Leading Fashion Shoes

Archive for July, 2010

There are a variety of different types of shoes for women to wear. These include shoes that have long heels and short heels. The shoes that men have will come in styles and types that are completely different from this. Here is a closer look at some of the ways how women’s shoes are categorized in ways that are different from how men’s shoes are categorized.

The main category that is used for women’s shoes is that of the heels of the shoes. Women’s shoes are categorized by how long these heels are. For example, a women’s shoes can have high heels that are two inches or greater in size. These shoes can also have heels that are between one and a half and two inches in length. These are known as kitten heels.

Women’s shoes of other kinds can still work with the heel above other parts. Wedge sandals are types that work with different heel considerations. These women’s shoes are ones that have ankles higher than one’s toes. Meanwhile, a slingback type of sandal will be judged by how the heel works with a strap that is secured by a strap.

Men’s shoes, on the other hand, are categorized by the ways how they have been closed up. In most cases a man’s shoe will be one that is closed up via the laces on its tongue. In other cases it can be closed up without the use of laces but rather with some other type of way how the shoe can be put on. This includes the use of a shoe that features a belt or other type of buckle that can be used to strap a shoe onward. In other cases it can work with a design that features a slip-on format that does not require anything to fasten the shoe whatsoever.

As it can be seen the categorization of shoes for women and men is completely different. However, there are a few shoes that can be seen as unisex shoes that work with the same styles for men and women alike. These include shoes like clogs and boots. Slippers can be seen as shoes in unisex styles as well.

The ways how women’s shoes are categorized are important to see. These work as women’s shoes are categorized by heels while men’s shoes are categorized by fasteners. This is good to see when looking for shoes.

Shoes for women and men are ones that work with different types of size standards. A noticeable thing about size standards is that a shoe for men with a 10 size is a shoe that is of an 11 size. In fact, the size of a man’s shoe is generally one lower than that of its female equivalent. It will help to take a look at some reasons as to why women’s shoes have different sizes than that of men’s shoes.

First there is the width of the foot. A woman’s foot is generally narrower in size than that of a man’s foot. This is a noticeable difference in that a woman has an arch in her foot that is higher than that of what a man has. This will cause a woman to have to deal with less of an impact in the shoe with regards to the ankle. This can cause the shoe to be smaller in its width and therefore smaller in its overall size.

The ankle for a woman is also closer to the ground than that of a man’s ankle. This can influence the way how the design of a shoe is made with regards to its top end, thus impacting the sizing of the shoe in the long run.

Another thing comes from the heel of the woman. A woman has a smaller heel than that of a man. It will be much narrower than that of what a man has to work with. This can cause a man to have a need for a larger shoe from the back end. The small heel is something that can cause many shoes for women to work with an emphasis on the heel above other parts.

The toes are also something to see as well. The average man will have toes that are a few centimeters thicker than that of what a woman has. This will cause the front end of the shoe to end up being wider than that of what a woman has. This is important because it will influence how much space is available for one’s toes.

These are all good reasons as to why a woman’s shoe will be different in its size from a man’s shoe. These are things that relate to all parts of the foot and will show just why the sizing standards for shoes for men and women are so different from each other.

While some shoes can be worn by either gender, many types of dress shoes or athletic shoes  are gender specific. Women are lighter, shorter and usually have a lower percentage of muscle mass then men. They also have a lighter bone weight, with softer and more flexible joints. These differences translate to differences in footwear, particularly with athletic shoes. The differences are not just for fashion, they serve to protect the wearer from injury.

Sizes

1. While units for sizing shoes vary around the world, women’s shoes and men’s shoes often have different scales for measurement. A Brannock Device can measure both the length and the width of the foot. According to this device, used in the United States, men’s shoe sizes are one size larger than women’s shoes. This device comes in many varieties intended for shoes for men, women and children, athletic shoes and ski boots. Each additional size is 1/3 inch longer for both men’s and women’s shoes. Men’s shoes are also often wider than women’s. The Brannock Device measures width, with each width designation separated by 3/16 of an inch.

Shoe Styles

2. Men’s shoes are often categorized by how they are closed or the ornaments present on the shoes. They range from oxfords with closed lacing, Blüchers with open lacing, monk-straps with a buckle and strap, or slip-ons with no fastenings or lacings. Women’s dress shoes are often categorized by heel type. These include high heels with a 2-inch heel or higher, kitten heels ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 inches high, wedge sandals where the ankle is higher than the toe, mules with no fitting around the heel, slingbacks secured with a strap around the heel, espadrilles with a cotton or canvas upper and ballerinas or pumps with a very low heel and and exposed instep. The majority of women’s shoe styles have a narrower forefoot, or the front part of the shoe. Many other types of shoes, including clogs, sandals, slip-ons, slippers and boots, are considered unisex and vary only in size and aesthetic design.

