Are Asian Feet Different?

Are Asian Feet Different?

Is the shape of an Asian foot different from a Western one?

Apparently, that’s what the luxury shoe brand Rupert Sanderson is banking on with its new line, which it says is tailored to an Asian foot. The shoes will hit shelves in its Hong Kong boutique next month.

The brand, also sold at Lane Crawford, is managed in Asia by Bruton Limited, a Hong Kong-based company headed by Bertrand Mak and Teresa Wong.

“We basically developed a new last [the mold on which a shoe is built] that is tailor-made for the Asian foot,” says Mr. Mak. “We’re trying to make a four-inch [10-centimeter] heel more comfortable.”

According to Mr. Mak, Asian feet tend to be higher-arched and narrower than their Western counterparts. The custom mold will provide greater support for the instep, says Mr. Mak, and make the heel “feel considerably lower” — indeed, half as high.

Science, though, disputes Mr. Mak’s claims.

“Asian feet tend to be slightly broader in the forefoot and they have a lower arch profile,” says Hong Kong podiatrist Alexandra Duff, who has been practicing for 15 years. In fact, she says, about 80% of Asians are flat-footed — more than any other ethnic group.

Mr. Mak admits that he did not consult a podiatrist in making the mold. Instead, his research consisted of speaking with friends and customers. “I have no interest in going into the technical aspects of making a shoe,” he says. The mold was also created from the casting of a single foot: that of business partner Teresa Wong, who he says has very high arches.

“Of course it’s not very accurate; every foot is different,” admits Mr. Mak. “We took a more pragmatic approach — our customers were saying that the shoe styles did not feel supported.”

But extra support for the arches will do little to alleviate the damage high heels inflict on women’s bodies, says Dr. Duff, who recommends that women stick to heels under 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters).

“Once you go over that, your foot doesn’t work properly at all,” she says. “It’ll increase lower-back pain and give you knee issues.”

As for the Rupert Sanderson mold? “You’re just putting a little build-up in the inside of the shoe, but it’s still a four-inch heel,” she says. “It’s like wearing a pair of Jimmy Choos with an insole in it.”

MY THOUGHTS

i never really thought of the differences.  i know we Asians can wear shoes made outside of our continent.  it's true though that our feet are smaller but broader and we have a lot of flat-footed individuals.  so,  this may well be a welcome change. we Asians must be one big market for shoes if someone had taken the risk to specialize on beautiful shoes for Asian feet.

The Coolest Shoes

The coolest shoes
Submitted by mala on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
Janis Seet
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 16:00:00

FOR those unfamiliar with GEOX shoewear, it is actually an international technology-oriented footwear company and was the first to introduce microholes to the industry which helped create an ideal microclimate inside shoes to keep feet cool and dry.

The new Geox women's collection appeals to every occasion, featuring flats all the way to pumps.

Fashion forwardness does not have to be uncomfortable as they even feature thigh-high boots, half-boots, and lace-ups, all equipped with Geox's famous, breathable soles.

Flats and moccasins are practical and pretty, featuring rounded toes and come in an array of colours. Details and other em­bellishments such as metal mesh, crystal bows, suede buckles, geometric studs and jewelled clips are also added on for that special touch.

The Geox boots, on the other hand, would be edgier but with the same styl­ish quality. From riding to flared boots, the boot collection looks comfortably promis­ing. For those who love their heels, Geox also has a collection of pumps and other high heeled offerings, all with comfort in mind.

Men are not left out. The footwear for men revisits great classics with a contemporary twist. From lace-ups to sneakers, half-boots, ankle boots and moccasins, the new collec­tion caters to every male's daily wear need.

The materials used range from suede to wax and tanned buffalo and normal leather. For comfort, soft wool linings have been used for that walking-on-air feel.

The finishing for the men's line has also been given extra attention, achieving even the highly desirable 'worn' look. Because of its streamlined shapes, laminated inserts and breathable soles, Geox gym shoes would act as the per­fect option for the great out­doors.

Geox also has a children's line, making it a shoe line for the whole family.

