I guess I was wrong. There are sometimes good shoes on sale. I was passing by Barney’s today on my way home and something drew me into the store. It was probably the giant 40% off signs in the window. Low and behold there were ankle boots from my favorite boot maker, Sartore, on sale, in black and in my size. How could I resist? Sometimes all the stars are in alignment. Aren’t they fabulous? Did I mention it is my birthday this week? Happy birthday to me!

@suprshoegirl

Hallelujah! Not too long ago, options for men in shoes were, black, brown, and black. It appears that someone got the message and realized that we also want choices. There is a true renaissance happening, and I LOVE IT!

New out there, but also classic, styles from Johnston and Murphy, and Allen Edmonds; or casual sneakers from Ecco, and Cole Haan, It’s a new world. I can now get shoes that are blues, green, grey, and taupe; with contrast stitching and distressed leather; and there’s a ton of choices from this list with all different price points.

It’s nice to not be ignored J

-Fashion Dude

Absolutely. All footwear is made using what is called a “last”, a solid plastic form around which shoes are manufactured.  In order to sell well, “lasts” should fit about 85% of consumers. Fashion shoes are not by nature uncomfortable, but many are made only in medium widths, so it your foot is more on the narrow or wide side, you may or may not find comfort a challenge when walking in high-fashion shoes. Know that “Fit” and “Comfort” should work together. If your feet and narrower or wider, ask your sales associate for guidance on which styles best fit your foot. And if your feet are different sizes as most of our are, always fit the larger foot.
Basic, performance or fashion sneakers, which more and more are being re-inspired by top fashion designers can be comfortable at luxury to highly affordable prices because the “last proportions” and the “comfort technology” is established over many decades of research and production. Many fashion Brands are now making sneakers in an amazing mix of patterns, colors,  materials and details, from metallic trims to pyramid studs to buckle treatments, re-discovering and re-inventing proven great fitting comfort constructions in their own image. Some designers are even making high wedge or high heel sneakers but with true sneaker technology. And this is true not for just sneakers. Birkenstock-like sandals abound in the fashion world from flat to flatform to higher heel height interpretations. Flattering styles with high-flex, high-tech cushioning and arch support systems are now available from flats to high at almost all price points. Almost every designer Brand knows that consumers demand comfort and as result have built some level of   comfort into their footwear. But it’s up to you to make sure the style you select fits your foot perfectly while in the store.

Just know that true comfort can come at a cost. Creating and producing truly comfortable shoes that last over a long period of time requires a lot of research, high-technology, high-quality materials and specialized production methods. Nothing good comes cheap. Like anything in commerce, the more specialized, complicated and unique the product, the higher the cost. Whether made with machine or by hand or a combination of both, rare footwear can be dearly priced. Check out Chanel’s amazing selection of sneaker boots and shoes. Ash, Zanotti and Camper make super fashion-comfort styles. But putting a price on pleasure is an individual choice. And to some, extraordinary beauty and high functionality can be priceless. But be careful, foot pain can lead to joint pain and that can have lasting consequences, so be careful. Wear your fashion wisely so you’ll always feel great while looking great.

Looking good and feeling good are two different things. So if you only care about how fabulous the shoe looks on your feet, stop reading. After 40 years of designing and selling shoes, I owe it to your guys to be totally truthful. So here’s the myth and the fact. If your shoes are not comfortable in the store, they’re never going to get much more comfortable. If you and your feet can live with that, go for it. Here’s the caveat. Nothing’s 100% in the shoe world. Some shoes can be adjusted to make them tighter, but know they will only stretch modestly usually around the ball or instep. And only if they have a soft leather uppers and a leather lining. Don’t expect miracles. Shoes don’t ever grow longer. For more on the science of fit, see upcoming posts.

Inherently… no; however, they can be. It really all depends on the sneaker, the outfit and the person wearing them. When I see a woman on her way to work wearing work clothes and a pair of all white orthotics, I think to myself “No! Just, no!” On the other hand, you put on a pair of funky colored high-top converse paired with some skinny jeans and a cool burnout t-shirt, I say “Yes! Absolutely yes!”
For men it’s a little different,You can pair some casual sneakers from Ralph Lauren with dress slacks, a solid long sleeve t-shirt and a blazer, and I doubt anyone will disagree with that choice.
Like any shoe, or piece of clothing, sexy is how you wear it and what you wear it with. Casual is a state of mind, just as sexy is.For the most part if you have confidence, you can make anything sexy. So go out, search for a look, and work it. But whatever you do, NO BROWN BELTS AND BLACK SHOES! I don’t care what anyone says, I say “NO!”

– Fashion Dude

Don’t you just hate it when you have to retire your favorite shoes? Sorry to say but you probably can’t find your favorite shoes anymore because most people want new looks and the designers are forced to offer new styles all the time. If you really love, love, love one style so much, and you can afford it, my suggestion is to buy two. It will probably never be available again, except maybe on EBay, and who wants someone else’s old shoes!

-Super Shoegirl

The answer is a resounding no!!! If you think that those sky high heels make you look thinner, think again. They’re difficult to walk in and after a night out all you want to do is take your shoes off. What makes you look your best is what you feel most comfortable wearing. Everyone has that one outfit that makes them feel great. It’s the same with shoes! Be yourself and you’ll look terrific.