Shoe Obsessive: Keira 'The Dutchess' Knightley

Keira Knightley (23) is turned on by men with good shoes. The successful actress admitted recently she would only ever go out with a man who takes pride in their footwear. Keira’s ideal man would have to be a good conversationalist, rather enigmatic with a sense of humour and good taste in shoes. Of course Ms Knightley is herself a self confessed shoe obsessive who enjoys nothing better than buying expensive footwear. The thespian will even buy a pair of exquisite shoes she likes no matter whether they fit her or not. She just still has to have them. (Maybe she should go to the Scottish Op Shop and snap up these Jimmy Cho’s – see story below).

Heels: Well heeled and down on

Seems high heels are causing all manner of concerns at the Fashion Weeks around the globe. Not just of concern are the height of the heels the affects on anatony and foot pain but the number of wardrobe malfunctions they cause has itself become a newsworthy news. Most of the reported slips and trips reported from London to New York were caused by heavy traffic on the catwalks with at least four models taking a complete ‘bum thud’ tumble. At least one model had the good grace to fall holding her heels held high just to catch that all important photo moment. There seems some resistance however among some of the models who recentley refused to walk in ultra high heels and platforms and shuffled instead along the cat walk. Saved their dignity as well as producing a new visual spectacle. Last year some models took the bold step (sorry about that) and discarded their designer ankle breakers to walk barefoot in protest. However this seems to have cut no ice with most designers still determined to promote high and mightly shoes. Top shops are now including deportment classes for their exclusive customers and there is even videos for high heeled aerobics. High heels are here to stay me thinks with the latest craze for men of a certain age “pedal pumping” erotically filmed leggy lovies trying to control their fast motor cars weraring with high heeled shoes. Plenty hips and thighs and poor clutch control. Of course there were plenty heels on show at the recent Oscars but there was definitely a conscious effort but the fashionista not to appear over the top in this age of tighter budgets so across the board there was a down play of bling. Meanwhile at the other end of the spectrum the ‘frugalista’ are buying their designers shoes from op shops and car boot sales. Indeed the interest to save money on quality second hand clothing has caused many charty organisations to worry that bargan hunters are preventing people genuinely in need from being able to get shoes to fit. The shoe is almost on the other foot in Scotland where it was recently reported a generous benefactor donated nine pairs of Jimmy Choo high heels to a local Op shop. The shoes were estimated to retail at $750 per pair but the size one-and-a-half black satin evening shoes have remained on the shelf. Apparently no one yet has the delicate feet to fit them. According to the Op shop manager bargains like this go in a matter of hours normally but so far Cinderella or her Prince Charming have been in the shop. However every cloud has a silver lining and according to reports, the shoe-repair industry, which has been shrinking for decades, has made an impressive comeback with people choosing to have their favourite shoes repaired rather then spend their money on new ones.

Footnote
Most mass produced shoes cannot be have their soles replaced. This is because most mass produced shoes have upper and sole moulded. Better made shoes present less of a problem to the cobbler who can resole them for a fraction of the price of a new pair of shoes.

A shoe for you, Obama

Shaquille O’Neal (Phoenix Suns) signed and donated one of his (giant) shoes to President Barack Obama to help raise awareness for the housing for the homeless. The basketball player wears size 23 sneakers. The presentation was made by Jake Gordon, the young son of Phoenix Mayor, Phil Gordon's son Jake on the President’s arrival in Phoenix recently. The President was most impressed with the orange-and-white sneaker he had to compare it to his own shoe.

Mickey Rourke: The old man who lives in shoes

Wild man, Mickey Rourke may play hard men parts but when it comes to shoes he is a real softy. Now dubbed “the Old man who lives in shoes,” the vetern star stunned airline staff recently in London when he turned up with a suit case weighing 5 1/2 stone (36kg) packed full of his favourite shoes. Hellraiser Rourke's bulging bag of loafers was over the weight limit and before he could check in at Heathrow for his first-class flight to New York, he had to redistribute his shoes among his other suitcases. The tough guy presented at the VIP check-in shod in a pair of low heeled blue slip-ons with no socks. Rourke was returning to NY after an eight-day London stay where he picked up BAFTA's Best Actor Award for "The Wrestler". Apparently he like Louis Vuitton.

