Shoe store offers comfort to remain competitive after four decades
By Dwight Dana
Published: October 24, 2010
FLORENCE -- Personal service has been part and parcel of Jack’s Comfort Shoes for 40 years.
Richard Sawyer, 64, and his wife Pat are owners of the independent business. It is located at 1506 Second Loop Road. Sawyer said Jack’s Shoes was founded more than 100 years ago by a Mayesville entrepreneur. Although there were several stores throughout the state, including Columbia, the only other one now is located in Sumter.
Sawyer’s store is not only stocked with shoes, but is also uniquely decorated with a covey of displays Sawyer was sitting up front in an easy chair listening to Christian music when approached by a reporter. Among the hymns playing was a Palm Sunday mainstay, “All Glory, Laud and Honor.”
He was flanked by an old gas stove on the left and an American flag and 1950s rotary push mower on the right. “Comfort is the best investment in shoes today,” he said. “We sell comfortable shoes that are made of high quality material. We have all sizes and widths.”
But Sawyer and his staff go the extra mile for their customers. Sawyer said the combined service of himself, his wife and two other employees represents 115 years. “We measure our customers’ feet so that they can get the right size for the most comfortable fit,” he said. “Although we don’t claim to be a corrective shoe store, we can help people who have problems with their feet.”
And they go out of their way to measure feet. “We use a Brannock Double Measuring device because most problems are caused by improperly fitting shoes,” he said. “It’s about as accurate as you can get.”
And he practices what he preaches. Among his best selling brands are San Antonio Shoe Co. shoes (SAS) and Red Wing. Sawyer was wearing a comfortable pair of San Antonio shoes.
But comfort and measurements aside, what else does Jack’s Comfort Shoes offer? “Our prices are competitive,” he said. “They are less than the factory outlets. Our goal is to keep our prices right and our service superior.” Sawyer’s customers come from throughout the state and up into North Carolina.
MY THOUGHTS
i so welcome that - getting your feet measured. these days, simply giveing out your shoe size doesn't work. somewhere along the way the shoe size standards got all mixed up.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Men Don't Notice If Women Wear High Heels
Relationships Study: Men Don't Notice If Women Wear High Heels
By: Megan Friedman
Topics: attraction, fashion, high heels, Men, relationships, style, Women
What is love worth? It's one of the universal, unanswerable questions we answered for you yesterday (you're welcome by the way). But ladies, here's one revelation about what might not be worth it: Enduring the agony of high heels.
Researchers at Northumbria University have found that men cannot tell whether women are wearing high heels when they walk. (Meanwhile, another survey today shows that 1 in 4 Americans remain "plugged in" to the Internet during sex)
The study is part of a larger investigation in evolutionary psychology, examining the signals men and women send when they walk or dance.
(More on TIME.com: See pictures of a day in the life of a Fashion Week model.)
Why focus on heels? The researchers wanted to know whether the changed posture that comes with high heels — longer legs, accentuated rear and tilted torso — get noticed by men. Turns out, not so much. Think about that next time you pick up a pair of stilettos.
(More on TIME.com: See a video about the hazards of high heels.)
MY THOUGHTS
why would they? they would be on the look out for the legs - doesn't matter what's attached to it.
By: Megan Friedman
Topics: attraction, fashion, high heels, Men, relationships, style, Women
What is love worth? It's one of the universal, unanswerable questions we answered for you yesterday (you're welcome by the way). But ladies, here's one revelation about what might not be worth it: Enduring the agony of high heels.
Researchers at Northumbria University have found that men cannot tell whether women are wearing high heels when they walk. (Meanwhile, another survey today shows that 1 in 4 Americans remain "plugged in" to the Internet during sex)
The study is part of a larger investigation in evolutionary psychology, examining the signals men and women send when they walk or dance.
(More on TIME.com: See pictures of a day in the life of a Fashion Week model.)
Why focus on heels? The researchers wanted to know whether the changed posture that comes with high heels — longer legs, accentuated rear and tilted torso — get noticed by men. Turns out, not so much. Think about that next time you pick up a pair of stilettos.