Athletic Shoes

3. Regardless of size differences, there are anatomical differences between men and women extending to their feet. These differences include women’s thicker ankles and calves, higher arches and narrower heels. Women’s shoes often have a greater heel bevel, or rounded tread on the end of the heel, to improve stability and cushioning. This helps compensate for increased force on the kneecap and greater external rotation at the heel strike. A woman’s foot is also 3% to 4% narrower than a man’s, particularly in the rear of the foot. Women’s feet are also more flexible, and running shoes often provide a different tread to allow the foot to flex in a certain way. In addition the arch height of a women’s foot as well as overall foot flexibility can change with varying levels of hormones, which can affect how a woman walks. As such, many women’s running shoes have a specific design allowing for extra space between arch and the sole. Women’s shoes also often contain greater mid-foot support to compensate for the higher arch.

Buying shoes in Europesize can be challenging due to their different size measurements in men and women’s foot wear. Although European shoes are made in a similar fashion to those in the U.S., contouring to both narrow and wide feet, the different sizing can throw off any shopper. By knowing how to convert your shoe size, you will be able to purchase European shoes abroad or online with ease.

Womens Size Conversion

Women’s European shoe sizes range from 35 to 43. Because there are no half sizes, it is easy to remember the conversion chart. Since U.S. size 4 corresponds with European 35, and U.S. 12 corresponds with European 43, all seven other sizes fall within the range respectively.

U.S.-to- European Sizes (Women)
4 – 35
5 – 36
6 – 37
7 – 38
8 – 39
9 – 40
10 – 41
11 – 42
12 – 43

Men’s Size Conversion

1. Men’s European shoe sizes range from 39 through 49. Measured similarly to women’s shoes, there are no half sizes and these number correspond directly to U.S. sizes 6 through 16. U.S.-to-European Sizes (Men’s)6 – 39
   7 – 40
   8 – 41
   9 – 42
   10 – 43
   11 – 44
   12 – 45
   13 – 46
   14 – 47
   15 – 48
   16 – 49

   Children’s European Shoe Sizes

2. 
   Children’s Size Conversions

   Children’s European sizes are separated into three separate categories—infant, toddler and youth. The sizes run from 16 up to 39 and do not come in half sizes. Infant sizing runs between 16 and 20 and corresponds to U.S. sizes 1-5. European toddler sizes are 21 to 30 and youth shoes run between 31 and 39.

   Children’s European sizes are the hardest to distinguish due to their extensive breakdown. If traveling in Europe, most shoe stores will have a conversion foot measurement tool on hand.

   Half Size Step Up

3. For those who are in between sizes on the U.S. charts, you may feel more comfortable with a larger European size. For example, if you have a women’s U.S. size 8 1/2, European size 40 may have a greater chance of fitting better. This same principle applies to both men’s and children’s sizes.

Ask!

4. If you are traveling in Europe, do not hesitate to ask the shoe attendant your size. Most shops will know the U.S. shoe conversion off-hand. When shopping on-line, almost all shoe sites will have a link to a conversion chart so your European size will be easily accessible.

He’s certainly no rock rebel, but Celine Dion appeared to be paying just a little nod to bondage style fashion.

The Quebec born singer took to the stage in a pair of high-heeled shoes with straps which criss-crossed right to the top of her thighs.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the U.K. says pregnant women are risking the health of their feet to keep up with celebrity trends. It says that could be a painful mistake.

The society has found from a survey that half of pregnant women in the U.K. feel pressured to keep up with celebrity fashion. Nearly a third of women risk foot health by wearing high heels during pregnancy and two-thirds wear flip-flops, which lack necessary support.

One thousand pregnant and recently pregnant women were questioned for the society’s annual Feet for Life month.

Other unsuitable footwear included ballet pumps (53%) and Ugg style boots (30%).

The society found 70% of pregnant women suffer from foot problems like swollen ankles (37%), swollen feet (45%), and arch and heel pain (16%).

Podiatrists are urging women to wear supportive, wide-fitting shoes to stay comfortable and avoid long-term damage.

Lorraine Jones, a podiatrist from The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, says in a news release: “Weight gain and hormonal changes in pregnancy have a huge impact on the body. Muscles and ligaments soften and stretch because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis. High heels alter your posture, shorten your calf muscles and place increased pressure on your back and knees. In pregnancy this places extra pressure on your joints when they are already under strain which can result in a host of foot, leg and back problems and could increase the likelihood of falls.”

