shoes

Teva Just Figured Out How to Make Water Shoes Cool - Gear Patrol
The squeaky shoe - The Tidewater News - Tidewater News
How Comfortable Shoes Became the Coolest Thing in Fashion - GQ
How to Clean Velvet Shoes So They Look New - Footwear News
Here’s Why You Should Take Off Your Shoes When Entering Your Home - Footwear News

Teva Just Figured Out How to Make Water Shoes Cool - Gear Patrol

Posted: 02 Mar 2019 05:23 AM PST

Water shoes, as an unspoken rule, are techy to the point of dorkiness. They're a lightweight conglomerate of mesh, elastic and rubber that protects from one element (rocks) while moving another freely throughout (water). Teva's new outdoor shoe, the Wilder, employs many of these aspects. But, at last, it uses them in a manner that maintains performance without sacrificing one thing that outdoorsy types often eschew with pride: style.

The Wilder is not explicitly an in-water-only shoe. Technically, it's a multi-sport hiker. Teva built its mesh and neoprene upper on a grippy, lugged outsole. That upper is reinforced for support with a heel cup in the back and rubber vamps toward the front. Dual climbing shoe-inspired tabs make getting in easy, and a speed lace system locks the foot into place.

The practical use cases for the Wilder are easily imagined: rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and so on. Given the recent adoption of functional outdoor clothing elements by the fashion industry — from down jacket baffles to strappy Teva-like sandals — it's also easy to see how the Wilder can work in places like New York City and Tokyo. It's about time the inherent nerdiness of water shoes washed away as jetsam and left behind something like this; utilitarian footwear that might be worn confidently in settings far from rivers or oceans.

The squeaky shoe - The Tidewater News - Tidewater News

Posted: 02 Mar 2019 02:05 AM PST

[unable to retrieve full-text content]The squeaky shoe - The Tidewater News Tidewater News

It's my left boot. And it doesn't do it all the time. Sometimes it gets on my nerves like when I'm walking down a long hallway. Other times I can adjust my foot ...

How Comfortable Shoes Became the Coolest Thing in Fashion - GQ

Posted: 01 Mar 2019 08:44 AM PST

Heron Preston's Uggs.

Ugg isn't alone. In recent seasons, Birkenstock has worked with Concepts, a beloved sneaker retailer with brick-and-mortar shops in Boston and New York; 032c, a glossy German art magazine that has its own in-house fashion label; and Opening Ceremony, the purveyors of downtown Manhattan cool. (And of course, Rick Owens.) But it's perhaps the collaborations that didn't happen that are the biggest signifier of the brand's newfound cachet in fashion. Last year, Birkenstock's CEO Oliver Reichert told New York Magazine that it turned down partnerships with both Supreme and Vetements, arguably two of the biggest—or at least most influential—players in the modern fashion landscape.

"We are beyond fashion," a representative from the global Birkenstock headquarters told me via email. "Fashion is an important value, but well-being and comfort are equally valid. Our product has the same orthopedic footbed and heritage since 1774. Creatives all over the industry wear our sandals."

Whether or not Birkenstock is "beyond fashion," certain limited-edition collaborations have invited a frenzy not unlike the one that accompanies the release of hyped sneakers. When Concepts dropped a collaborative lime-green, white-soled Birkenstock, streetwear blogs wrote about it as if was a rare Air Jordan release. (It sold out just as quickly, too.) But, notably, menswear bloggers and style influencers are also wearing the run-of-the-mill versions. The love for the non-limited shoes fits feels right at home with how well-dressed men have embraced non-fashion brands like Dickies, Carhartt, and Patagonia in their daily wardrobes.

The major players in the sneaker world knows that comfort is a key factor, too. Adidas iterated away at its Ultra Boost technology until it finally unlocked a cushion-y streamlined sole that became a runway hit. The majority of Nike's most recent hits—the React Element 87, VaporMax, and the Air Max 270—are all engineered to either be softer or better-cushioned than the brand's other soles. A fashionable silhouette, it seems, will only get you so far these days.

The comfort wave is cresting in more esoteric corners of menswear, too. The tech-heavy sandals made by Japanese brand Suicoke continue to gain popularity among American men, bolstered by stateside collaborations with labels like John Elliot and Aimé Leon Dore. John Mayer, an expert-level wearer of new-wave footwear, showed off his personal collection of $600 Visvim Christo sandals for this very magazine. Tyler, the Creator is known to wear sandals with suits, and it seems that no amount of money will stop Justin Bieber from wearing hotel slippers in public. Even Supreme is releasing a pair of terry cloth slippers this spring.

Alife's Crocs collab.

We're at a curious moment in men's footwear. Is everyone tired of wearing cool, hard-to-get sneakers? (Or just the hassle of trying to buy cool, hard-to-get sneakers?) Perhaps it is that as men's fashion gets wilder and wilder, guys are turning to these longstanding footwear brands for a moment of normalcy. It also may simply be that guys just want to wear comfy kicks. If you're wearing expensive Prada trousers with Patagonia fleece jackets, or Dickies pants with Dries van Noten button-up shirts, a pair of practical shoes feels like a breath of fresh air, an anchor to keep an outfit from floating into the absurd.

