress or your micro mini, these ankle strap ballet flats, sandals and shoes will highlight the length of your legs and draw attention to your slim ankles ankles and calves. Fashionable shoes this season are all about the details, so check out some of our favorite styles and see which tickles your fancy!

The J Shoes Splash is as innovative and feminine as it is fun and flirty. Offered in bright pink and black, with a T strap sheep leather upper and a peep toe, this shoe is architectural, sexy and very different. Inspired by the traditional ballet shoe, the kitten heel will highlight your sexy calves and the elegant lace up can be customized for your comfort.

The J Shoes lace up pump will act as an exclamation point to any fun and modern outfit this season, so take your fashion to the next level and really make a Splash!

The Chinese Laundry Citrus is another delicious ankle strap offering this season. Based on the popular ballet flat, this ankle strap peep toe pump has also incorporated a green colored python textured upper. The sheen and the texture make these flats stand out in a crowd.

What we love about these shoes though, is that although they have a bold look, the elegance and classic shape of the ballet flat offers a gorgeous balance of style. Leave it to Chinese Laundry to find that fabulous balance!

The Clarks Flutter is a beautiful, fashionable but classic shoe, that brings together the ankle strap, the wedge, another popular trend this season, and the great quality we’ve come to expect from this long standing shoe manufacturing leader. This Clarks sandal has a full grain leather upper with elegant contrast sticching and a delicate ankle strap buckle.

As attractive and versatile as this shoe is, it also incorporates all the comfort technology we love from Clarks. The wedge heel is lightweight and the cement construction offers flexibility and shock absorption. With a dense polyurethane foot bed, the shoe will ultimately conform to your foot. Once you put a pair of Clarks on, you’ll never want to take them off.

Not everyone can indulge in a high heel so we thought we should highlight a gorgeous offering from one of our most popular lifestyle and fitness brands; Earth Footwear. The Earth Fauci is a gorgeous gladiator sandal with an elegant Velcro double ankle strap. The embellished up front connects to create an elegant and textured T strap that offers incredible stability and comfort.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the footbed incorporates Kalso Negative heel technology so you will actually burn calories and improve muscle tone while you walk. We love this shoe because there are a lot of fitness sandals out on the market right now – but few that elegantly combine so many of today’s hottest trends!

There’s been a lot of hype out there lately with brands like MBT shoes, Fit Flops and now Sketchers coming out with ergonomically designed shoes that help you build core strength. But maybe you aren’t hearing about one of the longest selling brands that are all about health, wellness and fitness; Earth Footwear.

Earth has been around for a while, but they’ve recently reinvented themselves with a modern take on their core values. Earth has always been about improving posture and core strength in shoes that are attractive, durable and incredibly comfortable – and now they’ve taken their technology and styling to a new level.

With the debut of the new Earth Exer-Fit for spring and summer, you’ll see the culmination of Earth’s commitment to design and lifestyle. A fun and attractive flip flop – one of the most popular choices for everyone in spring or summer, has been reinvented to offer ultimate support and healthy benefits for your whole body.

Like most Earth Footwear, the Earth Exer Fit uses the Kalso negative heel technology which positions the ball and toes of the foot 3.7 degrees higher than the heel. This slight angle does enough to shift your weight back, improving your posture and strengthening your core, quadriceps and calves. The Kalso negative heel is then augmented with proper arch support to encourage a more natural walking motion.

The concept behind all this technical knowhow is to help you walk with better posture and to help you burn calories. Good posture isn’t just about how you look – it’s about your core strength in and around your abdomen. As you walk straighter, you use your core muscles more, which in turn improve your muscle to fat ratio. Did you know that the more muscles you have, the more calories you burn?

Earth Footwear also believes that if you’re more comfortable and better supported, you’ll live a more active lifestyle. A more active lifestyle leads to better health and a lower stress level – what could be better?

On top of all this technological foot support, is the environmentally friendly BioFoam cushioning, made with 70% recycled material and offering cushiony comfort with every step. After all, it’s all well and good to be supporting your body and improving your musculature – but you also need to be comfortable!

Not only are these shoes great for you, they’re also offered in six different colors! So whether you like to keep it simple in black or you want to have a little fun in rose, you’ll feel and look great. The cross closure is also adjustable so you can make sure your Earth Exer-Fit is also a perfect fit.

So rather than being plagued by your shoes, and even held back in some situations, the Earth Exer-Fit will be comfortable and supportive all day long – from the beach to the garden to the grocery store – and everywhere in between.

The only caveat about the Earth Exer-Fit is pretty much the same thing you’ll hear about all these shoes that use technology to mimic a more natural walk – and that is that you may need to adjust to wearing them. In some cases, your muscles are so tense from traditional flatter shoes that your muscles will revolt a little bit. So ease into your Exer-Fits and before too long, you won’t’ want to wear anything else!