Whether you are employed by a hospital, outpatient care or a private medical practice, professionals have to avoid injuries incurred from treating and transporting patients, exposures to body fluids and illnesses, needle sticks and more. All while working long hours and handling demanding duties. But even in the most intense circumstances, working with Abbadabba’s means these professionals have one less thing to worry about – their feet.

Sure, we think a lot about keeping people healthy from the soles up. But we’re not alone. The Occupational & Health Administration has several standards for protective footwear in a health care environment. In addition to preventing slips, trips and falls, individuals need to wear closed toe shoes with strong support to avoid foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or items piercing the sole.

Footwear also needs to provide protection from potential needle sticks, splashing from blood or other potentially infectious materials. Finally, there’s the issue of comfort. Anyone spending long shifts on their feet requires maximum performance and support.

Just ask Camille Ghiraldi, R.N., who has been shopping at Abbadabba’s for over a decade. “As a nurse, I was amazed to see how wearing Dansko’s took the pressure off of my hips, knees and back while keeping my feet comfortable and protected,” she explained. “Abbadabba’s goes out of their way to help you buy the right shoe for your feet.”\r\n\r\nAbbadabba’s offers a number of protective, fashion-forward shoes that give health care workers the support they need. Popular brands with enclosed toes include Dansko , Alegria, Bireknstock, Sanita, Keen and Klogs.

Want more tips for finding the best shoes for your health care environment? Try these:

• Review your hospital and health care facility guidelines on protective footwear to ensure the brands you select are in compliance.
• Make sure you move around in the shoes, bending and lifting, to test how well they would perform with work tasks.
• Since feet often swell after being awake for a while, shop later in the day during times close to the end of your work shift.

We like to recognize the dedicated health care professionals who help heal us all on a daily basis.

In celebration of National Nurse’s Week and National Healthcare Workers Week during May, we went out into the community to give our thanks to Georgia area nurses for all that they do.

Highlights:

• We donated a pair of Alegria shoes to each of the 10 AJC Nursing Excellence Award Winners

• We donated 5 pairs of Dansko shoes to nurses at Dekalb Medical

• We offered a special discount to nurses at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during Nurse’s Week

• We’d love to reward more nurses in our community. If your hospital or medical practice would like to offer a reward to your nurses, contact susan@coolshoes.com for more information.

That’s why we partnered with PEDS to distribute “SLOW DOWN” yard signs free of charge at our retail stores. Community residents, civic organizations and parent teacher associations can pick the signs up at all five Abbadabba’s locations while the inventory is available.

“We are thrilled Abbadabba’s shares our focus on creating a more pedestrian-friendly community,” said Sally Flocks, President and CEO of PEDS. “Their generous support has funded these complimentary yard signs and expands our reach into the Atlanta suburbs through more convenient distribution points.”

On March 23, 2013, PEDS distributed the signs at a special event in Grant Park, with the help of several of our team members, before expanding the access to Abbadabba stores on March 27. The organization will schedule a second distribution event within the next month or so.

As Atlanta traffic grows more congested, motorists have been cutting through residential areas at greater speeds. The result is an increased threat to local pedestrians.  “Posting SLOW DOWN signs on streets sends a clear message to drivers who treat neighborhood streets like highways,” added Flocks.

Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, Inc. (PEDS) works with government agencies, urban designers, community organizations and others to increase pedestrian safety and convenience.

The organization is dedicated to making metro Atlanta safe and accessible for all pedestrians.

Visit www.peds.org for additional information.

At a time when other companies are cutting back on expenses, we are now offering team members unique wellness benefits like reimbursing the cost of monthly gym memberships and race-day fees. Customers have told us that one of the reasons they keep coming back to Abbadabba’s is our knowledgeable employees. So we want to ensure they have every opportunity to support your healthy living journey through their personal experiences as well.

Like Christine Porter, our Director of Store Operations. Since the beginning of 2012, she has lost a considerable amount of weight and now works out five to six times a week. Christine is now using the wellness benefits to fund her gym membership and pay for the fees associated with races such as the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and the Chicago Half Marathon. “It’s great that Abbadabba’s is helping support my personal fitness goals,” she notes. “Since I am the athletic shoe buyer, this experience has helped me understand what our customers need in most exercise environments.”

Kristen Smith, Chief Financial Officer of Abbadabba’s, sums up the company’s unique philosophy. “While Abbadabba’s mission is to be Atlanta’s Premier Source for Innovative Comfort Footwear, our purpose is to promote better health by helping you find shoes that support your feet, maximize performance and prevent injuries. In selling products that enable people to live a more active life, we wanted to provide wellness benefits to our employees that back up this passion.”

