The New Look of MOZO Shoes

We’d like to take a moment to announce the launch of our new site. It’s redesigned to give MOZO a fresh and updated “look,” and we built it with the end in mind: our new interface is scalable to fit the needs of our growing customer base.

We’ve partnered with an amazing team of web developers and specialists from Hubsoft, who have stopped at nothing to accommodate our needs (many times even before we needed something, they had already implemented it!). We are very fortunate to have them on our team.

The last year has seen major strides in product development, and now we have a website to back it up. We’ve taken the time to list just a few of the new upgrades—some of which you will see and others that you won’t see, but are still worth mentioning. Whilst perusing our new site, do take some time to read about our three Spider Traction outsole options, watch a couple videos, read some testimonials, or learn about our many wellness features.


Below is a look at some of the newly integrated features that will make life a little easier for both our customers and us:

• Rebranded look
• Links to all other Deckers brands
• Links to our social media outlets
• Area specifically for the general MOZO testimonials (including video testimonials) from satisfied customers
• New filter criteria for products so customers can narrow down their search and find the right shoe for them
• Added information on our Spider Traction outsole technology
• Power reviews fully integrated for all products

Back end:

• Designed to pull from our products dynamically so changes and additions are easy and can be made internally.
• The ability to create customized micro-sites for partner accounts

We appreciate any feedback you may have after visiting the site. And a big thank you to our team at Hubsoft for bringing our vision a reality (and making it look good, too)!

#1 in Slip-resistance and Comfort.

'Tis the season to be comfortable! Now with MOZO shoes.

Shoes that serve.®

S. Handel | Safety Specialist at Sysco Foods

Here's a letter sent to our Brand President, Stuart Jenkins, about his new MOZO shoes:

December 8, 2009


Hi Stuart,

I just wanted to let you know that I wear my shoes every day and they are some of the most comfortable shoes I have worn. I have 3 drivers that are wearing the new boots and they love them. I think one of the key factors is the gel insoles as well as the gel in the actual sole of the shoe. One of the guys stated that he feels like he is wearing his slippers to work. I have told other drivers and warehousemen about the boots and they are anxious to see what you have at the boot day. I have also talked with our maintenance guys and they would be interested, if you came up with a durable double layer toe or something that would last with the abuse that the maintenance guys give a boot.

Talk to you soon!

S. H.
Safety Specialist
Sysco Foods, California

MOZO Shoes in the San Fran 5K Race

By Court Fleming
Video recorded by Wes Fleming

I entered the San Francisco 5k race on Sunday July, 26, during the Marathon weekend, to document the comfort technology that we provide for our customers on a daily basis. I was already in San Francisco visiting my family because my mom, dad, sister, aunt, and uncle were running. I also enlisted the help of my brother to run with me and film the 5k run in a pair of MOZO Notte shoes.

The weather was perfect for any racing event: overcast with a cool air temperature. Prior to the race, I wasn’t too concerned with how the shoes would perform over the 3.1 miles, but I was a little worried about finishing with a respectable time. I hadn’t really been running religiously in Colorado, and our brand president (Stuart Jenkins) had a career best 2 hour 19 minute Boston Marathon time, qualifying him for the Olympic Trials in 1983. He’s a die-hard runner, and I knew that anything over an 8 minute pace would be laughable.

When the horn went off for the beginning of the race, I had to zigzag between the multitude of walkers and joggers. These sharp cuts took me back to my soccer playing days, and I was impressed with the lateral support of my MOZO shoes. Despite my best weaving efforts, I could only cross the 1^st mile mark in a time of 9:13. I knew that I had some catching up to do.

As I gradually picked up the pace, the comments and cheers that I received along the course were both encouraging and entertaining. Many of my fellow runners couldn’t believe that I was racing in black work socks and black work shoes, but the Drymax socks and the Notte shoes worked together extremely well as a system. I didn’t feel any hot spots or blisters developing as I continued to run each mile, and my feet didn’t hurt after completing the race, either.

My calves felt more tired than usual at the end of the 5k because my MOZO shoes were a little heavier than my regular running shoes. However, I finished the 5k in a time of 24:24, which equated to a 7:52 pace. I have now officially set the world record for a MOZO 5k! Click here for race results-- First name: Court. Last name: Fleming under the 5k race).

