Pedator X:Footballers on the catwalk

The Adidas Predator X football boots go on sale on November 14th and marks the 10th generation adidas Predator conceived by Craig Johnston before selling it to adidas. The design of the latest range were helped by former French international Zinedine Zidane. The new boot has, according to adidas, more power in the kick due to a “powerspine” inspired by Fingersave technology used in goalkeepers gloves. According to the manfacturer the extra leverage to the middle metatarsals reduces the kicking flex in the forefoot area and optomises power to the shot. This is also claimed to help reduce the risk of injury by limiting pressure in the mid foot area. The new Predator is designed to improve swerve in the strike of the ball with the inclusion of a rubber-silicon mix on the ‘sweet spot’. The soft compound provides greater control and accuracy in swerving the ball or so it is claimed. Adidas’s Optifit technology ensures the upper materials are as close to the top of the foot as possible in a good fitting boot. Again adidas claim this creates a natural ball feeling. The new boot is made from Taurus leather (sic not kangaroo skin?) and is available in traditional black/red/white and a new white/black/yellow colour way. The soft ground stud configuration has been changed to a traditional 6 stud set up which still provides maximum ground penetration but with an increased forefoot flexibility. Celebrity endorsement for the new boot include: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Raul ( Real Madrid), Michael Ballack (Chelsea ) and Robin Van Persie (Arsenal ) and Karim Benzema (Real Madrid ). Rather like fashion models they will parading their boots at a stadium near you. But spare a thought for the players at Celtic Football Club who will become fashion models at the up and coming Club Culture event at Celtic Park hosted by the Celtic Charity Fund. Danny Fox, Marc Crosas and Celtic ladies team striker, Karen McInally among others will strut their stuff on the runway to raise funds for The John Hartson Foundation and Breast Cancer Care Scotland. The House of Fraser are providing all the outfits for the night.

LadiesLoveShoes.com

Interesting site" LadiesLoveShoes.com

Call for guidelines on body image

A new set of guidelines were launched recently in Australia. The report relates to concerns about body image and was launched by model Sarah Murdoch and former editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, Mia Freedman in Canberra. Fashion magazines and advertisers should be encouraged to use realistic images of models and disclose when images have been digitally manipulated. It calls on retailers to stock a variety of sizes that reflects demand from customers. Support from the government has been called for and in the event the voluntary industry guidelines are not taken up then the government should consider a mandatory code. Further the report also recommends the government consult with body image experts and the textile clothing and footwear industry to ensure sizing labels do not encourage unhealthy weight loss. Should the voluntary industry guidelines be accepted then in future the fashion industry, media and advertisers would use only models aged over 16 with a range of body shapes and sizes.

Vivienne Westwood, Shoes is a cracking book and highlights her early punk days in 1973, all the way through her 'I AM NOT A TERRORIST, please don't arrest me' collection of 2005. Edited by Luca Beatrice and Matteo Guarnaccia the book is published by Damiani and features 150 colour plates.

Shoe police put the foot down

The youth academy manager at Queens Park Rangers, Marc Bircham, has imposed a 'no colorful boots' rule on his youth team players. Former Hoops star Bircham believes wearing colorful boots gives the wrong message to young hopefuls more interested in glamour than football. The Canadian international Bircham was himself prone to gallous episodes as a professional player and would regularly play for QPR wearing blue and white boots matched with streaks of the same colors in his hair. He streaked his hair red and white when playing for Canada. The Bircham chant from the Loftus Road faithful was

"We love you Bircham because you got blue hair,
We love you Bircham because your everywhere,
We love you Bircham because your rangers through and through
Oh Bircham, we love you."

However he now feels youngster have to earn their “colors” and put away the dilettante desire to emulate their heroes until they can join them on the field. Bircham is adamant players in colorful boots are more easily marked by their opposition which adds a burden to the young players learning their trade. Bircham has also introduced the “bootboy” discipline back into the academy where young players are responsible for cleaning the senior player’s boots. One of the more famous boot boys was Rod (the Mod) Stewart who signed with Brentford FC. Fortunately for football and pop music Rod kicked the profession football and took to the road.

