Shoe shop toe to toe with rival over name
Published Date: 29 May 2011
By Bill Magee
http://www.scotsman.com/news/Shoe-shop-toe-to-toe.6776127.jp
A FAMOUS retailer with a 30-year pedigree of selling footwear to the nation is threatening to take a small chain of designer shoe stores to court in a row over the use of similar names.
In an episode being dubbed "Shoe Wars", Schuh, which opened in Edinburgh in 1981, says it will take legal action against Dumfries-based Shhh if it goes ahead with its plans to roll out its shops with its intended title over the next few months.
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Shoe shop toe to toe with rival over name
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Published Date: 29 May 2011
By Bill Magee
A FAMOUS retailer with a 30-year pedigree of selling footwear to the nation is threatening to take a small chain of designer shoe stores to court in a row over the use of similar names.
In an episode being dubbed "Shoe Wars", Schuh, which opened in Edinburgh in 1981, says it will take legal action against Dumfries-based Shhh if it goes ahead with its plans to roll out its shops with its intended title over the next few months.
Entrepreneur Steven Moffat, who previously specialised in web-based retailing, is planning to open a chain of designer shoe shops in eight British cities from the summer. The first is intended to open in Edinburgh in August but Moffat has now received a strongly worded letter from Murgitroyd and Company, a Glasgow-based firm of trademark attorneys.
The letter claims the trademark Shhh "is similar to our client's well-known mark Schuh, and is to be used in relation to the supply of identical services, leading to a likelihood of confusion on the part of the general public".
It adds that Schuh, which has 59 stores in the UK and Ireland, is the proprietor of several trademarks bearing its name. But Moffat, who claims he is both upset and saddened by Schuh's move, says he is not backing down.
"As I understand it I've to give written undertakings to not supply services under the Shhh… banner and I'm being given 14 days' notice to withdraw it or else they state they reserve the right to take action without further notice," he said.
"We're a luxury shoe boutique, Schuh is a volume retailer. I just don't see the possible confusion. To say that our clients are going to mistake Shhh… pronounced 'Shhh' for Schuh, pronounced 'shoe' - is ridiculous. We're simply just not the same. In fact Scholl and Schuh are much closer and their brand points are much more closely aligned."
Moffat added that his chain will sell only high-end designer shoes in a different retail environment to an average high-street outlet.
"A shot across my bow like this was the last thing I expected or needed," he said. "I've always held Colin Temple (Schuh's chief executive] up as an idol of mine in business and I admire what he has achieved in the footwear industry.
"I respect the brand and the Schuh story is a great story on an ailing high street."
Schuh is not backing down either. A spokesman said: "At Schuh, we are committed to protecting the integrity of our trademarks.
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Shoe shop toe to toe with rival over name
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Published Date: 29 May 2011
By Bill Magee
We do this to ensure that our trademarks perform their essential function, which is to guarantee the trade origin of our goods and services and, in so doing, to protect our consumers."
Following the opening in Edinburgh, Moffat says he will forge ahead with plans to open his first "designer shoe experience" in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.
He is a long way behind the well-established Schuh, which from modest beginnings now has a flagship shop in London's Oxford Street, along with a presence elsewhere in Europe.
Its first store opened in Edinburgh's North Bridge Arcade in 1981 and it expanded to Glasgow two years later before building up a nationwide empire.
Schuh moved its headquarters to Livingston in 1991, where last year it opened a store in the town's main shopping centre. In 2010 it also won Best Multichannel Retailer at the Draper's Etail awards, Footwear Etailer of the Year and Multiple Footwear Retailer of the Year.
Moffat intends to concentrate at the designer end of the market, offering brands including Chrissie Morris, Natacha Marro and Kat Maconie. "I see only opportunity on the high street," he said. "Historically, during any depression or downturn is exactly when to push for growth, and the age old story of spotting a gap in the market - no matter how thin - will always hold true."
Moffat, founder of Dumfries-based Huan, has to date concentrated on internet-based shopping websites, including Hip Furniture, which he shortly plans to expand to the US.
The Shhh project would fill a gap in Huan's portfolio, he said, as his e-commerce group had no luxury brands. "Fourteen or more years ago I was so excited about the possibilities of the internet.
"I now see the same possibilities for the future of the High Street."