Abbadabba’s wellness benefits include:

• Our new “Break Out A Sweat” benefit reimburses 50% of the cost for any employee at corporate or the five metro Atlanta stores for entry fees for races such as 5k, 10k, Triathlons and Marathons/Half-Marathons. If the employee recruits other people (non-employees) to race with him/her as part of an Abbadabba’s Team, their entry fee will then be reimbursed at 100%.
• Health club membership reimbursements are one of our most popular wellness benefits. Abbadabba’s covers 100% of the cost of health club/gym memberships (or similar fitness classes) for all salaried employees up to $35/month, garnering an outstanding 43% participation rate.
• We also cover 50% of fitness membership fees up to $20/month for full-time hourly employees, with nearly 10% participation.

Staci Pugh, who works at Abbadabba’s Gwinnett, is excited about the new offerings. A lifelong runner who has competed in five half marathons over the past two years, she usually runs alone. But that’s about to change now that Staci reaps the benefits of including others. “With Abbadabba’s help, now I can do more of what I love and have people join me who have never competed before,” she notes. “This benefit has motivated me to do more marathons in 2013.”

Complementing the generous health insurance packages already offered, the company’s wellness benefits help make Abbadabba’s one of the best places to work in Atlanta. Unlike most retailers, we have low turnover and a high percentage of full-time workers – allowing us to continually invest in the in-depth training of sales staff about products. Which means you can always count on our team to be able to answer questions, help fit the best footwear for your needs and support your healthy living goals.

Whether you’re employed at a four star gourmet eatery or a fast-food establishment, all restaurant workers have to deal with the challenges of constantly being on their feet. You have to avoid slips, trips and falls in busy kitchen and dining areas. Then there’s the physical wear and tear of standing during shifts that can last eight, ten hours or even longer. When it comes to foodservice, having the proper footwear is essential.

The federal government certainly recognizes this point. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration , restaurant workers should wear sturdy footwear that is slip resistant and not canvas or open-toed to protect the feet in case hot liquids are spilled on shoes. That’s where Abbadabba’s comes in, providing food industry professionals with the best variety of high performance footwear for the job.

“Abbadabba’s carries numerous non-slip, supportive and comfortable footwear options for people working in the restaurant industry,” explains Director of Store Development Jade Regotti. “We have trained our staff how to help customers choose the right shoe for their needs.”

All five Abbadabba’s stores carry a strong selection of footwear options for restaurant employees. Brands that have proven to be especially popular include Dansko, Birki’s Professional Clogs by Birkenstock and KEEN’s, Sanita and Merrell’s Encore Groove Pro and Encore Moc Pro.

Erin Stacer, who works at Jittery Joe’s coffee shop in Athens, alternates between favorite pairs of Dansko Harlows and Birkenstock Boston clogs to keep her feet going at work. “Abbadabba’s taught me to look for shoes that support my arches and cradle my heel so I don’t roll my ankles,” notes Erin. “Their staff is really helpful. They learn so much about their brands and always help you find the best shoe for your needs.”

Chef Matthew Murphy of Three Blind Mice restaurant in Lilburn couldn’t agree more. “I cannot imagine wearing a regular shoe, as most days have me on my feet at least 12 hours,” noted the fan of KEEN’s. ”Abbadabba’s helps me find clogs that are comfortable, non-slip, and take some of the weight off my feet. They get me in and out of the store fast.”

We have a long history of helping people find innovative, comfort footwear options for work, school and personal time. Visit one of our stores today to see how we can give you the proper support for your feet when you are working to serve others all day long.

Here’s a small sampling of our in-stock Newton styles and colors:

Men’s Gravity Red

Men’s Distance Green

Men’s Momentum Orange

Men’s Motion Blue

Women’s Distancia Pink

Women’s Momentum Purple

Women’s Lady Isaac

Women’s Gravity Blue

Newton styles and colors vary by location. Our largest selection of Newton shoes is in our Buckhead and East Cobb stores.

Highlights from the Newton Summit

Our founder and president, Janice “Abbadabba” Abernethy and our Director of Store Operations, Christine Porter, just returned from the Newton Summit in Boulder, Colorado where they learned even more about the benefits of Newton running shoes.

Newton is not your average shoe company. It is owned and operated by happy people who are runners…people who are working to build a product line that will heighten the experience of each step taken, whether walking or running. They are 100% committed to this.

