Football boots: Colour my world

Football boots are becoming more of a fashion statement these days as marquee players make them a focal point for TV cameras. Designs and colourways which might previous have not been out of place on the dance floor are finding their way to the green blaze and all in the name of selling product. The minute you see visible high end footwear on sports persons the more likely the industry has nothing else to offer. Traditionally dark coloured boots were associated with soccer but Hummel changed all that in the 70s with the introduction of white boots for Alan Ball * (England and Arsenal). Took a brave player to wear anything other than black for fear of being picked on by rival fans. “Who's the poofter in the boots?” would ring out from the crowd and low be tide anyone who dared wear coloured boots and have a poor game. Two decades later and high colour became a bi-word for companies like Adidas and Puma who seemed to realise soccer moms like their offspring in visibly fashionable boots. What is good for the amateur must be good for business and endorsed players became fashion doyons. Televised events such as the FIFA World Cups with its millions of viewers have made the football pitch the macho catwalk where the models i.e. players, demonstrate the new look and functionality of the footwear range from the companies that pay them thousands of dollars just to be “seen.” Always good then to see the antics of rival companies outdoing the official sponsor as with the red heels of Nike at the recent World Cup. Being top does not always mean being the best and when the great David Backham wore golden boots for his 100th cap for England (against France), his team lost 1-0 and David did not excel in the game. Now it is the turn of Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) to wow the faithful with shoe and deed as he sports his new safari-themed black-and-white-spotted CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II Nikes. I wonder if he may have an Alan Ball moment ?

*After Ball heard a rumour Hummel, were prepared to pay £2,000 to a professional willing to their white boots he took them up on their offer. The boots were uncomfortable and Ball substituted his own adidas boots after painting them white. All went well until the white washed away in the rain during the game and Hummel withdrew their £2,000.

Dead like you: Riveting read

Dead like you by Peter James

Amazon.co.uk Review
Peter James is taking over the world -- or at least the crime fiction part of it. Dead Like You, the latest instalment in his increasingly popular series featuring Brighton detective Roy Grace, has sold even more spectacularly than its predecessors, keeping crime heavyweights James Patterson and John Grisham from the number one slot in the UK bestseller lists. And after lengthy delays, the long-awaited television series is to be made -- a series that will no doubt make Grace's stamping ground of Brighton as familiar as Inspector Morse's Oxford. So what is the secret of the James/Grace success? It's simple: over many years and many books, James has refined his storytelling skills to the nth degree and has the full measure of the classic police procedural narrative. In the new book, Brighton's Metropole Hotel is the scene of an unpleasant incident: a woman is savagely raped when she enters a room. Some days later, another woman is similarly assaulted -- both have their shoes stolen by the offender. Assigned to the case, Detective Superintendent Grace becomes aware that these two incidents have disturbing echoes of a sequence of crimes that shook Brighton in 1997. The rapist (who had been described as ‘Shoe Man’) claimed five victims, the last of which he had murdered before disappearing. Grace is faced with two unpleasant possibilities; that the original Shoe Man who cheated justice 10 years ago has returned to wreak havoc again, or -- equally disturbingly -- there is a copycat at work.
The growing army of admirers for James’ Grace books will be well aware of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the detective’s wife, Sandy -- a disappearance that James has allowed to remain enigmatic. The narrative of Dead Like You plays on that intriguing plot strand, as Grace is obliged to travel back mentally to a time when he was happily married in order to discover how he can defeat a monster in the present. This is one of Peter James’s longest books, weighing in at nearly 600 pages, but aficionados will find that it is not a page too long. --Barry Forshaw

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's sandal on show

On show at the Bata Shoe Museum (Toronto) is be a pair of sandals once worn by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The well-worn rubber sandals made by Bata are currently on view in a special exhibition to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's three day trip to Toronto. Other exhibits include examples of Tibetan footwear from the Museum's collection. Boots were a traditional aspect of Tibetan dress for centuries and typically feature thick, strong soles covered with yak leather and high embroidered felt shafts held in place by colourful woven boot straps. Status was often reflected through footwear and ranged from the rhelzom worn by Lamas, Noblemen and Guru incarnates to the more popular sombhalam (for women). Other exhibits include the pumelam (shoes for men) and the reeson (shoes worn by the monks). The Tibetan exhibition will be on view until December 31, 2010.

