My Real Shoes

Spira

2007-08-03T15:43:00.002+07:00

Man wins marathon in controversial EP shoes
Elpasotimes.com
06/04/2007

David Cheruiyot set a course record in winning the 2007 Ottawa Marathon in Canada in a pair of shoes manufactured by controversial shoemaker Spira Footwear, according to a news release. Cheruiyot, 37, completed the course in 2:10:35, a personal best by over 2 minutes.

The shoes, which contain Spira's patented WaveSpring technology, ran afoul of USA Track and Field Rule 143, which specifically bans spring technology in footwear for competition. The shoes may also violate IAAF rule 143, which bans any technology that provides an "unfair advantage."

Spira submitted its shoes to the IAAF for review and approval in September of 2006, but the worldwide governing body for Track and Field has been unable to provide Spira with an answer. Spira recently initiated a lawsuit in Federal District Court in El Paso, Texas, against both the USATF and IAAF alleging that their rules which bans spring technology constitutes a restraint of trade in violation of Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

Cheruiyot, who has been training and racing in Spira shoes for Advertisement 6 months, credits the shoe company for his success.

"I am far less fatigued after racing and training in Spira compared to any other shoes. As a result I have suffered no injuries and can train and race at more intense pace, and I find that my recovery time following a race or a hard workout is greatly reduced," Cheruiyot said in a news release.

"I had no soreness of any kind after the marathon. At 37, I expected my best racing days were behind me. Now I think I can eventually run 2:08," Cheruiyot said.

As a result of his victory in Ottawa, Cheruiyot was awarded $15,000 first prize and $4,000 bonus for setting the course record. Two other runners, Hilary Kimaiyo and David Karanja finished in 5th and 8th place in respective times of 2:11:13 and 2:17:01.

Cheruiyot, Kimaiyo and Karanja are part of growing contingent of elite runners who have elected to defy the ban and race in Spira. Keith Pierce, a high school track coach from Krum, Texas won the 2007 Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon in the shoe, winning by over 12 minutes.

Oleg Strijakov recently won the masters division at the 2007 Boston Marathon. Kevin Coch, a recently finished second in a 5,000 meter race in Michigan, in a personal best time of 13:55, a 23 second improvement over his personal best.

"There is no question that Spira is helping me run faster and farther. The first week I received the shoes, I ran 187 miles. I could not believe how great I felt," said Coch, a United States Olympic hopeful.

Spira Chief Executive Officer Andy Krafsur, himself a former collegiate distance runner, is hardly surprised by these experiences.

"After years of competition and extreme training, I was unable to run more than one or two days a week. With this shoe, I can run in complete comfort everyday if I like. This is reason we started the company," Krafsur said.

Spira shoes are sold in about 1,000 stores in the United States and in eight other countries.

Stacy Adams

2007-06-21T09:44:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Stacy Adams Shoe Company was founded in 1875 in Brockton, MA by William H. Stacy and Henry L. Adams.

The company's wares include suits, sportwear, jewellery, and shoes, with an emphasis on refined urban fashions, including styles resembling modern zoot suits, as well as more casual hip-hop clothing, such as their SAO line of shoes.

The company is frequently referenced by rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg in his music.

Stacy Adams is currently owned by Glendale, Wisconsin, based Weyco Group.

Umbro

2007-06-21T08:51:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Umbro (LSE: UMB) is an internationally recognised football brand based in Manchester, England. Umbro designs, sources and markets football-related apparel, footwear and equipment and its products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide.

Umbro are the current England, FA and FA Cup suppliers of sports apparel.

History

The company was founded in 1920, in Wilmslow, Cheshire, as Humphrey Brothers Clothing; in 1924, the company changed its name to Umbro, a contraction of its previous name, Humphrey Brothers. In 1985, in Brazil, Umbro introduced its first football boot, which went into production two years later.

Umbro also manufactured a popular style of shorts, which reached its peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They were made of nylon, had a drawstring waistband, and often came in bright colors. These shorts, nicknamed "Umbros", are football shorts, intended to be part of a football strip. With the growth of youth soccer leagues in the United States in the 1980s, many youths, teens, and young adults began wearing them as everyday clothing. Like football itself, they were equally popular among both genders. At the height of the fashion, other brands of football shorts, such as Adidas, Diadora, Hummel, Lotto, Mitre, and Xara, also became popular. However, by the mid 1990s, Umbros began to lose their appeal among youth to other styles, such as cargo shorts.

In the 1990s, the company relocated from its central Manchester facility to brand-new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Cheadle, on the outskirts of Manchester.

The company today specialises in football kits, clothing, and other football apparel, like boots and training kits, and is registered on the London Stock Exchange as UMB.

Its major competitors include Adidas, Nike, Lotto, Puma, and fellow North West England maker Reebok.

Products

Umbro currently manufactures all types of sports wear apparel including training gear and football boots. Umbro also produce casual clothes and shoes. The company is also a major player in kit manufacture for some of the world's best known teams.

Umbro have recently launched their new hi-technology SX Boot. Deco has been playing in the boots which are visually striking with different colours for each foot, reflecting the left (logical, assertive) and right (intuitive, creative and passionate) sides of the brains. The boot uses Michelin tyre manufacturing-related technology which improves control by up to 90%*.

Kit manufacturing

Umbro has produced kits for many notable football teams since establishment; its first kit was produced in 1934, for Manchester City, which won the FA Cup that year.

Over the years Umbro have also produced kits for major teams including: Flamengo, Lazio, Arsenal, Club Bolivar, Cruz Azul, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, C.A.Independiente , Linfield, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Everton, Rangers, Deportivo La Coruña, Olympique Lyonnais, La U, Colo-Colo, Santos, Vasco, Atlético Nacional, Inter Milan, AFC Ajax, Universitario de Deportes, Liga Deportiva Universitaria, Celta Vigo, FC Twente, Málaga CF, CSKA Moscow, Hajduk Split , Dynamo Moscow, Torpedo Moscow, FC Moscow, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest and Wisła Kraków. From the 2007/2008 season onwards, Birmingham City, Hull City, Sunderland, Lincoln City, West Ham United, C.D. Santa Clara, Wigan Athletic and Heart of Midlothian will also be wearing Umbro kits.

In addition to club teams, Umbro also produced kits for international teams, including Brazil, England, Northern Ireland , Ireland, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden. During the 1966 World Cup, all but one of the 16 participating teams wore Umbro uniforms.

However, Umbro have suffered in recent years with many of the big clubs they provided for moving to the big two of Nike and Adidas. In addition to this Puma have vastly increased their participation in football and now provide many national teams with kits.

Umbro currently are the official sports manufacturer of the English FA Cup and official sponsor of the new Wembley Stadium. Umbro will partner The FA in the further development of the National Football Centre (NFC) at Burton–upon–Trent, becoming the title sponsor of the Centre. Umbro is also the exclusive supplier of footballs to The FA at all levels of the game

Umbro have also manufactured kits for Rugby Union (the Irish National team and London Irish), Athletics and rugby league.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup Sweden and England wore Umbro kits.

Umbro Endorsees

Players who have endorsed Umbro include Michael Owen, Deco, Luis García, Míchel Salgado, Alan Shearer, Henrik Larsson, John Terry, Richard Dunne and Tim Cahill.

Current Teams Sponsored By Umbro

National Teams

Club Teams

Americas

Asia

Europe

LASK Linz
SCRA Cashpoint Altach
Antwerp
K. Sint-Truidense V.V.
Standard de Liege
Hajduk Split
Dinamo Zagreb
FK Brno
FK Jablonec
FK Mladá Boleslav
FK Slovácko
FK Teplice
Cypriot First Division
- APOEL FC
- AEP Paphos
- Digenis Morphou
- Nea Salamis Famagusta
Birmingham City F.C (2007-2010)
Everton F.C. (2004-2014)
Hull City A.F.C. (2007-2010)
Lincoln City F.C.(2007-)
Morecambe F.C.
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Sunderland A.F.C. (2007-2012)
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Ham United F.C. (2007-2010)
Wigan Athletic F.C.(2007-)
FC TVMK
FC Haka
VPS
Olympique Lyonnais
Spvgg Greuther Furth
Apollon Kalamarias
Iraklis FC
Kerkyra
FAI Eircom League of Ireland
- Derry City F.C.
- Dundalk F.C.
- Galway United F.C.
- Kildare County F.C.
- Longford Town F.C.
- St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
- Shamrock Rovers F.C.
- Baldoyle United
- Ballyfermot United
- Ballymun United
- Crumlin United
- Dublin City
- Kilkenny City
- Lourdes Celtic
- Rathoth Harps
- Salthill Devon
- Shelbourne
- St Patricks Athletic
Hapoel Tel Aviv
AC Legnano
Cisco Roma
Taranto Sport
Giulianova
Varese
Viterbese
FC Jurmala
FC Riga
FC Vilnius
Eredivisie
- AFC Ajax (as of 1989-2000)
- AZ (as of 2001-2006)
- FC Twente (as of 2001-2009)
- FC Groningen
- NAC Breda
- Roda JC
- sc Heerenveen
- Willem II (as of 2001-2007
Irish Premier League
- Linfield
- Glentoran
- Crusaders
- Limavady United
IK Start
Fredrikstad FK
Aalesunds Fotballklubb
Korona Kielce
Wisła Kraków
Unirea Urziceni
Poli Iasi
FC Vaslui
Russian Premier League
- FC Dynamo Moscow
- FC Saturn Moscow Oblast
- FC Torpedo Moscow
- PFC CSKA Moscow
Rangers F.C.
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Celta de Vigo
Malaga CF
IF Elfsborg
Besiktas

T.U.K.