All about shoes: New blog

Started a new log All about shoes blog which deals with the technical aspects of shoe manufacture and fitting.

Ballet Heels The Imelda way

Worth a swizz

Ballet Heels The Imelda way @ cirque de Imelda 2009

Scientists say "Thongs are go"?

The anti-fierce heels lobby is growing with researchers at the University of Sydney now poised to broaden public misconceptions of the health effects of wearing thongs. And not a day too soon , say I. Researchers agree there is no hard evidence sandals are harmful and intend to conduct studies to compare foot motion in barefoot states with wearing thongs or traditional school shoes. The team from the university's foot and ankle research unit will use computer animation techniques to analyse the way children's feet and legs move while they are running, walking or stepping sideways.

Oliberté: Pretty cool shoes

Tal Dehtiar (pronounced Debtier) is a MBA graduate from the McMaster University Business School. He decided to start a shoe making business in Africa and after a year of climbing mountains of bureaucracy, meeting and overcoming a general lack of skilled workforce, not to mention raising enough finances, he was able to start Oliberté. In his quest the Ethiopian Government offered major incentives and the Ethiopian Airways promised to fly his finished goods to North America for $1.50 per kilo. Bulk transport costs usually determine container shipments which can take up to 45 days but Oliberté shoes arrive in the US four days after they leave the factory. The shoes are designed at Oliberté's headquarter in Oakville, Ontario but the manufacture process is rather complex thereafter with rubber soles made in Monrovia (Libera) using Liberian rubber; then shipped to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) where the shoes are manufactured using Ethiopian leather. The Oliberté range are currently making footwear for the North American markets only but the hope is the company will soon produce inexpensive sandals for the home market. From November the Oliberté range will be available at: Chicago (Hanig's and P & L), Seattle (Soul Food), New York (David Z), Philadelphia (Bus Stop Boutique) and Los Angeles (Kicks Sole Provider). Orders can also be posted at the Oliberté website. The company plan a back-to-school range in 2010.

MJ Thriller marathon: Be there

What are you doing on Saturday 24th October at 5:30 (PST)? Well like many others around the globe I will be joining in in the marathon Thriller dance. If you would like to be part of a worldwide record attempt then there are over 300 locations across the world participating. Before you can participate in the mass dance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller you need to learn the dance and register. So get going .

Feiyue sneakers

Patrice Bastian is a French artist who was taken with a pair of Feiyue (canvas sneakers) when travelling through China a few years back. In China Feiyue are a bit of a legend and were worn by military personnel for decades. Now long forgotten he contacted the manufacturer Top OneChina and received authorization to modify the sneakers before selling them in Europe. Now the shoes are a success and selling for about 50 euros (513 yuan) a pair meantime back in China the wholesale price of the original Feiyue is about 24 yuan.

Shoes: what type of carbon footprint will you leave?

The average life expectancy of a pair of fashion shoes is approximately six months and for most, these will end up in a landfill site. Good and well but it takes on average a 1000 years (one millenium) for standard midsole materials e.g. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate™ (EVA) to degrade in a landfill. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), in 2006, U.S. consumers purchased 2.4 billion pairs of shoes or estimated average of eight pairs of shoes per person. Shoes have a high environmental cost and there is much to support continuing the life of our shoes whether it be by regular repairs or recycling them to let others benefit. There are several recycling organisations dedicated to the donation of shoes including RecycledRunners.com and Soles4Souls among others. Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program also has helpful information on how best to deal with unwanted shoes. The Nike Environmental Action Team (N.E.A.T.) was established in 1993 and is responsible for the direction and coordination of the company’s global environmental programs. Together with Levi Strauss & Co., Starbucks, Sun Microsystems and The Timberland Company they have formed Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), to call for stronger U.S. climate and energy legislation in early 2009. Other environmental sensitive measures being taken include the development of more biodegradable materials. BioMoGo was produced by Brooks and is a fully biodegradable midsole foam which according to the manufacturer biodegrades in roughly 20 years. Many other companies are now providing greener footwear options including: Birkenstock, ecco, END, Flat Tire, KEEN, Mephisto, Patagonia and Teva. Most aware manufacturers are using biodegradable shoe boxes and filling and Timberland have introduced their "nutrition label" which informs consumers what their shoes are made of e.g. recycled materials. New Balance maintains U.S. production factories which helps eliminate the carbon footprint caused by long transportation.