MY THOUGHTS
What's in a name? A lot, apparently.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
High heel are not all that good after all
ANI | May 23, 2011, 01.10pm IST
A study has revealed that wearing high heel shoes with small toe box can lead to various foot problems.
According to a recent study, 39 per cent of women said that they wear high heels every day, and 75 per cent of those women say that they experience regular shoe-related foot pain and suffer from bunions, arthritic big toes, calluses, hammertoes, and plantar warts.
"Many women wear shoes to work every day that look great but they are simply too small," said Dr. Pedro Cosculluela, an orthopedic surgeon with The Methodist Hospital in Houston.
"The biggest problems we encounter are related to the height of the heel and/or the narrowness of the toe box," he added.
The narrow toe box makes it hard for many women to properly fit their entire foot into the shoe. This poor fit can lead to toe deformities in many women. These include bunions, hammertoes, and calluses.
"As the deformity worsens, the big toe loses its ability to properly carry the load, which can lead to increase pressure along two through five. This can, in turn, lead to pain and cause hammertoes and cross-over toe deformities," said Cosculluela.
"This, and other foot problems women experience because of poor shoe wear, do not happen overnight. It's a gradual process that can happen over a period of years," added Cosculluela.
Cosculluela adds that the frequent use of high heels is associated with the development of tight calf muscles. This can lead other painful foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and Achilles tendonitis.
MY THOUGHTS
I've given them up - those high heels that put too much pressure on my feet and my legs.
ANI | May 23, 2011, 01.10pm IST
A study has revealed that wearing high heel shoes with small toe box can lead to various foot problems.
According to a recent study, 39 per cent of women said that they wear high heels every day, and 75 per cent of those women say that they experience regular shoe-related foot pain and suffer from bunions, arthritic big toes, calluses, hammertoes, and plantar warts.
"Many women wear shoes to work every day that look great but they are simply too small," said Dr. Pedro Cosculluela, an orthopedic surgeon with The Methodist Hospital in Houston.
"The biggest problems we encounter are related to the height of the heel and/or the narrowness of the toe box," he added.
The narrow toe box makes it hard for many women to properly fit their entire foot into the shoe. This poor fit can lead to toe deformities in many women. These include bunions, hammertoes, and calluses.
"As the deformity worsens, the big toe loses its ability to properly carry the load, which can lead to increase pressure along two through five. This can, in turn, lead to pain and cause hammertoes and cross-over toe deformities," said Cosculluela.
"This, and other foot problems women experience because of poor shoe wear, do not happen overnight. It's a gradual process that can happen over a period of years," added Cosculluela.
Cosculluela adds that the frequent use of high heels is associated with the development of tight calf muscles. This can lead other painful foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and Achilles tendonitis.
MY THOUGHTS
I've given them up - those high heels that put too much pressure on my feet and my legs.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lady Gaga Wearing Shoes with Male Genitalia Shaped Heels
Lady Gaga Wearing Shoes with Male Genitalia Shaped Heels on American Idol
Posted by Bruce Foster on May 15, 2011
The controversial American singer wore shoes with heels in the shape of the male anatomy on the “American Idol” show – one of the most watched television program in the United States.
The original singer shocked the producers of the television show when she showed up on the movie set where she took part in the recording of a special clip, in which she was supposed to discuss with the four finalists, wearing platforms with plastic heels shaped like Phallus.
The producers censored out the heels of her shoes covering them with the American Idol logo, whenever they showed up in the picture.
According to the website TMZ.com, Lady Gaga bought this special shoes from the British brand stores “Void of Course” for $4,500.
Although the shoes were not depicted for the viewers of the show, Lady Gaga still managed to shock once more by showing contestant James Durbin how to move his hips while they danced and she climbed on his back. Also, Christian McCreery, the country music singer, blushed when Lady Gaga suggested him to treat the microphone on stage as if it were his girlfriend.
MY THOUGHT
So, would you worry if your kid is gaga over Lady Gaga?
Posted by Bruce Foster on May 15, 2011
The controversial American singer wore shoes with heels in the shape of the male anatomy on the “American Idol” show – one of the most watched television program in the United States.
The original singer shocked the producers of the television show when she showed up on the movie set where she took part in the recording of a special clip, in which she was supposed to discuss with the four finalists, wearing platforms with plastic heels shaped like Phallus.
