Square Toad Blog

Weighing in on the square toed shoe debate...

Just read this post on The Coherent blog regarding  a nice discussion about men's fashion and whether or not there can be any major changes in men's fashion trends if retailers don't help push the frontier.  And how same retailers "play it safe" in order to attract a mainstream audience. 

I like the overall discussion, and should probably do some more thinking about it, but, as usual, my immediate focus is on square toed shoes... and the post on The Coherent uses square toed shoes as an example of a mainstream fashion that retailers are not pushing out of the mainstream. 

I don't know, I am rambling because I spent 12 hours and $1,500 at Mohegan Sun last night and I am a mess...

Patent leather slingback pumps - 70's style!

Back to the 70'S

Zappos Shoes Advanced Search

This super cute slingback pump will want to take you to the dance floor and will have you twirling under the disco ball. Multi-colored, adjustable ankle strap with a leather foot and sole, this groovy pair of 3" high heeled shoes will have you looking for Greg Bady, AKA Johnie Bravo, so that you can show him your moves.

Wear these funky shoes with jeans or put on that back to the 70's dress and you're sure to have some heads turning.

Mules are the cat's meow!

Meow!!

These cute mules are the cat's meow! Very hot & sexy with a great deal of comfort. Nothing like a slip on shoe with a padded foot to keep your feet feeling soothed and relaxed for a night on the town. Any guy that see's you wearing this pair of animal haired shoes with a 1 1/2" heel will surely want you to rub behind his ears and/or belly.

Me Too - Air (Jaguar) - Women's

Poor exploding toads!

The Register, an oline publication from the UK first reported this story about exploding toads in a pond in Hamburg, Germany in April 2005. 

There was a recent update that "crows have been fingered as the culprits. Apparently the crow pecks a small hole in the toad to get at the liver. The toad begins to inflate itself - its normal defence mechanism - but because there is no separation between lung cavity and abdomen, the poor blighter keeps on expanding until it goes pop."

There is a nice thread in the science section of Netscape.com where people are discussing the poor toads...

Obviously, we here at SquareToad are sad about our poor brothers in the pond.

Funny ode to the scrotum of a toad

Who knows how long this page will stay up - it's one of those random pages hanging off of a site that may or may not continue to support the random content that is sitting there into the future.  But, by the looks of the pages here there are some old school "hackers" taking care of the stuff, so it should continue to live somewhere.

Anyway, the real point here is that someone actually wrote an Ode to the Scrotum of a Toad!

Couldn't ask for a better addition to the Ode to a Toad and Toad bits categories of our site...

Ode to a Toad: Darling Toad....

Here is another Ode to a Toad that was submited on the SquareToad website back in October 2005 by Andrea Da Costa (Pieces of My Heart):

Darling Toad...

Oh darling toad of the slimy skin

Could there be more to you within?

I'd like to believe you are a prince

But that fairytale died for me long since!
 

Oh darling toad all covered in warts

Could you be a prince of sorts?

I can't imagine you on a shining steed

But to believe in you I feel a need!

 

If I should deign to give you a kiss

Would I get warts upon my lips?

Could a slime like you make my heart sing?

If I'm to find out I must do this thing!

 

*Mwah* There! The deed is done!

Damn! I knew you wouldn't be one!!!

A sad prediction from March 2006

Just read this post from blogger Anthony Bradley where he references a Cargo Magazine piece in March 2006 about square toe shoes for men being phased out as a fashion statement.  Of course we hope that is not true! 

Cargomag.com no longer exists, so maybe they didn't have all the answers...

Poor chinchilla. Waste of a perfectly good square toe...

I was reading the most recent issue of Forbes FYI, and saw this Roger Vivier sandal with chinchilla fur:

I am against the use of fur in clothing, and was bummed out to see that a perfectly good square toe design was blemished by real fur around the ankles.

BTW, why is the Roger Vivier website so lame?

Abusive toad

Nice little youtube video with a very angry toad... don't watch with the kids.