Howard gets the pair: Sadly missed

Clarks' woolies

Clarks have a new range of winter boots. Look fab.

Allergic to your shoes?

People can be allergic to substances found in shoes. Shoe allergy is a form of contact dermatitis and develops over time as the skin on the feet is repeatedly exposed to a certain allergen. Long term exposure can cause the skin to become thick, red and scaly. Inflammation with swelling, burning and itchiness commonly reported and blisters and cracks (fissuring) often lead to secondary infection. Symptoms are found corresponding to the area of contact which is usually on the tops of the foot and toes. They can also be found on the sole of the foot, the legs, and the sides of the feet and heels. The area in-between the toes, is rarely affected. Common allergens include glues ( PTBP formaldehyde resin, and colophony), leather chemicals (potassium dichromate and pesticides), rubber chemicals ( Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and thiuram mix chemicals) , biocides, dyes (p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), and metal components (nickel sulfate and cobalt chloride). Despite the obvious association shoe allergies can be difficult to diagnose and usually involve a Patch test for confirmation. Often the inflammation improves with changing footwear. Some people with severe dermatitis require special hypoallergenic shoes. Itching and inflection can be treated simply with topic creams. In the warmer months wearing shoes without socks can increase the risks of shoe allergies.

More Information
Shoe Allergies:A resource for those allergic to shoes

Doctorfish

Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus are fish with a special attraction . They both love to eat skin cells. Doctorfish (aka nibble fish and kangal fish), are breed in outdoor pools in spas where they are used to feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis and eczema. According to experts, Doctorfish only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin and leave the healthy keratin . Skin cells neormally reproduce every 28 days and regular visits to the spas are required when people need damaged skin removed. . Since the mid 21st century, doctorfish resorts have sprung up all over the world and are used regularly in spas as exfollient agents.

The History of Footwear

Still available, the original The history of footwear first published on the Curtin University site. This is archived by Pandora Australia's Web Archive

And now for something completely different: Edinburgh/Leith Daily Photo

Braw photos of Old Reekie at Edinburgh/Leith Daily Photo blog

Concept 1:Flubber shoes banned

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has decided to ban Concept 1 (Athletic Propulsion Labs ) during matches because they believe the shoes give players an unfair edge. Athletic Propulsion labs was formed in 2009 with a focus on producing and manufacturing high end innovative athletic footwear. The company produced new technology, Load ‘N Launch, which allows athletes to jump higher. According to the manufacturer their patent pending device works with the sole of the shoe to compress large amounts of energy and then when the player takes off using the front of their foot, the device acts as a spring and propels them upwards. The shoe also uses a thermoplastic urethane shank to stabilise the foot and transfer energy. Test results indicate the wearer can jump an average increase of 3.5 inches higher. The company is now looking to come out with newer and more innovative technology in different sports.

Monsterpiece Theater and the Taming of the Shoe

The Taming of the Shoe: Shoe exhibition

"The Taming of the Shoe," is an exhibition at the Mendocino College Art Gallery, California, on the Ukiah campus. Showcased are works in various media on the theme of shoes and feet, with many area artists including writers contributing. The exhibit runs through November 21 and will be open during the Mendocino College Repertory Dance Company's performances of "Sole to Soul" on November 19, 20, and 21.

Reebok ZigTech Slash basketball kicks: the 'energy drink for your feet’

The new Reebok ZigTech Slash has met with a mixed reception with most critics claiming the shoes are hideous. Endorsed by John Wall at a reported $25 million deal with Reebok to endorse the footwear he remains stoic, these are the court shoes of the future and has made them his signature shoe .

Could it be another Reebok Pump affair?

Der Designer Schuhe Blog :Alles rund um schöne Designer Schuhe

Cool shoe blog from Germany Der Designer Schuhe Blog

Sandal Burning

In the mountain areas of Middle Asia an old way to keep the lower part of the body warm in extremely cold temperatures was to cut a hole in the floor (approx. 60 × 60 × 60 cm) and burn specially prepared coals. A square wooden table called a sandal was placed over this hole and covered with a large, warm blanket with the ends trailing on the floor. People sat around the table and warmed their feet under the blanket. Accidents did happen with the most common sandal burn involving damage to not only skin of the extremities but also underlying tissue. Many resulted in scar tissue (keloids). The practice is still used today in mountainous areas and many reported injuries involve children (25% to 33% of all the patients hospitalized with burns).

