Concave PT+: Sweet spot with attitude

The Concave PT+ is a football boot which features a concave-shaped sweet-spot layer on the upper made from thermoplastic polyurethane. (sic. Reminds me of my old Tiger boots with a polythene insert in the tongue). Concave have spent $5 million on research over eight years to produce the boots as worn by John O’Shea (Manchester United and Republic of Ireland national team . Independent research by Invetech and Monsah University has shown very positive results.

The Shoe Must Go On! Exhibition

The shoe exhibition called “The Shoe Must Go On!” is at the Morris Museum, Morristown,NJ, On show are more than 250 pairs of shoes and exhibition explores more than fifteen themes featuring footwear of distinguished individuals who shared a special connection to the state of New Jersey. The Art & Sole section celebrates the creativity of artists with shoe-inspired sculptures that include works by New Jersey artist Willie Cole, Black Patent Leather Venus with Scarification (1993); shoe artist Marina Dempster, Immune (2008); and mechanical sculptor Stephen Gerbo Gerberich, High Heel Factory (2010), an interactive sculpture created specifically for this exhibition. This section also recognizes the inventiveness of entrepreneur Lindsay Phillips, creator of New Jersey-based SwitchFlops, which was inspired by a high school art project she created. A survey of some of the twentieth-century’s most innovative shoe designers is featured in the exhibition, including I. Miller, Roger Vivier, Ferragamo, and Gucci. The “What’s Hot Now” section highlights the latest in high-fashion shoes featuring Manolo Blahnik, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Stuart Weitzman and Giuseppe Zanotti among others. Lenders to this section include Nina Footwear and Bloomingdale’s. The exhibition was made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; the F.M. Kirby Foundation and private donations.

When you visit the Morris Museum’s The Shoe Must Go On! exhibition, donate a pair of shoes and receive $1 off admission. All donations go to “CUMAC – Feeding People and Changing Lives” in Paterson, NJ.

Shoe books

Fab read 
Shoes and Pattens (2001) by Frances Grew and Margrethe De Neergaard. Museum of London, and

The towering world of Jimmy Choo: A glamorous story of power, profits, and  the pursuit of the perfect shoe. (2009)  by Lauren Goldstein Crowe and Sagra Maceira de Rosen Bloomsbury : NY.  

Shoes: What did we do before mobile phones?

The penny loafer with a band and signature opening was first introduced in 1936 by The G.H. Bass shoe company. These were called “Bass Weejuns” after the flat Norwegian Peasant slip-on shoes brought back to the US by tourists. These proved popular with young adolescents and by the 1940s, hip-kids slipped dimes into the band across the shoe. These coins were the price of a pay telephone call. Carrying a coin was always thought to bring good luck and in the next decade the dimes were replaced with shiney pennies.

Do the new lightweight football boots cause more injuries?

Health warnings have been issued by Southampton University, orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury specialist, Professor David Barrett concerned the new lightweight football boot may give less protection to the foot and increase the risk of foot injuries. The knee specialist’s concern is sparked by the increase in reported metatarsal (stress) fractures in amateur footballers at A&E. March fractures of the metatarsal bones are usually fatique fractures caused by over use and not by one off trauma as may be implied by the recent newspaper report. High profile players reported with stress fractures of the metatarsals are more likely to have been over training and playing. The new style boots appear to give adequate support to the foot despite the lightness in weight. Specialists at Southampton General Hospital have also reported increased problems caused by footballers wearing the wrong kind of football boots for the prevailing pitch conditions. Injuries in the amateur game continue to be related to inadequate preparing of the players to warm up and warm down.

Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852 – 1889)

Until 1883 the cost of shoes had been directly dependent on the cost of employing ‘hand lasters.’ These were crafts men who attached the upper part of a shoe to the sole and a skilled operative could produce 50 pairs of shoes in a working day. They formed the Company of Shoemakers and this body ensured high sums of money were paid to their members’ services. The invention of the shoe-lasting machine by Jan Ernst Matzeliger had an enormous impact on the industry which could now produce between 150 to 700 pairs of shoes a day. With more shoes available the cost of footwear dropped and for the first time in history, ordinary people could afford shoes. In recognition of his accomplishment Jan Ernst Matzeliger was honored on a postage stamp on September 15, 1991.