2007-06-21T08:32:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

T.U.K. (or Tread United Kingdom) is a British boot manufacturer, who has maintained popularity with the British punk scene as they are on of the few remaining boot makers who are based in the United Kingdom. T.U.K shoes are inspired by the music,
fashion and art of the punk scene. They are famous for their boots, rockabilly inspired heels and brothel creepers. They refer to themselves as the "staple of underground rock~n~roll." T.U.K. is mostly known to specialize in footwear for the goth, punk, and rockabilly scene. T.U.K. is popularly found in goth and punk stores.

Wolverine World Wide

2007-06-21T08:07:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wolverine World Wide NYSE: WWW is a footwear manufacturer. They have their own brand, Wolverine Boots and Shoes, and also make footwear for other companies, such as Caterpillar and Harley-Davidson. Wolverine also makes shoes and boots for the military. The company is based in Rockford, Michigan, a town in north suburban Grand Rapids.

Brands

Bates Uniform Footwear
Hush Puppies (First vended 1958)
Hytest Safety Footwear
Merrell boots
Sebago
Wolverine Boots and Shoes
Wolverine Leathers

Licensed

Caterpillar
Harley-Davidson
Stanley Footwear

Retail

Track 'N Trail Stores

G.A. Krause founded the company in 1883. It originally was a utility company. However, in 1903, Krause built a shoe factory in Michigan. Today the company is run by Tim O’Donovan and has an online accounting service.

Thom McAn

2007-06-18T09:10:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thom McAn is a brand of shoes distributed by Footstar, Inc., formerly the Melville Corporation. The brand is currently sold in Kmart stores, and consists of leather dress, casual, and athletic shoes (under its Tm Sport label). Until the 1990s, Thom McAn had hundreds of retail stores in the United States, and was one of the oldest and best known shoe retailers in the country.

Ward Melville, chairman of the Melville Corporation, released the new Thom McAn shoe line in 1922, opening the first Thom McAn retail store in New York. The brand was named after the Scottish golfer Thomas McCann. Within five years, 300 stores were open, and by 1939 there were over 650 stores.

The brand achieved the peak of its popularity and near iconic status from the 1950s to the 1970s, due to its unique combination of quality leather and affordability. There were 850 Thom McAn stores in the United States in 1955, and Melville became the largest American shoe retailer by the 1970, operating 1,400 stores.

The popularity of sneakers in the 1980s hurt Thom McAn sales, and Melville Corp. began to focus on its sporting footwear division, Footaction USA. More than a third of Thom McAn outlets were closed during this decade.

The trend away from conservative leather casual shoes toward sneakers continued in the 1990s. In 1992, Melville closed 350 of the remaining 740 Thom McAn stores. In 1996, Melville converted 85 Thom McAn stores into Footaction outlets, and closed the remaining 200 stores, ending the storied existence of the Worcester, Mass. based retailer. Melville divested itself of all of its shoe retailing business, focusing on its CVS drug stores. A new corporation, Footstar, was created from the former Melville shoe lines.

Thom McAn still exists as a shoe line distibuted by Footstar, sold in the U.S. by Kmart and in other nations by Wal-Mart.

Tod's

2007-06-15T13:33:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tod's Group is an Italian company which produces shoes and other leather goods, and presided over by businessman Diego Della Valle. It is famous for its driving shoes and D-bag. The family started the shoemaking business out of a basement in the late 1920s. The family expanded the workshop and turned it into a factory by Doro who also started manufacturing shoes for American department stores in the 1970s. The son of the owner, Diego, brought in innovative marketing strategies in the early 1980s, kept the handmade manufacturing process and went on to create brands of lifestyle named Tod's, Hogan and Fay. Roger Vivier, maker of high luxury shoes was acquired in the mid 1990s and developed starting the beginning of the Millennium. The family, which owns a vast majority of the luxury maker corporation also owns stakes in RCS the publishing group, Fiorentina the football team, etc. All members of the Della Valle family were born in the middle Italian region of Le Marche and the majority of them still resides there.

Ugg boots

2007-06-15T13:09:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The ugg boot is a generic term for a style of boot, constructed of sheepskin, with the wool as the inner lining and a tanned outer surface. Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not mandatory. They evolved in Australia as a type of slipper for cold weather use and are also known as ugh boots and ug boots.

In Australia, sheepskin boots have long been popular with people in rural occupations, who have ready access to the raw materials, such as sheep shearers. Their popularity increased as a result of World War I and World War II, when sheepskin boots were popular with aviators, because of their need to keep warm in non-pressurised planes at high altitudes. Ugg boots have also been popular with surfers and competitive swimmers since at least the 1960s, for keeping warm while out of the water. Nevertheless, in Australasia, bogans and members of related subcultures are generally the only people who wear them in public. Most Australians only wear ugg boots around the house, or on trips no further than local shops.

Ugg boots saw a huge increase in popularity in 2003, partly due to the myriad of small Australian manufacturers who had been plying their trade for decades and partly due to substantial marketing by an American company, UGG Australia, a subsidiary of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which now manufactures these boots in China.

Various actors have been seen wearing ugg boots. Pamela Anderson started wearing ugg boots to keep her legs warm between takes for the pilot of the Australian version of the television show Baywatch, and brought them home for use on the California set. Also, Deckers' marketing in recent years has included seeding actors with their footwear in order to get more exposure. Actress Kate Hudson wore a pair of UGG boots on the poster for the mid-2004 movie Raising Helen. They were associated also with the Anglo-American actress Sienna Miller and boho-chic (c2003-5). Sheepskin footwear is now a major category in most department stores and retail shoe stores worldwide.

Sheepskin footwear is unisex although some styles lend themselves more to being worn by women over men.

Natural properties of sheepskin results in thermostatic benefits. Thick fleecy fibres on the inner part of the boots allows air to circulate during summer so your feet don't become excessively warm. The natural thermal properties of sheepskin ensure warmth in colder climates. Synthetic and faux fur boots do not have these properties. Ugg boots are therefore best worn without socks, to maximize the benefits from sheepskin.

In America, ugg boots are commonly worn with jeans, although one could wear other pants with the boots. One of the more popular ways to wear them is to wear the boot over the bottom of the pant leg, although you can also see people wear the boots with the bottom of the pant leg fitting over the boot.

Due to USA trademark laws, many companies selling into the USA now market these boots as Sheepskin Boots. Popular brands are Emu Australia, Warmbat, Uggs-N-Rugs, Rocket Dog, Bear Paw and Koolaburra.

The popularity of Ugg boots has polarized the fashion-conscious. Some wear them almost exclusively year-round, touting their comfort and warmth. Others call them plain and ugly, and prone to causing foot-odor.

Another common nomenclature for the sheepskin boot (especially with younger crowds) is the "Ho-stomper".

Trademark controversy

The terms ugg boots, ugh boots and ug boots have been used interchangeably in Australia as a generic term for sheepskin boots for generations. There is evidence of usage of these terms in advertising and magazines in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1971, Shane Stedman registered the term Ugh-boot and other terms as trademarks with the Australian Trade Mark Registry. These trademarks were subsequently sold to the American company Deckers Outdoor Corporation, who also registered other trademarks, such as UGG Australia in 1999. By 2003, Deckers had begun a campaign of legal threats against Australian manufacturers and vendors using variants of "ugh boots" as descriptors of their wares.

As a result, Bruce and Bronwyn McDougall, owners of Uggs-N-Rugs, a Western Australia-based manufacturer, commenced legal action to have ug, ugg and ugh boots removed from the Australian Trademarks Registry. In January 2006, they were successful in having Deckers Australian trademark removed, and the words and the names were once again generic terms for sheepskin boots. Ian Thompson, Delegate of the Registrar of Trade Marks, stated: "[t]he evidence overwhelmingly supports the proposition that the terms UGH BOOT(S), UG BOOT(S) and UGG BOOT(S) are interchangeably used to describe a specific style of sheepskin boot and are the first and most natural way in which to describe these goods which should innocently come to the minds of people making this particular style of sheepskin boot."

Deckers Outdoor Corporation decided not to challenge the decision in a higher court, but still hold the trademark in the United States and the European Union and continue to refer to their product as "UGG® footwear". They have continued a campaign against other companies referring to products as "ugg", "ug" or "ugh" boots. They continually monitor usage of the above names on the World Wide Web, using legal means to shut down any auction or website that they feel infringes their trademark. Deckers have also registered the domain uggsnrugs.com, an example of cybersquatting. They refer to the abovementioned decision of the Australian Registrar of Trademarks, but claim it is an opinion rather than a judicial determination, and has little-to-no value as a legal precedent in the United States. It is interesting to note that the website also lists the results of Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy cases taken to an arbitration provider, which mostly relate to cybersquatting by Deckers.

Vans

2007-06-15T12:56:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vans is a Southern California based manufacturer of sneakers, skate shoes and other shoe types catering primarily to the active youth market. Founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, it was originally known as Van Doren Rubber Company. They market heavily in the surfing and skateboarding areas. In more recent years, Vans has marketed additional items such as clothing and skateboarding accessories.

In the 1980s, Vans lost much of its core customer base when the company started producing baseball and football shoes. The corporation was forced into bankruptcy in 1984 . Four years after emerging from bankruptcy protection, investment bankers McCown DeLeeuw Company bought Vans and went public in 1991.

Vans had opened retail stores containing large indoor skate parks, with the first location opening in 1998 at The Block at Orange. This skate park as well as the one in Orlando are the only two that remain open. Former locations of Vans skate parks include Ontario Mills, The Great Mall of the Bay Area in Milpitas, Moorestown Mall, the Plaza at King of Prussia, Carnaby Street in London, and Potomac Mills.

In 2004 the company was acquired by VF Corporation, manufacturers of Lee and Wrangler Jeans for $396 million.

Vans also sponsors the Vans Warped Tour, a punk/ska music and extreme sports festival since 1995 .

