Though it uses every shoe pun in the English language ("thought clogs," "the sole truth"), it's quickly apparent that this gimmicky relationship guide is no light-hearted spoof, but a serious approach to finding a man. Unfortunately, "soleology" is about as substantive as a flip-flop. Still, Sozio's main text is funny, if not exactly fair, as she breaks the male population into a series of archetypes: for example, a classic "noncommunicator" can be spotted by his "Ubiquitous White Sneaker." It's not quite that simple, however: the shoes point to a particular continuum, but the man's attitude toward them places him on it; for instance, a Tevas-wearing man falls on the "Authority" continuum somewhere between the compliant "Yes, Sir!" type and the "Rebel," depending on whether his message is "I'm a river guide" or "I am the river." Though the author hits some practical high notes while identifying "red flag shoes" ("unraveling" shoes are the worst: "where else is he coming undone?"), some absurd counsel (pretending to drop something so "you can conveniently check out his shoes"), goofy lists ("Ten Reasons why Shoes are Better than Men") and other filler will try readers' patience.
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"Had I known Donna Sozio last August, she would have told me that the guy wearing ski-boot-size, marshmallow-white basketball sneakers wasn't the Prince Charming he otherwise appeared to be." --Melissa Hecksher, dating columnist & author of
Date Him or Dump Him? "I'm going to start checking men out with that!" --Tyra Banks, Supermodel, The Tyra Banks Show & America's Top Model
Donna is the undisputed queen of soles-giving every woman the ultimate tools on how to do what we all wish we could: tell a man by his shoes. Her book "Never Trust A Man In Alligator Loafers" has enlightened me on how to tell any man by his footwear and has teaches women the world over to judge men based on her brilliant sole impression methodology. Her book is laugh-out-loud funny, complete with insightful anecdotes and hefty encouragement to modern single women everywhere not to despair! As a writer, Donna's wit and charm shines through her words. I can recommend her book to every gal that wants to inject a bit of humor and some much needed guidance into her dating repertoire. --Samantha Brett, Australia's #1 dating expert, author and TV Host
"This fun book reads like good chocolate tastes. Reading a man by his shoes helps women ground the relationship." Dr. Pat Allen, celebrated relationship expert and author of Getting to "I Do"
"Sozio's main text is funny. . .the author hits some practical high notes while identifying 'red flag shoes." --Publishers Weekly
"Smart and fun! In a world of constant dating and relationship struggles, Donna has a unique and playful philosophy on dating that works!" Gina Romanello, author of Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul
"If you are looking for a "man manual", this is it. Reading a man by his shoes lets you know what to expect in a relationship from the man who wears them." Vienna Flores, The Los Angeles Times
Read this book. You can learn so much about a man by his shoes. It's a built-in icebreaker on a date!" --Julie Spira, Best-Selling Author, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online
"Never Trust A Man In Alligator Loafers is a candid view on why men need to seriously think about their footwear and how important it really is to create chemistry with the opposite sex. Donna clearly presents the level of importance placed on the visual cues in those first moments of meeting someone special. I highly recommend this book as part of every man's arsenal for making that first impression with women...a good one! --Ori Rosenbaum, President & CEO of Auri Footwear
"Finally Donna put into words what women have told me for over twenty years, you can judge a man by his shoes. Donna's humorous style and insightful wit make her book not only entertaining but also transformational." --Melvin L. Allen, M.A., dating coach on NBC's hit reality show Starting Over
"Listening to Donna gives you a glimpse behind the curtain to discover how women can sum up a man in a minute." Ryan Vance, Executive Producer, G4TV, a leading US cable network for men
"I LOVE this book! Donna Sozio delves into the world of dating with hilarious insight. This book is the perfect hostess gift for all your girlfriends. I keep five copies in the house and instead of bringing the usual "bottle of wine" to celebrations, I bring Donna's book, which is always appreciated! I can't wait to see what she's got for us next!" --Jackie Silver, founder and president, AgingBackwards.com
"The right shoes boost everybody's confidence!" --Jazmin Whitley, celebrity Li Cari fashion designer and star of Style MTV
"Sozio's main text is funny...the author hits some practical high notes while identifying 'red flag shoes." --Publishers Weekly
"Never underestimate the power of shoes!" --Viki King, bestselling author and Hollywood film consultant
