Feet with the Beat on Sanibel Island

Not long ago, we wrote a blog post on pampering your pooch while visiting the Island.  Now we are going to make some suggestions as to how to pamper your other "dogs"...the ones you walk, dance and stand on.

For a tiny, tropical island, it is quite impressive that there are so many ways you can cater to your feet, making them feel and look better.

For a start, there are the various shoe shops on the Island, many of them unique.

Begin your shoe hunt at Footloose Sandals and Shoes, with a location on both Sanibel and Captiva. This one-stop island outfitter boasts the largest selection of fashion and functional footwear. Bring the family for a host of wonderful brands including Reef, Teva, Sperry, Crocs, NAOT and many more sought-after selections. They also carry a wide array of beach socks for shell seekers and beachcombers.

Are you more the Ugg type?  Then you might want to take a look at Synergy, located in the Tahitian Gardens. 

At Sanibel Sole, also in the Tahitian Gardens, you will find a wide variety of walking and beach wear, including the popular Chaco Sandals by Chaco, Inc. featuring the Devotee Gunnison, Enigma Yampa, Enigma Vibram Yampa, Irony and Irony.   Yampa lines carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Chaco flip flops such as the Ecotread and the Flip Ecotread also provide good arch support. Chaco sandals feature soft polyester adjustable straps that maintain a consistent fit, providing durability and comfort in addition to arch support.

But our personal and emotional  favorite of the many stores offering food wear is Rinaldis' Fashion Shoes on Palm Ridge Road.  The merchandise is aesthetically appealing, as is the individualized attention from the owner.  A variety of pretty sandals and casual foot wear can be found and tried on, many designs from Spain and Italy.

And speaking of personal favorites, though there are several nail salons and  beauty parlors on the Island, there is one that has decidedly caught our imagination, though we have not yet tried it.  Called the Spatini Teabar and located on Periwinkle Way, this trendy delicacy offers "Nail-tinis" ranging from "Man-tini's" to Teeny Winis.  And all their enticing services include complimentary Iced Tea, hot tea, beer or wine.