Prison Shoes: who pays?

Once upon a time prisoners at Casuarina Prison, West Australia made sneakers in the Casuarina's boot shop. In truth they made shoes, safety boots, sneakers and thongs for all adult prisons, work camps and juvenile detention centres in Western Australia. In 2008/09 financial year the boot shop turned out a total of 45,580 pairs of prisoner footwear. At a unit cost of $6.55 per pair the boot shop has consistently saved the department and tax payers more than $1 million in each of the past four financial years. However because forecasts support a significant rise in prisoner numbers the Department of Corrective Services have out sourced to a Melbourne-based company, intandem and Osborne Park clothes supplier Parkinson & Mann who will now supply insoles, soles, uppers, laces and linings. The costs are estimated at $2 million and this will be met by WA taxpayers. Currently 13 inmates spend their working week turning out footwear and their training is accredited through TAFEWA. Since the early convict days shoe making was a skill taught to prisoners in WA. Many continued in the trade after release which accounts for why there rationally are more bespoke shoe makers in Perth than any other city in Australia.

Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program

Payless ShoeSource are to launch their Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program again this year. The project aims to deliver more than $1.2 million worth of free children's shoes to children of families in need through a massive network of hundreds of charity partners. This year the program will be expanded to include overseas where the majority of the company’s stores are located. (Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia). Payless expects to give away more than 77,000 pairs of new shoes. Click here to find out more information about joining Payless in its Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program

Kick4change: New boots for kids

Kick4change is based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire and has designed and created an affordable football boot aimed at children aged between four and eight. All profits made from the boots (cost £14.99), will go back into the child’s school or football team and to support other community initiatives. The company is the idea of childhood friends Jamie Tosh, 33, and Simon Brown, 32, who wanted to create a business that would help children and grassroots sport, rather than simply lining their own pockets. They are the first social enterprise company in Britain to sell football boots and hope to expand the range to include items such as trainers. The new boots will be available in November.

Kick4change is a community interest company, an initiative started by the government that creates a business that is half way between a normal business and a charity.
The company is under a legal obligation to put all profits back into communities, with 50 per cent going directly to the school or club and the other 50 per cent doled out to deserving schemes or charities.

Rugby players in platforms - whatever next?

Seems the tricks of running shoes are passing over into the design of rugby boot as seen with the new Asics HG10mm Technology. The heels of the boots are raised by 10mm to help pivot the foot forward and release the strain on the Achilles, calf, hamstring, hip and back. As all the football codes are speeding up it is hoped the new technology will provide optimal support and protection from lower limb injuries.

Pediped baby shoes: Charity Auction

Children’s footwear brand Pediped, of Henderson, Nev., is holding its first-ever shoe auction, Stars for a Wish, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. More than 50 celebrity-autographed Pediped baby shoes will be on offer with the bidding beginning at $250 US. Participants include: Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia, Molly Ringwald, Rachel Weisz, Tim Allen, Courtney Cox Arquette, Marcia Cross, Jennie Garth, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Heidi Klum, Charlie Sheen, Jon Stewart, Alison Sweeney, Clay Aiken, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Ed Roland, Jerome Bettis, Anna Kournikova, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Teixeira, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz, and Adam LaRoche.

Successful bidders will receive shoes displayed in a cherry-finished shadow box or clear acrylic box complete with an engraved plaque. The auction will run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. Stars for a Wish has a minimum goal of $25,000, which will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. One-hundred percent of the funds raised through the auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The unequal length football players will go?

The Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers have taken to wearing the latest in technology, where? In their shoes and the players are now sporting Unequal® Ultra-Lite Insoles According to a Villanova University study the insoles block up to 80 percent of harmful shockwave impact that may otherwise cause injury and fatigue. The insoles contain a material called DuPont's Kevlar® which is used to stop bullet power. So it could be a win in situation if the Eagles and 76ers finish high up the league and reduce the number of players injured in one season.

Shoeshine Boy

This should get your feet tapping. Shoeshine Boy was recorded by The Humblebums (aka Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly) a long time ago.