Would I run in my MOZO shoes every day? Probably not. But, knowing that I can run at least 3 miles in them gives me a lot of confidence in the comfort and support when I have to stand in them for 12 hours at any future trade shows. I also hope that it gives you the confidence to tackle your workday in comfort at the restaurant, hospital, airport, hair salon, grocery store, or anywhere else…

Do you have a story to tell about your MOZO shoes? If you do, we would love to hear about it! Email us at: mymozo@mozoshoes.com

MOZO: The Comfort Revolution

MOZO is proud to present the main players in the comfort revolution. Get ready to be comfortable in your work shoes today!

Wicking vs. DryMax

If you haven't noticed, MOZO offers socks as well as shoes. Is it just because everyone knows socks and shoes belong together? Well, actually MOZO Shoes and MOZO Socks could very well constitute the ultimate dynamic duo--and here's why:

(The following excerpt was taken from this website.)

"Drymax: Drymax Socks and fiber Technology

Drymax has completely revolutionized the way that we think about socks.

Most sport sock manufacturers claim that their socks wick the moisture away from the foot quickly. While this may be true to some extent, the question is, where does that moisture go? The fabric in a sock that wicks sweat away allows the moisture to adhere to the sock, which ultimately makes the sock wet. The sock may dry quickly when laid out in the sun, but that doesn't help you while your foot is inside of a boot. Wicking fibers require evaporation to dry and little of this happens in the closed environment of sport footwear.

Drymax has devised a fabric which forces the water through the sock and away from the foot. This helps keep the foot dry inside the boot. This may seem like it's been the goal of every sock manufacturer out there all along, but the science to make this happen has never been there before to do it right. Drymax is the first sock manufacturer to really do it right. The socks do exactly what they're supposed to do. They help keep your feet dry!"

And who wouldn't want dry feet when you're running to and fro around the kitchen, or around the hotel, hospital--you name it? In case it still doesn't make sense as to how these socks work exactly, check out the demo video below from DryMax.

Don't listen to us... Listen to the chefs!

We all know that times are tough nowadays, and laying down more cash for a pair of work shoes may not be top on your list of necessities. However, we'd like to argue that this may be exactly what you need to do. But, please, don't take our word for it... Australian Chef, Matthew Godge, creator of ProChef360.com, has been in the culinary business for more than 21 years and knows what works in a kitchen and what doesn't.

His blog post, "Looking for the Right Chef Shoe," clearly spells out the importance of finding a shoe that cushions well and has all the standard slip resistance a chef shoe should have. If you were ever on the fence about spending a little more for better quality, listen to Chef Godge:

"...your pairs of chef shoes should always provide you with the best protection, comfort and satisfaction. In terms of quality, you should never settle for less. Remember that chef shoes are necessities and never luxuries; so, grab that pair of chef shoes that you love and always dream of. This can reduce body fatigue and other work-related stresses and most of all, can make you feel relieved inside and out."

Mozo Shoes are made specifically with those aims in mind. With a dual-density mid-sole, and our Triple Fit System designed to customize your fit, we are confident that our shoes are more comfortable than any others; and at the end of the day your feet, legs and back will feel better than other work shoes at the end of a long shift. We pride ourselves on ultimate slip-resistance as well-- And with all that, we also make our shoes to last. We know that you work hard, and your shoes should, too. That's why we're here, providing you with Shoes that Serve.

To read Chef Matthew Godge's full article, Click Here.

Self-Cleaning Outsole

If you've ever baked a cake before, you probably know that the combination of water and flour on the floor can be deadly. Ok, well maybe not "deadly," per se, but definitely dangerous and slippery. Well, what if your job is in a bake house? You don't want to be "walking on eggshells" all day at work just to avoid slipping.

As you probably already know, slip-resistance is a key element in choosing a shoe for the food service industry. There are plenty of options out there, and they all claim to be the best slip-resistant outsole for any surface.

However, we have realized two things:

1. Not all surfaces are alike.
   
2. Not all work environments are alike.

That's why we have created two different outsoles. Our Executive line (Biz Lo, Guru, Four Gore) features a self-cleaning outsole. The wide lugs flex and remove larger particulate matter from the shoe. Workers in bakeries and meat departments have found this design extremely helpful.


Whether you're working with flour, dough, pieces of meat, or fat, the self-cleaning outsole will still provide you with the traction you need at work. Not only does our outsole design provide excellent traction in these kinds of environments, but you are also going to receive premium comfort from MOZO shoes.

Check out some of our video testimonials from Whole Foods bakehouse workers for proof.

Adam (the PBS of the Whole Foods Rocky Mt. bake house) shares why he recommends Mozo over his other shoe vendors.

Marisela tells us (Spanish with subtitles) why after six months, she still loves her Mozos.