Vans are most popular for their shoes and trainers. They are highly popular with the rock/skate/punk scenes, and also the emo scene and in recent years the bay area hip hop scene, a trend believed to be started by rapper Bran.B currently of the underground hip hop/rock group Reform Skool but most notably known for his contributions to early rap/rock act Dropsession of Rhode Island and Blacksburg, Virginia's Thrift Unit. Vans have also become popular over the last 2 years for re-introducing the slip-on range. Most commonly seen are the checkered slip-ons. There are now ever an ever increasing variety of colours and designs available.

Veja: Fair Trade Sneakers

2007-06-13T07:14:00.000+07:00

Product Dose has found what appears to be the first ever footwear brand to create ‘fair trade sneakers’, called Veja (French Site). The sneakers are made with wild Amazon rubber, and organic cotton. All the shoes are manufactured in Brazil in cooperation with living wage regulations. Their first fall/winter line ever consists of a pretty simple shoe design with different colorway choices– all quite nice. The boys at Product Dose also point us over to Scout in LA, the exclusive US distributor of Veja.

Veja Sneakers

2007-06-13T07:03:00.000+07:00

Launched in March 2005 in Paris and Tokyo, Veja is a brand of fair trade sneakers.

Materials used are organic cotton produced by a cooperative of small Brazilian producers and rubber from wild Amazon Hevea trees. Manufacturing is done in a cooperative[citation needed]. According to Veja the fair trade premium paid to the producers aims at financing concrete development projects in health, education or environment fields.

The first Veja model is inspired by Brazilian volley shoes from the 1970s.

The origin of the Veja project might be summed up in one question : is another world possible?

Veja has been built on 3 main principles:

Using ecological inputs
Using fair trade cotton and latex
Respecting workers’ dignity

Veja has created a global chain that emphasizes solidarity and environment from the small producers in Brazil to the public.

Veja’s canvas is made of organic cotton cultivated by 2 cooperatives of small producers in Brazil.

The first one is located on the North coast of Brazil, a dry and poor area. For Since the 90’s, the cooperative we are working with has developed an “agro-ecology” system, which is a sustainable agriculture model. Producers do not use chemical pesticides or manure. They receive technical support from ESPLAR, a local development NGO.

The second one is more recent. In South Brazil (Paraná), 48 producers decided to move into organic production because the very low prices of cotton couldn’t provide them a decent life. Veja supports them for the conversion and pays them a fair trade premium.

Veja soles are made of natural latex coming straight from the Amazonian Forest in the Chico Mendes reserve.
The Amazon is the only place on earth where wild rubber trees are to be found. Seringueiros collect latex for more than two hundred years.

Their activity, which does not require putting down any tree, is a great way to preserve the world’s largest forest.
Natural rubber is renewable and biodegradable, as opposed to synthetic rubber or plastic, which is produced by using fossil and non-renewable materials.

2006 : In Brazil, Veja has developed ecological leather. Ecological leather means chrome-free leather tanned with organic compounds only.

On a social basis, leather cannot be studied as a fair trade project. Extended lands and financial investments are required in order to cattle. The leather producers do not stand in the same economic situation that the other producers veja work with.

The Saga of Stuart Weitzman's Shoes

2007-06-12T16:52:00.000+07:00

Diamond Any shoe fan will know of the notorious Stuart Weitzman Oscar shoes. Each year a hand-picked 'Cinderella' (aka a B' lister) gets to wear a pair of dream shoes to the awards. Last year it was Alison Krauss in a pair of $2 million diamond sandals (left). This year it was reported early on that Halle Berry would be the lucky lady who got to wear the next pair, but that was denied (she's too famous, apparently). Then, in an act that mimicked the events of a couple of years ago when the Weitzman 'Ruby Slippers' were withdrawn in respect for the Iraq war, this year's shoes were also withdrawn as a mark of respect for the many lives lost in the Tsunami disaster (something a jewel-laden Beyonce obviously didn't feel was necessary). The question is, were they really withdrawn because we guessed who was wearing them? Halle could have done with a bit of publicity like this after the Catwoman fiasco, after all.

$500,000 'Dream' shoe fits Anika Non-i Rose

2007-06-12T16:26:00.000+07:00

By Donna Freydkin, USA TODAY

She has been overshadowed by Beyoncé Knowles and Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson. But Sunday night, Anika Non-i Rose, the third songbird in the Dreamgirls trio, gets her chance to glitter on the Oscars red carpet in Stuart Weitzman's Diamond Dream shoe.

Rose digs Weitzman's heels because "they're so comfortable, so when they asked me if I wanted to do it, I said absolutely." Her silver stiletto, worth $500,000, is adorned with 30 carats' worth of Kwiat diamonds.

Rose says she's not nervous about losing any of the rocks. "I'm sure someone will be standing next to me with a net and a metal detector in case one falls off," she says with a laugh.

And yes, she relishes her moment in the sun. Not being the center of attention earlier "doesn't take away from what I've done or my work or the experience I had making it. But," she emphasizes, "there are three of us."

Shoe Styles

2007-06-09T13:17:00.000+07:00

The History of Shoes: Shoe Making
Cameron Kippen, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA

According to Rossi (1997) there are eight basic footwear styles with the rest made up as variations on the basic themes. To comply with definition a shoe describes footwear with a mechanism capable of holding the foot in the heel of the shoe to facilitate support during push off. Hence there are two critical aspect of shoes i.e.. the band around the instep and the section corresponding to the human heel. To prevent unnecessary movement these need to be firm and fit the foot.

Style		Brief Description
Boot		Any footwear extending above the ankle. There are numerous designs and types for a variety of uses and made from a number of materials.
Clog		A thick soled wooden shoe sometimes with leather upper.
Lace Up	Oxford Shoe Derby Style	Any low cut shoe fastened by lacings, such as an Oxford or Blucher.

Style

Brief Description

Moccasin

Moccasin

Imitation Moccasin

The term moccasin originates from the Algonquian language for foot covering. The Algonquians were any of several North American Indian tribes formerly inhabiting the region along the Ottawa River and near the northern tributaries of the St. Lawrence River. The oldest

form of shoe dates back to 14,000 years and was thought to originate from the Mongol tribes who migrated along the Bering Strait into North America. Originally it described a simple one-piece hide, wrapped round the foot and held on with rawhide thongs. Later the Indians gradually stylised the moccasin by adding the moccasin plug, fringes and coloured beads, which depicted rank and occupation. Today moccasin shoes usually describe imitation moccasins, which had their origins in Norway. The Norwegian Peasant Slip-on (or weejun) was first imported to the US by tourists in the 1930s and later Gucci made a leather loafer in refined calfskin with a metal snaffle bit across the instep. Soon loafers were available in the spectator style (two colours). By the 50s Penny Loafers were all the rage with the campus Ivy League of the US. Made in ox blood they were also

known as the Norwegian slipper. The Low vamp loafer was designed for females and was made from soft

kid leather and cut low.

Mule

A backless shoe or slipper with or without a heel.

Style

Brief Discription

Sandal

Hieroglyphics

Sport Sandals

Casuals

Originally a slab of leather sole attached to the foot by thongs. Today any open

shoe who's upper consists of any decorative or functional arrangement of straps. A sandal can be foot low to knee high, or with any heel height, designed for simple utility or casual wear or as a

fashion shoe.

Monks

Similar to Derby Shoes but with a cross over section to fasten the quarters with a side buckle.

Pumps

Heeled shoes with low cut fronts and usually no fastening.

Sandals

Hieroglyphics

Sport Sandals

Casuals

Originally a slab of leather sole attached to the foot by thongs. Today any open

shoe who's upper consists of any decorative or functional arrangement of straps. A sandal can be foot low to knee high, or with any heel height, designed for simple utility or casual wear or as a fashion shoe.

Methods of Shoe Construction

2007-06-09T11:23:00.000+07:00

The History of Shoes: Shoe Making
Cameron Kippen, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA

There are many ways to attach the sole to the upper but commercially only a few methods are preferred. Shoes were traditionally made by moulding leather to a wooden last. Modern technology has introduced many new materials and mechanised much of the manufacture. Remarkable as it may seem the manufacture of shoes remains fairly labour intensive. No matter the type of construction the first stage in construction is to attach the insole to the undersurface of the last. Two main operations follow : Lasting describes the upper sections are shaped to the last and insole. Followed by Bottoming, where the sole is attached to the upper. The process of bottoming will determine price, quality and performance of the shoe.

Cement Alernative names include: 'Stuck on construction' (UK) and the 'Compo Process'.		For lightweight and flexible footwear the outsole is stuck to the upper by an adhesive. Bonwelt is a variation with its distinguishing feature being a strip of welting attached by stitching or cementing to the top edge of the insole. The shoe is then flat lasted. This is not a true welt construction wherein the welt is attached to the rib of the insole.
Goodyear Welt		For high quality dress and town shoes the top section (or welt) is chain stitched to the upper and insole rib at the point where it curves under the last. This is supplemented by a lockstitch outseam bonding the welt and outsole. The outsole is then sewn to the welt around the edge. Goodyear Welt creates heavier less flexible footwear.
Stitchdown Alernative names include: Veldt or veldschoen		A cheaper method used to produce lightweight flexible soles for children's shoes and some casual footwear describes the upper turned out (flanged) at the edge of the last. This is then stitched to the runner. In some countries it is known as 'veldt' and 'veldtschoen.'
Mocassin		Thought to be the oldest shoe construction this consists of a single layer section, which forms the insole, vamp and quarters. The piece is moulded upwards from the Under surface of the last. An apron is then stitched to the gathered edges of the vamp and the sole is stitched to the base of the shoe. This method is used for flexible fashion footwear. The imitation moccasin has a visual appearance of a moccasin but does not have the wrap around construction of the genuine moccasin.

