Best Shoes for Active & Adventurous Vacation

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to plan a vacation that centers on outdoor activity and adventure. When planning an active and adventurous vacation, don’t forget to add the right pair of shoes to your packing list. In case you are having trouble deciding on the right shoes, we’d like to offer some advice that will help you make your selection.

New Balance Shoes

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For any vacation that includes hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing or camping, providing comfort and protection for your feet is a must. Fortunately, the shoes offered by New Balance will do both, while also being incredibly stylish. Made from breathable fibers, you can easily wear these shoes for an extended period of time without having your feet become soaked with sweat. Their tough rubber sole provides adequate cushioning for tender feet, while the flexible upper and sides allow for easy movement wherever your travels take you.

Timberland Shoes

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Your adventurous vacation could easily involve a visit to the beach, in which case shoes from the Timberland collection are ideal. While the Timberland shoes we offer for sale are all sandals, they nonetheless are ideal for performing activities such as beachcombing or wading along the shore. They contain a thicker sole that will prevent you from feeling rocks and pebbles underneath your feet. At the same time, their open-toe design will allow you to enjoy the feel of sand or spray of salt water. They are also easy to remove should you decide it’s time to just dive on in the water.

Ecco Shoes

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When boating, you may desire shoes that are flexible enough to bend with your feet to make getting in and out of the vessel easier. If so, you’ll want to invest in a pair of Cruise Catalina Moon, Yucatan Port, or Jab 2 Strap Moon Roc shoes. These shoes all have soles that naturally conform to the configuration of your natural foot and easily grip them to provide adequate support. Their comfortable upper straps can easily be adjusted for your own comfort as well. While these shoes do have flexible soles, they are nonetheless somewhat thicker than other types of sandals, meaning they’ll provide incredible protection for your feet as well.

Rockport Shoes

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Rockport offers a collection of full leather sneakers that will cushion and support your feet throughout a hard day of golfing, tennis, biking or other strenuous activity. An added bonus is the fact that these shoes also come in a variety of colors, making them a bit more stylish than a traditional athletic shoe. Their XCS T Toe and Zanya Wingtip shoes are a perfect example, being available in both black and red. For something a bit more casual, you may desire a WT Oxford, which can be found in white, black and biscotti.

Don’t wait until it’s time to head out to go shopping for shoes. Now is the time to begin looking for ones that will help you make the most out of your adventurous vacation.

5 Great Tips to Keep Your Feet Comfortable in Summer [Infographic]

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Summer is an active time of year for many people. Thanks to the nice weather, they spend more time on their feet and less time cooped up indoors due to the snow and ice. Unfortunately, this can lead to some foot discomfort over time, but the good news is that you can counteract the pain and swelling. Here are five great tips to keep your feet comfortable this summer.

#1 – Gel Inserts

If you are fashion-conscious, then you probably already know that it is difficult – if not impossible – to find a pair of strappy sandals or high-heeled shoes that are as comfortable as they are stylish. Fortunately, you can purchase gel inserts, even for sandals and heels, which will give you some much-needed relief. What’s more, the gel tends to stay cool, even on the hottest days.

#2 – Peppermint

Swimming in pools and lakes and going barefoot on rough surfaces leads to dry skin on your feet. This dry skin may itch or even crack, leading to pain and discomfort. One of the best ways to counteract this is to use peppermint lotion on your feet every night before you go to bed. To pamper yourself, slather your feet in the yummy scent, and then put on a pair of spa socks. You will fall asleep to the cool feeling of the mint, and you will wake up to softer feet.

#3 – Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are essential in your foot soaks, and they actually serve a few purposes when you use them correctly. First, when you add them to a tub of warm water, they reduce swelling and inflammation. This reduces pain and makes you feel better. However, Epsom salts are also wonderful at exfoliating. Simply add some to a wet cloth and rub the bottoms and sides of your feet to help remove any rough, dead skin.

#4 – The Right Size Shoes

Ill-fitting shoes do more harm than good. Shoes that are too small cause bunions, callouses, and general discomfort. In fact, if you wear ill-fitting shoes over long periods, you can even damage your feet! The best way to determine your size is to visit a professional. These individuals measure your feet accurately and tell you exactly what size you should buy. You may be surprised to learn that many people – women especially – tend to wear too-small shoes.

