Hillary Clinton had a wardrobe malfunction on the steps of Elysee Palace. While ascending to greet President Sarkozy, the US Secretary of State stepped right out of her black kitten heel shoe.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Hiliary Clinton and the benefits of good fitting footwear
Hillary Clinton had a wardrobe malfunction on the steps of Elysee Palace. While ascending to greet President Sarkozy, the US Secretary of State stepped right out of her black kitten heel shoe.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Shoes: “Changing the World One Pair at a Time“
Most people take their shoes for granted and if current studies can be believed we seem to own far more pairs than we ever will wear. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), in 2006, U.S. consumers purchased 2.4 billion pairs of shoes. That is an estimated average of eight pairs of shoes per person and there is no reason to assume Australians are any different.
The average life expectancy of a pair of fashion shoes is approximately six months and most end up in landfill sites. On average it takes a 1000 years (one millennium) for a standard shoe midsole to degrade in a landfill. Shoes have a high environmental cost and there is much argument to support continuing the life of our shoes whether it be by regular repairs or recycling them to let others benefit.
Fashion aside shoes do provide comfort and protection to our feet which in times of disaster, like the Asian tsunami or Haiti earthquake are essential. The chaos which follows such catastrophic events mean dry clean clothing and footwear are often not in great supply. As was witnessed nearer home during the fires and floods in Australia last year it was the simpler household goods like bed linen and towels as well as basic clothing that helped the survivors in the bleak days and weeks which followed. In the presence of broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage a sturdy pair of shoes is absolutely necessary.
Soles4Souls is an international shoe charity founded six years ago in the US after the Asian tsunami. Founder Wayne Elsey convinced fellow footwear executives to establish the charity to collect millions of new and gently used shoes for disaster survivors. Soles4Soles collect, sort then ship the much needed footwear to disaster areas for distribution. Since its inception the non-profit group have sent millions of pairs of new and gently-used shoes worldwide. Their motto is “Changing the World One Pair at a Time.”
Soles4Souls partners with other charities, companies and governments to continue the good work and are quick to respond to global events sending 1000s of shoes to the survivors of Katrina hurricane in New Orleans. Reaction to the Haiti disaster was swift with many of the Hollywood luminaries quick to lend their name to charity events. Singer, Jessica Simpson in conjunction with Soles4Souls has organized glitzi shoe drive intent in collection 50,000 shoes in 50 days. Already Soles4Souls has committed over 300,000 pairs of shoes to Haiti with plans for a further one million pairs of new boots and shoes for survivors. The group is also collecting apparel, blankets and other items to give to the earthquake victims.
There are several other charities including Shoes2Share International involved in similar activities.
Over the years collecting shoes for charity is has become well established with many well known groups such as Hope Runs; Shoes 4Africa; and Boots for Africa dedicated to promote Aids awareness in Africa through sport and education. They attract the patronage of the big shoe companies and sports organisations eager to associate themselves with worthwhile charities. Interest in Africa is heightened this year in particular because of the impending FIFA World Cup TM to be hosted in South Africa.
Second hand trainers can also find a good home through agencies like One World Running; Sole Responsibility and RecycledRunners.com. Children’s charities like the Shoe Bank for children; Shoes for Orphan Souls; and Shoes4Africa accept used shoe donations for children. The Children charities prefer new shoes or cash donations but most other adult charities are delighted to receive gently used footwear and will put them to good use.
The "Kicks for Kids" project was started in Iraq in 2004 by an American journalist. She was concerned about the Iraq children affected by hostilities and now her charity accepts shoe donations for children in Iraq.
To paraphrase, Neil Armstrong, “One small shoe, one giant leap for human kind.” And it just goes to show ‘what a difference a shoe makes.”
If you are interested in making shoe donations then please contact the websites of the individual charities.
Footnote
"Gently used" is a term used to define second hand footwear which is still wearable, with heels intact and without holes in the soles.
Excerpt from the Afternoons with Jenny Seeton Cutin FM 101, Perth Western Australia Friday 01/29/2010.
The average life expectancy of a pair of fashion shoes is approximately six months and most end up in landfill sites. On average it takes a 1000 years (one millennium) for a standard shoe midsole to degrade in a landfill. Shoes have a high environmental cost and there is much argument to support continuing the life of our shoes whether it be by regular repairs or recycling them to let others benefit.
Fashion aside shoes do provide comfort and protection to our feet which in times of disaster, like the Asian tsunami or Haiti earthquake are essential. The chaos which follows such catastrophic events mean dry clean clothing and footwear are often not in great supply. As was witnessed nearer home during the fires and floods in Australia last year it was the simpler household goods like bed linen and towels as well as basic clothing that helped the survivors in the bleak days and weeks which followed. In the presence of broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage a sturdy pair of shoes is absolutely necessary.