Moulded Methods

The lasted upper is placed in a mould and the sole formed around it by injecting liquid synthetic soling material (PVC, urethane). Alternatively, the sole may be vulcanised by converting uncured rubber into a stable compound by heat and pressure. When the materials in the moulds cool the sole-upper bonding is complete. These methods combine the upper permanently into the sole and such shoes cannot therefore be repaired easily. Moulded methods can be used to make most types of footwear.

Force Lasting

Alternative names include:

The Strobel-stitched method (or sew in sock)

Force lasting has evolved from sport shoes but is increasingly used in other footwear. The Strobel-stitched method (or sew in sock) describes one of many force lasting techniques. The upper is sewn directly to a sock by means of an overlooking machine (Strobel stitcher) The upper is then pulled (force lasted) onto a last or moulding foot. Unit soles with raised walls or moulded soles are attached to completely cover the seam. This technique is sometimes known as the Californian process or slip lasting.

Shoe Lasts and Metrology

2007-06-08T15:03:00.000+07:00

The History of Shoes: Shoe Making
Cameron Kippen, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA

Most shoes are made to a last. This is a foot model with dimensions and shape similar to the anatomical foot but sufficiently different to not be exact. Shoe fit and to some extent the last influences its durability.

Last

"The close relationship between a man and his shoe maker was based on the shared secret of the client's measurements. The statistics of clients were never disclosed."

Traditionally before mass production, the original shoemaker started the process by taking a footprint outline of the sole. He whittled or chiselled a wooden last from the print. A last ( 'laest', Old English meaning footprint) was traditionally made from wood but are now available now in metal or plastic. They are complex structures made from many measurements (statistically determined). Lasts are not the same size and dimensions of the anatomical foot but instead an abstract form with specific functions. It is usually deeper in the midfoot region, has a sharp 'feather edge' where the upper surface meets the sole, is clipped in along the topline (around the ankle) and is flaired over and extended in the toe region. This provides shape, which applies appropriate tension when the shoe distorts to contain the loaded foot. Lasts provides a working surface on which flat leather components can be given plastic form. The physical dimensions accommodate the foot during activity and the last contains contemporary fashion and styles such as toe shape. To allow the last to be removed from the shoe they are often hinged around the instep. Shoe lasts are not made to resemble feet but instead to suit the shoe manufacture. Modern lasts are totally unlike the foot with the sole of the last, flat in order to assist in manufacture. Shoe making was classified under three headings: turned shoes, welted shoes and through-seam shoes.

Turned shoe: The turned shoe is made inside out with only an outset sole between the foot and the ground. The upper and soles are very flexible. The last is designed in a single size and then a set is made in the range of sizes and widths in which shoes are to be manufactured. Marked sizes will vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. No longer a popular technique.
Welted Shoes: Any construction using a welting, either as an intrigal part of the construction or simply for imitative effect.
Through Seam Shoes

Anthropometry

Studies show over 90% of people have different sized feet. Despite feet being the same length other dimensions vary with the individual foot. Activity of the foot will also change the shape of identical feet in accordance with the structure and function of the appendage. The idea of a perfect fit is not a reality. Because distribution or proportions of foot mass differ with individuals, which mean linear measurement such as length and breadth of the foot alone, are inadequate. It is important shoemakers consider mass and volume of feet if an exact fit is to be afforded. To ensure a best fit, measurements are taken at strategic locations and the shoemaker uses both linear as well volume measurement to construct a shoe. The modern last is made in three dimensions although it is not a direct replica of the foot. Instead it is made with production requirements, in mind. The lastmaker may take up to 35 measurements before the model last can be made. A shoe fitter may concentrate on length, ball width, heel, topline, arch and instep. The shoe is expected to wear well, feel well, keep its shape with wear, retain its style character, tread properly, allow for reasonable foot freedom, maintain both foot and shoe balance, remain structurally intact. These features are not always dependent on the quality of materials or components, or the manufacturing process. The design and multiple dimensions of the last provide the basis for the above.

Features built into a last include:

Measurements: The majority of measurements are volume rather than the traditional length and width associated with shoe fit.

Throat opening: The distance from the vamp point to the back seam tuck.

Length: The length measurement of the foot from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.

Foot Girth: There are four girth and circumference measurements taken on a last. These are the ball, waist, instep and heel (back of heel to instep). Measurement requires careful assessment of the foot, which cannot be accomplished with the same precision as linear measurements. The modern last maker uses precision instruments to determine girth but the old shoemakers used the hand span to this same effect. Aspects of the foot were measured against the shoemaker's hand, the ball of the foot was compared to the girth between the thumb and the middle finger. The instep was measured between the thumb and the little finger. This method was subject to enormous variations depending upon the size of the shoemaker's hand.

Ball girth This is the girth measurement around the ball of the last to determine the width and volume allowance inside the shoe.
Waist girth The girth at the waist on the last.
Instep girth The circumference around the foot at the instep.
Heel girth The distance around the foot from the rear base of the heel to the top of the instep.

Recede Toe

This is the part of the last, which projects beyond the tip of the toes forming the rounded contour of the front of the shoe. A tapering recede such as in todays sharp shoes increases the overall length of the shoe. In a poorly designed last the recede may encroach on the toes increasing tension on the ends of the toes. This may be referred to as tight lasting.

Heel-to-ball

This dictates the position of the hinge of the forefoot (metatarsal phalangeal joints) and the widest part of the shoe (across the metatarsal heads).

Toe Spring

This describes the elevation of the undersurface of the sole at the toe to give a slight rocker effect to the shoe. The amount of toe spring (built into the last) depends on the shoe style, sole thickness and heel height. This is built into the last design and compensates for the stiffness of the footwear and provided a stress free take off into propulsion. The more rigid the soling material the greater the toe spring. Many shoes will also display a slight heel spring.

Tread

This describes the width across the sole under the ball of the last and it should correspond to the dimension of the feet. The tread point on the last represents the bottom forepart just behind the ball and in contact with the base plane.

Flare

This describes the curve or contour of the last. The swing is determined by the position of the forepart when the last is bisected longitudinally forwards from the centre of the heel arc. With In inflare lasts there is an inward medial swing to the forepart and most modern shoes are made on an inflare last (banana last) because it is thought shoes are more comfortable. An outflare last describes the opposite with the swing lying to the lateral side of the forepart. Sometimes used in bespoke footwear for infants with diagnosed foot development problems. Straights last describe neither an inflare or outflare preference. The long axis of the last when drawn through the bisection of the heel curve describes two equal longitudinal halves. The normal foot has a straight axis and hence straight lasted shoes can be worn on either foot. Prior to the introduction of machinery to make heeled shoes it was common to have shoe made with a straight flare until the turn of the twentieth century.

Shoe Making

2007-06-08T14:43:00.000+07:00

The History of Shoes: Shoe Making
Cameron Kippen, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA

Shoes both protect feet as well as, when incompatible in size and shape, present exciting factors in inflammatory conditions e.g. bunion. Despite the presence of pain, people are reluctant to change their footwear styles. The main function of modern footwear is to provide feet with protection from hard and rough surfaces, as well as climate and environmental exposure. To the wearer the appearance of their footgear is often more important than its (mis)function. Consumer resistance to change style is common. Informed decisions of shoe styles are thought to occur when the benefits of alternative shoe styles are carefully explained and footwear habits discussed in a culturally sensitive manner. The author, in the interests of intellectual exchange, explores the world of shoe making in an attempt to inform both lay person and health professional.

Anatomy of the shoe

According to McPhoil (1988) the anatomy of a shoe can be divided in an upper and lower (or bottom part). Sections of the upper include vamp, quarter, toebox, throat, insole board, and topline. The sections of the lower shoe consist of an outsole, shank and heel.

The Upper of the Shoe

All parts or sections of the shoe above the sole that are stitched or otherwise joined together to become a unit then attached to the insole and outsole. The upper of the shoe consists of the vamp or front of the shoe, the quarter i.e. the sides and back of the shoe, and the linings. Uppers are made in a variety of different materials, both natural and synthetic. Leather became the obvious cover of choice because it allowed air to pass through to and from the skin pores thereby providing an opportunity to keep the feet, cool. The plastic properties of animal skins further help mould the shoe to the foot beneath. The ability for leather to crease over flexor surfaces facilitate the function of the foot. Ironically synthetics used as uppers display elastic properties, which mean the shoe upper never quite adjusts to the foot, shape in the same way as natural leather. Synthetics are cheaper to mass-produce and are now found in most mass produced footwear. Synthetic uppers are more waterproof. Woven fabric such as cotton corduroy can be used as uppers. Classified as breathable fabrics these help aeration.

Vamp

The vamp covers the dorsum of the foot (includes the tongue piece) and superior aspects over the toes. This section i.e. the toe puff is reinforced which serves to give the shoe its shape as well as protect the toes. The vamp is often made of more than one piece, creating a decorative pattern. There are various types of vamps suited to different styles of shoes.

Quarter

The complete upper part of the shoe behind the vamp line covering the sides and backpart. The top edge of the sides and back of the quarter describes the topline of the shoe. In athletic shoes the topline is often padded and referred to as a collar. The medial and lateral sections join in a seam at the posterior end of the shoe. In Oxford style lacing shoes, the eyelet section is formed by the superior part of the quarter (while the underlying tongue is part of the vamp). In the Gibson style the lacing segment forms part of the vamp. The heel section of the quarter is frequently reinforced with a stiffener. This helps support the rearfoot. In boots the quarter is often referred to as 'top'. In the Bal method, the front edges of both quarters are stitched together and covered with the back edge of the vamp. In the Blucher method the quarter panels are placed on top of the vamp, and the front edges are not sewn together. In comparison with the Bal method, the Blucher method permits the fitting of a larger foot girth by broadening the throat of the shoe. A convalescent shoe (open to toe) is a variation on the Blucher method in which the lacing extends to the front edge of the vamp. In athletic shoes the vamp and quarter panels are often one continuous piece of nylon or leather with additional leather pieces added to reinforce critical areas of the shoe. Reinforcement added to the region of the medial longitudinal arch are termed the saddle if it is added to the outside of the shoe or the arch bandage if it is added to the inside of the shoe.