(More on TIME.com: See a video about the hazards of high heels.)
MY THOUGHTS
why would they? they would be on the look out for the legs - doesn't matter what's attached to it.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Disposable Shoes in Vending Machines
Coming to a Club Near You: Disposable Shoes in a Vending Machine
By: Tara Kelly
Topics: shoes, Women, fashion, Heels, Vending machines, ballerina shoes, flats
Ladies, tired of those painful feet after a night spent tearing up the dance floor and swinging from the chandeliers? Forget that epic barefoot limp home. To soothe those aching soles, nightclubs in Munich, Germany have begun installing vending machines that sell disposable shoes.
German student Isabella Fendt came up with the idea "Ballerina to go" after experiencing one too many nights of sore disco feet herself. Priced at just $10, clubbers get a bag to put their heels in and to match their outfits, the flat ballet shoes come in gold, silver, black and purple. But with a recent study showing men don't notice if women wear heels or not, NewsFeed wonders — why even bother with stilettos in the first place?
(Watch the TIME Video on the Hazards and Power of High Heels)
MY THOUGHTS
i hope someone picks up and do something like this in the phil. i like the idea very much
By: Tara Kelly
Topics: shoes, Women, fashion, Heels, Vending machines, ballerina shoes, flats
Ladies, tired of those painful feet after a night spent tearing up the dance floor and swinging from the chandeliers? Forget that epic barefoot limp home. To soothe those aching soles, nightclubs in Munich, Germany have begun installing vending machines that sell disposable shoes.
German student Isabella Fendt came up with the idea "Ballerina to go" after experiencing one too many nights of sore disco feet herself. Priced at just $10, clubbers get a bag to put their heels in and to match their outfits, the flat ballet shoes come in gold, silver, black and purple. But with a recent study showing men don't notice if women wear heels or not, NewsFeed wonders — why even bother with stilettos in the first place?
(Watch the TIME Video on the Hazards and Power of High Heels)
MY THOUGHTS
i hope someone picks up and do something like this in the phil. i like the idea very much
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Popular shoes can damage women’s feet
Popular shoes can damage women’s feet
For years foot doctors and orthopedists have been chastising women for wearing high heels because of the myriad foot ailments that can result. However, it seems a popular flat shoe can cause a host of foot, back and hip trouble in its own right.
Sheepskin boots that are popular to wear during the year, whether Uggs(R) or the multitude of knock-off brands available, may be unhealthy for your feet, say experts. That’s because the boots and similar shoes and slippers provide virtually no support for the arch of the foot. Individuals who have a low arch to begin with may experience further flattening of the arch and resulting foot trouble.
What’s more, these shoes also do not provide much support around the ankle or any other part of the foot for that matter. The foot is simply able to slide around in the boot. Eventually this lack of support can cause foot pain, which may travel up the legs into the hip and back.
Doctors warn that women, regardless of foot arch, should not wear these boots as their primary shoe source or for long durations of time, especially when doing a lot of walking.
MY THOUGHTS
good thing i'm no boots enthusiast. i love flats though and there's hardly any foot arch. oh, well...
For years foot doctors and orthopedists have been chastising women for wearing high heels because of the myriad foot ailments that can result. However, it seems a popular flat shoe can cause a host of foot, back and hip trouble in its own right.
Sheepskin boots that are popular to wear during the year, whether Uggs(R) or the multitude of knock-off brands available, may be unhealthy for your feet, say experts. That’s because the boots and similar shoes and slippers provide virtually no support for the arch of the foot. Individuals who have a low arch to begin with may experience further flattening of the arch and resulting foot trouble.
What’s more, these shoes also do not provide much support around the ankle or any other part of the foot for that matter. The foot is simply able to slide around in the boot. Eventually this lack of support can cause foot pain, which may travel up the legs into the hip and back.
Doctors warn that women, regardless of foot arch, should not wear these boots as their primary shoe source or for long durations of time, especially when doing a lot of walking.
MY THOUGHTS
good thing i'm no boots enthusiast. i love flats though and there's hardly any foot arch. oh, well...