Soles4Souls is an international shoe charity founded six years ago in the US after the Asian tsunami. Founder Wayne Elsey convinced fellow footwear executives to establish the charity to collect millions of new and gently used shoes for disaster survivors. Soles4Soles collect, sort then ship the much needed footwear to disaster areas for distribution. Since its inception the non-profit group have sent millions of pairs of new and gently-used shoes worldwide. Their motto is “Changing the World One Pair at a Time.”
Soles4Souls partners with other charities, companies and governments to continue the good work and are quick to respond to global events sending 1000s of shoes to the survivors of Katrina hurricane in New Orleans. Reaction to the Haiti disaster was swift with many of the Hollywood luminaries quick to lend their name to charity events. Singer, Jessica Simpson in conjunction with Soles4Souls has organized glitzi shoe drive intent in collection 50,000 shoes in 50 days. Already Soles4Souls has committed over 300,000 pairs of shoes to Haiti with plans for a further one million pairs of new boots and shoes for survivors. The group is also collecting apparel, blankets and other items to give to the earthquake victims.
There are several other charities including Shoes2Share International involved in similar activities.
Over the years collecting shoes for charity is has become well established with many well known groups such as Hope Runs; Shoes 4Africa; and Boots for Africa dedicated to promote Aids awareness in Africa through sport and education. They attract the patronage of the big shoe companies and sports organisations eager to associate themselves with worthwhile charities. Interest in Africa is heightened this year in particular because of the impending FIFA World Cup TM to be hosted in South Africa.
Second hand trainers can also find a good home through agencies like One World Running; Sole Responsibility and RecycledRunners.com. Children’s charities like the Shoe Bank for children; Shoes for Orphan Souls; and Shoes4Africa accept used shoe donations for children. The Children charities prefer new shoes or cash donations but most other adult charities are delighted to receive gently used footwear and will put them to good use.
The "Kicks for Kids" project was started in Iraq in 2004 by an American journalist. She was concerned about the Iraq children affected by hostilities and now her charity accepts shoe donations for children in Iraq.
To paraphrase, Neil Armstrong, “One small shoe, one giant leap for human kind.” And it just goes to show ‘what a difference a shoe makes.”
If you are interested in making shoe donations then please contact the websites of the individual charities.
Footnote
"Gently used" is a term used to define second hand footwear which is still wearable, with heels intact and without holes in the soles.
Excerpt from the Afternoons with Jenny Seeton Cutin FM 101, Perth Western Australia Friday 01/29/2010.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Footerella: Foot binding electronic style?
The Footerella is an electronic device to tighten and tone the foot muscles. The device was developed by a podiatrist specifically to allow women to fit more comfortably into high heeled shoes. According to the manufacturers there are 3 electrode pads that stick to the feet. Set the program of choice (there are three: slimming & toning, bunion prevention; and running or high heels) and sit back. Each program is designed to stimulate a certain muscle group for that particular activity. As the pressure points are gently stimulated the tone of the intrinsic muscles is improved. After a hour per day the results equate to a vigorous workout but with no pain. Subsequent application strengthens the intrinsic muscles giving improved integrity of the feet which are now slimmer and ready to fit comfortably into your favourite high heeled shoes. Success of the Footerella has caused the maufacturers to produce a male version called the FootBox.
Ed. Electrical stimluation is a common physical therapy used in rehabilitation and the Footerella appears to be is a convenient package for feet.)
Ed. Electrical stimluation is a common physical therapy used in rehabilitation and the Footerella appears to be is a convenient package for feet.)
The games afoot
What with Sherlock Holmes back on the big screen (good movie BTW) it seems not out of place to find reported a baffling mystery from the US. Four duffel bags filled with hundreds of men’s used shoes were found along the Big Elk Creek near Elkton. The booty (sic. sorry) were all men’s shoes of all sizes and kinds including: sneakers, work boots, dress shoes, flip flops, casuals and sandals. The Newark Police Department believe the the collected swag represent dozens of shoe thefts from 2003. Apparently multiple burglaries involving shoe theft have been reported over the years but no one has ever been apprehended. A case for Holmes and Watson, perhaps?