Shoes for Sale (FFANY)

To raise money for breast cancer research and education more than 100,00 pairs of shoes from more than 100 brands will be offered up at discounted prices at the annual Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) Shoes on Sale extravaganza (broadcast on QVC from 7-10 p.m. Tuesday). Net proceeds from the sale will go to several cancer centres in the US, including the University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center's breast oncology program.

Shoe Stream.com Women's Shoes and Boots

Excellent site at Shoe Stream.com Women’s Shoes and Boots. Currently there is posted an interesting review on gadgets for storing shoes.

EU Anti-dumping duties extended

The European Commission will extend the anti-dumping duties on EU imports from Chinese and Vietnamese shoes by at least the next 15 months. According to EU statistics European producers’ share of the EU market fell from 65 per cent to 40 per cent between 2001 and 2005, mostly because of inroads by China and Vietnam. Since the duties were imposed, the Chinese and Vietnamese share of the leather-soled shoe market has remained stable at around 30 percent, with European shoemakers holding between 40 and 45 percent. Some believe continuation of the duties will help stabilise the market share of European producers while pushing up consumer prices only slightly. Others say because Europeans do not want the low-paid work of making shoes they are forced to go elsewhere to stay competitive. The European Footwear Alliance (EFA), representing manufacturers such as Nike, Adidas and Timberland have paid more than 800 million euros (1.2 billion dollars) in these taxes and have called for an end to the duty. The anti-dumping duties on footwear are essentially fines for exporting goods below production cost and these were first applied in October 2006 costing the manufacturers with operations in those countries hundreds of millions of euros. Key to the battle between Europe’s manufacturers and retailers is the issue of country of origin. Italian manufacturers want compulsory labelling of country of origin on clothing and footwear. The debate over country of origin is an important battleground within the World Trade Organisation, where emerging markets oppose compulsory labelling of geographic origin, while many traditional European manufacturers regard it as an emblem of quality and standard.

Shoe high fashion: WYSIWYG nonsense?

Time was the catwalk was showcase of style with the actual costume on display an indication only of what might (most likely) be found on offer off the hanger at a Target store near you. When it comes to shoes the press cannot get enough of high heels and assume the catwalk will mirror exactly the sidewalk. The what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) approach is unlikely to eventuate and girls whizzing around in Alexander McQueen’s 12” towers more of a rarity than ubiquitous inconvenience. Post Paris Fashion Week fashion columns are either full of praise for twomen who stoically ignore the discomfort for fashion or fill copy with dire warnings on the folly of fashion and the impending doom that faces those who wear high fashion footwear. Medical condemnation of high heels is age old and yet there is no significant evidence to base an argument other than a general dislike for female sartoria. Fashion has become a practical fantasy where choice of clothing is the key. The body beautiful ideal of today’s society craves to be ‘space age’ and airbrushed serving no practical purpose other than pure fantasy. Time will out and as sure as fashion is cyclic the next phase will be so far removed from towers as to declare a new order (and a new round of new condemnation from the foot police, no doubt).

AC/DC Chucks: That's what I want

Converse have released a limited-edition Chucks inspired by AC/DC and Metallica. The sneaker manufacturer have four different designs based on classic iconography, photographs and logos of the bands.

Nancy Rexford's book: A must for all collectors

Women’s Shoes in America: 1795 to 1930. by Nancy Rexford is a beautifully illustrated book (over 400 drawings) outlining the culture of womens’ shoe in the US. There are two sections to the book: Part 1 is a "A History of Women's Footwear in America", and discusses the history of the American shoe industry and surveys changing styles of shoes, boots, boudoir slippers, overshoes and sports shoes. It examines the relationship between women's footwear and women's roles in the context of 19th-century culture, as well as providing specific information about the evolving etiquette that governed women's choices in shoes. In Part 2, "Dating Women's Shoes, 1795-1930", there is a detailed reference for dating surviving shoes. This is a must for all collectors.

Uggs what's in a name ?