During the Summit, Janice and Christine:

• heard about the traditions and innovations of the company
• were introduced to new product
• participated in running form clinics followed by guided runs to help each individual better their running form
• listened to doctors speak in depth about the biomechanics of running the the importance of shoe design as we stand, walk, and run

Janice noted that “The summit was the most upbeat, positive energy-filled seminar I have ever attended. I am proud to be a part of their mission and we usher in the Newton campaign, “Hello better.”

Christine Completes Chicago Half-Marathon!

In fact, Christine, our Director of Store Operations, has been so inspired by her Newtons that she began running herself and just completed the Chicago Half-Marathon. Congratulations Christine!

After the race, Christine commented that, “Newtons technology made running the half marathon a little less stressful on my legs and body. It made the last 4 miles seem like the first 2 miles. Then to top it off, the fun colors made me feel fast!”

Newton Natural Running Form Clinics

Newton and Abbadabba’s are partnering to offer running form clinics for our customers! Attend a clinic to learn how to run faster, stronger, more efficiently and with less injury.

We’ll cover:

• Benefits of compression wear
• Fundamentals of Biomechanics
• The Science Behind Newton Running Shoes
• Injury Prevention

Times and Locations

• Little Five Points – October 2nd
• Buckhead – October 8th
• East Cobb – October 11th

Clinics will begin at 6 pm with a clinic on compression wear and good form running followed by an optional run so you can try out your new running technique!

Five Tips for Buying the Right Back-to-School Footwear

1. Flat.

Will the shoe position the foot with the heel and toe at about the same distance off the ground? A flat angle helps keep the body in better balance and alignment while also preventing injuries.

We Recommend: Converse All-Star Hi-Top or Oxford in Navy (toddlers through adult)

2. Flexible.

Does the pair bend and allow the feet to bend as well? Flexibility promotes more complete foot function as each step is taken, improving circulation and muscle use.

We recommend: Merrell Pure Glove in Black (available in womens sizes)

3. Foot-forming.

Can the shoe mimic the natural shape of the foot without restricting it? This design allows for maximum engagement of all the metatarsals of the foot as each step is taken. A good, deep heel cup in the shoe will also aid in natural alignment of the foot. Features such as arch support for those major over-pronators should be considered, although the deep heel cup will also help in the natural “formation” of the arch as bones are aligned properly. If an orthotic is to be added to the shoe for alignment or support, it should be fit at the time of purchase.

We recommend: Naot Kirei in Burnt Copper (womens sizes)

4. Fit-appropriate.

Make sure the widest part of the shoe corresponds with the widest part of the foot. Contrary to popular belief, shoes are not fit by feeling the distance between the end of the shoe and where the toes end. Instead, the arch and metatarsal bar should be positioned properly within the shoe.

We recommend: Birkenstock Boston clog in Taupe Suede (kids through adult)

5. Functional.

Evaluate the intended use of the footwear. Does it need to conform to a dress code or hold up to especially active use in all of the elements? Consider functional factors like attire, style, color appropriateness, durability, protective for use (i.e. water friendly) and more.

We recommend: Clarks Wallabee in Sand Suede (womens and mens sizes)

Abbadabba’s  is Atlanta’s premier source for innovative comfort footwear. Since the opening of their first store in Little 5 Points in 1981, the company has focused on offering footwear that helps people enhance their overall health, activities and passions. Major brands offered include Toms, Vibram Five Fingers, Birkenstock, Dansko, Naot, Chaco, Merrell, Dr Martens, Converse, Vans, Clarks, Frye, New Balance and more.

Abbadabba’s has five retail locations in the metro area, including Little 5 Points, Buckhead, Gwinnett, Kennesaw and East Cobb. Abbadabba’s has won numerous awards for its innovative footwear and customer service, including its most recent honor, being named Best Sneaker Store in Atlanta in Creative Loafing’s 2011 Best of Atlanta Survey. For more information, visit www.coolshoes.com.

“If it wasn’t for Vibram Five Fingers, I probably wouldn’t still be running….”

When the urge to run hit Barry Combess of Marietta, Georgia, it quickly became a passion. Inspired by his daughter, a runner who serves as Program Director for charitable organization “Back on My Feet,” and a housemate that completed over 60 marathons, he embarked on his first run in March 2011. The sense of accomplishment and well-being was exciting. Barry soon started competing in local 5K Races – until the foot problems struck.

A professional chef who spent years on his feet, Barry was plagued by plantar fasciitis, knee problems and shin splints. He tried to make do by wearing flat shoes whenever possible at work, but traditional running shoes weren’t doing him any favors. That’s when he turned to Abbadabba’s Kennesaw for help and quickly became a fan of Vibram Five Fingers.