The barefoot vs shoe debate
As the lobby for barefoot running becomes stronger it is no surprise science once again has turned to the laboratory to prove a point. A new piece of work conducted by scientists from Harvard, Glasgow and Moi Universities was published recently and highlighted the differences between gait patterns for runners wearing shoes compared to those without. Researchers discovered running barefeet, or in minimal footwear, can be potentially less injurious than running in sport shoes. Wearing sport shoes they infer may introduce an artificial ‘heel strike phase’ when the weight bearing limb is subjected to repeated high impact forces (the equivalent to two to three times body weight). Under certain circumstances this can cause painful symptoms long associated with sport injuries of the leg and foot. Researchers believe running barefoot may in some cases prevent these injuries. The multi centred research involved working with populations of runners in the United States and Kenya, and researchers looked at the running gaits of three groups: those who had always run barefoot, those who had always worn shoes, and those who had converted to barefoot running from shod running. Subjects were less prone to generate high impact on ground contact through the leading foot when unshod.
This simple study may at first sight appear to give fresh insights into the growing debate but the data findings are not new nor are the extrapolations particularly illuminating. The research was funded by the American School of Prehistoric Research, the Goelet Fund, Harvard University, and Vibram USA. Vibram USA is a private company which produces minimal footwear.
An elementary understanding of human locomotion would confirm the difference between walking and running cycles. Heel strike is perfectly normal up until middle distance running where forefoot contact supersedes heel contact. At this point walking turns into running*. Unless you run at middle distance speeds heel contact would be the norm. Most sport shoes will take this into account and provide heel support. If the study has any merit it supports the need for faster runners to wear appropriate shoes rather than suggest athletes perse adopt barefoot running carte blanche.
* The transference from heel contact to forefoot contact in locomotion is used in walking races suffice when athletes transfer first contact to the forefoot (running) they are disqualified.
Reference
Lieberman D.E, Madhusudhan Venkadesan M.,William A. Werbel W.A., Adam I. Daoud A.I. Susan D’Andrea S., Davis I.S., Mang’Eni R.O. & Pitsiladis Y. (2010) Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners Nature 463, 531-535 (28 January 2010) | doi:10.1038/nature08723; Received 27 July 2009; Accepted 26 November 2009
Interesting site
Running barefoot or minimal footwear
This simple study may at first sight appear to give fresh insights into the growing debate but the data findings are not new nor are the extrapolations particularly illuminating. The research was funded by the American School of Prehistoric Research, the Goelet Fund, Harvard University, and Vibram USA. Vibram USA is a private company which produces minimal footwear.
An elementary understanding of human locomotion would confirm the difference between walking and running cycles. Heel strike is perfectly normal up until middle distance running where forefoot contact supersedes heel contact. At this point walking turns into running*. Unless you run at middle distance speeds heel contact would be the norm. Most sport shoes will take this into account and provide heel support. If the study has any merit it supports the need for faster runners to wear appropriate shoes rather than suggest athletes perse adopt barefoot running carte blanche.
* The transference from heel contact to forefoot contact in locomotion is used in walking races suffice when athletes transfer first contact to the forefoot (running) they are disqualified.
Reference
Lieberman D.E, Madhusudhan Venkadesan M.,William A. Werbel W.A., Adam I. Daoud A.I. Susan D’Andrea S., Davis I.S., Mang’Eni R.O. & Pitsiladis Y. (2010) Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners Nature 463, 531-535 (28 January 2010) | doi:10.1038/nature08723; Received 27 July 2009; Accepted 26 November 2009
Interesting site
Running barefoot or minimal footwear
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
High and mighty: Models put their foot down
Models have put their foot down with a catwalk boycott of excessive high heels based on safety. Abbey Lee Kershaw, Natasha Poly and Sasha Pivovarova have rebelled against wearing the latest 12in platforms and refused to take part in Alexander McQueen's latest show. McQueen's latest stilt-like creations known as "armadillos" are three inches higher than the Vivienne Westwood platforms that toppled Naomi Campbell in 1994, but the lobster-claw shaped shoes are so high that models were concerned they might not leave the catwalk with their ankles or reputations intact. The move has support from fellow shoe designer Emma Hope.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Festive Footwear
Just back from holidaying in the cold Northern Hemisphere where temperatures were well below zero (minus 12). We survived snow drifts; black ice and slush; and the Scottish New Year (Hogmanay). Truth be told, I am delighted to be back in Perth, WA and the glorious heat. I know it does not suit everyone but I like not having to wear clothes.
Don’t get me wrong I haven’t gone au natural, its just when you are not used to it, having to wear layers of clothing can be quite fatiguing. So the prospect of T shirt and shorts is most attractive.