MY THOUGHTS

that's right!  very comfy beautiful shoes.  and you'll have to dish out a considerable amount of cash to have one.  i really don't care much for designer shoes.i have a couple of branded shoes but i go for style and affordability.  one that appears nice but won't make me cringe everytime i step into a dirty street. have you ever worn your expensive beautiful shoes on a hot sunny day only to find yourself in the middle of a downpour and you don't want to move lest you wet and soil your shoes? that's not cool, is it?

Tips for Teaching Kids to Tie their Shoes

Top 6 Tips for Teaching Kids to Tie their Shoes
By Michelle Kouzmine, About.com Guide

Though most kids' shoes now feature Velcro closures, learning to tie ones own shoes is still considered to be milestone that children should master by 5 or 6 years of age. But, teaching a child to tie his own shoes can be frustrating; kids can lose interest quickly if they feel the task is too difficult, or they may seem to "get it" one day only to completely forget the next.

Have no fear, I've got a few tricks up my sleeves that can make teaching a kid to tie his own shoes a bit easier. All kids learn differently, so try a few of these methods and see what works best for your child.

1. Bunny Ears
Probably the most common method for teaching kids to tie their own shoes is the "Bunny Ears" method.

    * Tell the child that he needs to make his shoe laces into "bunny ears."
    * First, he needs to secure a knot for the bunny's head. Take the laces and cross them over to make an "X". Then, pull one ear through the bottom of the "X" and pull tight.
    * Say, "Now we need to give bunny some ears." Loop the laces into "bunny ears".
    * Tell the child that now we need to "make the bunny ears tight so they don't fall off". Then make another "X" using the "bunny ears", slide one "ear" under the "X" and pull tightly.

2. Bi-Colored Laces
This is a great tip that can really make learning to tie much easier. Take two laces in two different colors and cut them down the middle. Then sew them together to make two bi-colored laces. Lace a pair of old shoes with these funny shoes strings. Using bi-colored laces can really help a kid who has trouble remembering his right from his left. You can use any learning-to-tie method in combination with your bi-colored laces.

3. Cardboard Cut-Out Shoe
Take a cardboard box and cut out an over-sized shoe shape. Have your kid decorate the shoe in any way he wishes. Using a pen, poke holes for laces. Use the bi-colored lace tip above, but instead of cutting the original laces in two, use two entire laces sewn together to create one long, bi-colored shoe string. Lace the shoe and use any teaching method, using this cut-out. Some kids find it easier and more interesting to practice on an over-sized model.

4. The Squirrel and the Tree
This is a fun method that utilizes a kid friendly story and movements that help kids understand and remember the basic steps to shoe tying.

    * Tell the child to create "tree roots" by making a starter knot.
    * Make a tree with a long thin loop; hold the loop in the child's right hand.
    * With his left hand, take hold of the lace and tell him that a squirrel runs around the tree and jumps into the hole under the tree and comes out the other side (he'll need to switch hands at this point which can be difficult for some kids).

Many parents prefer this trick because it teaches the kid to tie shoes with the single loop method.

5. Loop It and Swoop It
This is a less childish, but still memorable way of teaching a child to tie in the traditional single loop method. Teach your child to tie his shoes using the standard tying method, but as you go through the motions say, "loop it, swoop it, pull." Do this over and over while repeating the same three, simple instructions until your child is able to tie his shoes on his own. Encourage him to say "loop it, swoop it, pull" each time he attempts tying his shoes until it becomes second nature.

6. Learning to Tie Toys and Books
If you want to make learning to tie more fun, consider getting your child a toy or book that will help him learn to tie on his own. This is especially helpful for kids who learn best through interaction with toys. Some suggestions:

    * Franklin Dress-Up Doll
    * Melissa & Doug Wood Lacing Sneaker

MY THOUGHTS

challenging,huh? i like the bi-colored laces.  and the toys.  i'm sure that will work. the other tips, well, it will more than just reading it. let me know if it worked for you.

why sneakers are called sneakers

The History of Shoes
By Mary Bellis, About.com Guide

Sandals were the most common footwear in most early civilizations, however, a few early cultures had shoes. In Mesopotamia, (c. 1600-1200 BC) a type of soft shoes were worn by the mountain people who lived on the border of Iran. The soft shoe was made of wraparound leather, similar to a moccasin. As late as 1850 most shoes were made on absolutely straight lasts, there being no difference between the right and the left shoe.

