New Goex sneakers: No sweat

Italian billionaire, Mario Moretti Polegato is the man behind Geox shoes. The footwear sells well in Italy with an estimated 25% of Italians owning a pair of Geox shoes. The sales for 2008 were up 16% and now the global brand is available in 68 countries. The company are currently thought to be the second biggest “brown shoe” brand in the world, after Clarks. Goex was started by Polegato after he stumbled on his idea for sweat-free shoes while walking in the Nevada desert after a wine conference in the 1990s. Tired of having hot feet, he cut holes in the soles of his trainers and was impressed with how much cooler the shoes felt. Back in northeast Italy, which has a long tradition of shoe-making, he took his prototype and researched how to keep water out while maintaining the holes. His determination led to his first patent and that dispiriting trek round the world’s footwear giants, trying to sell them his idea. Rejected, he set up Geox producing only children’s shoes in Italy at first. Now the company is a world beater with plans to release a range of sport shoes with the Goex patented “no-sweat” technology coming out later this year.

Global Soles

Global Soles is a non profit organisation which collects shoe donations to send overseas to the needy.

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Where have all the BKs gone?: potted history of British Knights (BKs)

British Knights was founded by Jack Schwartz Shoes Inc. (NY). They had instant appeal with a large tongue, stocky sole design, and BK logos on the toe guard, upper part, and heel. Hip hoppers took to wearing them because of their streetwise chic and soon BKs were being promoted in music videos by Public Enemy (US), Beats International (UK), and Technotronic (European). Endorsement for British Knights followed and, the 1991, BK’s advert featured “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. The company took the unsual policy decision not to include sportspeople in their endorsement stable. Some criticism was leveled at the early models which resembled Troop Pro and SPX shoes. In the 90s BKs added a silicone visco-elastic material shaped as a green diamond and this was embedded into the shoe’s sole window. This was called the Dymacel and acted principally as a shock reducing agent. Many manufacturers used human enhancement additions to their shoes to improve comfort but also as advertising novelty. Space Age technology had resulted in the development of new synthetic polymers which when stable could provide unique properties like shock attenuation. BKs now came with a lense shaped tag to hang the shoes through its laces. This was another novelty to appeal to the street wise customers and in particular street gangs like the Crips and Bloods who had evolved an elaborate non verbal form of communication which included ‘lace talk.’ The marketing ploy worked and BKs shoes sold well particularly with Crips gangs who attributed the acronym BK to Blood Killer. (their rival gang). Eventually the association with gang culture had an adverse effect on their sales when authorities banned students from wearing BK shoes on campus at schools, colleges and universities. Keen to expand anf disassociate from criminal elements the company decided to include high profile sportspeople to endorse their new BKs with Dymacel technology. Derrick Coleman (New Jersey Nets) and Xavier McDaniel (New York Knicks) became BK men. But despite their new clean cut image sales dropped and Jack Schwartz Shoes Inc finally leased the BK trademark in 1996 to a German company who manufactured of inexpensive skate shoes. The company released new BKs as running shoes in limited editions but by 2008 the company decided to re-launch the original 1989 range of Leader Hi and Lo, Kings SL in Hi and Lo, and Ultra. The move was successful and now hip hopper enthusiasts are once again clamoring for more BKs.

Where'd you get those?: Good book

Garcia B 2003 Where'd You Get Those? New York City's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987 Barnes and Noble.


The author takes a sentimental journey back to the early days of sneakers when they were the province of "sneakerfreakers" and ball players. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout with photographs of classic shoes, basketball players, break dancers and advertisements of the time. The author has put together an informed and comprehensive study of shoe culture. According to the DJ Cucumberslice (aka Garcia) during the ninties a fanatical coalition of Big Apple basketball players, graffiti writers, break-dancers, and rappers dedicated themselves to stylistic possibilities of their shoes. By systematically colouring and customizing them including devising elaborate lacing patterns the result was some models became cult. His blend autobiography, oral history, vintage ads, grainy shots of urban glamour, and detailed description of individual sneakers means this book a rich vain of anthropology and a must for any serious collector.

Shoresh Sandals : Thongs in Space!

With an estimated one out of every 10 Israelis owning a pair of sandals, the ultimate foot attire remains the ultimate icon of Israeli dress. Shoresh (Hebrew for "root.") sandals are made at the Source Vagabond Systems factory in the industrial zone of Tirat Carmel, just south of Haifa. Each sandal is made from toe to heel by the same craftsman and the design is a hi-tech version of sandals worn 2000 years ago at the time of Christ. The footwear was rediscovered by a couple of back packers who dissatisfied with the range of shoes available decoded to make their own. For two years they experiments until they came up with a winning formula. The adventure sandal is light enough to feel like a natural extension of the foot and able to withstand mountain walks, course sand and hard terrain. The adventure sandal is has a padded rubber sole with three waterproof polypro straps that cross in an "x" near the ankle. At first they were slow to move in the shops but as soon as the guides started to wear them the hikers and back packers besieged local shoe shops. The Shoresh are now so popular it is proposed to include them in the KEO space time capsule so people in the future can see what Israelis were wearing in 2009.

Ba gua Sneakers are French Chic

New kicks on the block come from France and are called Bagua (Chinese: 八卦; pinyin: bā guà; Wade-Giles: pa kua; literally "eight symbols"). The inspiration came from a Bruce Lee movie and the shoes worn by the Kung Fu star. Masters of Kung Fu have been worn light weight shoes made of cotton upper and rubber sole since the 19th century. The light weight, Bagua sneakers are made to last and instantly recognisable with distinctive iconic detailing i.e. an octagon on the elastic closure or a honeycomb print on the insole. The new kicks come with an insole with acupuncture and reflexology points for added health and comfort. There are eight models in the new series and is expected they will probably be launched in a very limited edition.

Soul of Africa: ethical shoes

Soul of Africa is an ethical footwear brand calling for people working in the fashion and footwear industries to help raise £10,000 to support orphans with AIDS in South Africa. Soul of Africa is a charity project co-founded by Lance Clark of the Clarks footwear family. It was set up in 2003 as a means to support South African communities. The charity provides employment for women in African villages who stitch the brand’s footwear, its T-shirts and its leather footballs. Profits from the sale of the shoes are put back in to the local community, with the creation of day centres for African orphans. Soul of Africa is stocked in Clarks and Next.