Lacrosse Team in MOZO Socks

As we have stated before, everybody here at MOZO loves sports. We recently decided to support the Ponderosa High School lacrosse team by providing MOZO socks. We would have loved to give them some of our shoes, but we’re pretty sure that would have given them a competitive disadvantage. Ponderosa is just a quick 10 minute drive south of our office and we are excited about the season they have been having.

Since the socks have high-performance Drymax technology, the guys love that their feet stay dry and they do not get hotspots or blisters. To learn more about Drymax technology, check out the Drymax website.

Biz Lo lasted over 9 months

MOZO President, Stuart Jenkins, wanted to test the longevity of a pair of MOZO shoes prior to the company re-launch last June. Eric Hellriegel, the managing partner of Skeeter Barnes, was the chosen candidate at Stuart’s favorite restaurant in his home state of Nebraska. The agreement was that Eric would send the shoes back for inspection after he had worn them for a few months.

Well, Eric started wearing his MOZO shoes in June of 2008, and we just recently got them back at our office here in Denver. That’s a little over 9 months of testing the comfort, durability, and slip-resistance in the restaurant environment.

How many hours did Eric log on his pair of Biz Lo shoes? Well, Eric estimates that he wore them for 10 - 12 hours a day, 60+ hours a week, for 9 straight months. Conservatively, that’s a whopping 2,160 hours walking and standing in his MOZO shoes! Eric also estimates that he walks somewhere between 3/4 to 1 mile every hour when he’s working at the restaurant. That’s about 60 miles every week. Eric plans on using his pedometer for his next MOZO trial to get a more accurate reading of his mileage.

Eric mentioned that he struggled with with leg fatigue before he tried out the Biz Lo shoes. “My feet and calves would throb at the end of the day”. Well, after wearing his Biz Lo shoes for a short amount of time, Eric noticed a significant decrease in his leg fatigue and he felt much better at the end of his work-day. Crashing on the couch to rest his feet wasn’t a necessity when he got home anymore, although it was still a nice reward after a long day.

Just imagine, one pair of shoes providing both safety and comfort. Now, it should be noted that Eric has worn just about every kind of work shoe under the sun including more recently Skechers, Doc Martins, and Shoes for Crews. The pair of MOZO shoes “were far superior and they held up much better from the upper to the outsole”.

“I am never going back to a pair of Skechers or Shoes for Crews for work”.

The next time you’re driving across Nebraska on I-80, stop by for some great BBQ and say “hi” to Eric for us.

Profile view of Biz Lo size 10

Biz Lo after 9 months of wear


Slip-resistant Executive Line Outsole

Ohio State University vs. The University of Michigan

Where have our MOZO shoes been recently? Well, now that the NCAA basketball tournament is over, we wanted to get in the spirit of the upcoming football season. Yes, we know it is still months away, but everybody here loves sports.

Recently, we visited two Big 10 rival stadiums. Ohio State University vs. University of Michigan. The Buckeyes vs. the Wolverines. Which stadium do you like better? Which team is going to have a better upcoming season?

April Fool’s Day!

It’s April 1, 2009, also known as April Fool’s day! Everybody here at MOZO is wondering if you were able to pull off any successful April Fool’s hoaxes on your co-workers, friends, or family members today. Feel free to post your stories here on our blog!

In the meantime, we hope that the following links will provide you with some inspiration for next year’s April 1st.

Top April Fool’s day hoaxes April 1, 2009

Top 100 April Fool’s Day hoaxes of all time!

Enjoy, and have a great day!

- your friends at MOZO

MOZO Shoes on eBay

We have been getting some customer inquiries about the MOZO shoes on eBay that cost under $20. How is that possible when the shoes on our website retail for $99 and $149.99? Well, as you know we re-launched our company in the fall of 2008. During this process we upgraded the slip-resistance and cushioning technologies in our shoes. We also changed the branding, logo, and website for our company. The products that you find on eBay are not slip-resistant and they were our older models/products. We sold these shoes to the Deckers Factory Outlet Store in Ventura, CA. These products were sold at a discounted price because we were unloading our old inventory to make room for the new products.

The shoes on eBay are not the same shoes that we sell on our website. Many of the sellers on eBay have also falsified information about the product that they are selling by copying/pasting information directly from our website. The shoes on eBay are not covered by our Unconditional Guarantee and they cannot be returned/exchanged for our newer products because they were purchased at a closeout price.