Shoe Making Machinery
Jan Ernst Matzeliger developed an automatic method for lasting shoes and made the mass production of affordable shoes possible.

Lyman Reed Blake was an American inventor who invented a sewing machine for sewing the soles of shoes to the uppers. In 1858, he received a patent for his specialized sewing machine.

Patented on January 24, 1871, was Charles Goodyear Jr's Goodyear Welt, a machine for sewing boots and shoes.

Shoelaces
An aglet is the small plastic or fiber tube that binds the end of a shoelace (or similar cord) to prevent fraying and to allow the lace to be passed through an eyelet or other opening. This comes from the Latin word for "needle." The modern shoestring (string and shoe holes) was first invented in England in 1790 (first recorded date March 27). Before shoestrings, shoes were commonly fastened with buckles.

Rubber Heel
The first rubber heel for shoes was patented on January 24, 1899 by Irish-American Humphrey O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan patented the rubber heel which outlasted the leather heel then in use. Elijah McCoy invented an improvement to the rubber heel.

The first rubber soled shoes called plimsolls were developed and manufactured in the United States in the late 1800s. In 1892, nine small rubber manufacturing companies consolidated to form the U.S. Rubber Company. Among them was the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Company, organized in the 1840s in Naugatuck, Connecticut. This company was the first licensee of a new manufacturing process called vulcanization, discovered and patented by Charles Goodyear. Vulcanization uses heat to meld rubber to cloth or other rubber components for a sturdier, more permanent bond.

On January 24, 1899, Humphrey O'Sullivan received the first patent for a rubber heel for shoes.

From 1892 to 1913, the rubber footwear divisions of U.S. Rubber were manufacturing their products under 30 different brand names. The company consolidated these brands under one name.When choosing a name, the initial favorite was Peds, from the Latin meaning foot, but someone else held that trademark. By 1916, the two final alternatives were Veds or Keds, with the stronger sounding Keds being the final choice.

Keds were first mass-marketed as canvas-top "sneakers" in 1917. These were the first sneakers. The word "sneaker" was coined by Henry Nelson McKinney, an advertising agent for N. W. Ayer & Son, because the rubber sole made the shoe stealthy or quiet, all other shoes, with the exception of moccasins, made noise when you walked. In 1979, the Stride Rite Corporation acquired the Keds brand.

MY THOUGHTS

so that's why they call it sneakers!!!but that's not what i find to be interesting.  when it comes to beautiful shoes,i don't know whether technology and innovation is good or bad.  it would have been easier if we'd stayed with the no-lef-no-right shoes.  that would have saved tots a lot of heartaches trying to put on the right shoe on the right foot. but then, where's the joy in shopping for just sandals or moccasins?

Before You Buy Hiking Boots

Before You Buy Hiking Boots
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

Hiking boots aren't just regular boots that you wear when hiking. They are boots made specifically for rugged hiking trails, and therefore require special construction. There's a lot to know, but here are a few tips that will help you before you buy your next pair of hiking boots.

Why Hiking Boots Are Different
Hiking boots are definitely a specialty product, and not just any old boot will do. Look for a hiking boot with a sturdy sole. The idea is that you will not feel rocks or stones on the trails, so the soles need to be sturdy and thick enough that this is not a problem. Hiking boots should provide not only adequate protection for the soles of your feet, but should have enough padding that the sides of your feet are protected as well.

   
Hiking Boots Must Fit Properly
Have your feet professionally measured, and don't rely on just choosing the size you've always worn. Your feet can change over time and the sizing of the hiking boot may vary from one manufacturer to another, so you must try the boots on!

The Right Socks for Hiking Boots
Don't forget when you try on any hiking boots, be sure to wear socks like the ones you will be wearing on hiking trips. Socks of a different thickness or style could dramatically affect the way the hiking boots fit, or how they will feel when walking.
  