US National Barefoot Week 2009:Sole4Soul

This year starting June 7th will be the second National Barefoot Week with a cry to all to discard their shoes in solidarity for Sole4Souls. The international footwear charity based in Nashville, has unveiled plans for a series of nationwide events during Barefoot Week. Many celebrities including Scarlett Johansson have lend their names to support a series of events in June. Scarlett Johansson previously donated 2000 pairs of new shoes from her own line of Reebok footwear. The celebration will culminate with "Barefoot Sunday" on June 7, 2009. This is a unique opportunity for congregations (all denominations) to remove their shoes and walk out of worship services barefoot. The efforts of participating congregations will go toward helping put shoes on the feet of barefoot children around the world. In 2008, hundreds of organizations across the United States invited members to leave their shoes on the altar. Soles4Souls mission is to 'Change the World One Pair at a Time.'" During "Barefoot Week," Soles4Souls will visit several cities across the United Sates and distribute thousands of pairs of new shoes in each city to local non-profits, such as homeless shelters. During "Barefoot Week 2008," the charity donated more than 325,000 pairs of new shoes to needy people in New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, and Taylor, Arizona (Indian Reservation). The cities for the 2009 distributions will be announced soon. Non-Profit asks Churches to Step Up and Host Their Own "Barefoot Sunday" on June 7, 2009

Sneakerology 101: Carnegie Mellon Universty

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, " Sneakerology 101" is a class at Carnegie Mellon University where students explore the impact of sneakers on identity and culture. In the true spirit of zeitgeist, sneaker fashion is a reflection of the time we live in and encapsulates not only new polymer technologies but also the combined experience of shoe makers from the beginning of time. Whilst shoes may appear the same as the ‘originals’ the addition of new polymers developed for and post Space Age mean even retro shoes in the 21st century whose form may appear similar to that which went before are unique and ‘out of this world shoes.’ Since it s inception last year “Sneakerology 101” attracts many students most of which want to come back the following year just to catch up with the changes. The one-credit, pass/fail offering attracts novices as well as the sneaker obsessed. The course covers topics including early hip-hop roots and New York City street fashion, footwear advertising and consumerism, shoe design and technology, and the effect of boutiques and limited-edition releases. Carnegie Mellon University had some concerns at first because they could only credit the course once however students don’t seem to mind spending the extra time in the classroom and continue to come back. Since its debut last year, “Sneakerology 101” has developed an Internet following among sneaker freakers. Carnegie Mellon delivers Sneakerology through the school's student college, an initiative that lets students explore and teach subjects not available through regular university offerings. As a mid-term assignment, students must design their own sneaker and compose a 200-to-300 word description of its makeup and what inspired it. For their final exam, ‘Sneakerology 101’ students take part in "Kicksburgh," campus event with vendors and artists that celebrates the city's urban fashion and footwear. Last year attendees were asked to donate a pair of used sneakers to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization that provides shoes to victims of natural disasters in third-world countries.

Foot fetish: Whot's that all about?

Foot fetish is considered the most common fetish. Hands and feet are tactile and supplied with thousands of nerves, which makes them very useful for finding things in the dark. The sensory nerve supply to feet originates in the same part of the brain as the nerves which go to the pelvic area and in some people (not all) there is neural print through, which means touching the sole of their feet would be the same as tickling their fancy. Some people have an attraction to parts of the body and or clothing which includes feet, stockings/pantyhose/socks, or shoes. Rarely are all involved but whatever the fetish is it will play an important role in pre-coital behaviour. These partialisms are usually innocuous and considered normal. No one yet knows how people develop fetishes although preferred sexual behaviours are most certainly in part at least governed by biological factors but likely to be the product of history, environment and nature. Men are more likely to have a fetish and no one is entirely sure why this is so. Sigmund Freud first described fetishism as compensation behaviour when performance anxiety arose in males. He called this the Castration Theory and how it could be overcame in the presence of fetishistic objects like shoes, feet or pantyhose. Performance anxiety is a male fear and this may explain why fetishism is almost always a male behaviour. The anxiety neurosis can manifest in a continuum of behaviour with intensity and range which varies from a partial liking of the object to a complete sexual obsession with it. Abnormal fetishism is called paraphilia and describes established anti-social behaviour. Fetishistic objects may be either inanimate (e.g. a shoe); or animate (e.g. a foot). Inanimate object fetish is sub-divided into form and media. Form fetish refers to the shape of the object e.g. lady’s shoe; and media fetish relates to the material the item is made from e.g. leather or fur or rubber. Animate fetish describes parts of the (female) body such as feet, legs and ankles. Fetishists require some specific attraction in the object which may include colours, shape and or smell. Without these features then no attraction will take place. In the majority of cases, low level fetishism poses no danger to others and individuals usually pursue their use of the fetish object in private or with other consenting adults. Retifists (shoe fetishists) collect women's shoes (sometimes by stealing them) to have sex with the shoe. Retifists usually have exquisite taste for elegant styles with specific form and media determining their preferences. Pedal lovemaking is usually combined with elaborate games which involve trampling (walking over a person) or seeing woman wearing high heels stomping on the balloons; crush fetishists who revel in using their feet to crush things including small animals; messy fetishists who get kicks from wet shoes e.g. golden showers or patent leather shoes. There are enormous variations which include tickling, bondage, licking and shrimping (i.e. toe sucking). It is quite impossible to know how many foot and shoe fetishists there are simply because fetishists usually keep their preferences a closely guarded secret. As a group they maintain a close network where they function comfortably within a culture of clubs, websites and magazines to support special interests. On the World Wide Web there are well over a million websites which deal with foot fetishism alone. Fetishists are found in every level of society with the number of low to mid level fetishists in Australia enough to fill the Subiaco Oval.
A significant spike in interest in foot sex arose during the 80s after the identification of HIV. Similar patterns have been recorded in history when plagues of sexually transmitted disease arose. This would support foot sex is associated with safe sex practice.