Slippers for St Valentine's Day

At a loss what to get for you paramour this Valentine’s Day? Then you might like to think slippers. Oh we have heard all the nonsense about sexy heels and the like but a quick review of the history of the humble slipper will leave you blushing. Slippers were always houseshoes and to tell the truth, the footwear of the boudoire. The term slipper was first recorded in English in 1478 and described a slip-on shoe that barely covered the foot and was worn for ease. Now there are many different varieties including backless slip-ons; boudouir slippers which were like mules sometimes with a heel; carpet slippers – a house shoe made of carpet stype material; and fuzzies – a slipper lined with fleece or sharling. Throughout history slippers were associated with wealth, prestige and intimacy. In Dutch, the word slipper is used in its diminutive form 'slippertje' and denotes an amorous affair which a married person 'slips' into. Slippers cause shuffling which makes the old gluteal muscles wobble – very sexy. In ancient Asian and Oriental Cultures where taking off their shoes was a condition of crossing the threshold of a dwelling, donning slippers became a social custom. Then there were two styles of slipper: one had a small toe post which fitted between the ½ toes; and the another had cross-shaped leather upper (similar to a mule). In some provences the slippers were red. European slippers were made from sumptious materials such as tapestry, soft leather or velvet. By the 16th century ladies and mens’ slippers were worn either as small platforms or with heels. The more flimsy the slipper and sumptuous its make up indicated breeding and wealth. Marie Antoinette (1755 – 1793) had a wardrobe full of precious slippers (500) most of which were only ever worn once. By the nineteenth century tissue thin kid or luxurious dress silk slippers were worn to grand balls by the aristocracy and became the precursor of modern dancing shoes. During the La Belle Epoque, Parisian aristocrats would sip champaigne from a lady’s slipper – very sexy. The Albert Slipper was the preferred footwear of Victorian gentlemen and typified by Sherlock Holmes. The backs of the slippers were closed and made from light bright coloured leathers. These were associated with smoking which was a preoccupation at the time. The typical Albert slipper was a velvet slipper with plain leather sole and quilted silk lining.This may be worn with a smoking jacket or black tie. The Scots’ word for shuffle is ‘bachle,’ and was often used in a derogatory sense to describe ‘the underclass.’ When slippers became passe and were seen to be worn by the lower classes (usually because that was all they could afford) slippers in Scotland were called "baffies." This is a term thought to derive from ‘bachle,’ and rather like Ugg boots in Oz, slippers were condemned back to the house where they remain to this day. None the less ever since the Emporer Constantine presented a pair of embrodiered purple slippers to Pope Silverster (4th century AD) flat soled slippers of brocade silk or velvet have long been the preferred foot attire of the episcopal hierarchy. The present Pontif, Pope Benedict XVI wears scarlet red leather slippers with white socks. The Pope’s slippers are made by his personal cobbler. So if you are to romance inclined this Valentines Day , think feet and think slippers.

Chaussures et Chocolat: A History of Shoes and Chocolate

Jefferson County Historical Society Museum have a special exhibition this Valentines’ entitled Chaussures et Chocolat: A History of Shoes and Chocolate . The exhibition by Lenka Walldroff, Collections Manager and Curator will recount the history of shoe couture beginning in 17th century France and the use of chocolate as an aphrodisiac in pre-Columbian South America. The clever twining captures the love women have for shoes and chocolate.