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Either buy hiking boots that are already waterproof, or be certain that you can waterproof them yourself - ask about this before buying. You can also increase your protection against blisters by adding a pair of waterproof socks made specifically for hiking or walking.
   
Brand Name Hiking Boots
Recommending a brand of hiking boot is not only difficult because there are so many, it's also not wise since the brand is irrelevant if the company doesn't make a boot that fits your feet properly. If you find several brands of hiking boots that fit well, and will serve your hiking needs, then you can ask an outdoor or recreational footwear specialist to point out the benefits of one brand over another.

MY THOUGHTS

i don't have hiking boots.  i don't think i ever had one. because i don't hike.  if you do, listen up.  sounds like sensible advise.

What to Look For in an Online Shoe Store

Buying Shoes Online - What to Look For in an Online Shoe Store
Tips for Shoes Shopping Online
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
http://shoes.about.com/od/shoes_store/a/buying_online.htm

It used to be that if you wanted a new pair of shoes, you trudged off to a department or shoe store; tried on several pairs; settled on one (or a dozen), and took your purchases home with you that day.

Lately, more and more people are breaking with tradition, and buying shoes online. In part, I believe this is because we've become more busy, but mostly I think that it's because we now have access to brands, designers, styles and sizes that we were not able to find in our local shoe stores.

If you feel the need for a women's size 14, extra-narrow, red pump with a 3 inch heel, chances are, you can find it at one of the many online shoe stores.

But all online shoe stores are not created equal. Here is some advice for buying shoes online.

Shipping Charges: The Added Cost of Buying Shoes Online
If possible, try to find out shipping charges before spending a lot of time adding items to your cart. You may think you're getting a great deal on all those shoes, but if shipping is too high, you might ending paying a lot more than you anticipated. This is especially true if you are ordering from a country other than the one you reside in.

Many online shoe stores offer free shipping, which is great. But do a few price comparisons before you buy. Occasionally, you'll find a better price at an online shoe store that charges a reasonable rate for shipping, and still come out ahead.

Returns/Exchanges - Know the Policies in Advance
Another hugely important element to buying shoes online is having the ability to return or exchange them if have a defect, don't fit, or just don't look the way you thought they would.

While most online shoe stores will offer some kind of return policy, don't take it for granted. Know before checking out that you'll be able to return the "new condition" shoes for any reason.

Of course, if you're willing to take a chance on a deeply discounted pair of shoes, you might decide to buy without a return policy. But you still need to know what your return and exchange options are before buying.

Also, find out in advance whether or not you'll have to pay the return shipping fees if you do need to make a return or exchange.

Need Your Shoes in a Hurry? Check Shipping Times
If you absolutely, most certainly, must have a particular pair of shoes by a certain date, I strongly recommend buying them in person, or ordering them far enough in advance that you have other options if your shoes don't ship in time.

This is not some hidden code implying that online shoe stores don't ship in a timely fashion. In fact, most of the shoes purchases I've made online have arrived in record time, but why take any chances?

Again, know the shipping policies of the online shoe store you're dealing with, and check to see if the item you're ordering is actually in stock. If it is backordered, this could add weeks to your delivery time.

As long as you deal with reputable online shoe stores and pay attention to the details mentioned above, buying shoes online is a great way to save time and money; and to give yourself the most options when shopping for footwear.

MY THOUGHTS

i like online shopping.  i doubt it, though, if this could ever replace real shopping.  not for me.  and certainly not when i'm buying shoes.  and bags.  nothing could replace the thrill of the hunt.  going from store to store.  fitting from pair to pair. rushing home with the catch.  can't do that on line, can i ?

Find Beautiful Shoes That Fit

How To Find Shoes that Fit
From Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M., former About.com Guide
Updated May 20, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Shoes can either help with foot problems or have the potential to cause foot problems. There are several ways to help get your feet into a properly fitting pair of shoes. Learn more:

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 45 minutes

Here's How:

   1. Have your feet measured 1 to 2 times per year

      Do not rely on a foot measurement taken 10 years ago. More than just your hairstyle has changed. The ligaments and other soft tissues in your feet tend to relax and stretch out as you get older. This causes your feet to change shape and size. Make sure to measure the length, width and arch length of your feet.

