Naot began in 1942 in a tiny workshop on Kibbutz Naot Mordechai in Israel’s Hula Valley. The one-room workshop – and the folks that worked there – likely never knew that such a humble start would evolve to become a world-renowned footwear brand.
Their shoes have a singular aim — comfort. Naot believes that people are at their best when they’re comfortable, and with that, these hand-crafted pieces, designed by a team of different cultures and backgrounds, have gained popularity around the globe.
Fine Italian leathers and signature insoles combined with advanced designs make for an unparalleled combination of quality, fashion and comfort. Naot’s uniquely engineered insoles are designed to replicate the shape of one’s foot, much like a footprint left behind in the sand.
Naot produces shoes for supporting the feet, using their patented multilayered approach to comfort. It all starts with supporting the big toe (aka hallux), which in turn prevents the foot from slipping forward, keeping you at one with your shoes.
Their signature, elevated, flexible footbed in the center of the insole releases pressure in the center of your feet. It’s wrapped in breathable, fine suede for both luxury and absorption. Built-in arch support allows an even distribution of your body’s weight and helps to reduce pressure generated by the spinal column and joints.
Next, a deep heel indentation helps your body’s balance and maintains the natural shape of the pad of the heel that protects the heel bone.
[Naot’s Ruzgar slip-on bootie from this fall’s Aura Collection]
Added to this is the footbed mentioned above, using cork and latex for shock absorption and durability. Finally, an extra sponge layer of padding adds even more comfort and softness to Naot shoes.
We reached out to Naot Canada to select a men’s low boot and a women’s shoe that would pair with fall and winter wardrobes.
These two shoes stood out for various reasons, including the option to remove the footbed to accommodate orthotics (if you use them, you’ll know that shoes aren’t always deep enough to fit them!).
Mambo Shoe With Removable Footbed
Mambo, a medium- to wide-width shoe in the Allegro Collection, features contrasting and complimenting leather elements, plus a fun criss-cross strap that adjusts with a hook and loop closure. Their removable footbed (wrapped in pampering suede) molds to the shape of your feet as you wear them.
Allegro Collection shoes feature lightweight, durable polyurethane soles so you can wear them for many seasons to come.
The colourful Mambo pairs perfectly with perfect jeans, skirts and casual dresses. Between the three colour combinations available, one is likely to work with your wardrobe.
I really like the use of Maple Brown, Toffee Brown and Luggage Brown leathers mixed with Rust Suede since I’m likely to be found in jeans and sweaters for the next several months.
They’re also made in Vintage Smoke/Tin Grey/Oily Coal and Black Ice/Black Pearl/Hash Suede. The Mambo is available in sizes 35 to 42; CAD $220
Pilot Boot With Removable Footbed
Part of Naot’s Men’s Executive Collection, the Pilot has a handsome, classic style with contrast stitching for added character, and is lined with a super soft leather for ultimate comfort.
Offered in different leathers and suedes, Pilot has been in Naot’s line for many years and can easily go from business casual at the office to dinner parties.
This medium-width low boot comes in sizes 40 to 47 in Matt Black, Rust Suede and Vintage Grey Leather (CAD $250) as well as in two special edition, hand-dyed, colour-blended versions (Black to Pale Blue leather, Brown to Black leather; CAD $270).
In Vancouver, Naot’s got a beautiful boutique at 2851 Granville Street (near West 12th), stocked with shoes and accessories for both men and women.
In Ontario, they’re located in Toronto, Thornhill, Willowdale and Newmarket. Other locations include Calgary and Montreal. Visit Naot Canada online for the entire collection and more info.