The producers censored out the heels of her shoes covering them with the American Idol logo, whenever they showed up in the picture.
According to the website TMZ.com, Lady Gaga bought this special shoes from the British brand stores “Void of Course” for $4,500.
Although the shoes were not depicted for the viewers of the show, Lady Gaga still managed to shock once more by showing contestant James Durbin how to move his hips while they danced and she climbed on his back. Also, Christian McCreery, the country music singer, blushed when Lady Gaga suggested him to treat the microphone on stage as if it were his girlfriend.
MY THOUGHT
So, would you worry if your kid is gaga over Lady Gaga?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
PACMAN'S MOM GETS DANCING SHOES
Mommy Dionisia gets early present: dancing shoes
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/14/2011 9:21 PM | Updated as of 05/14/2011 11:50 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Dionisia Pacquiao, mother of pound-for-pound boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, received an early present as she prepared for her lavish 62nd birthday celebration on Sunday.
She received not just one but 3 pairs of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) dancing shoes from her friends who returned home from the US.
“Happy ako na maraming nagmamahal. Excited na ako para sa birthday ko,” said the delighted Mommy D.
She said the gift was perfect timing for her dance performances on Sunday.
“Hindi naman surpised. Nagpaalam na [sila] sa akin kung anong size ng paa ko,” said Mommy D.
She also expects to get her birthday wish from her son, Manny: a Hermés bag worth P1 million.
Mommy D rehearsed almost non-stop with her dance instructor in an attempt to perfect her Argentine Tango.
Organizers were busy decorating the Pacquiao Gym in General Santos City where her birthday celebration was set to take place.
The party will have a tropical summer theme with thousands of fresh flowers.
The “Pacmom” distributed 800 invitations to friends and special guests.
Total cost for the birthday celebration is estimated to reach P1 million. -- With a report from Anne Santos, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN
MY THOUGHTS
Wow! 3 pairs of beautiful YSL shoes? Which one will she wear?
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/14/2011 9:21 PM | Updated as of 05/14/2011 11:50 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Dionisia Pacquiao, mother of pound-for-pound boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, received an early present as she prepared for her lavish 62nd birthday celebration on Sunday.
She received not just one but 3 pairs of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) dancing shoes from her friends who returned home from the US.
“Happy ako na maraming nagmamahal. Excited na ako para sa birthday ko,” said the delighted Mommy D.
She said the gift was perfect timing for her dance performances on Sunday.
“Hindi naman surpised. Nagpaalam na [sila] sa akin kung anong size ng paa ko,” said Mommy D.
She also expects to get her birthday wish from her son, Manny: a Hermés bag worth P1 million.
Mommy D rehearsed almost non-stop with her dance instructor in an attempt to perfect her Argentine Tango.
Organizers were busy decorating the Pacquiao Gym in General Santos City where her birthday celebration was set to take place.
The party will have a tropical summer theme with thousands of fresh flowers.
The “Pacmom” distributed 800 invitations to friends and special guests.
Total cost for the birthday celebration is estimated to reach P1 million. -- With a report from Anne Santos, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN
MY THOUGHTS
Wow! 3 pairs of beautiful YSL shoes? Which one will she wear?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
SHOPPING FOR BEAUTIFUL SUMMER SHOES
How to shop for spring and summer shoe trends
Fashion-Beauty-Fitness
By ARAcontent
Posted: May 6, 2011 | 1:10 a.m.
Updated: May 6, 2011 | 3:20 a.m.
http://www.lvrj.com/sponsored/how-to-shop-for-spring-and-summer-shoe-trends-121376968.html?ref=968
Now that your boots are snuggled securely at the back of your closet, it's time to turn your toes toward shoes for spring and summer. As you start mentally putting together outfits for the season, think of shoes as an easy way to bring current trends into your wardrobe and liven up the items you already have.
Shopping for shoes online gives you far more options than if you just hit the stores. Searching sites that offer designer items at a discount also lets you get runway-fresh trends at more affordable prices. Keep these key trends in mind as you shop for spring and summer shoes:
* Intense color. Bright, saturated hues are everywhere for the spring/summer seasons, both in the form of color blocking and multi-colored stripes. To bring the no-holds-barred color trend to your wardrobe, opt for shoes like raspberry suede strappy heels from Christian Louboutin. Whether you pair them with neutrals for a pop of color or wear them with grass greens, cobalt blues or citron yellows, colorful shoes will keep you on trend.