Friday, October 8, 2010
US woman receives marijuana along with shoe order
US woman receives marijuana along with shoe order
Kansas, Sept 24 (ANI): A free gift along with a pair of shoes ordered online is nothing unusual, but when that gift turns out to be marijuana, it is an entirely different matter.
Buzz up!Betty James, a resident of Kansas City, ordered a pair of sneakers online for one of her children from Finish Line Inc.'s website.
But when she received her pair, she opened the box to find marijuana wrapped in a cigar leaf, known as a blunt, reports kmbc.com.What?!" was her immediate reaction.
James contacted the company, a Finish Line store in Omaha, but hasn't received a reply from them yet. She also called the Kansas City Police Department. Officers who landed at her house confirmed that it was indeed marijuana. The marijuana, the box and the shipping bag were taken by police into evidence. James kept the shoes. (ANI)
MY THOUGHTS
a mystery! imagine finding something like that in a package meant for you.
Kansas, Sept 24 (ANI): A free gift along with a pair of shoes ordered online is nothing unusual, but when that gift turns out to be marijuana, it is an entirely different matter.
Buzz up!Betty James, a resident of Kansas City, ordered a pair of sneakers online for one of her children from Finish Line Inc.'s website.
But when she received her pair, she opened the box to find marijuana wrapped in a cigar leaf, known as a blunt, reports kmbc.com.What?!" was her immediate reaction.
James contacted the company, a Finish Line store in Omaha, but hasn't received a reply from them yet. She also called the Kansas City Police Department. Officers who landed at her house confirmed that it was indeed marijuana. The marijuana, the box and the shipping bag were taken by police into evidence. James kept the shoes. (ANI)
MY THOUGHTS
a mystery! imagine finding something like that in a package meant for you.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Best Shoe Fads Ever
The Best Shoe Fads Ever
Fab footwear that we can't get enough of -- past, present and future!
http://www.ivillage.com/
(Click on the shoes to see the photos)
Boat Shoes
Although many prepsters will claim these flats never went out of style, we're glad boat shoes have made a comeback since their stint in the '90s. We might not be sailing, but these shoes are perfect for casual weekends out.
Jellies
The jelly shoes trend entered the style scene in the '80s. After a hiatus, they're back and cuter than ever!
Gladiators
We first laid our eyes on these trendy sandals a couple of summer seasons ago. At first, many of us were skeptical, but fashionistas and non-fashionistas alike have embraced them, and are wearing them with dresses, shorts and skirts in gold, brown and black tones.
Ballet Flats
Ever since we stepped into them, we were sold! We hope ballet flats are "in" forever because not only are they comfortable, they practically go with everything!
Uggs
They might not be the sleekest, chicest boots around, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in comfort. Even better, these sheepskin boots also keep our feet and shins warm in the winter.
Clogs
We loved clogs in the '90s, and wore them with everything from denim shorts to dressy trousers. They have recently made a comeback, and while some style fiends have yet to hop on board (us included!), we can't deny how pretty some of the new ones are to look at. They have come a long way!
Booties
Where would we be without our ankle booties? They're a great addition to any wardrobe -- doesn't matter the season. We love them so much, they've proven to be our go-to shoes for skinny denim and chic dresses.
Dr. Martens
We first wore "Docs" with our flannel shirts and ripped jeans in the '90s. This time around, we're wearing them with tights and fabulous skinny jeans. They've gone from grunge to chic!
Crocs
Sorry Crocs-wearers! They are kind of ugly. However, they've made our list because they are the most comfortable pair of shoes ever.
Minnetonkas
This Native American-esque comeback shoe is a godsend. Not only are Minnetonkas uber-comfy, they're also adorable to look at.
Oxfords
These style of lace-up flats are back after decades of hiatus. First made popular in Scotland and Ireland, oxfords have made it on many fashionistas' feet.
MY THOUGHTS
shoes - i just love this topic. i have to admit, i never bothered to get myself a pair of crocs. booties and uggs are just not for comfortable wear in temperate countries. i did buy a couple of ankle boots. not a good buy. just not for me.