We spent some time in Vienna and Munich just over Christmas and saw the wonderful Christkindlmarkt , (Christmas Market). In Germany, they celebrate Christmas Eve with Christmas Day, more or less, business as usual. Trying to find a restaurant open on Christmas Eve was quite a challenge and it makes eminent sense to book up early. This year we spent Christmas Eve eating in the same beer keller Adolf Hitler held his early National Socialist Workers Party meetings, all those years ago. In the Haufbrauhaus after a few beers it is quite easy to imagine how it might have been especially since not much has changed to the interiors of the buildings. Munich now is more famous for the Oktoberfest and the beer is everything they say. Once you hear the Oom pa pa band you have it in your head all day.
Travelling through the various cities I always keep an eye out for the shoe fashions and in particular was keen to see what people were wearing in the extremely cold conditions. Uggs an Mukluks (boots worn by indigenous North Americans) very much to the fore and for practical reason. On the other hand (or foot) the fashionista seemed to prefer ankle boots in a variety of guises. Between Munich, London and Dubai we had a good opportunity to scan what Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Ferragamo etc., had in the way of fashionable footwear and the higher heel certainly prevails. It is likely therefore to be the same down under for the coming season. Not perhaps by coincidence the media was also full of articles on the healthiness of heel height and the problems of with out of control drinking, especially among young women. The combination of high heels and drink is a dangerous one as journalists are at pains to point out.
Inebriated Chavs and Ladettes terrorise the streets at night, apparently (although I did not meet any). Dubbed ‘hell on heels’ the ladettes are as much trouble to authorities as ‘'hoodies’ or ‘hoons without wheels’. This I believe is one reason why high heels in particular are so fervently condemned in the media. Like jeans and T-shirts once were for adolescents, high heels have become the badge of the cafe belle or out of control girl. Of course the vast majority of medical claims made against the high heel shoe are quite factious.
To the very best of my knowledge in the structure of the shoe, heel height is matched to the toe spring which in turn defines the tread line over the ball of the foot. Provided these match and the shoe has sufficient volume to accommodate a kinetic foot (moving foot) then heel height can be as high as a toe spring will allow. Comfort is subjective and gait adaptation is essential but for some, power heels would be perfectly acceptable. Applying the Chaos Theory however, when things go wrong then they will go very wrong but otherwise for a minority high heels (matched with appropriate toe spring etc.) present no real issue whatsoever. The consequence of upper body adaptation (much cited by heel height critics) remains unproven with the only real independent research still undecided about the evils of 'ankle breakers.' In the end it all becomes a matter of opinion.
Condemnation of high heels has historically been a misogynistic preoccupation. No reason to assume the present media interest is any different. As stereotyping goes, high heeled shoes represent for some permissiveness; yet somewhat ironically, modern feminists consider power dressing a badge of emancipation.
No doubt the debate will continue here in the coming season when towering heels once again prevail as the preferred style.
Excerpt taken from the Afternoons with Jenny Seeton Cutin FM 101, Perth Western Australia Friday 01/22/2010.
Don’t get me wrong I haven’t gone au natural, its just when you are not used to it, having to wear layers of clothing can be quite fatiguing. So the prospect of T shirt and shorts is most attractive.
We spent some time in Vienna and Munich just over Christmas and saw the wonderful Christkindlmarkt , (Christmas Market). In Germany, they celebrate Christmas Eve with Christmas Day, more or less, business as usual. Trying to find a restaurant open on Christmas Eve was quite a challenge and it makes eminent sense to book up early. This year we spent Christmas Eve eating in the same beer keller Adolf Hitler held his early National Socialist Workers Party meetings, all those years ago. In the Haufbrauhaus after a few beers it is quite easy to imagine how it might have been especially since not much has changed to the interiors of the buildings. Munich now is more famous for the Oktoberfest and the beer is everything they say. Once you hear the Oom pa pa band you have it in your head all day.
Travelling through the various cities I always keep an eye out for the shoe fashions and in particular was keen to see what people were wearing in the extremely cold conditions. Uggs an Mukluks (boots worn by indigenous North Americans) very much to the fore and for practical reason. On the other hand (or foot) the fashionista seemed to prefer ankle boots in a variety of guises. Between Munich, London and Dubai we had a good opportunity to scan what Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Ferragamo etc., had in the way of fashionable footwear and the higher heel certainly prevails. It is likely therefore to be the same down under for the coming season. Not perhaps by coincidence the media was also full of articles on the healthiness of heel height and the problems of with out of control drinking, especially among young women. The combination of high heels and drink is a dangerous one as journalists are at pains to point out.