Don't be a toxic toad

I think I found that toxic toad reference I was looking for.  Unfortunately, it's not a superhero at all.  Some lame-ass, HR-type person doesn't want us to be "toxic toads" by:

"

• Checking your attitude – is it getting you where you want to be?
• Recognising the negative effect you may be having on other people
• Stop blaming other people – ask what you're going to do to change the situation
• Using your energy and expertise in a positive manner
• Asking yourself why you're unhappy with your situation and pinpoint practical solutions
• Avoiding spending time with negative people

"

Whole new meaning to taking it in the ass...

This cane toad purse makes me cringe at the sight of it.  Not only is it the empty skin of a toad, but this poor guy gets the job of having someone move objects in and out of his ass all day...

Step on me, twist, and giggle

Please, please, please, wear these for me!!!  Combine with short leather skirt and something with a plunging neckline and I'm in heaven (or hell and lovin' it).

Fitzwell - Felicita/Wide Calf (Burgundy Leather) - Women's: Stylish and elegant dress boot. Soft leather or suede uppers. Zip closure down the side. Stretch PU on the back of the calf for a more comfortable fit. Gel insole in the heel. Man-made outsole.

Fitzwell - Felicita/Wide Calf (Burgundy Leather) - Women's

Toxic Toadburger! Hmmmm

Just found this book as I was searching for "toxic toad" in Google.  Thought I had seen a Toxic Toad comic book at some point awhile back (I'm still going to look for it).  But, this was the #1 result:

Looks yummy doesn't it?  Looks like a fun book for kids.  But seems to only be published and sold in the U.K. (couldn't find it on traditional Amazon, just Amazon.co.uk).

The author, Ian Hills, wrote his own notation on http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toxic-Toadburger-Conspiracy-Ian-Hills/dp/1840465646:

"Amazing what happens when you combine an over-active imagination, 15 months unemployment, a small stint of depression and a curious affection for toads."

Think I can relate...

Kiss the Toad game

Entertaining, simple Kiss the Toad game.  Kids will definitely like it.

Shout out to The Manolo

Should have started this blog with a shout out to The Manolo.  Obviously the pre-eminent shoeblogger out there.  Love the Gallery of The Horrors!

The Celebrity category is pretty funny too...

Pretend it's spring...

These adorable mule shoes are great for the perfect spring day, but why wait for April to buy these pretty silk shoes with a durable leather sole when you can have them now to strut around in at home while pretending it's 70 degrees and sunny. Wear them to your holiday party because I know you're looking to get rid of those boring office shoes...by the end of the night you may be taking home more that that crappy present you got from the company yankee swap.

Old Gringo - Clarita Square Toe Mule (Orange/Red) - Women's

Todd the Toad?

Why Todd?

Since 1983 George Carruth  has been creating wonderful cast images in stone from completely original designs carved from limestone and clay.  These votives will be a conversation piece for years to come!     * Crafted from Cast Concrete     * Will endure year-round     * Amazing Detail     * Dimensions 3.5" x 3.5" x 3.5"     * Delivered in a Decorative Gift Box

Todd The Toad Votive

Technorati Claim - spreading toads and square toed shoes like a virus

Technorati Profile

Stars 'n Toads Comic Strip

Fun little toad-based comic strip.  "Two New Office Humor Comic Strips Every 'Moanday'"

Art is by Taylor Dobson. Design and content by Bob Cole

There is a coincidental disclaimer at the bottom of the homepage:

Any similarity between the comic strip Stars 'n Toads and your office is probably just pure coincidence;
But,
If the shoe fits;
Wear it!

Brokeback Mountain Date Night Shoes

Young Man, put these bad boys on with a pair of tight jeans, go to a cowboy bar, buy a cute guy some shots, and it's a sure thing.

...two-tone slip-on with hand finished leather and antique calf uppers. Pointy toe with overlapping leather design and rivets. Elastic gores at instep. Full leather lining. Smooth leather footbed. Lightweight and flexible rubber sole with fine engraving on bottom...

Impulse S2629 (Men's) - Tan Leather/Brown Calf

Toad eCards!