Chinese imports: WHO Enquiry

The World Trade Organization judges agreed to investigate whether European Union anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese shoes unfairly does harm China’s exporters. After months of consultations with the EU failed to resolve the dispute, China asked for arbitration. The EU slapped high duties on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoes in 2006 to counter below-cost or “dumped” imports. Four- fifths of the EU’s leather shoes come from Italy, Portugal and Spain, where producers are trying to become more competitive, according to the 27-nation bloc. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce the EU’s anti-dumping law has discriminatory provisions against China and unfarely impairs the legal rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Spacemen have tickly feet?

The astronauts returning on Space Shuttle Atlantis will have a special task ahead. Wilfrid Laurier University, Professor Stephen Perry is a researcher keen to quantify the influence of space travel on foot sensitivity. Specially trained researchers will systematically tickle the feet of the astronauts in a scientific experiment . According to Perry foot sole sensation is a critical factor in balance control and he wants to determine whether weightlessness improves equilibrium. Mr. Perry has already developed a special shoe that alerts seniors when they are listing too much, reducing fall-related injuries.

Sheer pantyhose: Hot pink and sky blue

Seems the latest leg fashion this season is sheer pantyhose. Apparently in this time of continued recession the cheapest way to update last season’s gear is to sport patterned coloured pantyhose. Now available with reinforced heels and toes for better durability tights have had a new lease of life and when chosen well can add shape and colour to even the palest of legs. Tie-dye tights are the latest fad with small plaid and lace-like patterns also very popular. According to fashionista, white and nude are the colours to avoid with black, grey and khaki definitely ‘in’ for long legs. Hot pink and sky blue are the eye popping colours of choice this season and ideal for those shorter legs in heels.

Shape Ups sneakers: Just what the doctor ordered?

Shape Ups sneakers are made by the Sketchers shoe company and are the latest ‘let the shoe do the exercise’ footwear with a curved sole (or negative heel). Sketchers claim the rocker sole helps minimize shock to the weight bearing joints whilst improving posture, stamina, metabolism and cardiovascular health while burning calories, reducing cellulite and building muscle. These shoes do come with a ‘breaking in’ warning and can take sometime to feel comfortable. For some this shoe design may be just what the doctor ordered, but for others not quite the panacea, the market rhetoric seems to offer.

Foot washing: Take care of the pair

Apparently most of us are missing something important in our lives. According to people who know these things washing feet is a therapeutic activity greatly overlooked (sic. presumably by the great unwashed?). In an age when we shower rather than bathe, foot washing has become a forgotten art. The precious minutes spent washing feet are not just self indulgent luxury but an effortless way to ensure emotional equilibrium at times of distress. The restorative nature of foot washing lies in the combination of activities involved. Taking a conscious decision to wash our feet is the first step (sic. excuse the pun) because it acknowledges relaxation is needed. Filling a basin of lukewarm water (46 degree C) is perfect temperature for a relaxing soak. Adding a handful of common table salt to dissolve in the water proves the ideal hypertonic solution to slip the feet into and experience that moment of physical ecstasy and psychological release. Bathing feet for no longer than ten (10) minutes is sufficient to ease tired aching feet as well as stimulate the circulation and give life once more to most ignored part of the human body.

Shoe museum in Tianjin Municipality

The Huaxia Shoe Culture Museum is a private shoe museum in Tianjin Municipality. A new exhibition highlighting China's 5,000 years of shoe culture opened recently. On display are more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, a wide collection of shoe designs, and traditional shoe-making techniques. Among the exhibited shoes are a wide selection of “Lotus Shoes” for bound-feet. Shoe making in China dates back to over 5000 years ago when it was recorded on ancient painted pottery. Today China is the biggest shoe making nation in the world and exported 8.17 billion pairs of shoes in 2009.