Fab footwear that we can't get enough of -- past, present and future!
http://www.ivillage.com/
(Click on the shoes to see the photos)
Boat Shoes
Although many prepsters will claim these flats never went out of style, we're glad boat shoes have made a comeback since their stint in the '90s. We might not be sailing, but these shoes are perfect for casual weekends out.
Jellies
The jelly shoes trend entered the style scene in the '80s. After a hiatus, they're back and cuter than ever!
Gladiators
We first laid our eyes on these trendy sandals a couple of summer seasons ago. At first, many of us were skeptical, but fashionistas and non-fashionistas alike have embraced them, and are wearing them with dresses, shorts and skirts in gold, brown and black tones.
Ballet Flats
Ever since we stepped into them, we were sold! We hope ballet flats are "in" forever because not only are they comfortable, they practically go with everything!
Uggs
They might not be the sleekest, chicest boots around, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in comfort. Even better, these sheepskin boots also keep our feet and shins warm in the winter.
Clogs
We loved clogs in the '90s, and wore them with everything from denim shorts to dressy trousers. They have recently made a comeback, and while some style fiends have yet to hop on board (us included!), we can't deny how pretty some of the new ones are to look at. They have come a long way!
Booties
Where would we be without our ankle booties? They're a great addition to any wardrobe -- doesn't matter the season. We love them so much, they've proven to be our go-to shoes for skinny denim and chic dresses.
Dr. Martens
We first wore "Docs" with our flannel shirts and ripped jeans in the '90s. This time around, we're wearing them with tights and fabulous skinny jeans. They've gone from grunge to chic!
Crocs
Sorry Crocs-wearers! They are kind of ugly. However, they've made our list because they are the most comfortable pair of shoes ever.
Minnetonkas
This Native American-esque comeback shoe is a godsend. Not only are Minnetonkas uber-comfy, they're also adorable to look at.
Oxfords
These style of lace-up flats are back after decades of hiatus. First made popular in Scotland and Ireland, oxfords have made it on many fashionistas' feet.
MY THOUGHTS
shoes - i just love this topic. i have to admit, i never bothered to get myself a pair of crocs. booties and uggs are just not for comfortable wear in temperate countries. i did buy a couple of ankle boots. not a good buy. just not for me.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Airport Check-in: Scanner would let fliers keep shoes on at security
Airport Check-in: Scanner would let fliers keep shoes on at security
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
From USA TODAY's Airport Check-in column: A company vying to sell airport shoe scanners has finished its "trial" at Indianapolis International, collecting results from 3,000 travelers who volunteered to try its machine in the lobby.
Morpho Detection says its data-collection experiment, which ended in late July, showed its scanner can process more than 300 customers an hour. Travelers still had to remove their shoes at the airport's security checkpoints.
Morpho says it'll use the data to fine-tune machines and submit it to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA wants to revive the idea of allowing travelers to keep their shoes on at checkpoints and has announced its plans to buy 100 shoe scanners by next year. About a dozen companies hope to bid for the business. -- Roger Yu
Posted Aug 4 2010 9:28AM
MY THOUGHTS
that'll be nice. taking off your shoes (and socks), putting them back on - well, it's one of those things you do because you have to but wish you won't have to go through it. on the other hand, better safe than sorry.
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
From USA TODAY's Airport Check-in column: A company vying to sell airport shoe scanners has finished its "trial" at Indianapolis International, collecting results from 3,000 travelers who volunteered to try its machine in the lobby.
Morpho Detection says its data-collection experiment, which ended in late July, showed its scanner can process more than 300 customers an hour. Travelers still had to remove their shoes at the airport's security checkpoints.
Morpho says it'll use the data to fine-tune machines and submit it to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA wants to revive the idea of allowing travelers to keep their shoes on at checkpoints and has announced its plans to buy 100 shoe scanners by next year. About a dozen companies hope to bid for the business. -- Roger Yu
Posted Aug 4 2010 9:28AM
MY THOUGHTS
that'll be nice. taking off your shoes (and socks), putting them back on - well, it's one of those things you do because you have to but wish you won't have to go through it. on the other hand, better safe than sorry.
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