More information
curator@jeffersoncountyhistory.org

Delcam: CAD/CAM Foot Orthoses

Foot orthoses come in different types from simple insoles to biomechanically calculated platforms to help stabilise the foot during phases of walking. In recent years there has been a sizable industry grown around the manufacture and prescription of the latter which is now estimated at $30 million US per anum. Prescribed foot orthoses often referred to as function foot orthoses are used by sports specialists, surgeons, physiotherapists and podiatrists and prices vary from $20 to $300 per pair depending on the type, time spend and materials used. Over the counter foot orthoses are often as effective as bespoke varieties but due to the material combinations may not always last quite so long. Conditions definitely apply. For over a decade the manufacture of foot orthoses has involved Computer Numerical Controlled(CNC) systems where CAD/CAM software programs are used to produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production which involes a complex series of steps needed to produce in this case a foot orthoses. CAD software produces 3D scanned design data which can be manipulated to add a range of models, add-ons and cut-outs or corrections to the foot mould. Many companies which supply bespoke foot orthoses use the technology to increase their production. The established method of producing bespoke foot orthoses was both time consuming and prone to human error. After physical examination of the leg and foot, technicians took plaster of Paris moulds of the feet set in a reference position. These negative casts are then filled with setting plaster before drying at hot temperatures. When the foot models are completely dried high temperature plastics are melted over the prepared cast before trimming. The process of creating unique prescriptions for patients suffering from various foot and joint ailments will take anything from 3 days to three weeks to complete. A primary advantage of CAD/CAM manufacture is the time reduced in producing quality foot orthoses as providing prescribed quality foot orthoses in a timely fashion translates well to high profits. Turnaround time is extremely important in the bespoke foot orthotic business. Delcam's OrthoModel , is a new software specifically for modelling and machining custom foot orthoses. Once the information is input into the OrthoModel CAD software, the information is transfered to the CAM component OrthoMill and routed to complete the milling process. Top covers and other finishes are added once the foot orthoses have been milled. Delcam Crispin is a UK based company founded in 1965 and their software includes a series of menus which incorporate the biomechanical terminology used by the industry to describe the various features of the foot orthosis.

Paint or Thread: ExtrA Cool Site

PaintOrThread.com was created to report the day to day news in the hobby of customized shoes, sneakers, footwear, and so on. Paint Or Thread goes in depth and behind the scenes giving you: news, interviews, contests, history, how to, and more. The blog is run by a customizer that has seen the hobby change over the last nine years. Paint or Thread is made for the customer that wants their own shoes, those who want to start customizing, those that have been customizing for years, and everyone in between.

Measures- Unit Converter: Shoes sizes

If you have an iPhone and want to put it to good use when buying shoes you might like to get the 99 cent "Measures - Unit Converter. " Now available at iTunes App Store this useful app will convert just about anything including shoe sizes. U.S., European, Mexican, Japanese, UK, and Australian. Women's sizes available for conversion range from U.S. 5-14, and men's conversions are available for U.S. sizes 3-14. "Measures" was created by Neuwert Media.

Interesting site
Shoe Size and Conversion Charts

History of skateboard shoes: On-line book

It is estimated sk8ers' shoes are worth a cool $800 million (US) market per year. The kicks with attitude now have not only exhibitions but also a tome dedicate to them and their history. The book has a limited run of 1000 copies so unlikely to get a copy but it is available electronically (for free).

Skateboard Museum

The soul of the shoe: Shoe Exhibition

Strange things happen at the end of each decade and century. One of these is a fascination for shoes. Around the world shoe exhibitions are popping up again and "The Soul of the Shoe" (6th Feb -10th May 2009) is a new exhibition at the Wenham Museum Boston, and curated by Jane Bowers. On display are some of the museums’ own shoe collection as well as some on loan. These include shoes worn by celebrities such as the late Leona Helmsley (Ferragamo heels) and Jay Leno’s sneakers; athletes (basketball player, Larry Bird’s Chucks), and many others including bridal shoes from other countries as well as a collection of whimsical shoes made out of wire by students at Montserrat College of Art.

Off to Dublin in the green: What to wear on St Patrick's Day

Maybe you are still undecided what to wear on St Paddy’s Day this year (March 17th). After all you may be involved in the big parade , or catching the Boston Celtics, or even on of the faithful in Paradise (Parkhead Stadium, Glasgow home of the Hoopies) and need those special shoes to complement the occasion. Well fear not for all the major players in designer kicks business have been like Leprechauns and bust a gut to have a pair for you. Reebok have a St Partick’s shoe version of the Sir Jam which is a darker than normal green, with black and gold accents subtly decorating the upper of the shoe and a clover leaf on the back of the sneaker. Puma meantime would like you to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in a pair of the Sky II St. Patty’s Day edition shoes. Again green and gold makes its way to the upper of this 1980 classic, but with just one shamrock sitting on the back of the shoe. Adidas have stuck with their St Patrick shoes from last year but have introducing an Easter edition of Adidas Top Tens. Not to be out done, rivals Nike will promote their Court Force Low for a St. Patrick’s Day edition shoe. This years St. Patrick’s Day Air Max 90s, are rather plain and simple with just a white and green upper.

