Hotter Shoes - Newcastle Upon Tyne

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Hotter Shoes Blogging Event in Newcastle and I have to say that as this was only my second event of this kind, excited was an understatement!

Situated inside Eldon square is a brand spanking new Hotter Shoes store filled with shoes to suit all tastes and ages - I felt like a kid in a sweet shop when we were invited to choose some and have fun trying them on. It was also really nice finally being able to meet a few fellow bloggers from around the North East - such a lovely group of ladies! We were given a little demonstration and provided with drinks and nibbles making it a very enjoyable and relaxed evening.

Hotter Shoes are a British company who have rapidly expanded over the last few years going from just 5 stores in 2010 to over 80 in 2016 - now that is an achievement! They are also the UK's biggest shoe manufacturer and manage to turn out a pair of shoes every 20 seconds. Their call centre is based in Lancashire where experienced staff are waiting to help customers from both the UK and the US so there's always somewhere to turn if you have any problems - which I'm pretty sure you won't!
Ladies shoes are available in sizes 3 to 9 and many come with extra fit options to make them uniquely adapted to the size of your feet. There are also wide fitting shoes available in many of the range for those who struggle with wider feet. some may think that the prices are a little steep, but when you consider the quality, the fit, the excellent service and aftercare as well as the comfort factor, they are definitely worth every penny.

Now, many of you may already be familiar with the Hotter brand but assume that they only produce styles that appeal to the older generation, well, I'm here to tell you that you couldn't be more wrong! Hotter have been working really hard in recent years to be more on trend and cater for you younger folk too, providing a wide range of shoes for both men and women. Here are a few examples of what you can buy.....

As you can see, there are flats, wedges and heels and some of the shoes even have matching handbags to help complete the look. The first pair of shoes I tried were the Antoinette Heels in white and black - and it was whilst trying these on that I experienced my Hotter Moment! I have NEVER felt such comfort. From the second my foot was in the shoe, I could feel the soft cushioning beneath my feet and the shoes simply hugged them making them feel uber comfy and like they belonged. I also tried on the Christie Shoes in red and wow, they felt sublime. Luxuriously soft and very flattering when worn, I really loved these ...but they weren't what I opted for in the end.

I simply couldn't tear myself away from these beauties ......

These are called Sandy Shoes and I fell in love with them the minute I saw them. They were available in 3 colours but I opted for Mauve Shadow/Pink as they're more my style. I actually wore these to come home in after the event, and despite having to walk to the metro station, then walk from the metro to my car, I felt no discomfort whatsoever, and that's a rarity for me when wearing new heels. The heel is just a nice size to add a bit of height but not too big that I was unsteady on my feet, and I know I could wear these for a good few hours without worrying about blisters or rubbing. For me, they were THE most comfortable shoes I have ever had the pleasure to wear and look fab with various outfits, including jeans. I also noticed that the shoes I wore to the event, had me impersonating an ice skater as I attempted to walk through Eldon Square but my new beauties helped me keep my dignity and walk with my head high and no fear of slipping.

Why not pop along to your nearest Hotter Shoes and see what takes your fancy! I have a discount code especially for my readers offering £10 off the total order value of any full priced items in the Hotter range (excluding shoe care products and accessories) plus FREE delivery! Minimum order value is £25 and this offer can not be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer, sale or factory clearance items or gift vouchers, and can only be used on 1st orders only. Simply enter code PPATEN at the checkout.
This offer expires on 30/06/2016

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Corsica Gel Flip Flops from Beach Athletics

I was recently sent a pair of Corsica Gel flip flops in black from Beach Athletics free of charge, in return for an honest review.
                                                                             

Packaged flip flops

Individually wrapped for hygiene purposes

Bottom of flip flops

I was extremely impressed with how my flip flops arrived. Not only were they sealed in a clear plastic bag, but each flip flop was individually wrapped in plastic which meant I knew they were hygienically clean. They also came with a handy little hanger (as shown in pic) which I personally loved .....it's the little things that please!

Packaging unwrapped

Once removed from the plastic wrapping, I couldn't help but have a good old feel. These are truly fabulous. They are slightly more weighty than regular flip flops, although not what i'd class as 'heavy' .....i'm guessing this is due to the gel cushioning. The white strap bits which sit over the feet are very flexible, although they don't feel flimsy in the slightest. They are made with polyurethane (PU) which gives them great memory characteristics and offers supreme comfort due to the gel foot-bed. They also have a very durable sole.

I often struggle with new flip flops, especially the bit which sits between the toes as it often rubs and causes irritation. These however, are completely different to anything I've ever tried before. The material is so soft and flexible, that it sat snugly between my toes and didn't cause me any problems at all. I had no red marks or itching and after a while, I even forgot that it was there!
The gel foot-bed provides optimum comfort and I have to say, you'd think these were 'made-to-measure' as they fit so comfortably ....and I don't say that often, especially about flip flops! I wore them for a whole day whilst doing a bit of shopping, housework, pegging out washing etc and they were amazing. I managed to keep them on my feet without struggling and my feet remained comfortable from the second I put them on until the moment I took them off.

Overall, I absolutely love my new flip flops and will definitely be sporting them during the summer months ....if we get some sun anyway! I wouldn't hesitate in purchasing these and would highly recommend them to anyone who fancies some flip flops but without the usual pain and redness that normally goes with them.

Corsica Gel Flip Flops are available to buy from Beach Athletics and cost £23.00. They are available in sizes 4 - 7 ( I received my usual size 4 and they fit perfectly so the sizes are pretty accurate). Why not check out the other ranges available while you're there, you won't be disappointed!

You can also follow Beach Athletics on Twitter ...don't forget to say Hi! :)