   2. Measure the arch length

      An important part of the shoe fit is the arch length. The arch length is measured from your heel to the ball of your foot (where your big toe joint bends). The bend in your big toe should match with where the shoe bends. With both shoes on, rise up onto your toes. If you feel the shoe bend before or after the big toe joint, then the shoe is not a good fit for your arch length.

   3. Shoe shop later in the day

      Most everyone develops some swelling in their feet by the end of the day. If you wait until later in the day to shoe shop, you will be more likely to avoid getting shoes that are too tight.

   4. Fit shoes to the larger foot

      No two feet are the same. One foot is usually slightly larger than the other foot. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot. There are different pads and inserts that can take up room in the shoe if it is too big, but you cannot add space to a shoe that is too small.

   5. Wear appropriate socks/hosiery

      It is important to wear the socks, nylons, etc. that you would normally wear with the type of shoes you are trying on. For example, if you are trying on high heels for a wedding, you do not want to wear the socks you wore to the gym to exercise on the elliptical machine. The thickness of the sock will affect the fit of the shoe a great deal.

   6. Stand when measuring

      Be sure to stand up when measuring your feet. When standing, your feet will spread out more. It is better to have someone else take the measurement, because you need to stand tall and look straight ahead with your weight centered over your foot. How you stand can affect the size and shape of your feet.

   7. Leave 1/2 inch at the front of shoe

      There should be about a 1/2 inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe. Generally this is about the size of the tip of your index finger (small hands) or pinky finger (large hands). Be sure look and see which is your longest toe; it is not always your big toe.

   8. Leave 1/8 inch at the back of shoe

      You do not want the back of the shoe too tight against the back of your heel. This may cause skin irritation and blisters. It is OK to have about a 1/8 of an inch between the back of your heel and the shoe.

   9. Room in the toe box

      The toes need room to move. Not having enough room for your toes may lead to corns, callouses, neuromas or deformed toes. Your toes should have enough room to "perform" a symphony by Mozart. Note: If you could not perform chopsticks with your toes before, just because you have room in your toe box does not mean Mozart is going to happen, but you should have room, just in case.

  10. Walk with both shoes on

      Do not be afraid to take your time and try on both pairs of shoes and walk around the store. Walk on different surfaces (carpet, tile, etc.), if available. Ideally, it would be best to take the shoes to a gym and walk on a treadmill. This will keep the shoes clean and give you a chance to really try the shoes out. Some stores offer this service so do not be afraid to ask.

  11. Size does not matter

      Try not to get too concerned with the shoe size number. There is a big difference in shoe sizes between shoe companies because of the lasts used. A last is a form that a shoe is molded around. Each company uses different lasts, meaning that a size 8 New Balance will not fit the same as a size 8 Nike or a size 9 Manolo Blahnik will not fit the same as a size 9 Jimmy Choo.

Tips:

   1. Fitting shoes to the larger foot has a limit. If your feet are more than 1 1/2 sizes different, then get two different sized shoes.
   2. Shoes should be comfortable in the store. Do not buy shoes with the hopes that some day they will be comfortable enough to wear.
   3. Shoes with laces are easier to adjust and easier to keep on the feet. Shoes without laces cannot adjust for swelling variances and they are harder to keep on the feet, making your feet work harder.
   4. The height of the heel should be no more than 1 1/2 inches. Any higher and this puts significantly more pressure on the forefoot and may lead to foot problems.
   5. If you have foot problems or are unsure about proper shoe fit, it is highly recommended that you go to a shoe store that offers professional, personalized shoe fitting. A thorough shoe fitting/buying may take 45-60 minutes.

MY THOUGHTS

no wonder i get blisters sometimes from weariong new shoes.  that 1/8 inch allowance at the heels should help.  and yes.  our feet size does change.  so, it's best not to stick to your shoe size.  sizes are not always standard anyway.and yes again.  the wear won;tget better.  only worse.