KIWI® Shoe Care have the answer

KIWI® Shoe Care 's commissioned a telephone survey in the US recently. A probability sample of 507 women, 18 years of age and older, living in private households were randomly polled. According to the results almost half of American women (48%) categorize themselves as "prudent chic" when buying shoes and will balance between style and comfort. Many women are frustrated at the potential foot pain and discomfort caused by vogue footwear. Forty three per cent (43 %) preferred wearing "jeans and sneakers" for comfort. Only eight percent of the total population surveyed admitted to braving all shoes with a "no pain no gain" mentality toward fashionable footwear.

KIWI® Shoe Care suggests these simple tips to improve foot comfort.

Always wear new shoes around the house before taking them on the road. This helps overcome any minor fitting problems before wearing the shoes in public.

Think about using simple insoles to give extra cushioning and enhanced comfort to those sensitive pain points in the feet.

If you find feet slipping inside the shoe use heal liners in the backs of the shoes and this helps keep the foot in place and minimizing toe pain.

Always have a backup pair of trusty sneakers or flats handy in the event heels prove too painful.

Glasgow First: Tag your boots

If you are doing nothing this June and live in Scotland you might like to pop into Greaves Sports Nike Store, Buchannan Galleries in downtown Glasgow. Whilst the National Team will not be at the FIFA World Cup 2010 (AGAIN!), budding stars can have their football boots customised. The outlet has the first machine to tag new football boots (purchased from the store – cunning Nike). Punters can have their boots emblazed with their name, squad numbers or national flag. One of the first customers was Dominic Cervi (Celtic), the giant (6’6”) American goalkeeper, had his Nike pair decorated with the stars and stripes. Old Firm rival U-19 keeper, Grant Adam, Rangers U-19 keeper had his boots stitched with his girlfriend’s name.
The fashion to tag boots started with David Beckham and was soon followed by other luminaries in the Premiership and the top European leagues. Now the company hope to attract not just football players but all sports peeps keen to have their own personalised shoes. (sic. I want Oor Wullie on my).

New Shoe Blog: NiamiShoes.com

NiaomiShoes.com is a new shoe blog.

Speed Boot Wars

Research has shown the average energy expenditure of an elite football player (75kg) is over 1,000 Kilo Calories per game. Reducing the weight carried by players i.e. boots. Sports scientists believe carrying less weight helps conserve valuable energy over the course of 90 minutes. This energy, they believe, may be put to good use when players need to play extra time or want to extend themselves during normal game time. At this years FIFA World Cup boot designers are keen to demonstrate the theory in practice with the introduction of speed boots i.e. lightweight boots made for comfort and support for kinetic feet involved in stop start accelerated activities. Further boot designers believe the colour way of boots is now very important. Analysis has revealed player use 99% peripheral vision with less than 1% foveal vision (focused vision). Seeing a familiar colour on the feet of a named player is thought to improve passing. Nike designers have analysed the colour spectrum and isolated two high-contrast colours which rapidly picked up by peripheral vision. The perfect blend is Mach Purple and Total Orange. The intense rivalry and fierce competition between the brand leaders has caused a rush for June to produce colourful lightweight boots for the elite players. In the adidas camp Messers Lionel Messi (Argentina ) , David Villa (Spain ), Jermain Defoe (England), Johan Vonlanthen (Switzerland, Arjen Robben (Netherlands, and Shaun Wright-Philips (England ) among others will be sporting the new F50 adiZeros boots at June’s World tournament. With the exception of Lionel Messi the adidas endorsed players will sport the World Cup Black/Sun Yellow colourway. Lionel Messi has his own colourway for the World Cup, which is the Chameleon Purple/White/Electricity. The adidas f50 adiZero tips the scales at 164g for a size 8 boot and according to adidas these are the lightest boots ever made. The adidas designers have incorporated a super light synthetic cover material (adidas Sprint Skin) and polyurethane (PU) outsole (adidas Sprint Frame) with new dynamic shaped studs designed to give maximum acceleration on the pitch. Improved bonding between the outsole and upper with internal TPU Support Bands provides strength stability and support to the kinetic foot encased inside. The surfaces of the adidas f50 adiZero have build in anti-microbial properties which cut down the risk of microbial growth.