The counter is a component of the quarter that stabilises the hindfoot in the shoe and retains the shape of the posterior portion of the shoe. Counters are usually made from fibreboard or heat moulded plastic. Foxing is an additional piece of leather that covers the counter externally. Sometimes a counter will extend medially to support the heel and prevent prolonged pronation. In some children's shoes and athletic footwear the stiffener is extended on the medial of the arch to provide an anti-pronatory wedge.

Toecap

Many shoes incorporate a toecap into the upper of the shoe. Toecaps are either stitched over or completely replace the distal superior aspect of the vamp and can be made into a decorative features referred to as toe tips. The toe box refers to the roofed area over and around the part of the shoe that covers the toes. The function of the toe box is to retain the shape of the forefoot and allow room for the toes. The height and width of the toe box is dictated by shape of the last used to construct the shoe. Certain types of non-athletic and athletic footgear will offer extra depth in the toe box.

Linings

In quality shoes the quarters and vamps are lined to enhance comfort and durability. Linings may consist of various materials ie leathers, fabrics, and manmade synthetics. The lining on the insole segment is called 'the sock' and may be full-length, three-quarter or just the heel section. Many linings are made of synthetic material and are usually confined to the quarters and the insock.

Throat

The central part of the vamp just proximal to the toe box. The throat is formed by the seam joining the vamp to the quarter i.e. throatline. The position of the throat line depends on the construction of the shoe, for example a shorter vamp and longer quarters define a lower throat line. This gives a wider lower opening for the foot to enter the shoe. The throat is defined by the connection of the rear edge of the vamp and the front part of the quarter. The location of the throat will vary with the design of the shoe. Because the vamp and quarter panels are often one piece in the athletic shoe, the throat is at the eyestay. This refers to the point where the lacing is attached to the vamp. The throat of the shoe dictates the maximum girth permitted by the shoe.

The Sole of the Shoe

The term sole derives from 'solea' a Latin word meaning soil or ground.

Insole (inner sole)

A layer of material shaped to the bottom of the last and sandwiched between the outsole (or midsole) and the sole of the foot inside the shoe. The insole covers the join between the upper and the sole in most methods of construction and provides attachment for the upper, toe box linings and welting. This provides a platform upon which the foot can operate and separates the upper from the lower. The insole board is necessary in shoes that are constructed using cemented or Goodyear welt techniques because it is the attachment for upper and lower components. The majority of insole boards are made of cellulose and are treated with additives to inhibit bacterial growth. Athletic shoewear will often have a sockliner, a piece of material placed over the top of the insole board (glued in position or removable.

Outsole

This is the outer most sole of the shoe, which is directly exposed to abrasion and wear. Traditionally made from a variety of materials, the outsole is constructed in different thickness and degrees of flexibility. Ideal soling materials must be waterproof, durable and possess a coefficient of friction high enough to prevent slipping. Leather has poor gripping capabilities and synthetic polymers are much preferred. There are also an infinite variety of surface designs. Extra grip properties can be incorporated in the form of a distinctive sole pattern with well-defined ridges. Alternatively they can be moulded with cavities to reduce the weight of the sole. These cavities need to be covered with a rigid insole or can be filled with light foam to produce a more flexible sole. In some cases two or more materials of different densities can be incorporated into the sole to give a hard wearing outer surface and a softer, more flexible midsole for greater comfort. Synthetic soling materials will off the physical property of dampening down impact levels (shock attenuation).

Shank

The shank bridges between the heel breast and the ball tred. The shankpiece or shank spring can be made from wood, metal, fibreglass or plastic and consists of a piece approximately 10cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The shank spring lies within the bridge or waist of the shoe, i.e. between heel and ball corresponding to the medial and lateral arches. The shankpiece reinforces the waist of the shoe and prevents it from collapsing or distorting in wear. The contour of the shank is determined by heel height. Shoes with low heels or wedged soles do not require a shank because the torque between the rear and forefoot does not distort the shoe.

Heel

The heel is the raised component under the rear of the shoe. Heels consist of a variety of shapes, heights, and materials and are made of a series of raised platforms or a hollowed section. The part of the heel next to sole is usually shaped to fit the heel, this is called the heel seat or heel base. The heel breast describes front face of the heel. The ground contact section is called the top piece. Heels raise the rear of the shoe above the ground. A shoe without a heel or midsole wedge may be completely flat. When the heel section sits lower than the forefoot the style is called a 'negative heel'.

Welt

The strip of material which joins the upper to the sole. Most shoes will be bonded by Goodyear-welted construction. Some shoes use an imitation welt stitched around the top flat edge of the sole for decorative purposes, but it is not a functional part of the shoe.

Asics Sports Shoe

2007-06-08T14:13:00.001+07:00

Asics is a Japanese athletic footwear manufacturer that claims to be the fifth largest global brand in the sports shoe market. The brand is recognised as being a true sports shoe rather than a fashion sports shoe. The name Asics is an acronym from the Latin phrase "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" that means "a sound mind in a sound body".

History of Asics

Onitsuka Co, Ltd was founded in Japan in 1949 by Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka. The company initially manufactured basketball shoes in order to meet the demand from the increasing popularity of basketball. The first shoes were designed with a recessed sole that was designed to look like an octopus' suction cup.

In the 1950s and 1960s Asics were marketing in the US for the first time. ASICS shoes also underwent some major redesigns and rebranding. The shoe markings were changed to the Tiger stripe design that is still used today. The company name became "ASICS Tiger" to match this new logo.

By 1970, ASICS Tiger became the biggest running shoe manufacturer in the USA and the company claimed that 70% of the top runners wore ASICS. In 1972, 80% of all volleyball players at the Olympic Games wore Tiger shoes. In 1977, Onitsuka Co. Ltd, GTO Co. Ltd. and Jelenk Co. Ltd. merged to form ASICS Corporation.

The 1980s saw an explosion in the athletic footwear industry. Relative newcomers like Nike introduced radical new designs with hew marketing budgets to back them up. Asics response to this change in the market was to launch the Gel T cushioning system. The gel units are positioned in those places where the greatest vertical forces bear on the foot with the intention that peak impact is spread out across the shoe and foot.

In 1992, ASICS became the first official sport shoe sponsor of the Olympic Games (Barcelona).

Shoes

2007-06-08T13:59:00.000+07:00

Footwear is an invention of necessity to protect us from the elements beneath. Over the years shoes have dramatically changed due to cultures and fashions. Footwear is under the influence of fashion.

When you purchase shoes the usual questions start emerging, what style? size? Is it well made? These questions are important, a pair of shoes can have an overall effect on a persons health and happiness. Not only pain and discomfort can be brought on by the wrong shoes but headaches, backaches and leg cramps.

How Many Miles Do You Walk In A Lifetime?
Approximately a person will walk 70,000 miles in a lifetime, so it is important to purchase the correct shoes.

The major importance is not to be tempted by the latest fashion, the may look good but are the comfortable.

" You can tell a person by the shoes they wear "

Just think of those different styles, shapes, constructions, decorations Fashion in expressed in different ways gender, age, economic strata and social echelon of its wearer. Fashion can facilitate or hinder comfort health and ease of movement. It reflects cultural ritual, morality and sexual liberation. It responds to foreign influences, political turmoil, economic stability and artistic sensibility. It is made by the latest scientific developments and technological innovations. It is influenced by popular culture and leading personalities. Everything that shapes our world affects and inspires fashion and by looking at historical fashion within the context of when it was made we can understand how it came about.

History Of The Shoe, Where did it start?

Shoes where first named by the Greeks and later the Romans, who provided the root for many of our present day footwear styles, including soccus, sandalium and muleus (sock, sandal and mule). During the late Roman (Byzantine) empire, Christian morality deemed it sinful to expose the body. St Clement of Alexandria in the third century AD Preached humility for woman who showed their toes. Byzantine footwear covered the feet and shoes replaced the sandals that both men and women had worn for centuries.

Fashion began to change around 1600 as the barriers in dress distinction between classes started to break down. It became a commodity that was traded throughout Europe, remaining elitist through consumption, quality and extravagance. The working classes adapted high fashion into simpler modes using humbler materials and were only restricted by cost and practicality.

By the middle of the seventeenth century France had become a beacon of style for all of Europe to emulate. The excesses of baroque were indulged under Louis XIV, and the fashions and arts of France, favoured by European nobility, spread throughout fashionable society. Suddenly there was an interest in high thin-heeled shoes, and by the 1760s English ladies had abandoned their sensible heels to take up the French curvaceous pompadour heel and later, in the 1770s, the Italian stiletto like heel.

Fashion and Our Trend

Naomi Campbell in 1993 hit the headlines, when she took to the catwalk and fell wearing a pair of blue mock-croc platform shoes. Since then westwood sold about 300 pairs, a large potion of sales coming from museums and collectors.

Sepatu-Sepatu Cantik dan Elegan

2007-06-08T13:33:00.001+07:00

Sinar Harapan
Oleh: Mila Novita

JAKARTA – Dunia fashion bukan hanya terpaku pada busana. Aksesori pun menjadi hal yang begitu penting dalam sebuah penampilan, termasuk sepatu. Tapi, seberapa banyak perancang sepatu di Indonesia?

Jika dibandingkan dengan perancang busana, perancang sepatu jauh lebih sedikit. Padahal, boleh dikatakan merancang sepatu tak kalah rumit dengan merancang busana. Selain harus tampak mempercantik penampilan, sepatu juga harus memiliki syarat yang tak kalah penting: nyaman dipakai. Kenyamanan itulah yang sulit ditemukan pada sepatu-sepatu produk massal.