She adds: “Shoes like ballet pumps, flip flops and Ugg boots are also unsuitable for daily wear in pregnancy because they don’t provide your feet with the necessary support. If you’re pregnant choose well fitted, round toed and low heeled, comfortable shoes with straps to support the foot and ankle and help minimise discomfort and prevent the prospect of long term damage. There are so many different shoes available today that you can still wear fashionable footwear which is supportive and comfortable. Many of the pregnant celebrities you see wearing high heels in magazines are attending events, so like them, try to keep your high heeled, high fashion shoes for a special occasion and stick to a more supportive shoe on a daily basis.”

Foot Tips in Pregnancy

The society’s top feet tips in pregnancy are:

• Wear comfortable, supportive footwear, ideally with a strap, laces, or Velcro. Choose a heel height of 3 centimeters, as this shifts your weight a little further forward on your feet, which can help alleviate discomfort. Avoid wearing high heels, as this can place unnecessary pressure on your joints at a time when they are already under strain.
• Supportive footwear with extra shock absorption, a supportive arch, and firm heel is essential.
• Don’t cross your legs or ankles when sitting.
• Keep active. Keep the lower limbs moving even when resting. Lying on your back and simulating riding a bike will help the muscles in the leg and reduce swelling. Prevent cramps from occurring by boosting circulation. Try rotating your ankles 10 times to the left and 10 times to the right, and repeating. Before you start an exercise program, check with your doctor.
• Raise your feet and legs up whenever you can and do daily leg and calf stretches.
• If you experience arch pain, a podiatrist may be able to provide special inserts for your shoes to help treat the problem.
• Wear surgical stockings — with advice from a health professional.
• Feet tend to swell during the day, so buy shoes later in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest.
• Make sure there is 1 centimeter between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Choose shoes with a toe box that is high enough and wide enough to comfortably fit, either rounded or square shaped, not pointed.

Looking for a way to turn up the heat on your summer wardrobe?

Kick up your heels with the season’s assortment of shoes. With so many styles, colors and brands, shoes may be the easiest, most affordable way to give your wardrobe a boost.

You can go fierce with gladiator styles or sweet with ballerina flats. Try sky-high heels or flats, or wedges and booties.

“It’s a great time to invest in shoes,” Nordstrom fashion director Gregg Andrews said. “You can’t go wrong with any of the styles that are out there.”

One of the season’s biggest standout trends is embellishment, from multi-straps and studs to faux gemstones and flowers.

“It’s about straps,” Andrews said. “Cage shoes, gladiators and anything with multi-straps, whether wide or small, engulf the foot this summer. There’s even draping on leather that gives the illusion of ruffles and rushing.”

According to the World Shoe Association, a national trade organization, gladiator sandals continue to be a universal trend, with many varieties to appeal to women of all ages. Also, this summer’s gladiator styles have a bolder emphasis on the ankle than in past seasons.

Though women are still snapping up platform shoes, as well as wedges, Andrews recommends kitten heels, or “squat stilettos,” for women who don’t like wearing high heels.

“The kitten heels look chic because they are feminine without being so high,” Andrews said. “And they are dressier than wedges.”

Lucky magazine fashion editor Jacqueline Nassar touts the clog as summer’s must-have shoe.

“I’m dying to get a pair,” Nassar said. “I used to wear clogs when I was little, so it’s great to see them return. I saw a photo of Rachel Bilson wearing them with jeans. It’s a great look.”

Among Nassar’s favorite brands is Seychelles, with its Care to Dance platform clog ($100 at seychellesfootwear .com), which comes in rich caramel color with a 4-inch heel and 1-inch platform. Her other favorite lines include Elizabeth and James, the shoe line by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, as well as Nine West and Michael Kors.

But the most interesting summer style is the “shootie,” Nassar said. “It’s a shoe-boot hybrid. You can wear them with floral dresses to toughen up the look a bit.”

To extend the use of summer shoes beyond the season, Nassar suggests wearing ones that “aren’t so crazy” with ribbed socks or even tights come fall.

Andrews’ top pick for the season is the nude shoe, which can range from blush-beige to khaki.

“I love the nude shoes,” he said. “What they do for a woman’s leg is amazing. They actually make legs look longer.”

Nude shoes don’t have to match the skin tone exactly.

“It’s not like matching your foundation,” Andrews said. “It’s the idea and the illusion of skin.”

And when it comes to shopping for summer shoes, he encourages women to find shoes that fit their lifestyle.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing a woman teetering in a shoe she can’t walk in,” Andrews said. “So be realistic about what you can wear and what looks good on you.”