Real men wear pink

Li-Ning Sports USA: Stealth for wealth

Chinese sport company Li-Ning has seen sales in recent years pass every competitor in China, except Nike. Now the company has decided to take on its main opponent by trading in the US. Li-Ning Sports USA has launched itself into the running-shoe market of mainland North America. Both companies have done well in the last financial year and whilst Li-Ning Sports USA is still a minnow by comparison to Nike they hope to overtake them one day. Stealth is the name of the game and Li-Ning Sports USA see a window with minimalist (lightweight) shoes. Li-Ning Sports USA have launched a 7 ounce, running shoe called "The Fremont." The new shoe retails at $85 US and is available at selected stores. The hope is the Chinese company will build up a loyal following among runners and intend to promote the new Fremont at the The Running Event Conference, in Austin, Texas, this November. Curently the best selling minimalist shoes are Nike Free Run, Saucony Kinvara, New Balance 101, and Vibram.

Sandals from the Cradle of Civilisation

The beginning of footwear as we know it today, starts with civilization and sendentation. Many anthropologists believe the cradle of civilization lay in the Ancient Near East in a region roughly corresponding to modern Middle East, i.e. Iraq and northeastern Syria. The convergence of two major rivers i.e. the Tigris and Euphrates produced rich fertile soil with copious supply of water for irrigation. As a result many non-nomadic agrarian societies formed and the subsequent interaction between them laid the beginning of civilisation. The ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia formed in the 4th millennium BCE and ended during 2nd century BCE. The time period corresponded to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE) and the Iron Age (1300–600 BCE) in that region.


Sumer (or Sumeria) was one of the first major civilisations and arose in the 4th millennium BCE. It lasted for about a thousand years during which time the Akkadians migrated into Mesopotamia. By the beginning of the Akkadian Empire in the 23 century BCE most of the customs and clothing of Sumer were subsumed into the Akkadian civilisation. Other kingdoms followed including: Babylonia (Elam, Assyria and Suria) (1700 – 1250 BCE); Assyria (20th century – 627 BCE); Medes ( 640 –549 BCE) and Persia (The Achaemenid Empire 550–330 BCE).

In the 18th BCE the Hittites established a kingdom which lasted until 1180 BCE before it disintegrated into several independent "Neo-Hittite" city-states. The Phoenician civilization (1200 – 539 BCE) was a maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean. Throughout the ancient Mesopotainan civilisations a Sumero-Akkadian culture prevailed. As civilisations came and went each expanded their parameters through trade. Eventually links with other early civilisations including Ancient Egypt (3200 BCE – 343 BCE), India (2800 BCE - 1500 BCE) and China were forged causing major cultural cross-fertilisation.

The Sumerian civilisation were noted for its workmanship and people clad themself in skins and hides. Sumerians were thought to generally go barefoot but excavations have unearthed a royal shoe with a turned up toe (circa 3000 BCE). Later footwear was worn at formal ceremonies by high dignitaries and Sumerian shoe styles become widespread. Up-turned shoes were made from dyed leather and had a heel or elevated soles. Early shoes included sandals with toe loops and heel protection. Sometimes straps came over the instep and footwear of the affluent was invariably bejellewed. The Babylonians were skilled tanners and worked with kid and goat skins. They frequently dyed the leathers brilliant colours and the process became known as ‘morocco.’ These skills were later taken to Spain with the Moors and centred in Cordova. By the Middle Ages these became known as "Babylonian Shoes." The Babylonians perfumed leather and included embroidery work on expensive shoes. Babylonian kings wore slippers made from fine leather with bands of white, gold, and red. The Sumerian word ‘mulu’ is the origin of word mule and Babylonian women wore mules and slippers or bilgha (babouche) made in white leather and fastened with jewels. Sandals were commonly worn by men and women and many Babylonians wore turned up shoes with pom poms. Servants in Babylonia went barefoot.