Some examples of these MOZO products on eBay that “retail for $149″:

- Women’s Four Gore size 7.5

- Women’s Four Gore size 9

- Men’s Brown Guru size 13

- Women’s brown Nib size 6.5

*Please note that we discontinued brown, and the branding on many of the products you find on eBay is that of MOZO before it was re-launched in October, 2008. Also, none of the products on eBay retail for $149, even though many of them state that they are.

Feel free to send us any comments or questions about this issue, and we would be happy to assist you.

- your friends at MOZO

Blizzard in Denver!

This winter has been pretty mild when it comes to snowfall here in Denver. However, that all changed as we started receiving blizzard warnings last night. Today, the weather reports have been quite accurate! We’re grateful to be getting this much moisture as it has been very dry recently. It’s also great to be wearing a pair of Executive Line Four Gore shoes because the self-cleaning tread and slip-resistance has prevented any slip & fall accidents today.

It has been snowing all day and it is certainly getting more intense out there. We’re packing it in early to ensure that we make it home safely and before it gets even worse (if only car tires had our MOZO tread!) If you need anything, please fill out the contact form on our website.

- your friends at MOZO

Food Shows

Yesterday was a busy day for us at MOZO. We were spread around the country attending three different food shows in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Seattle.

These shows were a great opportunity to inform new customers about our shoes that provide safety and comfort. It is amazing to see how puzzled some people were when we told them that our slip-resistant shoes are comfortable. We realize that is comfortable work shoes are not the norm in this industry, but we want you to be able to perform in your work environment without worrying about your knees, back, and feet hurting.

- your friends at MOZO

Where Have Your MOZO Shoes been?

Happy St. Patrick’s day!

Brett just got back from a trip around Northern Michigan. He visited some key accounts that are providing its employees with the MOZO comfort. Needless to say, it was certainly a winter wonderland! While he was battling the snow and sleet in Michigan, we have been enjoying sunny weather in the 60s - 70s here in Denver!

Guru - Mackinaw Bridge

Guru in front of the Odawa Casino

Guru dwarfed by snow

Where have your MOZO shoes been? Submit your pictures and we will post them!

- your friends at MOZO

Central PA Tourism Show

We love daylight savings!


Brett recently attended the Central PA Tourism show and I finally got my hands on the pictures. Brett was there informing many of the Chefs, restaurant owners, and other members of the culinary community about our products. You can see from the picture that he had a booth showing our YouTube video and our shoes. Although he did not find any feet to fill a size 16 this time, he did get to witness the Iron Chef Challenge that they held.

At the Sysco Central PA Tourism Show

Iron Chef Competition

Focused during the Iron Chef Competition

MOZO donated a free pairs of shoes to the each member of the winning team in the Iron Chef competition, and although we are fans of upsets in sports, we were proud to present our shoes to Team #1 - champions for the 3rd consecutive year!

Iron Chef Challenge at the Central PA Show

Mark Pawlowski, Executive Chef/Director of Food & Beverage at the Yorktowne Hotel said this after he received his MOZO shoes: “These shoes are great! The moment I slipped them on and felt the way they gripped the floor, I knew I would be a happy camper… I really appreciate your generous donation of these high quality clogs! Thanks again!”

Well, Mark, we’re glad that you like our shoes so much! We engineered our products especially for Executive Chefs like you!

Again, congrats to the winning team!

- your friends at MOZO

MOZO on Twitter!

We are now on Twitter!

Click here to follow us!

- your friends at MOZO

Size 16!

Happy March!

The weather out here in Denver has been in the 70’s and sunny so we can’t really complain about that.

Brett Ankrom, one of our sales guys, recently attended the Taste of Elegance show at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. At this show, Brett made it his mission to find a person who could wear our biggest shoe - a size 16. Several tried, but only one was a perfect fit.

Ron White played Offensive Tackle for the University of Maryland from 1993 - 1998. He is currently the Owner of Hugo’s Restaurant in Brownsville, PA, and he was the official winner of Brett’s little contest.

Wearing his MOZO shoes, Ron is 6′8” and as you can see from the pictures below, he dwarfs Brett who stands at 6′0”.

Ron White, proud owner of the MOZO Biz Lo - Size 16

Ron's feet

- your friends at MOZO

Foot Solutions - Retail Stores

We have been receiving several calls inquiring about retail stores that carry our shoes. At this time we have a relationship with the Foot Solutions retail company. Feel free to contact your local foot solutions store and they can help you with sizing and custom orthotics.

Click here to view the Foot Solutions web site!