Everyday men have been wearing this type of regular comfort-centric shoes for decades. This goes beyond donning a pair of New Balance 990s or Nike Air Monarchs, ironically or not. Wearing arc-soled clogs or fluffy slippers ups the ante, veering into Mom Shoe territory and making the original dorky dad sneakers feel fashionable by comparison. But it's no accident that millions turn to these brands to cover their feet, whether it's the ergonomic design, easy-to-wear silhouettes, or supreme comfort at play. It seems that for once, it's the fashion crowd that are the ones playing catch-up. And as we've seen, well-dressed dudes can still make regularness and comfort footwear look stylish-as-hell. The days of lusting after limited-edition Uggs or Birkenstocks or Danksos with the same fervor as Virgil Abloh-designed Nikes might still be a ways to go. But if and when that day finally comes, at least we'll all be furiously trying to cop something that is equal parts hype and comfort.

How to Clean Velvet Shoes So They Look New - Footwear News

Posted: 01 Mar 2019 07:35 PM PST

With their soft sheen, rich color and elegant flair, velvet shoes add a luxurious touch to any woman's wardrobe. But with such a fine fabric, special handling is required. The material is particularly vulnerable to inclement weather and spills, which can leave behind unsightly marks and cause the fabric to become crushed and matted — leading to bald spots over time.

Thankfully, it's actually quite easy to get them looking like new despite water, mud and any other random stains you may encounter. As a rule of thumb, you'll want to avoid wearing velvet shoes in rain or snow, as they'll be harder to salvage in this case. However, there are ways you can make them more resilient against the elements, such as using a protective spray. Read on to learn our simple tips for cleaning velvet shoes and preventing future wear and tear.

For Dirt and Mud Stains

1. Let your shoes dry out.

If your shoes are caked with mud, it's important to let the velvet dry completely before trying to clean the stain. Mud is much easier to remove from the surface when it's dry.

2. Use a brush to remove dirt.

When your shoes are completely dry, use a toothbrush or other soft brush to remove excess dirt or dust. Make sure to brush in the direction of the nap to restore its sheen. Brushing the shoes after every wear is also a great way to keep dirt to a minimum and prevent the nap from getting crushed.

For All Other Marks and Spills

1. Blot excess moisture.

Lightly dab at the wet stain to soak up excess moisture. Do this as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting.

2. Make a gentle cleaning solution.

For an easy DIY-solution, mix water and dish soap in a small bowl. Alternatively, you can try a combination of lemon juice and two tablespoons of baking soda. Fill the bowl with lemon juice until you get a considerable amount of foam on the top (this is important for the next step).

3. Use a soft cloth to the apply the solution.

Once you get a foamy consistency, skim a soft cloth over the suds or foam — so as not to get the velvet too damp — and gently wipe the affected area. Avoid rubbing the solution into the velvet and stick to long straight movements to keep the nap in place. Let the shoes air dry.

5. Protect against future stains with a protective spray.

While it won't make your shoes completely waterproof, it's a great idea to apply a protective spray to your velvet shoes to prevent future stains. Scotchgard's top-rated Fabric & Upholstery Protector is safe to use on velvet (you can find this out by checking the manufacturer's instructions on products designed for leather or suede).

All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, FN may earn a commission.

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Here’s Why You Should Take Off Your Shoes When Entering Your Home - Footwear News

Posted: 01 Mar 2019 07:11 PM PST

I like to consider myself a gracious hostess, always welcoming friends and family to my home. However, most visitors know that upon entering my house, I ask that they remove their shoes. I have even gone as far as hanging a sign on my front door on a rainy day, reminding them to take off their shoes. I even have several pairs of inexpensive slippers or slipper socks on hand for those who don't want to walk around in their socks. This way, frequent visitors will have them on hand when they return.

Or, take a tip from home guru Martha Stewart, who gives guests a hint by leaving her own shoes lined up near a basket of slippers at her front door. And, who would argue with Stewart?

While the practice of removing shoes upon entering the home may not be a practice in the U.S., it is common in countries such as Japan, and even in our own state of Hawaii. So, don't feel shy about asking guests. You are not only helping to keep your home clean, but preventing the spread of bacteria from shoes that can cause health issues.

Ravel, a U.K.-based women's footwear retailer recently commissioned a study examining the cleanliness of footwear. The study put 10 pairs of flats and heels to the test to see just how clean they were. The following results will likely have you leaving your shoes outside your front door.

Bottoms Up

The soles of shoes carry more bacteria and fungi than the uppers. However, whether a shoe is heeled or flat makes little difference to the microorganisms found on the bottom.

Material Matters

Appearances can be deceptive. While white shoes will show the most visible dirt, black shoes harbored more bacteria. Leather is the better material over suede for keeping clean and carries less variety of bacteria. However, there is little difference between whether patent or matte leather harbors more bacteria or fungi.

Telling Time

Shoes worn on nights out attract more bacteria and fungi on the sole than those worn to the office, which showed more bacteria on the upper.

Lab Results

Much of the bacteria found on the shoes tested can cause blisters and sores, and in some cases, can cause food poisoning or toxic shock syndrome. This bacterium is commonly found on the skin and household items. Of the bacteria found on the uppers and soles of the tested shoes, the bacteria causing illnesses, staphylococcus, was present in nine out of 10 of them.

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