OK, technically most of these are frog ecards, but there are a couple of toads in there - http://www.krittercards.com/frog.htm.  In any case, you can send that special toad lover a heartfelt greeting this holiday season.

I particulalry like this bloated, spread-eagle frog card.

Oh, and you can choose music to go along with any of these.  Including the Godfather Theme!

One more for the toad bartender...

Je ne parle pas francais, but I like this image of a "Dead Drunk Toad" found on this French Heavy Metal Webzine...

Crazy Toad Sex

My kind of toads...

Hammered copper bowl with american toad footprints

While this blog definitely will never be accused of being politically correct, polite, rated-g, fit for society, etc.,  we definitely appreciate good art when we see it (and if you click on it and buy it we make $$)...

The name of this piece is American Toad by J. Agnes Chwae.

Decorative raised and hammered copper bowl with a blue-green patina. Double-walled bowl has relief image of footprints of an American toad.

Year created: 1996
Dimensions: 7"H  x  15.5"diameter
Price: $1800

Shipping & Handling: $65

"I want these bowls to be useful, an invitation for contemplation and reverent of the domestic sphere."
- J. Agnes Chwae

Impress in the Boardroom, then in the Bedroom

Men's shoes may be a bit boring.  But, wearing the right shoe during the work day can lead to a nice weeknight treat.  Imagine you dress sharp for a meeting, wearing these shoes of course, and then after work you go for drinks with the boys.  You spot a little vixen checking you out.  You work your magic, she's impressed with the whole package (shoes and bulge), and your weeknight just became a story to tell the guys...

Shoe details:

Squared toe, four eyelet blucher oxford in calfskin uppers. Center seam detail on vamp. Padded heel collar, and cushioned insole for comfort. Smooth leather outsole.

Square Split Toe Oxford

Online Shoe Sizers - a list of resources

Buying shoes online can suck.  Getting the right fit is one problem.  Sure, most people try it on in the store, get the fit they want, make sure everything looks cool, then order online. But, if you are looking for some sites that help you get the right size, check these out (let us know of any others out there)...

Online Shoe  Sizing Information:

Cool Interactive Shooe Size Conversion Tool - Women's Shoe Sizer; Men's Shoe Sizer

International Shoe Size Conversion Chart

About.com - Guide to Fitting Shoes

Dexter Shoes - Easy fit shoe guide. (.pdf)

Guaranteed Fit Shoes - Free shoe sizer.

If the shoe fits - Children's foot sizer.

Naturalizer - Print out shoe sizer.

Payless - Fit finder shoe site with tips and conversion chart.

Kohls Shoe Sizing Information

Wedding Tennies - Sizing instructions using a ruler.

Trained toads jump through fiery hoops

Would you pay to see trained toads? - Short piece covering the 116th annual International Fair and Expo convention in Las Vegas... "[Jim Calhoun's] toads race each other, compete in long jumps, do high dives, jump through fiery hoops and, in the rare feat that doesn't rely primarily on jumping, cross three-rope bridges. The toads, though, are not very active this time of year."

Dog dies from eating toad

Just read this sad story of a dog who died from eating a toad in Waco Texas.  I never realized that some toads were so toxic until I started the squaretoad.com website.  Sure, I figured that some toads are out there in rainforests that could be poisonous, but had no idea that cane toads were such a problem in Australia, or that there were any poisonous toads in north america...

Stick It In the Toad

Stick your keys in this toad...

Moss Finish Shelf Sitting Toad Key Safe

Available in moss green, parchment, lead, tea stained, verdigris, terra cotta, wrought iron, and brick. Cast with a resin material this toad statue can be used indoors or outdoors and will be an attractive addition to your indoor or outdoor garden. The dimensions of this artistic statue are 7 x 6 x 3.5 and have intricate details. This toad may have flaws and imperfections that are inherent in the original and are captured in the reproduction. With a key safe feature this fun statue is decorative and functional. This authentic looking toad is finely detailed with big eyes and bumpy skin. This little toad will is made to sit on the side of a shelf or any surface edge and will be comfortable on your garden or porch. Add distinctive styling to your garden or patio area this moss green finish shelf sitting toad key safe statue.