Linda Chandra, seorang perancang sepatu asal Bandung, ingin mengutarakan bahwa sepatu merupakan unsur yang sama penting dengan busana dalam dunia fashion. Perempuan kelahiran 14 November 1968 ini membuat sepatu couture yang cantik sekaligus nyaman digunakan.
Sepatu-sepatu buatannya terlihat cantik dan elegan. Hal tersebut terlihat ketika Linda memamerkan karya-karyanya di Hotel Nikko, Jakarta, Senin (22/8) silam. Linda banyak bermain dengan aplikasi bunga yang membuat sepatu-sepatunya tambah cantik. Bahkan, sepatu boot yang biasanya teresan maskulin pun dapat disulapnya menjadi sepatu cantik. Caranya? Linda menambahkan aplikasi bunga, tali-tali yang digunakan tidak besar, garis yang manis, dan pita.

Tidak heran, tak jarang orang dapat mengenali karakter karya-karya Linda. Warna-warna feminin yang cerah seperti pink, light green, dan oranye banyak digunakan Linda. Ia juga seringkali membuat sepatu-sepatunya memiliki motif khas dengan painting.

Linda Chanda yang memulai kariernya pada 1994 silam tidak gegabah dalam membuat sepasang sepatu.

“Proses produksi lebih detail, bahan-bahan sangat dipilih dengan kualitas terbaik,” katanya. Untuk mendapatkan semua itu, Linda tak segan-segan memboyong bahan dasarnya dari luar negeri. Sementara ini Linda masih membuat sepatu berbahan kulit. Menurutnya, bahan tersebutlah yang paling nyaman digunakan. Sayangnya, bahan-bahan berkualitas dengan warna-warna yang diinginkan belum tersedia di Indonesia.

“Di Indonesia belum ada yang berani membuat bahan kulit untuk fashion, seperti pink atau light green. Kalau ada di sini ngapain nyari dari luar?” kata perancang yang telah wara-wiri memamerkan karyanya di berbagai fashion show ini. Bahan-bahan terbaik juga digunakan Linda untuk hal-hal yang paling kecil seperti lem dan paku. “Sepatu kan harus menopang bobot tubuh siapa pun,” katanya lagi.

Linda tidak ingin mengecewakan pelanggan-pelanggannya. Selain membuat sepatu dengan bahan-bahan kualitas terbaik, ia juga membiarkan pelanggan berekspresi lebih bebas. Para pelanggan dapat mengajukan model sepatu yang diinginkannya. Pelanggannya juga dapat meminta Linda membuatkan sepatu yang sesuai dengan kepribadian atau busana yang ingin dikenakan apabila pelanggan tersebut belum memiliki rancangan sepatu yang diinginkan. Linda akan membuatkannya khusus untuk pelanggan tersebut.

“Setiap orang kan kakinya berbeda, ada yang bermasalah dengan kaki seperti kakinya tidak sama, makanya kami buat 1 sepatu untuk 1 orang,” kata Linda. Kalaupun rancangan sepatunya disukai pelanggan, Linda membuatkan maksimal 5 pasang sepatu untuk model yang sama. “Saya yakin, setiap orang menginginkan ekslusivitas,” katanya melanjutkan.

Kelebihan lain darinya, ia memberikan garansi seumur hidup untuk sepatu-sepatu buatannya. Jika ada kerusakan, pelanggan tinggal membawanya ke dua gerainya di Jl Prof Sutami Bandung dan Dharmawangsa Square, Jakarta Selatan. “Kalau mau dipakai sama yang punya, ada garansi untuk perawatan. Kalaupun ada yang perlu diganti, pemiliknya hanya membayar gahan yang diperlukan, tanpa biaya lagi,” ujar Linda menjelaskan.

Kepercayaan tampaknya telah didapatnya dari beberapa selebritas, seperti Desy Ratnasari, Yuni Shara, Febby Febiola, dan Vonny Cornelia. Bahkan, Titi DJ yang akan mengadakan konser tunggal 30 September mendatang mempercayakan Linda membuatkan 5-6 pasang sepatu yang akan dipasangkan dengan busana karya Sebastian Gunawan. Sama seperti pelanggan lainnya, Linda membuatkan rancangan khusus untuk penyanyi ini.

“Dia sangat atraktif, ia harus wara-wiri di panggung, tentu akan dibuatkan sepatu dengan kualitas terbaik. Desainnya akan disesuaikan untuk orang atraktif,” tuturnya.

Perancang yang berbekal ilmu dari Milan, Italia, dan Ceko ini dapat mengerjakan rancangan sepatu hingga 50 pasang per bulan. Sayangnya, sepatu rancangan Linda tampaknya hanya dapat dinikmati masyrakat golongan menengah ke atas. Pasalnya, harga yang dipasangnya pun cukup menguras saku, antara Rp600.000 hingga jutaan rupiah. Tapi, untuk mendapatkan kecantikan, kenyamanan, dan keekslusifan dari sepasang sepatu, tentu tak akan rugi mengeluarkan uang sebegitu besar.

All about shoes --03

2007-05-24T13:01:00.000+07:00

From Cynthia Nellis,
Your Guide to Women's Fashion.

Take care

You've found the shoes of your dreams (maybe even a tight, tall pair of leather boots!) and brought them home. You may know fashion, but may be clueless about the best way to care for your shoes. Here are some tips:

Use shoe trees between wearings to help shoes retain their shape.
Let shoes rest on the trees at least 12 hours between wearing.
Clean off dirt after every wear with a soft brush or rag.
Always use a shoehorn for putting on your shoes.
Stop new suedes from "crocking" (rubbing off on clothes) by rubbing vigorously with a towel.
Exotic skins need extra care -- use special cleaners and conditioners.
Use water and stain repellant on suede and nubuck shoes before you wear them. When water stops beading up, respray.

Polishing smooth leather in a nutshell

Clean the shoes with a leather cleaner to get the grime off the top.
Condition the leather to soften. Use a cream a shade lighter than the shoe to cover scratches.
Use paste, wax or cream polish to shine your shoes.
Weatherproof your shoes.

All about shoes --02

2007-05-24T12:55:00.000+07:00

From Cynthia Nellis,
Your Guide to Women's Fashion.

Get fit

If the shoe doesn't fit, don't buy it. It won't stretch enough to be comfortable and goodness knows, your feet will never shrink. Make sure you follow these guidelines:

There should be about 1/2" between the tip of your biggest toe and the end of the shoe.
Stand up when being fitted because feet are longer when you're standing.
Buy shoes at the end of the day when feet are largest.
Measure both of your feet - they may not be the same size.

Stay healthy

It may sound chic to say you have to suffer for fashion, but corns, bunions, hammer toes, shortened calf muscles and ingrown toenails don't sound like "must-haves" for the fash pack. These afflictions may be exactly what you're getting when you reach everyday for the stilettos instead of the Rockports.

A report last year from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that only 21 percent of women wore high heels (more than two inches) to work, compared with 34 percent 10 years ago, according to OnHealth.com.

Instead, women are reaching for sensible shoes.

The ideal shoes? Some podiatrists recommend one-and-a-half to two-inch chunky heels with padded insoles and plenty of room for the toes to move, according to eFit.com

Improve foot health

Limit the amount of time you wear high heels. Alternate with good quality flats for part of the day, and choose comfort shoes for weekends and casual use.
Choose shoes that give your toes room to move. Experts recommend laced, rather than slip on shoes for best fit.
Make sure your sandals have straps.
For high heels with thin soles, you can even have a thin rubber sole cemented to the bottom of the shoe to cushion the foot.
According to Dr. David Stege, a specialist in foot and ankle disorders, even nylon pantyhose can cause excessive perspiration which may encourage fungal infections like athlete's foot. "Inexpensive nylon pantyhose can also cause forefoot problems...the cramping and pressure of the hose can contribute to ingrown toenails and hammertoes," according to his web site.

Special foot considerations

If you're over 65 make sure you choose lightweight, shock-absorbing soles that are not slippery and leather uppers that breathe.

If you're pregnant, realize that your feet may grow a full size -- give up the high heels! Look for substantial, comfy styles with thick, supportive soles.

Comfort resources

Rockport - Athletic, career, trend -- this company makes it all. Great quality and design make this a comfy classic.

Hushpuppies- The famous suede flats were hot a few years ago, but the comfy sleek styles still look modern with plenty of casual and corporate casual looks. A cult classic.

All about shoes

2007-05-24T12:52:00.000+07:00

From Cynthia Nellis,
Your Guide to Women's Fashion.

Styles

Go ahead and admit it: shoes are difficult to hate. They flatter even on "fat" days, add zip to even the most boring outfit and instantly boost your sex appeal.

Even if your passion for shoes doesn't approach a Celine Dion-level of devotion (500 pairs and counting), you'll find now is the time to indulge in trendy styles. We're definitely experiencing a shoe moment in fashion and what you wear down below may even be more important than the sum of your total outfit.

The media have sparked an intense interest in high-end designers like fashionista fave Manolo Blahnik by reporting on Hollywood celebs who wear the styles, including Jennifer Aniston who got married in a custom pair. Even "Sex and the City"character Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is obsessed with the $500+ styles.

Apparel is cycling on hyper trends, bouncing from Utility Chic to the '70s to the '80s in just a few seasons, with varying degrees of disinterest from consumers.

On the other hand, footwear isn't crippled by the same sort of style schizophrenia. Instead, boots have become Fall/Winter staples, and sandals a year-round fave. The fabrics and colors may change, but shapes are sticking around for longer than a nanosecond.

The Net has even contributed to the footwear fad by making even the most exclusive styles available just a few clicks away (see Elsewhere on the Web).

Boots

Some historians point out that boots are the type of footwear most closely associated with war and thereby signal strength.

Tall, tight boots may also signal torture. The New York Observer reported that women of all sizes are having trouble cramming aerobicized calves into snug boots: "Which has left scores of women chagrined about not being able to zip up this season’s boots and asking themselves, What, a new body part I have to feel insecure about?"