There has been a long battle to restrict the term "Ugg Boots" in the US. Australians manufactures have maintained throughout their right to continue to use the term based on history and practice. Sheepskin and felt shoes are common to many geographical areas particularly where there is sheep. The association with fashion uggs came via the surfers on the West Coast. An Australian introduced the Australian UGGs (commonly associated with Australian surfing) to them in the 60s and it became a major silent export. Subsequently the fashion UGGS came thanks mainly to the exposure they had on the Oprah Show and clever marketing. By this time the term UGG Boot was protected in the US. Court battles have ensued and to the best of my knowledge the term UGG can still be used became it has been in common use.

Shandals®: The four wheel thongs

Shandals® are a combination of shoes and rope soled slippers. The feet shaped shoes have room for each toe to stretch and spread. A podiatrists delight! The Italian leather uppers are lined with suede for comfort and the footbed is soft and comfortable. The shoes have thick hard wearing soles and according to the designer Alan James Raddon (al@shandals.co.uk), are ideal for outward bound foot comfort. Comedian, Ross Noble was recently seen wearing Shandals® in London during his concerts. The new Australian Geordie is clearly influenced by his adopted country’s obscession with thongs (foot G Strings). Shandals® are available in 30 colours

The Beautiful Game: Whose underpants will you be wearing in 2010?

Seems football fashion doyen David Beckham (L.A. Galaxy) cannot find underwear to suit him or at least is without an underwear sponsor in the near future. Does that mean the striking striker will go commando after his current endorsement deal with Armani terminates at the end of the year. Who knows? Until now Becks has championed Emporio Armani label undies for men but now heir apparent Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) will be the new bod and butt for Emporio Armani Men's underwear and Armani Jeans starting in spring 2010. According to statistics Armani's sales of men's undies doubled last year to over $30 million due to Beck's body-baring billboards and magazine ads. Such pulling power must surely earn them the title Les Cox Sportif.

Get "Sagem/Puma" Smart

The latest must have app involves a collaboration between shoe companies and mobile technology. Already familiar with the Nike+ fitness app and the Samsung Adidas miCoach F110, now Puma have joint the Maxwell Smart set. In clever anticipation of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup have come up with a collaboration of their own. Sagem and Puma will launch the Puma-branded mobile phone next summer. Maxwell Smart fan s will be pleased to see the yet to be named Sagem/Puma phone will incorporate a number of fitness features, such as a a pedometer and heart rate tracker, and a resilient rubberised jacket to prevent against damage. Although specifications are still clouded in mystery the phone may have a GPS receiver and 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Sagem Puma phone will be sold through various mobile shops and Puma outlets.

True Blue Ugg Boots

Most Ugg boots contain synthetic fibres according to AuthenticUggBoots.com who are the proud suppliers of true blue authentic Ugg boots made from Merino wool. The company claim cheaper synthetic boots wear more quickly and can harbour bacteria which cause foul foot odour and in some case fungal infections. In the competative business of Ugg boots AuthenticUggBoots.com provide high quality Uggs at affordable prices.

Save pennies and the planet with eco-friendly shoes

Payless Shoes started a green line of women’s shoes called Zoe and Zac line which included sneakers, sandals and flats. The shoes are made from Eco-friendly materials including organic cotton, linen, hemp and recycled rubber. With the use of natural dyes, water-based glues and soy-based inks, the recycled shoe boxes are also environmentally friendly. The shoes which cost $30 have proved a popular buy among bargain hunters.

50 shoes that changed the world

New book from the London Design Museum’s “Changed the World” series will be available next month. “Fifty Shoes That Changed the World” lists the top 50 shoe designs that have made a substantial impact in the world of design today. From the 1863 Frye boot to Zaha Hadid’s 2008 Melissa shoe, each entry offers a short appraisal to explore what has made their iconic status and the designers that give them a special place in design history. Other shoes to receive the historical treatment include the Galosh, Platform Shoes, The Waffle Trainer and Crocs .

The Wooden Shoe Book Store

The Wooden Shoe Bookstore is at 508 South Fifth St. Philidelphia and runs as a non-profit, all collectively run bookstore that has a strong left-wing theme to it. It was opened in 1976 and provides a place for those who had strong left-wing ideologies. The Wooden Shoe strives to provide the local community with radical and non-traditional sources of written, digital, and spoken information. On the shelves are a multitude of left-wing books on subjects and issues ranging from anarchism, racism and feminism to history, politics, art and music. Local talents such as writters and musicians can have their works sold through consignment. This places the creator’s material into the store’s hands and consignees can expect to gain 70 percent of what Wooden Shoe earned from their product.