Sandal vs Jandal Wars: A brief history of the plastic thong

After the Second World War it was important to build up the economies Asia countries and help them become self sufficient. One of the first industries to boom was the footwear industry with mass-produced plastic sandals becoming a major export. By the fifties new moulding techniques for rubber and plastic were introduced in Taiwan and elsewhere which allowed cheaper shoes to be turned out in their millions. Traditionally wooden sandals were the footwear of choice for millions of ordinary people in Asia. Simple sandals consisting of foot platform with toe and sometimes heel attachments (thongs) were known to exist in Stone Age times and are thought to represent one of the first shoe designs. Different cultures used whatever raw materials were to hand to craft the simple foot cover. Wooden sandals were worn in the Middle East and India (these are clearly depicted on sculptures, temples and in Sanskrit writing, circa 3000 BCE: rice straw sandals in China and Japan; rawhide sandals in Africa and papyrus (paper) sandals were worn in Egypt (circa1500 B.C.E.). In Persia sandals were crafted from wood and had a toe separator between the first and second toe with no thong. Platform soles were worn in bath houses and harems. Often the wooden sandals were intricately inlaid with pearl and other semi precious stones. By Biblical times sandals were commonly worn throughout much of the known world. Wood was hard wearing, readily available and preferred by some religious sects e.g. Hindus, who would not wear leather. It remains unclear whether these sandals were indigenous to India or taken from Persia (or vice versa). Trade between the Western and Eastern civilization was well established in antiquity and it is expected fashion exchange took place along the Spice and Silk routes. So it is possible the thong sandal was taken to the Far East from the Mediterranean but also as likely the reverse is true. No one really knows. Traditionally the Japanese wore two styles of traditional sandal i.e. the zori and the geta. Zori were flat bottomed sandals originally made with straw sole and leather thongs and held between the first and second toes. These are also known as Tatami Sandals. These were widely used in Japan from at least the Heian period (794-1185) although there is no history beyond this to indicate whether these were indigenous or imported to Japan. The Japanese geta is a wooden platform sandal held to the feet with a flexible thong (sometimes rope or a black velveteen fabric) that goes through the base of the sandal, up between the big toe and the second toe and then the two ends go over the arch back toward the middle or back of the foot. Getas are worn barefoot whereas Zori and Tatami sandals are worn with tabi, which is white cotton foot covering (like socks) with a split toe, between the big toe and the other four toes for the sandal thong. In 1956, the Olympic Games were covered on television for the first time and the eyes of the world fell on Melbourne, Australia. When the Japanese swimming team came to the pool side they wore getas. The ceremonial procession became a camera spectacle which was broadcast all over the world. The fashion for plastic flip flop sandals soon followed thanks to a Hong Kong based shoe manufacturer, John Cowie who had previously had seen Getas, Tatami and Zori sandals on a visit to Japan. He took advantage of the new plastic industry and started to mass produce plastic thongs. New Zealander, Maurice Yock then took them to New Zealand and patented rubber thongs calling them Jandals (a combination of Japan and Sandal) in 1957. Plastic sandals were mass produced cheaply in Japan and became a stable post war manufacturing industry especially when they started selling all over the world. New Zealand sales rocketed and soon Australians wanted to wear the casual sandals they had seen on the Melbourne Olympics. Other parts of the Far East wore variations on the thong type of sandal and these are considered unique to these regions. In Singapore the thong attachment is a strap across the top of the foot which follows the metatarsal heads. This is known as the Singapore Slide and the design later became incorporated into the Scholl Exercise Sandal. In the Philippines the wooden platform was decorated with intricate and ornate carvings. The US troops posted to the Pacific eagerly took home the carved platform sandals as souvenirs and many believe this was why sandals became popular in the US after the war. By the mid to late 50s in UK and Western Europe the new plastic flip flops from the east were a must for all package holiday tourists visiting the sun kissed beaches of the Mediterranean. In the 60s cheap shoes found popularity among many low social economical demographics including populations previously used to wearing straw espadrilles. In South America the plastic pluggers were called Havaianas (pronounced ha-vie-yon-ahs) or flip-flops. In recent years the humble flip flop has become staple fair for the elegant fashionista. The normal construction of the plastic thong usually has the thong attachment riveted to the plastic base. This is called a 'single plugger' thong. Due to an apparent fault in the production line a double rivet was madfe and the thongs were chrisitained "double pluggers." To the best of my knowledge out of all thong wearers across the globe its only Australia the Double Plugger holds sartorial sway.

Soccer Cleats : The cutting edge

An essential part of the soccer boot is the cleat (stud) which attaches to the sole of the shoe and gives greater traction against the ground surface as well as improve stability of the athlete in motion. Soccer cleats prevent players from slipping and assist them in rapid changes of direction. The physical nature of the different football codes have resulted in the development of different cleats. Modern soccer cleats are available in different materials and can be either be fixed to the shoe or are removable. At first cardboard cleats were used but these were replaced by rubber cleats in the early days whereas more recently cleats are made from synthetic polymers which are sometimes combined to give added strength. Aluminum tipped cleats has been introduced and seem to be gaining popularity. In the past every major club had a Bootman whose job it was to ensure all the boots were well maintained. The Bootmans' experience was valued as he would impart his knowledge to the younger players on the type and pattern of studs to wear to suit the weather and ground conditions. Cleat patterns (systems) help distribute pressure across the boot. Soccer cleats are usually worn higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot to give the player grip and different types are matched to ground conditions. To avoid slipping on soft, wet grounds cleats need to be long enough that penetrate the surface but without damaging the turf or synthetic surface. Lower softer cleats are required on firm grounds. Injuries related to wearing the wrong cleats are quite common and can involve the knees and ankles. According to experts the most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments and ankle injuries are usually due sprains. Misplaced cleats on the sole of the boot may result in painful blisters. In recent years controversy has prevailed on the misuse of cleats in accidentally (or otherwise) wounding other players by cutting their skin.

Sydney Shoemaker: Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald is an Australian shoe designer and maker but is no fan of fashion high heels. He brands them “the purest form of fashion escapism" and prefers to design a shoe to look good but also to function well on the kinetic foot. Each pair of shoes he crafts takes an average 40 hours to make. Starting with feet measurements and intimate design requirements he has a fitting three weeks later. Using scrap leather he makes a "foot toile" to try the shoe for size before making heel height adjustments. The finished shoe arrives about four to six weeks later. The bespoke footwear comes at a price which varies from $800 to $1200 AUS for women and $1600 to $2000 for men. He also produces a cheaper, ready-to-wear range that starts at $450 and tops out at $1200 US. Andrew McDonald has created shoes for films including the Star Wars trilogy, Superman Returns and Wolverine, but his core clientele comprises professional women in their 30s and 40s who work in creative industries such as architecture, design and the arts. The shoemaker is offers shoemaking courses and his workshops allow participants at $1950 to work with experts to design and make their own shoes. The process includes designing a pattern and making a shoe toile before cutting the leather, stitching and punching it and finally fitting the sole and heel. Andrew is a former nurse and medical photographer who studied to be a shoemaker at Sydney's Ultimo TAFE. McDonald estimates there are just 12 people in Australia making bespoke shoes professionally.