Rivals Nike have leading their lightweight stable of speed boots, the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II (210g). These feature a new performance upper and re-engineered outsole to deliver lightweight performance for every style of player. The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II is 5% lighter than previous models. The marquee soccer slippers will be launched by Sergio Aguero (Argentina) later this month.



Puma too have released their speed boot the Puma v1.10 (235g.). This is a new generation v1.08 with extra support in the heel and a new one-piece outsole design. The carbon fibre inner chassis gives the boot good support and strength according to the manufacturer and the upper (made from lightweight microfibre and synthetic leather) is stitched (not glued) to the sole. The boots are available in bright colour ways of yellow / red which may appeal to the colour blind, according to critics. The overall design has also met with some criticism because the boots are less streamlined than rival brands.


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Let the games begin....................

Never mind David Cameron, Scholl are keeping Britain on their feet

According to a recent survey commissioned by Scholl, marking the footwear firm's Keeping Britain on its Feet campaign. Eighty one per cent (81%) 81 of women surveyed feel sexier wearing high heels and half the nation survey admitted to buying a new pair of ill-fitting shoes. Apparently half of those surveyed disliked the appearance of their own feet and were turned off by the site of their partner’s feet. Over half the males in the survey found hairy toes a turn off, and women were put off by partners with athlete's foot. Overwhelmingly respondents (71%) were horrified at the pictures of Victoria Beckham’s feet. Ms Beckham has bunions. 67% of the participants considered to have she should have corrective surgery. The vast majority of respondents would not want their feet to be handled by a celebrity. Of those who would 21% Cheryl Cole (for men); and George Clooney (for women) came top. Thirteen percent (13%) of men admitted to wearing their partner's high heels in the bedroom and 7% of women had worn their favourite shoes to bed. When it came to paying money to stocking the kitchen cupboard or buying another pair of shoes, a third of the females surveyed said they would rather starve, while 12 per cent of men were prepared to go without food.

Clogs are back: Money Money Money

Clogs are trendy again. Wooden shoes and wooden soled shoes are all the rage with the in-crowd with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Celine, all showcasing them. The rise in popularity may have something to so with the popularity of Crocs (the 21st century cousin). The secret lies in the ease with which they slip off the feet at will, making them the ideal fashion assessories for travellers. Wooden clogs have been given a fashion makeover by the haut couture with instant appeal to tree huggers and those who hanker for nostalgia ( Abba are coming back together).

Men singing in their thongs

Fox, Fluevog and Friends: The Story Behind the Shoes: Museum of Vancouver

An upcoming exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver is Fox, Fluevog and Friends: The Story Behind the Shoes. The exhibition highlights the famous footwear companies of Vancouver. Fluevog shoes have been worn by Madonna, Jack White of The White Stripes and Iggy Pop. The exhibit touches on this relationship between the shoes, celebrities and musicians. In 1980, Fox and his wife opened Peter Fox Shoes in New York City, designing for his own company and Fox and Fluevog for a time. Fox shoes were worn in Alice in Wonderland, Harry Pottery and Titanic. The exhibtion runs from May 14 to Sept. 26.

Older adults' shoes: Benefits of a good fit?

Researchers have found wearing inappropriate shoes can cause biomechanical imbalance, foot problems, and pain as well as induce falls. In a recently published cross-sectional study to explore the effects of wearing incorrectly sized shoes and the relationship between incorrectly sized shoes and foot dimensions, pain, and diabetes among older adults. Researchers discovered a significant number of participants (Total Population 399 adults aged between 60-90) were wearing shoe sizes bigger than their foot length. Men (69.2%) were more likely to wear bigger shoes than women (48.5%). Older adults wearing the incorrect shoe size presented larger values for foot width, perimeter, and height than those wearing the correct size. Incorrectly sized shoes were associated with ankle pain in women but not with diabetes. The use of correctly sized shoes was associated with back pain in women.

Reference
Paiva de Castro A., Rebelatto J R, Aurichio R A (2010) The Relationship Between Wearing Incorrectly Sized Shoes and Foot Dimensions, Foot Pain, and Diabetes Journal of Sports Rehabilitation 19(2).