- your friends at MOZO

New MOZO Testimonial

Hey everyone, we hope that you had a relaxing weekend. We just got some great feedback from Amy Aleshire, a teacher in Buena Vista, CO. You can check out her thoughts on our testimonial page. Click here to read more!

- Your friends at MOZO

New Youtube Video

First off, the Professional line shoes are now available for sale on our web site!

Secondly, several customers have asked us, what do you mean by “running shoe comfort. work shoe toughness.”? Well, check out a new video of Stuart Jenkins, our President, running in a brand new pair of Notte shoes.

Click here to read more about Stuart’s experience.

If you can run in our shoes and still be comfortable, imagine how our shoes perform when you’re just standing in them.

Enjoy!

- your friends at MOZO

MOZO Enthusiast(s)- Chef Network

MOZO has a networking group on the popular site http://www.linkedin.com. It is called Chef Network and is full of executive chefs and other people working in the restaurant industry. This is a great place to find jobs, network, and promote yourself within the food service industry.

Here are what some Chef Network members had to say about MOZO shoes:

“I have been wearing a pair of MOZO shoes for a few months now. I require a shoe that is not only functional in a kitchen, but consistently looks good during customer presentations. I also like a shoe that does well in airports (I FLY A LOT.) MOZO shoes performed excellently on all of these rating grids. I even found myself having to walk through two inch deep water and I stayed high and dry! They have the comfort to put up with the 12 plus hour days we find ourselves working. Get a pair- you won’t be disappointed.” - F. G., Executive Chef

“I’ve been a MOZO enthusiast for several years now and have watched the line of shoes evolve from great to he greatest. I wear them from the receiving dock, to the cooler, to the kitchen, and then into the dining room. They are the best in every situation. My team members are really impressed as well. MOZO shoes will prove to you that culinary footwear can be safe AND incredibly comfortable.” -Roger Thomas, Executive Chef

Food Wishes. Shoe Wishes.

Looks like we found a MOZO enthusiast on Chef's John's Food Wishes Blog!!!

http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2009/01/no-knead-ciabatta-bread-you-can-believe.html

"Love the bread, but also had to tell you that I bought (on line) a pair of MOZO shoes for my 41 year old son for Xmas.  He loves them and is very impressed that they are "all" leather, very rare these days.  They look good enough to wear anywhere, to any function, and so very comfortable.  If anyone of your followers wants a great shoe, go on the MOZO shoes website.  Thinking of getting a pair for myself."

We love hearing good things about MOZO shoes!!!!!!!!!

Doctor's Orders- Wear MOZO shoes. They do.

"I received my MOZO shoes last week.  They are quite comfortable and sturdy; essential elements for someone like myself who's on on their feet for long stretches during the day.  I must admit, I was a bit concerned that there was no "wide" selection for my particular size, but the "TripleFit System" accommodated my foot very nicely." -Robert Chetlin, PhD

Professional Line- The Notte

As mentioned before, the new MOZO Professional Line will be available in February 2009.  Here is some feedback from out wear-testers about the Notte:

"I honestly LOVE these shoes and am I'm very grateful for the chance to try them out.  I would purchase them in the future as my work shoe of choice.  I work in a VERY high-paced busy, greasy, and crazy restaurant- these shoes out perform all others that I've tried!" -S.S. 

"Best shoe I've worn in the kitchen in 14 years. I LOVE THEM. Thank you!" -S.R.

MOZO Enthusiast(s)- Chef Network.

MOZO has a networking group on the popular site http://www.linkedin.com. It is called Chef Network and is full of executive chefs and other people working in the restaurant industry. This is a great place to find jobs, network, and promote yourself within the food service industry.

Here are what some Chef Network members had to say about MOZO shoes:

"I have been wearing a pair of MOZO shoes for a few months now. I require a shoe that is not only functional in a kitchen, but consistently looks good during customer presentations. I also like a shoe that does well in airports (I FLY A LOT.) MOZO shoes performed excellently on all of these rating grids. I even found myself having to walk through two inch deep water and I stayed high and dry! They have the comfort to put up with the 12 plus hour days we find ourselves working. Get a pair- you won't be disappointed." - F. G., Executive Chef

"I've been a MOZO enthusiast for several years now and have watched the line of shoes evolve from great to he greatest.  I wear them from the receiving dock, to the cooler, to the kitchen, and then into the dining room.  They are the best in every situation.  My team members are really impressed as well.  MOZO shoes will prove to you that culinary footwear can be safe AND incredibly comfortable." -Roger Thomas, Executive Chef