Beatrice of York: The well heeled Princess

Princess Beatrice of York may have recently had her first role in a movie (The Young Victoria) but that has not stopped her from towering over all in a pair of five-inch Roger Vivier stilettos. Her royal secret is she wears gel cushions inside her shoes. Princess Beatrice co-hosted a party for charity Children in Crisis at the Roger Vivier shoe boutique in London and felt she had to be seen in a pair of his shoes for the occasion. Earlier in the month Princess Beatrice and her younger sister Princess Eugenie of York , joined their mother (Sarah Duchess of York ) for the premier of ‘The Young Victoria,’ where Prince Beatrice had a role in scenes showing her great-great-great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s Coronation. Roger Vivier is the shoe designer credited with the invention of the stiletto heels in 1952 and worked out the design from his aero-engineering background. Clever positioning of the shank made it possible to allow body weight to rest on a small heel piece. The cushioning gel is by chance a bi-product of the aero-space industry so the princess can rest easy in her spikes. No so sure of the comfort levels of their unsuspecting viewers when Princess Beatrice and Eugenie star in their own real TV series later this year.

Giant shoe sculpture exhibition: Haverhill Mass

Haverhill, Massachusetts was shoe town and for over 150 years produced quality shoes which were exported all over the world. The city was given the nickname "Queen Slipper City" and although the shoe industry died forty years ago its history proudly maintain by the Haverhill citizens. This summer the city will host a Shoe-la-bration in the form of an exhibition of 20 giant fibre glass, shoe sculptures. The public art festival and community fundraiser is being launched by the Soles of Haverhill, a committee of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Team Haverhill. The sculptures were created by Raymond Paulin of RP Creations in Berlin. Each shoe sculpture is up for local sponsorship at $1,900 and placement of the shoe is at the discretion of the sponsor, with the only rule being that the shoe must be on display in Haverhill. Finished sculptures will carry a plaque noting the name of its sponsor, the artist, and the non-profit arts or cultural organization that will benefit when the shoes are auctioned off in October at an event at Buttonwoods Museum. In addition to the public art component, a community history project called the Shoes and the Soul of Haverhill will examine the long-term impact of the shoe industry on the city's character and spirit. More information on the project and learning how to sponsor a shoe is available by contacting the Soles of Haverhill Committee at 978-521-3790 or solesofhaverhill@yahoo.com.

Interesting site
Haverville Shoes

Fashion on a budget: Why not?

Isaac Mizrahi spearheaded the idea of buying high fashions at a low cost with his successful Target collection. Soon other big-names followed including Vera Wang who created Simply Vera Wang for Kohl's; and Max Azria, of BCBGMAXAZRIA and BCBG Girls fame, has a brand called To the Max at Wal-Mart. Now, more high-fashion designers are rolling out lower-priced lines to mass-market department stores and retailers. This month, Target launched its latest project, Designer Collaborations, with a new collection from British designer Alexander McQueen called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The range includes hip and edgy dresses, jackets, tops and denim inspired by British rock band The Duke Spirit. The Target prices range from $19.99 to $129.99 (US), whereas peaces from the McQueen's luxury label would start at $1,700 upwards. Design Collaborations will take well-established designers and have them create an exclusive collection inspired by a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. The goal of the program is to have designer fashions accessible to the everyday woman and at prices they can afford.

Jacob Boehme: A cobbler who did not stick to his last

Jacob Boehme (1575 – 1624) was an unschooled shoemaker who was born in Saxony (Germany) in 1575 and became one of the world’s deepest and profound mystics with a huge body of written work to his credit. He came from poor but pious parents who were Lutherans. As a young boy he spent most of his time alone taking care of cattle. From an early age he had developed a profound understanding of the scriptures. As a teenager Jacob concentrated all his efforts on becoming a shoemaker. Then one day whilst serving a customer, the stranger forecast Jacob would become a world famous mystic and philosopher. He was advised to be pious, fear God and revere His Word throughout his life. The strangers also forecast Jacob would need to endure misery, poverty, and persecution throughout his life and his courage and love of God would see him safely through. From 1612 to 1624, he wrote thirty books but his greatest work was his first book, “The Aurora: That Is, the Day-Spring” but the publication was banned by the city council and the shoemaker ostracised ordered never to write again. Despite this his fame grew and Jacob eventually years after he resumed his work clandestinely. John Wesley required all of his preachers study the writings of Jacob Boehme. He remained persecuted throughout his live and predicted the date of his own death in 1624.

Birth of Icon: History of Vans

Birth of Icons is a new book to be released later this year on the history of the Vans Shoe Company. This 208 page hardback has tells the history of the company through a collection of personal interviews with Steve Caballero and many of the riders sponsored by Vans. There is plenty of nostalgia and Birth of Icons is beautifully illustrated with over 350 full colour plates. Available from the 1st June, 2009.

Vietnamese wooden sandals

Guoc Moc are sandals worn by Vietnamese and considered by many as a national dress. The earliest reference to sandals was in the third century, when a Vietnamese resistance leader called Ba Trieu wore ivory clogs. Experts believe it took until the Tran Dynasty (1407-1409) before bamboo sandals made from bamboo roots were worn by the population who up until this time went unshod. Bamboo sandals were usually kept for festivals or visiting friends and wooden clogs were worn at home. These were usually homemade and had thick soles with slightly turned-up tips. The traps, which attached through a hole in the front and a pair of holes on the sides, were braided from soft cloth. The curved sole meant the knot of the front strap did not rub on the ground. The soles of women's clogs were shaped like hour-glasses, while sampan clogs (men's clogs) had straight soles. The white wood was left unpainted but well to do people would have their clogs painted in black and brown with a pale coloured triangle on the side of the sole. In some areas clogs were known as ‘dons” and a common saying was "a foot with a shoe, a foot with a don" to indicate rich people who put on airs. The Guoc Viet (wooden sandals) became more popular under the French Rule during the Nguyen Dynasty (1858 -1945). At first rich town dwellers wore the new wooden sandals before the costume eventually spread to rural workers. Generally school children wore clogs up until the 1940s. Before the August Revolution in 1945, clogs produced in Hue were called "capital clogs" or guoc kinh. These clogs had soles made from coconut shells or light wood, painted white and gold with embroidered straps. Guoc Viet are made in craft villages in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Ha Tay, and Thanh Tri and Thanh Xuan districts in Ha Noi. The sandals were made from a special wood called mit because of its light weight, strength and durability. Sandals varied from the very expensive to the cheap and cheerful. Most people kept their better sandals for special and solemn occasions and they were often worn with traditional ao dai dresses. Gradually the wooden sandal was replaced with designer fashion. Traditional wooden sandals are still available and can be bought in the market places for about VND40,000 (US$2.50). It is common for tourists to combine their favourite sandal sole with an attractive strap and the sandal merchants will nail the shoes to order. More fashionable sandals are now available and produced by the Hoa Anh Dat company. Their sandals are made from the wood of the bead-tree, fir and coral tree. Bead-tree wood is considered the best quality as it does not easily break or bend. It is also a heavy wood and so some manufacturers use fir tree wood because it is a lighter wood. Artisans shape the sandal then they are painted with a glossy paint, before decorations are drawn onto the surface. The Pinocchio brand is decorated with art inspired by Tuong (traditional opera).