Assyrians wore sandals, low shoes and boots. The Assyrian kings wore thick soled leather sandals with an ornamented heel piece decorated with pearls and gems. These sloped towards the arch of the foot from the back of the ankle. Thongs were wrapped around the big toe with two on either side which finished over the instep. Alternatively the regent wore sandals with an extra thong round the big toe. Royal shoes were embroidered with gold thread. Shoes were made from fabric or soft leather and women wore flat leather slippers. Highly colourful footwear often striped or variegated were popular. Red and yellow usually indicated high ranking officials. Delicate colours such as pale blue was especially popular among the affluent. Assyrian warriors wore buskins laced from top to instep and decorated according to rank. Bowmen had leather boots with tongues running from to the lower part of the calf to the top of the boot for protection. These fastened in the front with thongs. Some soldiers preferred bronze or brass greaves (to protect the shin) and wore them with sandals.

Medes and Persians shoes and boots were also made from soft leather . Boots were worn at various heights and shoes (‘perisque’) enveloped the foot and fastened in the front with buttons or a buckle. Persians shoes tied below the ankle bones or had three button fastenings over the insteps. White leather shoes with matching thong leather were tied at the front. Persians fastened low open-toed shoes with triple laces. By the 3rd century BCE purple boots with fine embroidered motifs outlined in gold were popular. Elevated shoes with cork heels were also worn by the Persians. The ancients protected delicate footwear with wooden over sandals.

Alien Implants

Clarks Every Shoe Tells a Story

Clarks invites you to share the story behind your favourite pair of shoes to be in with a chance of winning a holiday of a lifetime. During the Facebook competition " Clarks every shoe tells a story" judges pick their 7 favourite stories each week to win a free pair of shoes. In addition, stories can be voted on by the public and in order to win the grand prize the story must make the top 10 finalists at the end of the competition. The judges will choose the winner of a GBP3000 Trailfinders Gift Card from these finalists. Submissions for The Clarks Every Shoe Tells a Story (the “Competition”) ends on the 18th October. No purchase necessary.

Stand Tall Walk Clarks campaign.

Pop-Up Retail: What's that all about?

One sure way to create an artificial demand and make the news at the same time is to host a pop-up sale. Retailers are using them more and more to appeal to collectors and those consumers with more time of their hands and money to burn. Known as pop stores in the US and pop-up shops in the UK; pop-up retail is big business. The venue is usually a vacant space which is used as a temporary shop front. The idea is make customers feel special and privileged to have found ‘the event.’ Often news of a pop-up is broadcast through the internet to create a collectors buzz. Pop-up retail has been used to sell discounted wares like books but has become more and more popular retailing specialist shoes and other apparel. One reason for the popularity of Pop-Up Retail is the escalating rents shop keepers need to pay particularly in shopping malls. A wealth of significant empty-space in city centres gives opportunity for both entrepreneurs and big brands to retail their goods without the overheads of a five-year lease. Even Gucci are opening temporary pop-up shops (called Gucci Icon-Temporary) in seven cities around the world (Miami Beach, New York City, London, Berlin, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo). One major drawback with Pop-ups is return policies are often much stricter. When a temporary store is part of a chain however you can usually return an item to another location but one-time operations do mean consumer beware.

Pink adidas

A popular choice for soccer girls this October, which is National breast cancer awareness month, is to use the mi adidas ‘customise your F.50s’ and make pink-coloured adidas F50s. Way to go.

Jerome Rousseau's Quorra at a pop-up shop near you

“Tron,” Disney have collaborated with Canadian shoe designer Jerome Rousseau to create a fashion shoe called Quorra. The ankle-strap 5” platform is made of pewter-coloured leather treated with a metallic coating and is named after the movie’s (Tron: Legacy) female lead, Quorra. Rousseau apparently wanted the design to reflect the movie without looking like it belonged in the heart of a video game. The shoe will retail for $795 at a special Tron Pop-Up shop to be set up in Los Angeles, and should also be available at select retailers come February 2011. The movie is released on December 17th.

Puma and the clever little bag

Puma has announced an end to its use of shoeboxes and introduced the "Clever Little Bag." The German company spent 21 months developing a more sustainable alternative to the traditional storage box. It uses 65% less paper and will save the trainers maker 8,500 tonnes of paper a year. Shoes are wrapped protected by cardboard frames then fitted into reusable bags with handles.