* Espadrilles. The beachy classic is being reinvented by any number of designers and shoemakers, so there's something to fit every fashionista's taste. Whether you choose a flat version perfect for going to the beach, or something more dramatic, like a platform iteration from Fendi that features grosgrain ribbon to lace around the ankle, you'll find that this classic style can be worn in a multitude of ways.
* Strappy styles. Soaking up the sun is one of the best parts of summer, and the strappy styles that are popping up everywhere let your feet in on the pleasure, too. The trend takes a lot of forms, featuring straps in every shape and size, from bold and wide to slender and demure, as on strappy wedges from Cole Haan. That means that you can adapt it to almost any situation, whether it's a Sunday brunch with Mom or a night on the town with the girls.
* Platform sandals. As long as your shoes take you one step closer to supermodel heights, you'll be guaranteed to be in style this summer. Towering heels are everywhere, and a platform makes it that much easier to wear stratospheric heels. Any number of other trends fit into the platform style - you'll find them in bold colors, as espadrilles, as wedges and embellished with straps.
MY THOUGHTS
I love shopping for beautiful shoes online. Especially when someone else is paying. Kidding aside, what's fun was choosing the shoes while you're 'miles away', as my old friend would describe it. The wonders of technology. Brought a different taste to shopping alone (with someone).
Fashion-Beauty-Fitness
By ARAcontent
Posted: May 6, 2011 | 1:10 a.m.
Updated: May 6, 2011 | 3:20 a.m.
http://www.lvrj.com/sponsored/how-to-shop-for-spring-and-summer-shoe-trends-121376968.html?ref=968
Now that your boots are snuggled securely at the back of your closet, it's time to turn your toes toward shoes for spring and summer. As you start mentally putting together outfits for the season, think of shoes as an easy way to bring current trends into your wardrobe and liven up the items you already have.
Shopping for shoes online gives you far more options than if you just hit the stores. Searching sites that offer designer items at a discount also lets you get runway-fresh trends at more affordable prices. Keep these key trends in mind as you shop for spring and summer shoes:
* Intense color. Bright, saturated hues are everywhere for the spring/summer seasons, both in the form of color blocking and multi-colored stripes. To bring the no-holds-barred color trend to your wardrobe, opt for shoes like raspberry suede strappy heels from Christian Louboutin. Whether you pair them with neutrals for a pop of color or wear them with grass greens, cobalt blues or citron yellows, colorful shoes will keep you on trend.
* Espadrilles. The beachy classic is being reinvented by any number of designers and shoemakers, so there's something to fit every fashionista's taste. Whether you choose a flat version perfect for going to the beach, or something more dramatic, like a platform iteration from Fendi that features grosgrain ribbon to lace around the ankle, you'll find that this classic style can be worn in a multitude of ways.
* Strappy styles. Soaking up the sun is one of the best parts of summer, and the strappy styles that are popping up everywhere let your feet in on the pleasure, too. The trend takes a lot of forms, featuring straps in every shape and size, from bold and wide to slender and demure, as on strappy wedges from Cole Haan. That means that you can adapt it to almost any situation, whether it's a Sunday brunch with Mom or a night on the town with the girls.
* Platform sandals. As long as your shoes take you one step closer to supermodel heights, you'll be guaranteed to be in style this summer. Towering heels are everywhere, and a platform makes it that much easier to wear stratospheric heels. Any number of other trends fit into the platform style - you'll find them in bold colors, as espadrilles, as wedges and embellished with straps.
MY THOUGHTS
I love shopping for beautiful shoes online. Especially when someone else is paying. Kidding aside, what's fun was choosing the shoes while you're 'miles away', as my old friend would describe it. The wonders of technology. Brought a different taste to shopping alone (with someone).
Monday, May 9, 2011
RUNNING WITHOUT BEAUTIFUL SHOES
BAREFOOT RUNNING
http://newstabulous.com/barefoot-running-here-to-stay/11672/
Next time you happen upon a 5- or 10-K race happening in your area, have a look at the runner’s feet. Chances are you’ll see a few folks wearing shoes that look more like socks, and even a few sporting bare feet. What’s this all about?