Do the right thing: DIRT Jordan 1

Comes courtesy of Weeklydrop.com


It is the 20th anniversary of the movie, Do the Right Thing (1989) by Spike Lee and to celebrate the event the close friend of the director, Michael Jordan will launch a special Air Jordan 1 Do the Right Thing Pack (DTRT Jordan 1). The shoes are available in twin colours i.e. either metallic red or metallic green.

Why are you not wearing a pair of Crocs?

According to financial experts Crocs Inc have been battered by falling sales and drop in share price. The company recently disclosed that its auditors had expressed "substantial doubt" about Crocs's ability to stay in business. Crocs grew quickly from its start in 2002 to the company's initial public offering in 2006, as its brightly colored clogs became ubiquitous, but the company posted a $184 million loss last year. Crocs has seen its share price plunge to $1.20 from nearly $75 in October 2007, posted a $184 million loss last year. Revenue fell 15% in 2008, including a 44% drop in the fourth quarter. Some observers believe the failing forunes of the plastic clog has less to do with the recession than with fading public interest in its signature footwear. Crocs have broadened their range to include sandals, loafers and even boots which has been successful but will it prove successful enough , only time will tell.

Nude Shoes: undinism or just undyism?

The new fad for ladies in the coming season is patent leather nude coloured shoes with 3 inch stacked heels. The ‘nudies’ retails at approx $300 (US) per pair. Obviously wardrobe malfunctions and shoe damage need to be avoided as all fashionista know and care is necessary negotiating uneven sidewalks and steps. This aside nude is the trendiest colour for shoes. In fashion-speak, "nude" refers to a kind of pink-beige-coffee blend but in the interests of political correctness (PC) the nude range covers pale ivory to deep chocolate. Shoes matching skin tone gives the leg the appearance of extra length and where the perfect match is not possible, spray tan is recommended. Nude shoe aside it is patent leather which history has shown is very risqué and was much cause for concern when conservative groups discovered the mirror like surface allowed boys to see up girls’ skirts when they wore patent leather shoes. The up skirter shoes predate electronic cameras by at least a century and only go to prove nothing changes when it comes to sex. Such concern was expressed in the early 20th century patent leather shoes were banned in some States of the US. In the sixties when “The Wet Look” prevailed so called experts feared a plague of undinism (sexual arousal from urine) was abroad. Patent leather which describes the gloss finish on the leather as opposed to a type of hide wasdeveloped in 1818. The leather protection ensured dressier looking footwear which could easily be kept clean with a cloth. It was invented in Newark, New Jersey by Seth Boyden and invloved coating the leather with linseed oil. Now the process involves plastic coating which makes the mass production of patent leather cheaper.

Crocs look-a-likes in for a long stretch

The in-mates at the Travis Country Jail could have be in a toe curling rage because the authorities changed their footwear policy. Prisoners now require to wear black, faux Crocs because the rubber they are made from makes it more difficult to make a shank (weapon). Croc-style shoes are thought to be safer, healthier and more economic than the traditional prison trainers. I was a cost saving initive to distribute Croc knockoffs rather than the real thing. On the positive side incarcerates agree the shoes are more comfortable and hygienic than their old trainers. Prison authorities have received a few complaints from the basketball players who prefer jumping kicks but otherwise looks like the faux Crocs are in for a long stay. The switch to Crocs and Croc look-alikes seems to reflect a general trend in US prisons.

Nikes Nintendo Wii Pack

Nike will release a special “Nintendo Wii” pack this summer. First up to showcase is the Nike Blazer . Featuring a light blue tint on the midsole, resembling when your Nintendo Wii is on, crimson red outline for off, while the majority of the shoes are white, as the Wii. The heel tab features Nike in metallic silver, like parts of the Wii, but also contains ostrich print. Laces are similar to the nunchuck that ties around your wrist, and the lace holes contain microchip print with a reflective finish. Lastly, the tongue has the power off symbol.

Where have all the flat footed children gone?

Studies on the management of common foot problems in children have suggested that in many cases, there is no indication for treatment. Study was recently conducted to establish and compare incidence and referral rates for foot problems in children in 1987 and 2001. Researchers compared two large consecutive surveys in Dutch general practice performed in 1987 (86 577 children aged 0-17 years) and 2001 (87 952 children aged 0-17 years), which were carried out by The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research. Both surveys included a representative sample of the Dutch population. Incidence and referral rates were calculated and, data were stratified for age group and gender. Compared to 1987, in 2001 the overall incidence rate of foot problems presented to the family physician (FP) decreased substantially. The incidence rate of flat feet decreased from 4.9 per 1000 person to 3.4 over the time period. Total incidence rate of musculoskeletal foot problems seen by the FP has decreased substantially, between 1987 and 2001. The distribution of referrals to other primary health care professionals and medical specialists has almost reversed in favour of primary health care professionals.

Reference
Krul M, van der Wouden JC, Schellevis FG, van Suijlekom-Smit LW, Koes BW. Foot problems in children presented to the family physician: a comparison between 1987 and 2001 Family Practice March 6 2009.