If you don't find a tall pair of boots to fit, don't fret because the mid-calf and ankle styles are just as chic and much less stressful to fit. Stretch suede or fabric add comfort to tall styles.

Boots are shown in everything from flat boots to kitten heels to high heels. Shorter styles work best with pants, mid-calf styles work with cropped pants and skirts, knee-high boots work best with skirts.

Remember that boots count as statement footwear so you need to make sure that the rest of your outfit contains simple, clean lines. Unless you are a professional stylist, the more is more thing is slippery at best.

Heels

Although high heels were originally designed for women in the early 16th century, men took a shine to the height boost and adapted the style for themselves. Louis XIV was said to have been such a fan that he imposed a death penalty on anyone except the "privileged class" who dared to wear them.

Today, open-toed (peep toe), slingbacks, mules and a host of other sexy, feminine styles make an appearance. Look for sculptured, feminine heels: clunky is out.

Men's

Who says girls get to have all the fun? Not footwear designers like Kenneth Cole who shows sleek boots for guys in exotic-look skins like ostrich and snake skin.

Men's footwear even gets kicky with squared-off toes and comfy, thick soles. Black and brown are the main colors for him, with smooth leathers, nubuck and suede dressing things up a bit.

The Art of Diversification:

2007-05-23T11:20:00.000+07:00

Espadrille King Andre Assous is Broadening His Horizons with a Fashionable New Label and Sophisticated Ad Campaign

Source: Footwear News
Publication Date: 01/10/2000
Author: Siu, Tammy
COPYRIGHT 2000 Fairchild Publications, Inc.

Designer Andre Assous is out to re-establish his brand image, and he wants it made clear that he is about more than just the espadrille.

No one could argue that the Spanish-style shoe is closely linked to the Assous name. Back in the early 1970s, he and former partner Jacques Cohen first brought the peasant style to the U.S. market from Europe. The shoe -- featuring a linen/hemp upper stitched to a wedge bottom -- created quite a stir among American women, who fell in love with its simplicity, comfort and all-natural appeal.

But the New York-based designer asserts that his company is not limited to that one look. Assous is out to prove his diversity with the debut of a new line called Collection, featuring chic, sexy women's styles in an array of colors. And he is backing up the launch -- as well as his other lines -- with a sophisticated new print-advertising campaign.

"We want to show that we are not only into featherweights and espadrilles," Assous said. "We have many other items as well."

For the past few years, the company has had a relatively low profile. As the popularity of the espadrille style declined after 1994, Andre Assous managed to maintain steady business through its solid reputation, and generate sales from other products, including the designer's light-as-air EVA-bottomed Featherweights footwear collection.

The company is now ready to step into the limelight with its latest label, according to Andre Assous Vice President of Sales Dan Burdman.

Collection, which will hit retail for spring 2000, brings the Andre Assous name to a sassier, more contemporary consumer with its sweet, feminine pieces. The new line allows Andre Assous to expand its current offerings into the categories of special occasion and evening shoes.

Inspired by the new millennium, Collection incorporates delicate strappy slides and mirrored embellishments in colorful jewel tones, metallics and pastels. The line is also accompanied by matching handbags.

"We feel that of the thousands and thousands of brands offered, the winners are really those that are recognizable and accepted by the consumer and those that deliver on the promise of fashion, quality and comfort," Burdman said. "While we still do substantial Featherweights and espadrille business, it is important to try and enhance the brand to make Andre Assous a recognizable name in the bridge marketplace."

Influenced by hippie-chic, East Indian-inspired fashions, the company is using embroidery and colorful adornments in its lines, including the espadrille collection.

Assous said he has been paying close attention to the runways and fashion in the south of France, and he predicts the espadrille will soon re-enter the mainstream fashion market. "When Yves St. Laurent starts showing espadrilles," he said, "you know the fashion will come back."

To promote the new label -- and make the Andre Assous name in general more visible -- the company is taking a more forward approach to marketing, Burdman said.

As part of its marketing push, the company has hired New York-based Imagenet to pull together a series of print advertisements, which have already appeared in trade and consumer magazines such as Marie Claire, Mode and Florida publication Ocean Drive.

Gary Halby, president and creative director of Imagenet, said the concept behind the print advertisements were based on what the agency and the shoe company felt was the most effective way to reach its consumers: simple product appeal.

Imagenet created an ad for each of Assous's lines. The campaign sets the designer's sleek shoes and handbags against clean, white backdrops, with the footwear fanned out in a rainbow of colors.

"[We wanted to] add a new dimension to the shoes," Hably explained. "We wanted to give [the brand] a flavor with colors and texture in a very graphic presentation. There is so much clutter in today's publications, but this is something that comes across as very contemporary and very clean."

According to Burdman, the response to the company's new line and advertising so far has been positive.

"Andre Assous is a bridge collection targeted at contemporary fashion women," Burdman said. "It is not avant-garde, it is not junior, it is not traditional. It is for a savvy woman who is looking for, as all women are looking for, fashion that feels good."

Comfort Cuts:

2007-05-23T11:16:00.000+07:00

APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association)
Recognizes Confort Brands, Etonic Forges New Alliance, Race-Lace Seeks patent, Andre Assous Launches a Men's Line

Source: Footwear News
Publication Date: 02/09/2004
Author: Schneider-Levy, Barbara
COPYRIGHT 2004 Fairchild Publications, Inc.

Doctor's Orders

The American Podiatric Medical Association has recently recognized Irving, Texas-based Streetcars; Lighthouse Point, Fla.-based Rugged Shark; and Waltham, Mass.-based Earth as leaders in the comfort market by granting them its Seal of Approval for their proprietary comfort systems.

Streetcars' Arch Support Comfort system offers enhanced cushioning, plus extra support in the arch to evenly distribute body weight. Streetcars will use the seal on hangtags and packaging for a range of fashion-casual and dress styles featuring ASC. A collection is available for immediate delivery, with new styles to be added. The shoes retail for less than $70 and target chains, department stores and outdoor specialty retailers.

Marine lifestyle brand Rugged Shark was recognized for a series of four styles: the Marlin Plus (above), athletic-inspired fishing shoe; Atlantic and Pacific boat shoes and the Sand Shark sandal. Comfort features include the Pacific's 360-degree lacing system for a snug fit, the Marlin's patented Shark Grip outsole made from a proprietary non-marking and anti-slip rubber, and the Sand Shark's cushioned footbed with built-in arch support. Retail prices range from $39.99 to $79.99. All styles are currently available at retail.

Earth received the APMA seal for its entire collection, beginning for spring '04. According to Vern Aisner, director of marketing for Earth, the organization noted the brand's negative heel technology, which had developed a cult following in the 1970s and is being rediscovered by a new generation of comfort consumers.

Prescription for Comfort

Hillsborough, N.J.-based Etonic is doing its part for the well-being of Americans by forging a new alliance with the American Diabetes Association to help fund the prevention and cure of the disease.

The Etonic sponsorship program is expected to generate upwards of $250,000 to benefit the estimated 18.2 million people affected by diabetes, according to Steve Safran, associate director of corporate development for the ADA.

An introduction of the Pro Health Walker (above) will kick off the initiative. The walking shoe for men and women is set to hit stores in March at $55.95 retail.

Etonic will donate $1 per pair to the ADA in the name of the retailer where the shoes were purchased.

In addition, Etonic will provide stores with POP materials about diabetes, with consumers able to make additional contributions to ADA at the store level.

Hands Free

Independent New York-based inventor Anna Freed wants to make it a cinch for kids to tie their shoes with a new system called Race-Lace.

The patent-pending system laces shoes in a matter of seconds as the laces are pulled up simultaneously, equalizing tension for improved support and better fit. The laces are then fastened with an attached side closure, eliminating the need for knots and bows.

According to Freed, Race-Lace can be incorporated into a range of shoe categories, from children's to athletics, and since it uses traditional laces, it does not add to the cost of production. And, kids are not the only ones who can take advantage of the system; it can also benefit those with arthritis or other disabilities. Freed can be reached at freed999@nyc.rr.com.

His and Hers

Andre Assous is finally treating men to the comfort his female customers have been enjoying for years, with the fall '04 launch of a companion Featherweights line.

Set for a June delivery, the line will include six styles, ranging from ankle boots to slip-ons with hardware trim.

According to the designer, softly squared toes, padded insoles and lightweight micro-bottoms give the line its comfort edge, while still looking stylish for the male consumer.

Aimed at a contemporary customer, the Italian-made line will retail from $145 to $155 and be targeted at the same channels of distribution as the women's collection, with the focus on independents. The line will be available through Andre Assous, New York.

French Connect

2007-05-23T11:11:00.000+07:00

Espadrille King Andre Assous Turned A Classic French Footnote Into An American Sucess Story.

Source: Footwear News
Publication Date: 12/08/2003
Author: Schneider-Levy, Barbara
COPYRIGHT 2003 Fairchild Publications, Inc.

Whenever Jan Friedman, buyer for Cedarhurst, N.Y.-based Jildor Shoes, thinks espadrilles, he thinks Andre Assous -- and he's not alone. Assous, who has been the reigning king of espadrilles for nearly 25 years, has done business with high-profile retailers from Nordstrom to Boca Raton, Fla.-based Dolly Duz, and just about everyone in between.

Although Assous' name has become synonymous with espadrilles over the years, the designer admitted that his entree into the shoe industry was a bit of a fluke. In 1969, France-born Assous, a civil engineer, came to the United States with his wife and children in order to explore new opportunities. The family settled in California, where he did everything from importing 10-speed bicycles to serving as a marketing manager for Air France.