The barefoot and minimalist running movements are gathering steam in North America and around the world. Their message is simple; human beings were meant to run barefoot; high-tech cushioned running shoes are excessive and we should be weaned off our dependance on them.
Strengthening the barefoot case are new scientific studies emerging from places like Harvard University, a postive article in the New York Times, and minimalist-friendly products being launched like the Nike Free Series and the New Balance Minimus line.
Barefoot advocates encourage runners new to minimalism to reduce their use of conventional running shoes gradually and to adopt a more joint-friendly gait while running. Running in cushioned shoes allows an athlete to strike the ground with their heel first, as opposed to the mid- or front-foot strikes that occur naturally when running sans footwear. This, they put forward, adds up to better form, less injuries, and ultimately higher levels of fitness and agility.
Want to give barefoot a go? Start with a few low-mileage runs and progress slowly, using your body’s indications as guide. More information about transitioning to barefoot running can be found at runbare.com
MY THOUGHTS
I can't picture it. What about the thorns? And broken glasses? Never mind the dirt.
http://newstabulous.com/barefoot-running-here-to-stay/11672/
Next time you happen upon a 5- or 10-K race happening in your area, have a look at the runner’s feet. Chances are you’ll see a few folks wearing shoes that look more like socks, and even a few sporting bare feet. What’s this all about?
The barefoot and minimalist running movements are gathering steam in North America and around the world. Their message is simple; human beings were meant to run barefoot; high-tech cushioned running shoes are excessive and we should be weaned off our dependance on them.
Strengthening the barefoot case are new scientific studies emerging from places like Harvard University, a postive article in the New York Times, and minimalist-friendly products being launched like the Nike Free Series and the New Balance Minimus line.
Barefoot advocates encourage runners new to minimalism to reduce their use of conventional running shoes gradually and to adopt a more joint-friendly gait while running. Running in cushioned shoes allows an athlete to strike the ground with their heel first, as opposed to the mid- or front-foot strikes that occur naturally when running sans footwear. This, they put forward, adds up to better form, less injuries, and ultimately higher levels of fitness and agility.
Want to give barefoot a go? Start with a few low-mileage runs and progress slowly, using your body’s indications as guide. More information about transitioning to barefoot running can be found at runbare.com
MY THOUGHTS
I can't picture it. What about the thorns? And broken glasses? Never mind the dirt.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
14% HIDE BEAUTIFUL SHOES
Shoe shame: 14% of women hide some of their purchases
http://www2.wsls.com/lifestyles/2011/may/08/tdflair03-shoe-shame-14-of-women-hide-some-of-thei-ar-1017408/
By RICHARD MULLINS | Media General News Service
Published: May 08, 2011
Line up seven women, and at least one likely has a covert pair of shoes she bought but didn't tell her significant other about because they cost so much.
But oh, shoe shopping makes many women happier. The average American woman owns at least 17 pairs of shoes, though many women have three times that many.
Such are a few of the shoe insights that ShopSmart magazine found in their survey of 1,009 American women, offering something of a window into the female mind.
We'll get to the nitty-gritty of the stats, but for now, a few women have passionate opinions to share on shoes:
"Shoes are like boys and chocolate, you see a pair somewhere that you like, and you can't stop thinking about them," said Sharon Britton of Tampa, Fla., while opening her closet and guessing she may have three times the average of 17. That puts her in the top 13 percent of shoe fans.
Her latest pair, "These wonderful, golden, glittery, 5-inch Steve Madden formal heels with a zipper up the back. … But I can't pick a favorite, I love Michael Kors, Juicy, Vince Camuto, Mark Nason boots." There are flip-flops, too.
"Shoes never make your butt look big, you don't have to worry about squeezing into them if you've put on a couple of pounds and they can instantly make you feel sexier," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, published by the parent organization of Consumer Reports. "Maybe that's why, despite the economy, we're still buying shoes."
If you're wondering how many black shoes a woman needs, Karen Whetsell has a few around.
"Oh my God, I love shoes, I probably have 20 pairs of just black shoes," Whetsell said. "Buying a new pair of shoes, ah, it always makes you feel better." Whetsell's daughter Savannah chimed in, saying, "I bought this whole outfit, and the shoes, just when I went out for retail therapy."
Now for some shoe insights:
•More than half of women own more than 10 pairs, and 13 percent have more than 30 pairs. That's not including athletic shoes.