Interesting site
Baby shoes

Happy St Patrick’s Day

In earlier times and in small settlements shoe makers worked alone. Prior to the development of the turnshoe technique, where the sole and upper were stitched together before being turned inside out shoesmakers used large headed nails (hobnails) to attach the sole and would knock loudly against a iron last with their hammer. Shoes were made individually and it took a craftsman to match left and right heels. Makers of shoes were always regarded as potentially dangerous people, partly because they did work in seclusion but also because within their ranks were some subversives. In Ancient Rome many early converts to Christianity were disenherited and choose to work as sandal makers. They could work at night and spread the gospel during the day whilst appearing to sell their shoes. The popular Roman custom of decorating sandals with precious metal tacks was from time to time outlawed but customers still could go to their night sandal makers to break the sumptuary law. By the 12th Century shoemakers had formed guilds and many shoecraftsmen were steeped in tradition of their craft but also politically active. 17th century etchings depicted shoemakers working solo and in poor conditions. Many were bespecktacled and usually smoking clay pipes. The craftsman’s need for full concentration on the task was paramount and many were depicted working on a lady’s shoe. A good shoe maker was highly prized and a well crafted shoe worth its own weight in gold. Shoemakers took on a personna in popular mythical culture as a magical fellow whose shoes or boots play a vital role in life. It is not real surprise to find Leprechauns (Neda-Ard, or plural, Neda-Ardi or Drun-ky) as shoemakers. Their profile matches the reality of a solitary worker, dressed in work clothes, bespeckled, and enjoying a pipe as he taps away on a ladies shoe. Changes in shoe construction at the end of the middle ages rendered using tacks an old techique, more befitting a craftsman steeped in the olden ways of the gentle craft. Leprechauns are Little People and were present as old man and are no taller than three feet. Many wore dandyish clothing with a cocked hat, red coat (not green), a leather (work) apron, woollen vest, knee breeches, long stockings and silver-buckled brogues. The fashion was reminiscent of 17th century Dandy and although Leprechauns were spoken off long before this the popular image of the Leprechaun may have come from the English political cartoonists of the time. It was also thought Leprechauns held the secret to the location of buried treasure (a crock of gold). Whilst they may be coerced into telling you where the gold was buried by their nature they were mischievous and dreadful practical jokers, and certainly untrustworthy when dealing with humans. This could easily be taken as a metaphor for a shoemaker who has the capability to make you walk on air but unless a close scrutiny is maintained may supply you with some dud shoes. No surprise to discover it is important for the human to keep a fixed eye on the leprechaun at all times otherwise he will vanish. Leprechauns were said to serve as defenders of the faerie communities which again may be seen as a metaphor for protecting shoemaking communities. They also made brogues, the patterns of which contained ancient emblems most of which were to protect the wearer from evil.

Adidas: Mad Clima

Mad Clima are new trainers from adidas are available in custom colours and logo styles for UCLA (blue/maze), Kansas (royal/red) and Louisville (red/blk).The new adidas team basketball shoe is light-weight, flexible and with the Clima Cool system built in. The shoes are covered in patent leather.

Bakya at you

The national footwear of the Philippines is wooden clogs with a plastic strap and called ‘bakya.’ Bakya were made from local light wood e.g. santol and laniti. They were cut to the desired foot size before being shaven until smooth. The side of the bakya was thick enough to be carved with floral, geometric or landscape designs. Afterwards, the bakya were painted or varnished. Uppers of plastic or rubber were fastened using clavitos (tiny nails). Bakya became much sought after soverniers in late 40s and 50 and were particularly prized by the US personnel posted to the Philippines. The shoes were ubiquitous until the 70s when their popularity began to wain as cheaper rubber slippers replaced them. Bakya were demoted to shoes of low socio-economical groups and the term ‘bakya’ became synonymous with poor taste. Now the bakya is making a fashion comeback thanks to the ingenuity of a company called Happy Feet. Owned and managed by the Fausto family, Happy Feet has transformed the ‘bakya’ to a fashion style that has appeal to the current market. To make ‘bakya’ stylish the traditional wooden base was shaped and a leather strap replaced the original plastic. Added comfort in the form of footbeds with heel gel cup and triple-layer sole features are also featured. The new bakya are available in a wide rang eof styles for men, women and children. Happy Feet are exporting the new look bakya to many countries in Europe and hope to expand in Asia and the US in the near future.

Pierre Hardy reads the signs

Pierre ‘Gladiator sandal’ Hardy likes his shoes nameless and with clear sculptural and geometric lines. Hardy responsible for the elasticated boots of last season understands the need for affordable chic for difficult times. He is now reaching a wider audience with his Design Editions footwear range for Gap. The new look for this season will be white and tan leather variants of Hardy’s Recession Shoe (£55 per pair). Hardy creates a shoe’s prototype in Paris and then sends it to Gap for approval, before its manufacture in Brazil.

What's that Sugar Pie?

Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll

On display at the St. Catharines Museum, St Catherines, Ontario until August will be Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll. This is a travelling exhibition and comes from a collaboration between the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Detroit-based Arts League of Michigan. The exhibition traces the Black roots of rock and roll and the ongoing influence of Black culture on popular music. Ten African American artists were invited to create works inspired by, and representing, nine genres of Black music: Juju (the music of West Africa); Jubilee (slavery work songs and spirituals); Juke (blues); Jive (jazz); Joyful Noise (gospel); Jump (rhythm and blues); Justified (soul); Jungle Boogie (funk); and Jam (hip-hop). On display is a wide range of media from oil and acrylic paintings to collage and mixed media. Aside from the pieces hanging on the walls, the exhibit also features a soundtrack of songs from the various genres playing in the background, as well as artifacts, including Fats Domino’s shoes, Ray Charles’ sunglasses, Aretha Franklin liner notes and a poster of an Ike and Tina Turner Revue with Boz Scaggs and A.B. Skhy. During the exhibition run at St Catherines, the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto will loan a pair of shoes worn by Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson.

Bush's legacy to Iraq: The cowboy boot

On the day the shoe thrower was sentenced to three years imprisonment (a complete miscarriage of justice, in my opnion) it seems ironic to learn the aftermath of America’s invasion of Iraq is Arab males now want a pair of look a like leather cowboy boots (or "boose" to say it colloquially). The latest must have fashion in the mean streets of Baghdad is a pair of American Cowboy boots which are now by the Bagdad fashionista as "officials" or "rasmi," Western-style sneakers counterfeit or otherwise are passé with the young men about town. Finding real US-made boots in Baghdad is neither easy nor cheap. Most of the fancy footwear on sale is imported from Turkey or Italy and the cheapest variety comes from China. Fashion shops would love to import real cowboy boots but the costs are so far prohibitive. Motorcycle known locally as ‘Harleys’ are especially popular and are imitation black and white crocodile, slip-on styles made in Turkey and sell at between $140-150 US per pair. "Shoe boots," are also popular with young people who like to follow American fashions. Since the end of Saddam's reign people are now able to have disposable income and young consumers are turning to fashion to spend their money. So too are business types and well dressed Iraqi businessmen are wearing sharp-toed, leather footwear.