“If it wasn’t for Vibram Five Fingers, I probably wouldn’t still be running,“ said Barry. The minimalist shoes reminded him of growing up in Southern California, back when he ran around barefoot as much as possible. Barry’s pain disappeared and he was able to focus on increasing his mileage.

These days Barry typically runs between 21 and 30 miles per week. In the past 15 months, he has shed 43 pounds and significantly increased his fitness level. Barry has participated in seven 5K races so far, recently placing first in his age group. Barry just completed his first 10K – the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th.

Read more about Barry’s success story in this recent AJC news article »

Amy, who many of you know from our Little 5 Points and Buckhead stores, has a passion for community service.  She has volunteered with Team in Training, the Arthritis Foundation and helped raise money for cancer research.

Amy learned about the work of Soles 4 Souls when she started working at Abbadabba’s in 2011 and knew she wanted to participate in a future shoe donation.   Soles 4 Souls has a shoe donation center in Haiti, a country that is in dire need of proper footwear to prevent disease and promote the health and well-being of youth.  Amy personally raised over $2,000 for the organization plus her travel costs in order to participate in this experience (including a $500 contribution from Abbadabba’s).

Amy’s group flew to Haiti on April 9th.  Her adventure began in Port-a-prince where Amy visited local orphanages hugging babies who needed affection), toured a ministry in Montrouis and stay in Farmath, where Soles 4 Souls has a community center to offer recreational and educational opportunities for local youth.  When Amy and her fellow volunteers would visit a school, the students would be assembled eagerly waiting their arrival. Working together as a team, volunteers would measure each child’s feet, wash their feet in cold water from a bucket and dry them off and then help the child try on the shoes for size. Language was a barrier, so Amy had to gauge their reactions by a thumbs up or down, or a smile.  500 new pairs of shoes donated by retailers and manufacturers were distributed.

“One of the defining moments of the trip was the first time I touched a child’s feet and saw how hardened and calloused they were from walking barefoot.  I volunteered to be here so kids don’t have to walk barefoot on rocks and rubble anymore. Schools require that children wear shoes, so their new footwear will help more kids receive an education.”

“During my trip, it felt like I was viewing a National Geographic special, seeing chaos and hard living conditions upfront that were previously images on a television screen. It was an amazing, humbling, life changing experience.”

Amy, touched deeply by this life changing experience, plans to go back. She would like to raise funds to participate in the August Soles 4 Souls shoe donation in Haiti. While she speaks humbly about it, community service has always been a priority for Amy.   We are so proud of Amy and glad to have her part of our team!

Note:  Gently used shoes collected in the U.S. and other parts of the world in shoe drives such as those at Abbadabba’s are used for microenterprise, where people in need sell shoes on the street to gain financial independence for themselves and others in the community.   We hope you will help us support Soles 4 Souls and those in need by continuing to bring your gently used shoes to our donation boxes located in all Abbadabba’s locations and by participating in Marietta’s Largest Shoe Drive!

Many Dansko fans work in professions that require long hours on their feet such as chefs, waiters, hair stylists, doctors, nurses, teachers and salespeople. In fact, Dansko currently has 8 collections that carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Dansko is best known for their classic rocker-bottom stapled clog, but they now offer heels, boots, flats and sneakers.

Like many of the brands we choose to carry, Dansko is committed to leaving the world a better place than they found it by protecting the community, promoting philanthropy and minimizing their negative impact on the environment. For example:

• Their Pennsylvania headquarters is one of the most eco-conscious buildings in the country and is Gold LEED certified;
• They pay their employees to volunteer up to 16 hours per year;
• They recycle 86% of their waste;
• They actively support organizations such as Special Olympics, Haitian Relief, Ronald McDonald House, The Land Conservancy… and many more!

Soles 4 Souls

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you and distributes these shoes to people in need. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has delivered over 16 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes. The shoes have been distributed to people in over 127 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States.

Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Go Green by Donating

Donating shoes through Soles4Souls is also a way to “go green.” Last year alone, Americans discarded more than 300 million pairs of shoes. When these shoes break down in our landfills, the toxic glue that holds the shoes together can leak into our water supply and atmosphere. Reduce the strain on our environment by donating your “gently worn” footwear to people in need instead of throwing them away.

Thanks to the assistance of Atlanta do-gooder Barry Corker, founder of Destiny, we are now able to accept large donations of shoes from your organizations. Make a difference by organizing a shoe drive in conjunction with your school, church, non-profit organization or even your local running group! In partnership with Soles4Souls, some of these shoes will also be distributed locally to organizations such as the Atlanta Union Mission.

When you stop in to shop with us