Inebriated Chavs and Ladettes terrorise the streets at night, apparently (although I did not meet any). Dubbed ‘hell on heels’ the ladettes are as much trouble to authorities as ‘'hoodies’ or ‘hoons without wheels’. This I believe is one reason why high heels in particular are so fervently condemned in the media. Like jeans and T-shirts once were for adolescents, high heels have become the badge of the cafe belle or out of control girl. Of course the vast majority of medical claims made against the high heel shoe are quite factious.
To the very best of my knowledge in the structure of the shoe, heel height is matched to the toe spring which in turn defines the tread line over the ball of the foot. Provided these match and the shoe has sufficient volume to accommodate a kinetic foot (moving foot) then heel height can be as high as a toe spring will allow. Comfort is subjective and gait adaptation is essential but for some, power heels would be perfectly acceptable. Applying the Chaos Theory however, when things go wrong then they will go very wrong but otherwise for a minority high heels (matched with appropriate toe spring etc.) present no real issue whatsoever. The consequence of upper body adaptation (much cited by heel height critics) remains unproven with the only real independent research still undecided about the evils of 'ankle breakers.' In the end it all becomes a matter of opinion.
Condemnation of high heels has historically been a misogynistic preoccupation. No reason to assume the present media interest is any different. As stereotyping goes, high heeled shoes represent for some permissiveness; yet somewhat ironically, modern feminists consider power dressing a badge of emancipation.
No doubt the debate will continue here in the coming season when towering heels once again prevail as the preferred style.
Excerpt taken from the Afternoons with Jenny Seeton Cutin FM 101, Perth Western Australia Friday 01/22/2010.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Jimmy Choo Spring/Summer Collection
Jimmy Choo has just launched a special collection alongside their Spring Summer 2010. CHOO 24:7 has updated versions of Tamara Mellon's favourite styles in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights. Classic Choo styles remain the shoe choice of celebrities and sophisticated women alike.
Gently used shoes: Changing the World One Pair at a Time
The Mason Companies, Inc. of Chippewa Falls have collected 800 pairs of shoes and more than 300 apparel items which they are donating to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Mason Companies Inc., has teamed with Soles4Souls, a group that distribute shoe donations to people in need. Soles4Soul is an international shoe charity founded five years ago after the Asian tsunami. Founded by Wayne Elsey in Nashville, Tenn., after he saw TV coverage of the Southeast Asian disaster. The image of a single shoe washed up on a beach was enough for him to contact other executives in the footwear industry and between them, they collected a quarter-million new shoes and shipped them to Southeast Asia. The same group of friends and colleagues did the same thing a year later when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast states. That was when Soles4Souls was born and the company's motto is "Changing the World One Pair at a Time." Currently the shoe charity has committed 250,000 pairs of shoes to Haiti with plans for one million pairs of new boots and shoes for survivors. The group is also collecting apparel, blankets and other items to give to the earthquake victims. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (new and used) by going to Soles4Souls. There are three Soles4Souls warehouses, where shoes are cleaned, sorted and distributed. Warehouse workers make sure that shoes are sorted according to the climate to which they will be sent.
Footnote
"Gently used" is the term used to define second hand footwear which is still wearable, with heels intact and without holes in the soles.
Haiti Earthquake Appeals
Compassion.com.au
World Vision Australia
Footnote
"Gently used" is the term used to define second hand footwear which is still wearable, with heels intact and without holes in the soles.
Haiti Earthquake Appeals
Compassion.com.au
World Vision Australia
Alaska: Snug in Uggs
In Alaska. Kids in Distressed Situations Inc (KIDS) has been distributing supplies such as clothing and diapers for years here through the Food Bank of Alaska. More recently the administration was handed to Cook Inlet Tribal Council and they have been sorting through nearly 3,000 pairs of donated Ugg brand boots, slippers and shoes to distribute to families in need around Alaska. The Ugg boots were donated by Ugg Australia.
When the going gets tough: We buy quality goods
Takes a recession to find what people really value. Despite the lack of apparent disposable income consumers prefer to buy quality brands over cheaper alternatives. According to a recent press release UK consumers have developed a new appreciation for hand made shoes. Brands like Josef Seibel, maker of fine quality leather goods are receiving added attention. The German shoe manufacturer is renowned for using premium quality materials and the highest standard of workmanship to develop a range of comfortable shoes with a unique European styling. Despite operating in Europe since 1886, Josef Seibel launched its Spirit of Nature range of eco-friendly footwear in spring 2009 to increase awareness. Their Nature 17 boot in particular made a huge impact in women’s fashion and the Josef Seibel’s range of smart shoes and casual trainers for men also has proven popular.
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