Through a contact at the French Consular's office in Los Angeles, Assous heard of a French manufacturer who wanted to import espadrilles. What Assous didn't realize at the time was that a tenant in his apartment complex was a buyer at the now-defunct department store, Bullock's. During a random poolside chat, Assous learned that Bullock's had just sold 300 pairs of espadrilles from a New York resource by the name of Jacques Cohen.

In just minutes, Assous was back at his apartment to grab the espadrille and show it to the buyer. Practically on the spot, an order was placed for 2,000 pairs. Brought together by their espadrille connections, it wasn't long before Assous and Cohen joined forces, a partnership that would last until 1979, when Assous formed his own New York-based company, Andre Assous Inc., of which he is president.

According to Assous, 1996 marked the pinnacle of his espadrille business -- selling a record 950,000 pairs -- a category that now accounts for about 35 percent of sales. But, he said he will never forget the day that sent him and Cohen into espadrille heaven -- an order from the former U.S. Shoe for 200,000 pairs to be sold under its Pappagallo brand. While Assous' branded espadrilles continue to be prominent, the designer has been a major player in the private-label business as well, working with key retailers such as J. Crew and Gap. He also has a roster of designers under his belt, whose names he has kept hush-hush. "I've sold hundreds of thousands of pairs," said Assous about the category which has successfully carried him through more than three decades in the industry.

Today, Assous' espadrille business is rivaled by his Featherweights line, a women's comfort collection. In addition to espadrilles, the designer offers a complete wardrobe of looks under the Andre Assous label that includes wedges, sandals, skimmers and mules, all done in soft, supple leathers in a broad color palette, in addition to a selection of bags. According to Scott Marcus, owner of Dolly Duz, who has been doing business with Assous for more than a decade, "Andre took what the espadrille was and evolved it into Featherweights. How do you broaden a category? He did. They're new versions of the espadrille. They're spectacular. They're lifestyle dressing for his customer."

Like Marcus, Jildor's Friedman is an Assous fan. "Andre's known for his espadrilles and casuals. He's dominated the market. Whenever we think of this category of footwear, we go straight to him. He's never disappointed us. We think espadrilles. We think Andre."

Marcus and Friedman are just two of Assous' 400 satisfied customers, a list that includes independents as well as Federated Stores nationwide. And, the enthusiasm continues at the consumer level. Personal appearances at stores such as Dillard's and the former Jacobson's, had consumers lining up to meet the man behind the espadrilles. "I made lots of personal appearances," recalled Assous. "I liked it. It promoted the business."

While Assous appreciates the support of department stores, he maintains a deep affection for the independent retailer. "Independents stick with you," he said. "They love talking to me as owner and designer of the company. Customers like Jildor and Dolly Duz are loyal customers. They care about buying shoes, something you don't have in department stores."

In fact, Assous' own son, Philippe David, owns a shoe store under his name in Los Angeles, in addition to assisting in public relations efforts for his father's company. Despite the demise of prestige accounts such as Jacobson's and Bullock's, and the rise of imports from China, Assous has managed to survive by closely following consumer buying habits. "Today's consumer likes bargains," he said. "They're waiting for sales. Lots of outlets have opened over the last 15 years."

But while price is an important consideration in buying decisions, Assous realized early on that comfort was picking up momentum. "I introduced Featherweights in the early '80s," he said. "Even my espadrilles are padded."

Assous' business savvy, coupled with his good nature, have earned him a long list of industry friends. One of those is FFANY CEO Joe Moore, who described Assous, FFANY's current vice chairman, as, "extremely loyal, very supportive, and always available," when it comes to assisting the organization as well as donating footwear to its yearly Shoes on Sale event. "He's been a big fan and supporter of the cause," said Moore. "He's a true gentleman -- a very generous person and a nice guy."

After more than three decades in the business, Assous isn't about to throw in the shoe any time soon. In fact, he is set to launch a companion men's line under the Featherweights label for fall '04.

"The shoe business has given me a good life," he said.

Shoe

2007-05-18T15:42:00.000+07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A shoe is an item of footwear worn on the foot or feet of a human, dog, cat, horse, or doll. Shoes may vary from a simple flip-flop to a complex boot. Shoes may have high or low heels, although in western cultures, high heels are considered a woman's style. Shoe materials include leather or canvas. Athletic shoe soles may be made of rubber.

Parts of a shoe

Sole

The bottom of a shoe is named the sole.

Insole

The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe).

Outsole

The outsole is the layer in direct contact with the ground. The material of the outsole depends on the function, dressiness, and quality of the shoe, but is generally very durable material, since it experiences the most stress. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a synthetic imitation. The outsole may comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much softer or harder soles.

Heel

The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. These come in a variety of sizes and are usually made to support the large stresses applied to the heel of the foot. They are often made of the same material as the sole of the shoe.This part can be high to make the person look taller, or flat.

Vamp, or upper

Any shoe has an upper part that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. In the simplest cases, such as sandals or flip flops, this may be nothing more than a few straps for holding the sole in place. Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will usually have a more complex upper. This part is normally decorated or is made in a certain style to look fashionable and attractive for the buyer.

Accessories to shoes

1. shoe horn - can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.

2. shoe tree - placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape

3. shoe polishing equipment

shoe polish - a material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection
polishing cloth - a piece of fabric used to apply polish to the shoe

4. overshoes - a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain and snow protection
5. (orthopedic) shoe insert - insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fitt, or reduced abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems
6. shoe bag - a bag that protects the shoes against damage when they are not being worn
7. shoe stretcher - a tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a shoe.

Purpose of shoes

Shoes fall into one of the following categories: dress, casual, work, snow, athletic, comfort and boots.

Dress and casual shoes

Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek shape. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.

Some designs of dress shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe on.

Men's shoes

Men's shoes can be categorized by how they are closed:

Balmorals - the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing." In England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not Oxfords, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Blüchers - the laces are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing." In England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps - a buckle and strap instead of lacing

Various other closings exist but are less popular such as side-elastic closings.

Men's shoes can also be decorated in various ways:

Plain-toes - have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes - has an extra layer of leather that 'caps' the toe. This is possibly the most popular decoration
Wing-tips - The toe of the shoe is covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Wing-tips can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. In England this is called a brogue.

Women's shoes

There is a large variety of shoes available for women. Some broad categories are:

Pumps, known in the US as ballerinas or skimmers, are shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.

High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as having more sex appeal than low heels (see article for discussion) and are thus commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social outings.

Sandals are shoes that use a system of straps to secure the sole to the foot, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.

Either gender

Women's sandals.

Clog
Platform shoe - shoe with very thick soles and heels
Moccasin - originated by American Indians, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals - open shoes consisting of a sole and various straps
Saddle shoe - leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle"
Loafer - a dress or casual shoe without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers)

Boots - Long Shoes

Athletic Shoes

A shoe for right foot

Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn by either sex. Emphasis tends to be more on function than style.

sneakers/trainers (also called gym shoes or tennis shoes) - general purpose athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties available for basketball or tennis.
running shoes - very similar to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.boating shoes - also similar to above. They have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching a boat deck.
track shoes - lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
cleats - a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball
golf shoes - with "spikes" for better grip in grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" were made of metal but replacable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are much more common today (and are required on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens)
bowling shoes - intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or loaned at bowling alleys.
hiking shoes or boots - usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole.
walking shoes - have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking boot, may have air holes, may not be water proof.
climbing shoes
orthopedic shoes - specially designed for people with foot problems.
skating shoes - typically called skates. They have various attachments for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion: ice skates, roller skates, inline skates.
ski boot - a large, thick plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the ski.
skateboarding shoes- used for skateboarding but also worn by teenagers for fashion
cycling shoes are equipped with a metal cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
sneaker boot and sneaker pump - a shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, making it a kind of novelty dress shoe
Skateboarding Shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers of padding to protect the skateboarders feet. A lot of people wear them for comfort because of their width and soft padding.

Comfort Shoes

Shoes that are made with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort qualities such as padded removable footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch support are made especially for those with problematic feet.

Categories

Shoes are any type of footwear worn on the foot, and to prevent further argument, shoes include slippers, any type of heel shoes, uggs, and anything else you wear on your foot (not socks, unless the socks are really thick and shoe-like)

Dance shoes

pointe shoes - shoes designed for ballet dancing, which have the toe box stiffened with glue so the dancer can rise on the tips of her (or his) toes
ballet slipper - heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with usually a leather sole that may be continuous or in two parts (split-sole) - stiffer leather sole over the ball of the foot and over the heel, with the part of the shoe under the arch made of the softer material of the upper, so as the foot can be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are usually secured by elastic straps. They are most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such as red oor blue.
jazz shoe - similar in basic structure to a split-sole ballet slipper, jazz shoes usually have a longer vamp, securing the foot by laces or elastic inserts. Unlike ballet slippers, jazz shoes usually have a low (1" or under) heel.
tango/flamenco dance shoes
dance sneakers (or dansneakers)- a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a block toe like a ballet slipper
character shoes - shoes with a 1"-3" heel, which are usually made of leather, and often have one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be adapted into tap shoes by attaching taps.

Work shoes

Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, construction, mining, and other workplaces. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.

Snow shoes

Snowshoes are special shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.

Boots

Boots are special shoes that are used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots and hiking boots.

Historical Shoes

Footwear has been worn for tens of thousands of years. Shoes worn in the past include:

Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, are found as early as the 14th century.
Patten (shoe) | Patten]]: a European wooden overshoe used to keep a person's feet dry outdoors. First worn in the middle ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the 1400s.

Maintenance

Breaking-in - Some shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After a person wears them multiple times, the material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is said to have broken in the shoes.
Polishing - for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement - heels periodically wear out. Not all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement - soles also wear out. Not all shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers which can be recycled and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind as an example.

Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a shop is called a cobbler.

Shoe etiquette

In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove shoes when entering a house. In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically invites them to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.

In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin).