This is an article by Desiree Stimpert from About.com : Shoes ...
Some people believe that the more expensive a pair of shoes is, the better it must be. But are expensive or designer shoes worth the extra money?
Sometimes, but not always.
There are several factors that contribute to the price of a pair of shoes.
The materials used play a big role in the final price of any product. Specialty leathers and exotic skins are far more expensive than a basic black leather, and Swarovski crystals cost much more than simple rhinestones. But there are other, less tangible, factors in pricing as well.
Creating a quality and comfortable shoe takes research, time and effort -- and manufacturing costs and methods can vary greatly. Some popular brands use hand-crafting techniques that are paid for every time a pair of shoes is made, instead of using underpaid labor or machines that are paid off after the first few lines are released.
And the concept for many people to wrap their heads around is that talent costs money. When you see a pair of shoes that you're just dying to have, there's a talented designer behind them. Their time, creativity, and ability to create a unique design is as billable as an accountant's skill with taxes.
All of these things cost money, so a high quality shoe will likely be more expensive than a flip-flop made in your neighbor's garage from a hunk of rubber with two rubber bands for straps.
But that doesn't necessarily mean that a $300 pair of shoes is substantially better or more comfortable than an $80 pair of shoes. Sometimes designer and brand labels cost more, simply because the consumer will pay it.
The best way to determine which shoes are worth the extra money is to try the shoes on for yourself, and rely on the opinions of friends and experts that you trust.
Manolo Mens
Manolo Blahnik has revealed he is launching his first range of men's shoes early next year.
Manolo Blahnik first shot to fame when his shoes featured in Sex and the City and he was honoured with a CBE for his services to fashion just a few weeks ago.
The shoe design legend is using his year's of expertise designing luxury shoes for women to create a new range for men.
The new six piece collection goes on sale in February and features bright blue and red brogues and a rather adventurous pair of leopard print sandals.
"It's not a big collection," the designer told vogue. "There are some simple sandals in beautiful materials, and a few classics - with a twist. I thought it was time to bring back some colour into the male wardrobe."
Over Analysis - Stinky Feet
DESIGNERS in the UK think they have found a cool solution to stamp out smelly feet - air-conditioned shoes.
A new range of men's shoes with in-built mini air-con units has hit the market, reported The Daily Telegraph.
Air is sucked in through tiny holes in the laces and sole. It is then circulated around the foot. A pump under the heel pushes the air out through the sole when the wearer steps forward.
The system provides a constant cool wind-stream around the foot which could prevent moisture and bacteria from building up between the toes and causing fungal infections and athletes' foot, say its makers.
Created by podiatrists for US innovation company Gadget Universe, the £30 ($89) Breezewalk shoes are available at a variety of online shops.
Gadget Universe spokesman
Greg Schwartz told The Daily Mail: 'It is like having an air-conditioning unit in your shoes. I believe they are the first shoes to have this.'
He added that women's designs may be produced soon.
Mike O'Neill, a podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the London-based Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, is confident that Breezewalk Shoes will cut down odour.
'Any shoe that helps keep the foot well-ventilated will help combat foot odour,' he said.
Rather than turning your shoes into air-conditioning units that "could" prevent foot odour, why not stop foot odour all together? There is a much simpler, more natural, easy way...and it works with all the shoes you already have.
The answer is natural silver (ag+). Silver kills the bacteria and fungi that cause smelly odours. Vein Wear produces an anti-mocrobial sock that is sewn with genuine silver. The socks stop foot odour and you can use them with any shoes you like. Not just shoes with in-built air-conditioning units ;)
If you'd like to try a pair, drop me an email. chris@veinwear.com
A new range of men's shoes with in-built mini air-con units has hit the market, reported The Daily Telegraph.
Air is sucked in through tiny holes in the laces and sole. It is then circulated around the foot. A pump under the heel pushes the air out through the sole when the wearer steps forward.
The system provides a constant cool wind-stream around the foot which could prevent moisture and bacteria from building up between the toes and causing fungal infections and athletes' foot, say its makers.
Created by podiatrists for US innovation company Gadget Universe, the £30 ($89) Breezewalk shoes are available at a variety of online shops.
Gadget Universe spokesman
Greg Schwartz told The Daily Mail: 'It is like having an air-conditioning unit in your shoes. I believe they are the first shoes to have this.'
He added that women's designs may be produced soon.
Mike O'Neill, a podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the London-based Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, is confident that Breezewalk Shoes will cut down odour.
'Any shoe that helps keep the foot well-ventilated will help combat foot odour,' he said.
Rather than turning your shoes into air-conditioning units that "could" prevent foot odour, why not stop foot odour all together? There is a much simpler, more natural, easy way...and it works with all the shoes you already have.
The answer is natural silver (ag+). Silver kills the bacteria and fungi that cause smelly odours. Vein Wear produces an anti-mocrobial sock that is sewn with genuine silver. The socks stop foot odour and you can use them with any shoes you like. Not just shoes with in-built air-conditioning units ;)
If you'd like to try a pair, drop me an email. chris@veinwear.com
Work Place Health and Safety Shoes
Article from Lost at E Minor by Zolton Zavos, Zac Zavos, and Andy Howard.
It's hard not to sigh at another vector face or skull and diamond combo. I'm guilty of skull overindulgence myself. But Six Letter Word - aka illustrator, Diogo Potes - balances skulls with other macabre themes to create art that actually looks fresh and interesting. His use of random fragmented shapes and delicate lifework add dimension and individuality to topics that could easily be overdone. My favorite piece is his bloody customized Vans, which are pure genius - albeit not particularly wearable.
Men's Heels
Article from: http://hotalingnbuwgchrbex.blogspot.com/
Men In High Heels
While the idea of men in high heels makes most of us cringe or even laugh right aloud, high heels for men are actually in! While most men don't wear high heels that are made for women, more and more men's shoes are being made with a heel, and technically they are high heels! While some men may choose to wear high heels that are made for women, the majority of men don't, but they are still indulging in the high-heeled look that has been appealing to women for years! Men in high heels may be something that makes most of us gasp, but it is becoming more and more common, just look at the feet of the men in your life!
Men in high heels are becoming more common because shoes are becoming important now, even for men. Your average, every day Joe now cares what his shoes look like so much that he will go to a special store and drop more money than he did on his Nike Jordan's in the 1980s. Shoes are in for men, because most men are learning that shoes are part of the overall look, something women have known for years. Style is becoming more and more important, and shoes are a big part of style now, even for men so the high heel rules for both men and women right now.
Because there is this new awareness on the part of men about their shoes, men in high heels simply seem natural. Therefore, they are not stilettos but they are higher heels then men have been wearing in recent history. Dress shoes with a thicker heal, men's shoes with a thicker sole, boots with higher heels and soles, as well as casual boots with a substantial heel are all very popular in men's shoes right now. Of course, these men's high heels don't look feminine at all and because the look is so popular most men don't even notice that the hell is higher than they have been in their shoes in the past. What men do know about these high heels is that they look good with all of their clothes.
We're seeing men in high heels everywhere! Men are wearing these newer high-heeled shoes to the clubs, to work, casually on their days off of work, even to church. The style right now is just the high heel and the chunky sole, so these shoes can be seen just about everywhere that you can think of. The reason that they are being seen so often is that the high-heeled look is very versatile so that men can wear them with business attire, business causal attire, and even casual wear so it does not seem to matter what he is wearing, a man can wear his high-heeled shoes.
This men in high heels phase has been growing over the last several years, but the fashion trend seems to have peaked and is very popular right now. Even the most traditional men are finding these higher heels very sharp looking, so you'll see men in just about every age group taking part in this fashion. It doesn't seem to matter how old or young a man is or what he does for a living, he'll buy the shoes that look good. Many men also feel as though the higher heels are very comfortable, so much so that they wouldn't go back to the lower heels if they were given the chance. The chunkier sole often gives more cushion, especially in the better-made shoes.
Clark Hunter
Men In High Heels
While the idea of men in high heels makes most of us cringe or even laugh right aloud, high heels for men are actually in! While most men don't wear high heels that are made for women, more and more men's shoes are being made with a heel, and technically they are high heels! While some men may choose to wear high heels that are made for women, the majority of men don't, but they are still indulging in the high-heeled look that has been appealing to women for years! Men in high heels may be something that makes most of us gasp, but it is becoming more and more common, just look at the feet of the men in your life!
Men in high heels are becoming more common because shoes are becoming important now, even for men. Your average, every day Joe now cares what his shoes look like so much that he will go to a special store and drop more money than he did on his Nike Jordan's in the 1980s. Shoes are in for men, because most men are learning that shoes are part of the overall look, something women have known for years. Style is becoming more and more important, and shoes are a big part of style now, even for men so the high heel rules for both men and women right now.
Because there is this new awareness on the part of men about their shoes, men in high heels simply seem natural. Therefore, they are not stilettos but they are higher heels then men have been wearing in recent history. Dress shoes with a thicker heal, men's shoes with a thicker sole, boots with higher heels and soles, as well as casual boots with a substantial heel are all very popular in men's shoes right now. Of course, these men's high heels don't look feminine at all and because the look is so popular most men don't even notice that the hell is higher than they have been in their shoes in the past. What men do know about these high heels is that they look good with all of their clothes.
We're seeing men in high heels everywhere! Men are wearing these newer high-heeled shoes to the clubs, to work, casually on their days off of work, even to church. The style right now is just the high heel and the chunky sole, so these shoes can be seen just about everywhere that you can think of. The reason that they are being seen so often is that the high-heeled look is very versatile so that men can wear them with business attire, business causal attire, and even casual wear so it does not seem to matter what he is wearing, a man can wear his high-heeled shoes.
This men in high heels phase has been growing over the last several years, but the fashion trend seems to have peaked and is very popular right now. Even the most traditional men are finding these higher heels very sharp looking, so you'll see men in just about every age group taking part in this fashion. It doesn't seem to matter how old or young a man is or what he does for a living, he'll buy the shoes that look good. Many men also feel as though the higher heels are very comfortable, so much so that they wouldn't go back to the lower heels if they were given the chance. The chunkier sole often gives more cushion, especially in the better-made shoes.
Clark Hunter
Trimapee & Vein @ Motorola Melbourne Fashion Festival
Trimapee showed their latest collection at a beautiful church for this season's Motorola Melbourne Fashion Festival. Vein Wear is their formal shoe of choice. Check out Trimapee at http://www.trimapee.com/.
Subfusco & Vein Wear @ MBFF
Clothes by Subfusco's Joshua. Shoes by Vein's Christopher. At Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival (MBFF).
Red Cordial & Vein @ Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival
Clothes by Red Cordial's Zina. Shoes by Vein Wear's Christopher.
The Dark Pleasures
Photos by James Goss. Styling by Tanja Mrnjaus. Men's clothing by Subfusco. Shoes by Vein.
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