Doctor Martens Boots : Alexi Sayle

The Perfect Fit—Shoes Tell Stories

The Perfect Fit—Shoes Tell Stories, is a new exhibition that explores the cultural meanings of shoes. The exhibition is at the Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts. On exhibition from the 6th June, 2009 will be approximately 120 objects from over 100 artists from all over the U. S. plus Canada and Israel. The show was curated by Wendy Tarlow Kaplan. Brockton, once known as the shoe capital of the world, was the largest U.S. producer of shoes during the Civil War and had a large and vibrant shoe industry until the mid-20th century. The exhibition will explore how shoes can tell stories, addressing topics such as gender, history, sexuality, race, class, and culture. All objects in the exhibit were created after 2003. After its premiere at Fuller Craft, this show will travel to other U.S. cities, dates and locations to be announced.

INCHworn: The year long shoe

Who has not been frustrated with buying shoes for growing children? No sooner are the little dears fitted with new pair of shoes than they seem (almost overnight) to grow out of them again. Feet stop growing about age 13 (small bones ossify much later) and on average a child will grow a size every three to for months (some more, some less). As parents and guardians we tend to follow the school year (semesters or terms) and kit the kids out at the beginning as all good consumers are told to do. However the bone ossification timetable does not follow academic years and it is quite common for children to outgrow their new shoes long before the end of the term. Human nature being what it is, we ignore this at the risk of discomfort for the child. Well help is on its way in the form of INCHworm shoes. Available in sizes 2 -6 the shoes have a button (iFit technology) which increases the shoe size to accommodate a growing foot. On average a pair of INCHworn shoes would last a calendar year (conditions apply) with a saving of 60% on a shoe bill. A blue chip investment in these times of recession.

Who throw the sandshoe?

A Westerner may throw his sneaker at Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, but China could be said to recipricate with a couple of their classical sneakers being thrown westward in return. For over half a century TianLangs have made sneakers and shoes for Chinese workers. Recently they produced on new ranges of footwear in conjunction with Ospop called Skywolf and Departure. The hi top shoes look similar in outline to the originals but are now made from superior materials. The new range are said to be more durable and comfortable. The shoes are beginning to turn some eyes in the west. In the 70s and 80s the most fashionable low top sneakers in China were Warriors. These were worn by youths keen to emulate kids in the West as well as breakaway form the drab costume of ulititaria. As the Millenium approached the mass appeal of Warrior shoes dwindled and became shoes worn by ordinary people. Now it appears Warriors are destined to make a fashion come back as Chinese youths begin to grasp their sneaker culture heritage. Author, Sumeng Ye has compiled a photo-book Book of Warriors which tells the story behind the shoes.

Shoe protests: All I can report is that it is a size 10.

Little did the Iraq journalist know his shoe throwing protest would become such a powerful political gesture such as to match the hunger strike (Gandhi) or blanket protests (Northern Ireland) of previous decades. The exit from the Whitehouse by George W Bush was commemorated by a giant shoe-throwing extravaganza by anti-Bush rallyers who gathered in front of a nearly two-story-tall effigy of Bush. Just below the inflatable Bush’s belt was a sign reading “Give Bush the Boot!” Shoes of all denomination rebounded from the blow up trampoline like figure. Shoe-throwing protesters also pelted the street near the British prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street in London. Between 12 and 60,000 angry demonstrators marched and hurled footwear across barriers chanting "Shame on you, have my shoe," as a mark of protest against Israel’s bombing of the Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile in Iraq for a brief period a sofa-sized sculpture of a single copper-coated shoe on a stand was unveiled in Tikrit, the hometown of the late Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein. A poem praising Iraqi journalist Muntader al-Zaidi stood at the foot of the monument. The Baghdad-based artist, Laith al-Amari, said the work honoured al-Zeidi and was a source of pride for all Iraqis. The shoe had a tree has been planted and stood 10 feet high. However seems the statue dedicated to the heroic shoe thrower has been taken down. It is also been reported Muntadhar al-Zeidi will seek political asylum in Switzerland as apparently his life is in danger in Iraq.