•Women typically buy three pairs a year, and on average spend $49 per pair, but, nearly one-third have spent more than $100 on a pair.
•Almost unheard of even five years ago, online shoe shopping is now a "national obsession," with a third of women regular online shoe buyers. Zappos.com says some of their top customers "spend well over $10,000 annually."
•About one in five women go shoe shopping to cheer themselves up.
•Although 86 percent of women say they tell their significant other about shoe purchases, 14 percent admit to "hiding at least one purchase."
As for the types of shoes women buy, most prefer low-rises, but occasionally go for height. Almost 40 percent say flats are their favorite; 8 percent wear heels more than 2½ inches high on a regular basis; and one quarter of women wear 4-inch heels for a special occasion.
About half of women bought an "ugly" pair for comfort, but more women are willing to withstand pain for fashion: 60 percent versus 49 percent in 2007, and six in 10 women carry a backup pair to change into after a party or event.
That fashion can inflict a physical price, too. About half of women have shoe-related blisters, sprains or even broken bones, and one in three had "an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes" and one in four said they have had a fall.
Richard Mullins is a staff writer at The Tampa Tribune in Florida.
MY THOUGHTS
What is it with shoes anyway?
http://www2.wsls.com/lifestyles/2011/may/08/tdflair03-shoe-shame-14-of-women-hide-some-of-thei-ar-1017408/
By RICHARD MULLINS | Media General News Service
Published: May 08, 2011
Line up seven women, and at least one likely has a covert pair of shoes she bought but didn't tell her significant other about because they cost so much.
But oh, shoe shopping makes many women happier. The average American woman owns at least 17 pairs of shoes, though many women have three times that many.
Such are a few of the shoe insights that ShopSmart magazine found in their survey of 1,009 American women, offering something of a window into the female mind.
We'll get to the nitty-gritty of the stats, but for now, a few women have passionate opinions to share on shoes:
"Shoes are like boys and chocolate, you see a pair somewhere that you like, and you can't stop thinking about them," said Sharon Britton of Tampa, Fla., while opening her closet and guessing she may have three times the average of 17. That puts her in the top 13 percent of shoe fans.
Her latest pair, "These wonderful, golden, glittery, 5-inch Steve Madden formal heels with a zipper up the back. … But I can't pick a favorite, I love Michael Kors, Juicy, Vince Camuto, Mark Nason boots." There are flip-flops, too.
"Shoes never make your butt look big, you don't have to worry about squeezing into them if you've put on a couple of pounds and they can instantly make you feel sexier," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, published by the parent organization of Consumer Reports. "Maybe that's why, despite the economy, we're still buying shoes."
If you're wondering how many black shoes a woman needs, Karen Whetsell has a few around.
"Oh my God, I love shoes, I probably have 20 pairs of just black shoes," Whetsell said. "Buying a new pair of shoes, ah, it always makes you feel better." Whetsell's daughter Savannah chimed in, saying, "I bought this whole outfit, and the shoes, just when I went out for retail therapy."
Now for some shoe insights:
•More than half of women own more than 10 pairs, and 13 percent have more than 30 pairs. That's not including athletic shoes.
•Women typically buy three pairs a year, and on average spend $49 per pair, but, nearly one-third have spent more than $100 on a pair.
•Almost unheard of even five years ago, online shoe shopping is now a "national obsession," with a third of women regular online shoe buyers. Zappos.com says some of their top customers "spend well over $10,000 annually."
•About one in five women go shoe shopping to cheer themselves up.
•Although 86 percent of women say they tell their significant other about shoe purchases, 14 percent admit to "hiding at least one purchase."
As for the types of shoes women buy, most prefer low-rises, but occasionally go for height. Almost 40 percent say flats are their favorite; 8 percent wear heels more than 2½ inches high on a regular basis; and one quarter of women wear 4-inch heels for a special occasion.
About half of women bought an "ugly" pair for comfort, but more women are willing to withstand pain for fashion: 60 percent versus 49 percent in 2007, and six in 10 women carry a backup pair to change into after a party or event.
That fashion can inflict a physical price, too. About half of women have shoe-related blisters, sprains or even broken bones, and one in three had "an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes" and one in four said they have had a fall.
Richard Mullins is a staff writer at The Tampa Tribune in Florida.
MY THOUGHTS
What is it with shoes anyway?
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