Kiss Under the Toad

Another find just in time for Christamas - Mistle Toad!  A nice find from GoCollect.com...

Item # 8355This pretty frog is ready with her mistle-toe hanging strategically over her readied lips! Tip her to the side and see her eyes light up.

Mistle-Toad

Nice information about hallucinogenic toad licking

Rotten.com has a nice page about cane toads and their toxic bodies doubling as hallucinogenic lollipops ... and they posted this fantastic picture of Homer post-toad-licking...

Ode to a Toad: HOW TO BUILD A BETTER TOAD IMAGE

Here is an Ode to a Toad that was submited on the SquareToad website back in October 2005 by Judith Cody:

HOW TO BUILD A BETTER TOAD IMAGE

 

One was in the shrubbery

Quite slippery and

(What do you think?)

Rubbery!

Two were jiggling under the roses

In questionable

(Well look at that?)

Poses.

Three entered my doorway

To ask shocking

(Now what?)

Directions.

Four delivered packages of

(Could this be?)

Toadities!

Dozens of marvelous

(Duh!)

Toad particular, solid gold currencies!

Then the four toads told me,

All the gleaming gold money

Was barter for me if only I’d

Write them a flattering poem.

Which I did,

This is it

Which they loved

Gave me gold

Lovely gold

Lovely, lovely

Generous

Gorgeous

TOADS!

©Copyright 2006, Judith Cody

Yeehaw!! Ready to Get Hog-Tied

Now here are some kick-ass boots that wood make me want to go to any rodeo! Strap these babies on with that tight jean mini skirt and that low cut top and any cowboy is going to want to take you for a ride.

These black leather, almost-to-the-knee boots have the perfect heel for jumping on one of those mechanical bulls...if you ride long enough, you might just get that orgasim you've been looking for...ride em' cowboy!

Women's 12" Western Square Toe

Comfort Zone

Donald J. Pliner...one of my favorite shoe designers.

Right off the mark, I can tell you these have comfort written all over them. You get the height from these slip on platform shoes without having the thin high heels that would make anyone feel like they're going to fall right on over.

So go ahead...slip them on, put on those favorite rugged jeans with that low cut sexy shirt and go to that neighborhood bar where you'll throw some back, pick up a couple of hot men, bring one (or maybe two) back to your place where those slip on shoes will come off as easy as they were to put on.

Squish The Cane Toads

Here's a pretty funny game (assuming from Australia) that lets you drive a truck over cane toads and hear them splat.  But, wait, there's more.  After each round you trade in smashed cane toads for repairs to your truck if you hit rocks along the way. 

You do need Adobe Shockwave installed on your computer to play.

Anyway, thought I'd share this toad game - more to come.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Ok, all that is missing from these blood red shoes are the sparkles like the ones that Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz. They may actually be leather with a suede toe, but these puppies would be pushed under my bed collecting dust bunnies with all my other less desirable shoes. You may find that old lady that never comes out of her house wearing them or the lunch lady serving the first graders down the street, but as I mentioned before these less then desirable shoes should stay in Oz and be worn by that gay cowardly lion.

Horny Toad Christmas Delight

Found this toad ornament just in time for Christmas at AnimalDen...

"Christmas Ornament: Horned Toad"

Give your Christmas tree decorations a unique look with this wonderful Horned Toad Christmas Ornament. Made from quality porcelain, the Horned Toad Ornament will help make your holiday season special. This collectible series has a full color Horned Toad picture on both the front and the back side of the ornament. Each animal ornament comes individually packaged in a nice gift box. The Horned Toad Christmas Ornament is approximately 2 1/8 inches wide x 3 3/8 inches tall x 7/8 inches deep.

Pretty in Pink

Now these are some fine satin shoes, that would make any girl feel like she's the queen of the ball. From the nice thin strap at the front to the perfect height heel at the back, these perfect girly, girl shoes are meant for that special night out...

you may even get laid, probably not once, I don't think twice, but definitely three times..

add a little slutty cocktail dress with spaghetti straps and slits up the sides, you're guaranteed to get fucked all night long.