Chinese footwear workers : Keep on running

Exports of Chinese made sport shoes are picking up but local companies are struggling to complete existing orders due to a scarcity of manpower. The centre for sport shoe production in China is around the provinces of Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang and Shandong but many plant workers have moved away and migrant workers are reluctant to relocate to these regions. Better working conditions have encouraged the workforce to stay inland where living expenses are lower. Chinese plant works will normally spend half their salary on basic needs and younger people prefer sectors that offer better wages, benefits and working conditions. The new generation of employees is also looking for the opportunities to travel, study, socialize and raise a family. The conditions at footwear plants are less attractive than other industrial sectors with workers having to work long hours in either very hot or extremely cold conditions.

Shoe Exhibition in Danville, Illinois

The Alley Gallery in Danville, Illinois is hosting an eclectic exhibition about shoes entitled “The Shoe Show.” Local artists were invited to create pieces for the exhibition and member s of the public can purchase the original works. The exhibition also includes a history of the building at 113 N. Vermilion St. during its years as Mosser Shoe Store.

Reading Feet

No one ever feels neutral about their feet and any enquiry, no matter how cursory, meets with a life story (even Sir Cliff Richard). To the trained observer feet can open a window to the soul. Well that is what Jane Sheehan the UK's leading Foot Reader and author of 'Let's Read Our Feet!' and 'The Foot Reading Coach,' thinks. Sheehan is a successful reflexologist and promotes foot reading as part of her therapy treatments. In ‘Let's read our feet!’ the author introduces the reader to the fascinating secrets of the feet (corns, calluses and warts et al.) and what they say about your emotions and personality. Known as foot reading the approach is now being adapted into alternative therapy. In “The Foot Reading Coach” she shares her perspectives to help others understand their feet better and help with personal development. Jane Sheehan offers foot-reading parties and will read your feet if you send her a photograph of your plates of meat.
The mysteries of the metatarsals have long held fascination. Sole divination or solestry held great interest to the ancient Chinese and at least one Emperor commissioned a massive collection of encyclopaedia which consisted of 5,020 volumes. Donna Sozio is a soleogist and in her book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers: What His Shoes Really Say About His True Love Potential shares her insights on the psychosocial/psychosexual aspects of shoe design to help women read better men’s personality. As Dr. Sole, she used to answer questions in her weekly web column Ask Dr. Sole .
Imre Somogyi is the president of the Foundation for Fundamental Dactylogical Reading (FuDaRe) and believes the shape and position of toes reveal a person’s personality. In 1991he wrote “Reading Toes” which forms a guide to the analysis of personality and behaviour, by reading toe shapes and positions. According to Somogyi reading toes also helps detect physical blockages and energy patterns. Imre has also co-authored “Reading Baby Toes: What Your Baby’s Toes Know That You Don’t ,” with his wife Margriet and in the book they apply toe reading to children. Ducom Consultancies is a Dutch softeware firm which in collaboration with the Fundamental Dactylogical Reading (FuDaRe ) foundation have developed a demonstration computer program to help read toes. You can also send photographs of your feet for reading to fudare@wanadoo.fr

Miniature Shoe – is it a sign?

Giving miniature shoes is an age old custom. In antiquity funereal jars were made in the shape of boots and were kept as keep-sakes in memory of the dearly departed.

By the late 18th century in England, Prince Frederick Augustus (Duke of York) got engaged to Frederica Charlotte Ulrica Catherina (1767-1820). The lady had dainty feet which captivated the Prince who wanted her to have special bridal shoes. The royal shoe maker was consulted and six new pairs of tiny shoes were promptly made. At the time newspapers were unable to comment upon the beauty of the royal person so instead heaped praised upon the charm of her "neatness" and petite shoes. Frederica was no raving beauty and had rotting teeth by all accounts. However as a result of the media interest copies of her purple leather shoes (13.97 centimetres long), sold in their hundreds and miniature replicas became a must to have. Miniature shoes were made of silver and porcelain and many were used as pin cushions. The popularity of all things oriental saw miniature porcelain lotus shoes as keep sake in many European houses. The gift of a miniature shoe would generally well meaning and the sign of real friendship.

After George du Maurier (1834 – 1896) published the novel Trilby (1894 ) it had enormous success. The story involved an Irish girl who goes to Paris during the Belle Époque. There she falls under the control of Svengali (evil hypnotist). One of Trilby’s eccentricities was to flash her bare feet in public. At the time this was considered as rude as baring bear bosoms or flashing a bare bottom. The popularity of Trilby (novel and play) became international and caused public riots whereever the play was performed (because of the barefoot flashing). This caused the fashion for foot and shoe shaped objects such as snuff containers and hip flasks to become a gentleman’s must have accessory. By this time the miniature shoes had taken on a more risqué meaning. Miniature tight laced ladies boots or even a full leg were also popular. Foot shaped sausages and ice creams became a real novelty which attracted much attention among those familiar with the book and play. It is reasonable to assume the same population were familiar with Freud’s Castration Theory.

The tradition of giving a shoe to mark the completion of a business deal dates to Biblical times and supplies the origin to the custom of the bride’s father passing a shoe of his daughter to the groom. This marks the exchange of fiscal responsibility. In the past brides were considered property. Today the custom is still followed more usually in the form of a miniature shoe . As gifts these are good luck charms.

Finally there is a superstition to not give shoes to friends at Christmas time. The belief is the friend would walk away from you. The origins are unknown but in less enlightened times it was understood whatever station you were born into was your destiny and helping people rise above this was not the right thing to do. The belief may have come from the wealthy classes who lived in abject fear of being overtaken by the lower classes.

High heels and Evolution: Viva la difference

According to scientists one of the key differences between males and females is women have the ability to adjust their centre of gravity due to anatomical differences in their lower back vertebrae and hip. Harvard anthropology researches discovered the lower lumbar vertebrae in women are wedged-shaped whereas in men it is squarer. The female hip joint is also 14 percent larger than men when body size is taken into account. These slight but important differences make significant impact on a woman’s ability to carry an additional and growing load without adversely affecting the spine. Close examination of fossil records of human ancestors dating back to the oldest spines found (carbon dated to over 2 million years ago) confirm the gender difference. According to the Harvard researchers bipeds evolved to accommodate pregnancy on two feet which is just as well because otherwise wearing high heels might cause irreparable back damage.

Australian Podiatry Council Foot Health Month 2010

The Australian Podiatry Council has extended their annual promotion for healthy feet to a month long event. October is now Foot Health Month downunder and the main focus for this year is walking. Apparently Hippocrates wisely coined the phrase “Walking is the best medicine.” Hippocrates was a champion of the feet and is credited with the recognition the treatment of corns and calluses was only possible by physically reducing the hard skin (keratin) followed by removal of the cause. The wise old Greek invented skin scrapers for the sole purpose (excuse the terrible pun) which eventually evolved into surgical scalpels. Certainly a comfortable walk is not possible with painful corns and calluses and hence the role of podiatry. Despite the obvious health benefits of taking 30 minutes of excercise you might be surprised to learn walking is not as natural it appears. As bi-peds (two foot beings) we need to learn how to walk. Deportment or gait patterns are social conventions which change through the centuries but walking first recorded footsteps 3.5 million years ago has not changed. The origins of bipedal stance still remains a baffling subject with some anthropologists and biologist convinced our ancestors learned to walk on two feet whilst living in trees. Others remain less convinced. Walking on two legs is a basic human characteristic and we remain the only living species to copulate face to face standing on our two feet. Freud believed our soft round wobbly bits were determined by walking on two feet.

Walking and running are quite different but involve a stance phase and a swing phase. When walking, the stance phase (ground contact) accounts for 60% of a gait cycle followed by 40% swing (through). Up to middle distance running the cycle remains more or less the same but in running stance phase is reduced markedly as the swing phase increases and the time spent in dual support is reduced. Different musculature is necessary to run as opposed to walk and now researchers are hypothesising it took a few million more years for the running physique to evolve. They believe it was running, not walking, which forged the naughty bits. The development of the human foot predates the development of the human brain and gave early bipods a platform for lateral weight bearing and leverage for propulsion. To date no one is clear why this happened. However back to Foot Health Month and walking. Research shows people are more likely to keep walking, if they walk in company. The A Pod C promotion encourages people to visit the National Heart Foundation website and follow the links to walking.

Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations: Interactive

At the Museum L-A , Bates Mill Complex Lewiston, Maine is the exhibition “Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations,” which elebrates Lewiston and Auburn’s history in shoemaking. The display which documents the history of shoemaking in the twin cities since 1824 includes a photo collage titled “The Many Faces of Shoemaking” featuring workers in Lewiston-Auburn’s shoe industry both past and present. Also on display are 52 framed portraits taken by Mark Silber. These highlight local shoeworkers and are combined with an oral histories recorded by Andrea L’Hommedieu. Auburn was one of the largest US producers of shoes at one time. Through photos and text visitors can learn the steps of making a shoe, welt-boot making, and about the “cottage industry” of shoemaking at home. Opportunities to interact on line are available and there is a hands-on area to explore the experience of selling shoes in the late nineteenth century. Inspiration for the exhibition came from Lewiston’s Adrien Jalbert who in the last century designed intricate machinery for shoe manufacture, the organisers have included a Young Inventors Contest to encourage locals to follow the same tradition. One of the popular souvenirs from the exhibition is a shoe last with an inscribed tag that will become part of one of the art installations. All proceeds go to fund exhibit-related programs and workshops. “Portraits & Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations,” runs until June 2011.

Chicken legs leather: New fad

Shoe designer Rohan Arora has paid tribute to Hindi songs and films by producing a unique winter footwear collection with hand painted Bollywood actors and film posters. The designer showcased the collection of 16 pairs recently at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). The artwork was done by original artists all of whom are no longer involved in the film industry as the tradition has become passé. One other unique feature of the new collection is the designer used exotic poulard or chicken legs leather.

Shoe find in old house

In Snowdonia Wales, building contractors working on the external walls of a 400 year old cottage in Nant Gwynant, recently discovered nearly 100 single shoes hidden beneath the fireplace of a chimney stack. Concealed shoes are typically well worn and often found as single shoes. According to a widely held superstition a worn shoe was a manifestation of its owner and had the power to guard against evil forces. The house built during the 17th century is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Nant Gwynant. Experts believe the find could form “the largest collection of concealed footwear ever discovered in the UK. There are over 1,000 recorded concealed shoes which have been found in the UK and the earliest dates back to the 14th century. Unfortunately there are no contemporary references to concealing shoes such as in diaries etc., and many believe to communicate this would risk the Evil Eye and undo its power. A collection of 100 concealed shoes is kept at the Northampton Museum where an index is kept to record all UK finds.

This winter Sock it to Homelessness

Spare a thought this October for helping the homeless. When the colder weather comes many people living rough face severe pain and discomfort caused by exposure to cold. Being near a heat source such as an open fire can further complicate already damaged tissues especially if the extremities are thawed then refrozen. Something as simple as wearing two pairs of dry socks can frost nip and in severe conditions frost bite. Throughout the world there are many charities and volunteer groups which collect and distribute clothing including socks to the homeless. In Seattle, Operation Nightwatch hosts "Sock It to Homelessness" every October. This is an annual sock drive where community groups, churches, youth groups, and concerned citizens are invited to donate new socks to the cause. As a novelty the gifted hose are rolled into balls before being distributed to homeless people. In 2009, they collected more than 25,000 pairs of socks. Sock it to the homeless 2010 commences on Sunday 10th October. This also marks World Homeless Day

The Joy of Sox is based in Philadelphia and is an another organization committed to raise funds from individuals, companies and foundations to buy socks for the homeless. They too conduct sock drives to collect funds and socks from the community. All the socks donated and purchased are given to homeless people attending soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Comfort Socks is a 501(c)3 public charity that also provides new socks to homeless shelters, all across the United States.

Other agencies such as National Project Homelessencourage volunteers to help the homeless with housing, services, food and clothing. Socks can be donated to Project Home or The Interfaith Hospitality Network .

In Central London the Sock Mob are a group of volunteers who regularly give out socks to the homeless.

In November, Topman stores across the UK and Ireland launch a new promotion with a limited edition of Topman Crisis Charity socks. The socks retail at £4 with 100% of the proceeds going direct to Crisis. These limited edition socks make a perfect Christmas stocking filler. Topman will also donate a winter wool hat to all visitors passing through the Crisis Open Christmas Centre in London and Newcastle.

More information
Sock it to homelessness call (206) 323 4359 or email: ann@seattlenightwatch.org
Joy of Sox
Comfort Socks contact: mindless.chatter@hotmail.com or visit comfortsocks.blogspot.com