Hillsides Foster Soles Charity Auction: Celebrity Shoes

Hillsides Foster Soles is holding the Second Annual online auction of celebrity autographed shoes and celebrity photograph to raise money as part of Foster Care Awareness Month. The auction starts today, May 4 at 5pm PST abd ends May 20th.Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel and Dr. Drew Pinsky will kick off the Second Annual Hillsides Foster Soles in Los Angeles at the VIP Lounge at Bar Celona in Pasadena. Guests will have an opportunity to bid on the celebrity autographed shoes with online visitors.
This year’s celebrities include: Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Elton John, Larry King, Billy Joel, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Josh Groban, Ryan Seacrest, and Carson Daly.
Other celebrities to make a donation inlcude: Aaron D. Spears, Adam Busch, Adam Sandler, Alec Mazo, Alex Kapp Horner, Allana Pratt, Amber Benson, Andrea Evans, Anya Sarre, Ashley Jones, Ashley Judd, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Zane, Brent Spiner, Bridgit Mendler, Bruce Campbell, Buck Hollywood, Cast of Rent, Chad Billingsley, Chelsea Staub, Cheryl Burke, Christine Devine, Chuck Henry, Coby Bell, Cole Sprouse, Dave Koz, Dax Holt, Debby Boone, Debby Ryan, Dylan Sprouse, Ed Ruscha, Edyta Slewinska, Emily Wynne-Hughes, Emmylou Harris, Faith Evans, Fletcher Dragge, Florence Henderson, Gabrielle Anwar, Gavin DeGraw, Genevieve Cortese, Graham Nash, Halle Barry, Harvey Levin, Jack Johnson, Jack Wagner, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, James Galanos, James Loney, Jared Padalecki, Jarret Stoll, Jason Dolley, Jeffrey Donovan, Jennifer Gareis, Joan Rivers, Joshua Morrow, Joy Behar, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Junior Seau, Justin Chambers, Kaitlyn Gilliland, Kate Gosslin, Katherine Kelly Lang, Ken Olin, Kirsten Storms, Kym Johnson, Lara Spencer, Larramie "Doc" Shaw, Lauren Petty, Lesley-Anne Down, Louis Van Amstel, Maria Shriver, Mario Lopez, Mariska Hargitay, Mark Harmon, Markie Post, Marlee Matlin, Martha Williamson, Mary Hart, Melissa Rivers, Michaela Pereira, Mike Smith, Mitchel Musso, Monique Coleman, Nicole Anderson, Niecy Nash, Pam Dawber, Paul Wylie, Quinton Aaron, Rachel Hunter, Richard Gililand, Romi Dames, Samantha Harris, Sarah Joy Brown, Slash, Sugar Ray Leonard, Susan Hirasuna, Sylvia Lopez, Taboo, Tiler Peck, Tony Valdez, Tricia O’Kelley, Vera Jimenez, Wayne Newton, and Wendy Williams.
Hillsides creates safe places for vulnerable children and their families. Proceeds from the auction benefit Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity that serves children and families in crisis living in Los Angeles County.
In the US, there are more than 500,000 children in foster care. In California, more than 102,000 are in foster care; and, in Los Angeles County, more than 32,000 children receive child welfare services from the Department of Children and Family Services.

The man who walked around the world

Kenneth Cole: No one will ever satisfy woman like this again (Below The Ankles)

Kenneth Cole designs high heels which are comfortable. His Silver Edition New York range uses patented 925 Technology which according to the manufacturer are “the most comfortable high heel known to womankind.”

So what’s the secret ?

A cushioned insole (insock) or accommodative orthoses as it is more properly described. The insert which took four years to develop consists of a several millimeter-thin layers. The upper part of the insole (at skin level) is sheepskin which insulates the foot (keeps it at a constant temperature) in cold and warm conditions. Soft suede is strategically positioned to prevent the foot from slipping. Under the arch of the foot is a flaxseed pillow which readily adjusts to the kinetic foot in isobaric fashion. Poron foam TM has a good elastic memory and is inserted at strategic places to give added shock absorbtion. A thin layer of cork gives extra cushioning and the lowermost layer of the combination insole is made from flexible rubber for durability and traction. In the high heel models, the anatomical is raised by an impact-resistant nylon heel lift.

Now you know.