Sport injuries and shoes: cheaper is best

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found no scientific evidence to support claims that commonly recommended running shoes prevent injuries in runners. This is rather well known and not a new revelation by any means. The basic assumption is shoes (by themself) prevent injuries but there is certainly no evidence to prove this. Common sense would suggest a good (comfortable) pair of sport shoes capable of enduring the stresses of a prolonged activity would allow the foot to function at optimal efficiency. This is the basic premise we all hold true but manufacturers do tend to overplay this with their marketing rhetoric. Claims made by sports shoes manufacturers usually relate to patented materials or systems strategically incorporated within the shoe design. In the absence of evidence based outcomes however advertisers are now ‘cooling their heels’ about overstating their claims for their shoes. Particularly since there is increasing evidence to support some additions to shoes are likely to contribute to injury. Independent surveys from around the world consistently reinforce budget shoes match more expensive shoes in terms of structure and make up. Research from the Institute of Motion Analysis & Research, University of Dundee would support cheap sport shoes are as good as more extensive brands. Under test conditions shoe properties vary with brands and for different areas of the foot but overall shoes exhibit similar characteristics regardless of brand or price. The Dundee researchers concluded when buying sport shoes the key is to find a pair of shoes that fit the foot (comfortable) and ignore the price. ‘Cheap sports shoes are a false economy’ is a fallacy promulgated by quality shoe retailers. I have been involved in a couple of research surveys of marathon runners and reported injuries. The findings were consistent and runners wearing cheaper shoes were less likely to report injury and more likely to replace worn shoes more frequently. The vast majority of sport shoes are sold for fashion and not sport, manufacturer’s priority is to produce a shoe that looks good on the streets with less emphasis of making athletes’ feet comfortable on the track. The most important factor is to buy a shoe that is comfortable and designed for the particular activity you wish to put it too. Care and maintenance are important and worn shoes need to be replaced. The midsole layer of a shoe provides the cushioning and stability and this area usually wears out before the outsole shows major signs of wear. Once a shoe looses its functional stability this increases the risk of stress and subsequent injury. Running shoes should be replaced approximately every 350-550 miles depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface on which you run. For runners who log 25 miles per week shoes should be replaced every three to four months. Frequent runners should rotate their shoes.

Shoe Trees

Shoe trees are found all over the world with at least 76 in the US. The shoe trees are generally found near major roadways and in some very remote locations. Usually the trees become themes such as festooned with high heels. Possibly the best known shoe tree is the Navada Shoe tree which lies between Fallon and Austin on Highway 50. Over many years travellers have left pairs of unwanted shoes on the branches of the tree and now the tree is filled with every type and size shoe imaginable. Children's sneakers and adult's atheletic shoes. Boots of all types: workboots, hiking boots, cowboy boots, and even a pair of rubber knee-high "hipwaders". Pumps, sandals, wing-tips, and loafers. The contents of the gum tree represent the footwear of America yet no one can explain how it all started and what it all means. Many theories prevail and most believe it started as a prank and blossomed into a fine piece of kinetic art. Others hold to the story the first pair of shoes came from an argument between a young married couple camping nearby. The husband tossed his wife's shoes into the tree to keep her from walking out on him. They later made up and went on to have a family. They returned to the tree and tossed their children's baby shoes into the branches. Since then a multitude of other people have added their own shoes to the tree and now it contains hundreds of shoes. Collections of shoes in local areas and over a long time provides useful insight into the shoe wearing habits of the populus. However many of the heavily laden shoe trees become damaged with their strange fruit.

Cause of mysterious foot burns discovered

An outbreak of painful foot burns and allergic reactions to footwear in Spain has been traced down to the use of dimethyl fumarate by Chinese manufacturers. The Spanish Ministry for Health have issued an alert, and consumers groups are listing the shoe models affected. Dimethyl fumarate is a fungicide used to stop the appearance of damp mould, and is often placed in a small white cotton bag inside the shoebox. However instead of acting against damp and fungus, it can cause severe reaction if it gets in contact with the skin. As many as 37 brands in Spain are now affected and 26 cases have been recorded by the National Consumers Institute, INC. The FACUA Consumidores en Acción group has recommended anyone affected to get in touch with the INC, while the Ministry for Health and Consumer Affairs has now issued a warning of ‘a serious risk to health’. Some of the brands on sale in Spain affected are: Moda Light, Tanis Herrero, Farasion, Rosa Cano, Aurea Alves, Balleri, Metaline, Jimei, Camelia, Hoyvoy, Coolway, Too Much, Mimao, Latinas, Clara García, Bache, Benini Shoes, Benavente, Roberto Botella, Drastik, Lalikaer, Gioseppo, WSK, Maria Mare, ESS, Love Red, Bellucci, SPWSH, Pasite and Amelia Zaragoza. Other brands, Maria Mare, Gioseppo, Latina, Tokitos and Benavente, say they are removing their suspect shoes from sale.

More detailed information is posted at this site.

Air Jordan Documentary and Twenty Thr23

The Air Jordan Documentary takes an in depth look at the Air Jordan shoes from a street an historical point of view. The DVD comes with a novel Twenty Thr23 by A.R. Shaw. Shaw is an Atlanta hip-hop reporter and sneaker freak.

Air Jordan Documentary! 23 The Street History of a Shoe

Embezzler, not a popular shoe-ista

A former bookkeeper has been accused recently of embezzling $9.9 million US from her employer. The company were forced as a consequence of the loses to layoff some of their staff. The accused spent $240,000 on 400 pairs of shoes which she kept in a room-sized closet decorated with a crystal chandelier and a plasma television, authorities claim. Systematically she spend $25,000 on her credit card each week before paying off the balance the following Monday with company funds.

New Order - modesty apparel: Oh Hannah Montana, what to do?