The wooden shoe in the title relates to the sabots (wooden clogs) worn by the proletariat after the French Revolution. The shoes were designated as the footwear of the people.

Shake it: An instant history of the Polaroid

The Pump House Gallery Battersea Park, London is hosting the exhibition Shake It: An instant History of the Polaroid. Besides work by some of the most important artists working with the medium, the show will also include Polaroids from other diverse professions and disciplines such as forensics, archaeology, medicine, filmmaking and fashion, as well as those of amateurs and enthusiasts. On show is David Hockney's large composite called Nicholas Wilder Studying Picasso, which references the stylisation and methods of the cubists; Michael Snow's play on the immediacy of the image; as well as Authorization, and Guy Bourdin's intimate, small-scale surreal visions. One other highlight is Andy Warhol's collection of still-life of perfume bottles and shoes. There is also examples of photographs that avid shoe collectors stick on to her shoeboxes for ease of identification.

Fashion Week Roundup: Investment dressing or retro glam?

Been there and done that and we know the fashions for Autumn (Fall) 2009. Back to simple basics with voluptuous accessories. We may not buy so much these days but the fashionista will indulge in the return of the English Look. Itself not one big trend, but instead made up of a lot of different things which reflect the classic lines and style. Known as investment dressing people are looking for investment pieces that will last more than one season. Tailored clothing with emphasis on line (or silhouette) will highlight the waist and this may see the return of the padded shoulders. The leggy look is narrow to highlight the figure. Tailored trousers, over-the-knee boots, skinny jeans or a pencil skirt are all acceptable in the ‘skinny bottom’ shift. The glamorous look is complete with stripped-down ankle boots (worn with lean trousers), the over-the-knee boot (worn with tunics and leggings), and the practical city pump, with a rounder, closed toe and a mid-height heel (worn with the pencil skirt). Over-the-knee boots are definitely a trendy look which will probably catch on with the younger demographic. Mid height boots may have mass appeal but the ankle boot and shooties more likely to become ubiquitous.

Heels and Wheels: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Heels and wheels might sound like a pedal pumping event and it is and very special one too. This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet has partnered with Chevrolet South Central Region and the Arlington Assembly Women in Manufacturing to present the 1st Annual Heels and Wheels. The target is to educate and empower women in car purchasing, maintenance as well as enhancing health, safety and beauty. The Heels N’ Wheels Event will include information classes on Child Seat Safety, Safety Awareness for Women, Sales 101 (purchasing a vehicle), Powder Puff Mechanics (Know how to maintenance), Product walk around, Test Drives, and Healthy Solutions.Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet will also be partnering with 102.9 The Mix to sponsor the “Bras for Breast Cancer”. For the entire month of October, bring in a new or gently used bra to be donated to the Women’s Shelter of Fort Worth. Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet will donate $5.00 to the Susan Komen for the Cure for each bra given.

Comfortable fashion

Seems the message is loud and clear when it comes to high heels versus comfortable shoes. Women want to wear them but they also want footwear that is both sleek and comfortable. Figures released from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) confirm a drop in shoe sales from 2007 to 2008. In the US the average consumer bought 67 pieces of clothing and eight pairs of shoes in 2007; by 2008 that numbers dropped to 64. The new order is to attract customers with ‘comfortable’ fashion. Designers like Kenneth Cole have risen to this demand by releasing a new Silver 925 collection. Each shoe contains two layers of foam, flaxseed pillows in the arch and rubber soles for more flexibility. The range includes fashionable ankle booties, billed as ‘the most comfortable fashion shoes you’ll ever wear.’ They contain flaxseed pillows in the arches. Kenneth Cole is not alone with others likeTaryn Rose(shoe designer and orthopedic surgeon) offering suede pumps with built-in arch supports and cellular urethane (Poron) foam padding. Contoured foot beds are also a popular feature in many of the comfortable fashion ranges e.g. Tsubo Nabu pump. The new Cole Haan - Maria Sharapova’s collection of ballet flats, ankle-wrapped stilettos and strappy platform sandals, all have Nike Air technology. Stuart Weitzman’s has also acknowledged the need for comfort and include a padded foot bed in his Mocarena range . Added features include apps like special footbeds that prevent build up of odour causing bacteria. Historically the last time there was such an interest in foot comfort matched with fashion was in the 30s post the Great Depression when the arch support became an essential addition to shoes worn for work and leisure. The arch support proved to be more of a comforter than orthopaedic support but did spurn the foot orthoses industry.