Understated girls' clothing is making a comeback as many people believe fashions for young people have gotten too provocative. It has been reported that the downturn in the economy has resulted in young women's clothing becoming more modest. Apparently when things were going well retailers chose to ignore their critics who were asking for styles that showed more fabric than skin. Well now the shoe is truly on the other foot and retailers are keen to provide clothing that sells. Now that bling is passé designers are embracing the ‘new modesty’ challenge by providing more sensible clothes. Hip hugging gear is being replaced by baggies as people want to be more comfortable and more covered. Modest fashion calls for covered shoulders, thighs and cleavage, and comfortable shoes.

Shoes boring: Never

shudoo.co.uk have complied a top 50 list of memorable shoe stories. Simply a must to surf.

Bollywood and Hollywood together at the Ferragamo Museum

Indian actor, Priyanka Chopra [Don - The Chase Begins Again (2006) and Fashion (2008)] has been invited by the Ferragamo family to have her foot measured and an imprint made and kept on display at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence, Italy. The shoe museum is Mecca dedicated to one of the most acclaimed shoe designers of the 20th century, Salvatore “Shoe Maker Of The Stars” Ferrangamo. Priyanka's foot impression will be made with either wood or metal and join other exhibits including the foot impressions of legendry Hollywood stars like: Sophia Loren, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn ,among others. Also on view are sketches and designs of some of the most exquisite shoes as well as displays of Salvatore Ferragamo’s classic shoes themself.

Comfortable walkable shoes: Whatever next on the catwalk?

Appears the Retro influenced is strong and designers as wanting to bring back the 80's style with power suit (minus the bossy shoulder padding). Mini skirts are everywhere on the catwalks and the single most popular item was leggings, ranging from stretch fabric to super-soft leather. Leggings often replaced pants, which were super slim. The high-heeled boot also has a legging top. Footwear continues to tower on multi-inch platform pumps or high-heeled sandals. Ankle boots are an alternative to the thigh-high legging boot. Black is the in-colour joined by grey and brown. But purple, pink and even bright red will liven up the scene. Whilst ultrahigh heels and platforms prevail Prada have taken the bold step and introduced “walkable” shoes. Now there is a novelty. Her collection was made up of pumps, clogs and evening shoes all of which were made for comfort. Anti stiletto - Queen of Flats, Michelle Obama will be peased as America’s new First Lady takes on her Jackie O role as America’s leading fashion doynan. Criticised for her bare arms, she maybe but the lady is loved for her flat shoes.

I want candy: Chocolate Feet

Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy was started by Mark Wolpa (a podiatrist) who came up with the idea of sending a chocolate foot to referring doctors as a unique holiday gift. He then offered the products to other podiatrists who he thought would also like the concept. The idea was such a hit that he decided to start the business as a part-time endeavor, which soon developed into a full-time commitment. The company dispenses orders from people who want life-size chocolate feet to send to a business or prospective employer with a note that says ‘Thanks for letting me get my foot in the door.’ The company enjoy helping customers develop clever taglines tailored to their needs such as ‘A toe-ken of my appreciation for your time.’ Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy supply all manner of customers including: personnel agencies, medical equipment companies, freight lines, as well as those unemployed looking for jobs. The company love helping customers develop taglines tailored to their client’s needs, such as ‘A toe-ken of my appreciation for your time.’ Every year the company develops a new product and has over 25 trademarked items, including: Mistle Toes(R), Valentoes(R), and Happy Feet(R). Seven years ago they introduced a kid’s candy dubbed Stinky Feet(R) and this year there are plans to introduce Green Footprints(R). Part of the company’s sales goes to local food banks as well as the Fund for Podiatric Medical Education. Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy has increased its sales 100% in the last financial quarter and the hope is this will continue. Needless to say footman, Mark Wolpa is delighted his unique products have found a way to try to help stimulate the depressed business climate. Dr. Wolpa is Chief of the Podiatry Dept. at Alta Bates Summit Hospital in Berkeley and has authored books and articles, including a children’s book, Tommy’s Toe-rific Adventures. He has patented a sports innersole, has a medical device that is patent pending, and is one of the first doctors to offer a new laser technology to treat fungal toenails.

Barbie Shoes for big girls

In celebration of Barbie’s 50th anniversary, toymaker Mattel has launched a new line of life-sized Barbie-inspired footwear and accessories. The shoes are not copies of Barbie's shoes instead evoke something connected to her. For example there is black-and-white striped pumps in the style of the zebra-striped bathing suit Barbie wore when she made her debut at the New York City Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. Barbie, the toy is considered as the original fashionista who has helped girls play out their love of fashion and beauty for five decades. The new shoes are geared toward woman aged between 24 and 49 who have an interest in fashion and in Barbie. Cleverly the shoes are being made available in different styles in Canada and the US which is sure to draw out the collectors.

Yalies: University licensed sneakers

Campus Kings is an independent footwear company founded by Timothy Kau ’09 and Christopher Chau ’10. They plan to launch a Web site that will allow Yale students to order signature Yale sneakers. This is the first time a university has licensed footwear. The range will start with two models, the “Bulldog” and the “Eli.” The former is based on the Nike’s Air Force 1 and the “Eli” is similar to Converse’s low top Chuck Taylor shoe. Inspiration for the shoes came when Timith Kau visited Chau in Shanghai and met Tiger Zie who customizes sneakers with his artwork and Chinese calligraphy. He had the brainwave whats good for sneaker freakers is a must for Yalies and set to setting up Campus kings. The Sneakers will be available for order when the company launches its pilot program March 30 and will cost between $40 and $70 (US). The hope is the new range of university licenced sneakers will appeal to present students as well as allumni.

Toms Shoes: Shod the World

TOMS - shoes for Tomorrow, are comfortable slip-ons made in lightweight materials. When Blake Mycoskie travelled through South America he was taken with the lightweight slip ons he saw and decided to create TOMS with the intention every pair sold Toms would give a pair away to a child in need. To date 10,000 pairs have been donated in Argentina and 50,000 in South Africa. The ultimate goal is to give away 200,000 pairs of shoes to children around the world. The program Friends of Toms accept applications from people who want to travel with them on their international Shoe Drops. The Vagabonds are a promotional team that travel the country visiting college campuses, high schools, and communities, spreading the word about TOMS Shoes. The story of TOMS has inspired many people to get involved with One for One movement on a deeper level by joining the TOMS team and sharing their passion with others in their community. More information is available from Join the Toms Team .

Golf Shoes Blog: No handicap

Golf Shoes Blog

This is an excellent blog on golf shoes

zani.co.uk: The fashion of shoes

Featured in the latest zani.co.uk is The fashion of shoes .