History of inadequate footwear can cause rearfoot pain

Foot pain is a common complaint in the U.S. adult population and foot and toe symptoms are among the top 20 reasons why elderly (aged 65-74 years of age) see their physician. Up until the age of 80 women are more likely than men to have foot pain; however, it is not known if this is due to a higher prevalence of foot deformities, underlying disease, shoe wear, or other lifestyle choices. Recent research from the Institute for Aging Research (Hebrew SeniorLife) has found a significant association between inappropriate footwear and hind foot pain in elderly women. As part of the study shoe types were classified as "poor" (high-heels, pumps, sandals and slippers), "average" (hard- or rubber-soled shoes and work boots), and "good" (athletic and casual sneakers). From the list of 11 shoe types, study participants were asked about the one style of shoe they currently wear on a regular basis, what they regularly wore during five age periods in the past, and if they experience pain, aching or stiffness in either foot on most days. More than 60 percent of women reported wearing "poor" shoes in the past, compared to only 2 percent of men (13 percent of women said they currently wear "poor" shoes). Nearly 30 percent of women and 20 percent of men reported generalized foot pain, which is in line with other foot-pain studies. After analysing foot-examination data from more than 3,300 men and women in The Framingham Study, researchers found past shoe wear among women was a key factor for hind-foot pain. Researchers found shoes types, specifically high-heels, pumps and sandals, may cause future hind-foot (heel and ankle) pain. Nearly 64 percent of women who reported hind-foot pain regularly wore these types of shoes at some point in their life. No significant link between foot pain and the types of shoes men wear was found.

Researchers concluded comfort, rather than style or fashion should determine shoe selection. In the absense of standard shoe sizing shoe comfort should be judged on foot fit and not just by the size marked on the box. Consumers are advised to have both feet measured when purchasing shoes and always fit shoes to the longest and broadest foot. Foot volume will change from morning to night with fluid retention and best to have the feet measured in the afternoon.

Reference:
Dufour A.B, Broe K.E, Walker A.H, Kivell E, Nguyen U.D.T, Hannan M.T, Gagnon D.R, & Hillstrom H.J. Foot Pain: Is Current or Past Shoewear a Factor? Arthritis Care & Research, 2009; DOI: 10.1002/art.24733.

High - Low on the go fashion

Time was Anna Wintour editor in chief of American Vogue and style icon wore nothing other than sky high heels but after being seen at a recent party in the Hamptons wearing her fashionable flats the fashionista have been clamouring to get a pair. Many girls are now opting for the high/low look and wearing heels to an event and when the occasion arises switching to fashionable flats. This fad is all the more doable thanks to ranges like Sugar and Spice from CocoRose London. The product is a purse which contains matching flats. When the shoes are removed the purse's back pocket then pulls out to become a satin, shoulder bag in which pop the heels.

Milan Fashion Week:MJ's boots kick it off

If you were in Milan last week you could not miss the Fashion Week which was kicked off with a pair of Michael Jackson’s boots. Janet Jackson hosted an auction for the benefit of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Entry cost anywhere from $2,200 to $11,500 and the star attraction was a pair of Swarovski crystal-studded boots MJ singer was intending to wear on stage at London's O2 Arena during his residency. A host of eager MJ fans wagered on the famous boots with the final successful bid at $14,650. A second highlight was a custom made leather jacket produced by the Dsquared2 label. The heavily sought after item created a bidding war between rapper, Kanye West and Diesel founder and owner Renzo Rosso. Rosso’s winning bid was $52,740. All told, the auction raised a total of $1.1 million (US) for the charity.