#5 – The Right Shoes in General

Just because you enjoy your sandals, you do not have to settle for discomfort. In fact, there are plenty of shoes out there designed specifically for comfort – and not just running or walking shoes. Sandals with cork soles provide tons of cushion, so keep your eyes out for those if you are prone to discomfort. Even dress shoes come with padded inserts to help you feel your best all day long.

Most of the time, keeping your feet comfortable in summer is all about the prevention. Wearing the right shoes in the right size is crucial. However, if your feet begin to feel the effects of summer activity, Epsom salt soaks followed by some peppermint lotion will soon have you feeling brand new.

3 Basic Shoes Every Woman Needs for Summer

Whether you are a shoe collector or someone who prefers to stick to the bare minimum, there are three basic shoes every woman needs for summer. High-heeled sandals are dressy and casual, and the same is true for slip-ons that go well with summer dresses or jeans. Toe thongs are perfect for lazy days and trips to the beach, but they go far beyond plain plastic these days.

High-Heeled Sandals

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Although most high-heeled sandals are dressy rather than casual, there is no reason why they cannot be both. A pretty, strappy, high-heeled sandal in a nude color pairs just as well with jeans and a pretty blouse as it does with dress slacks or a flowy summer dress. Black patent leather high-heeled sandals are best reserved for dressier occasions, but be sure to pair them with well-manicured toes. Colorful high-heeled sandals provide you with an excellent way to make a fashion statement. Pair them with a blouse of the same color, or if you really want to stand out, pair them with a blouse that is a complementary color – but be sure that your bag goes with your shoes in this case.

Slip-Ons

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Slip-on shoes are also perfect for both dressy and casual events, and the same rule of thumb applies for pairing them with slacks, dresses, and even your favorite pair of jeans or shorts. Some of the slip-ons available these days are simple in design, but others are quite complex and come fitted with rhinestones, bows, and other decorations to make them more appealing. In general, slip-ons are typically better than high-heeled sandals for casual dress, simply because they are more comfortable over time. They come in all colors, including metallic, pastel, primary, and even multicolor options that are sure to catch everyone’s eye. They may have heels or they may be flat; the choice is always yours.

Toe Thongs (Flip-Flops)

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No woman’s wardrobe is complete without a pair (or two… or three) of toe thongs, sometimes called flip-flops. Of course, these are available in every single discount store in the world in the summer, but why settle for ugly, uncomfortable plastic when you can get beautiful textures, materials, and patterns that are just as comfortable as they are beautiful? In fact, these days, toe thongs are so versatile that you can wear them not only with your favorite swimsuit, but also with a summer dress or a pair of shorts. They come in leather, canvas, and even rhinestone-studded fabrics, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to buying one or more pairs of toe thongs to complete your wardrobe.

Of course, high-heeled sandals, slip-ons, and toe thongs make up three of the most important types of shoes you can have in your collection – but there are others, too. If you are active, you will also need a great pair of running or walking shoes that support your feet. If you attend formal events, then you will need something a little dressier than an open-toed high-heeled sandal, such as a high-heeled dress shoe.

 

Shoes and Suits: How to Match Them Up [Infographic]

A sharp-dressed man looks distinguished and commands attention. What’s more, every man should have at least one nice, expensive, designer suit. However, failing to match shoes to that designer suit properly is a major fashion faux pas. Here are some tips for choosing the right suit and shoe combinations.

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Understand the Difference between Formal and Casual

Before you can truly understand how to pair shoes with suits, you must first firmly understand the difference between a casual suit and a formal suit. The most formal suit of them all, the tuxedo, requires a much more formal shoe type than a more casual suit. Shoes are the same way; some are considered formal (shiny black leather) while others are on the more casual side (soft tan suede). A good rule of thumb is to pair casual suits with casual shoes and formal suits with formal shoes.

Pay Attention to Color

The most common formal suit colors are charcoal gray and navy blue. These are incredibly versatile, and they give you plenty of room when it comes to accessorizing with ties, dress shirts, and even shoes. Black, brown, red, and burgundy shoes pair well with a navy blue suit, though it is important to tone down the brightness of your tie if you choose a red or burgundy shoe. A charcoal gray suit is perhaps the most versatile of them all, and it pairs well with black or burgundy shoes. Brown is a no-no with gray, though, since gray and brown contrast visually. Black suits, although they are classic, give you very little in the way of versatility. You should only pair black shoes with a black suit – no exceptions.

Consider the Situation

Another important consideration is the type of event. The formality of the event dictates the formality of the suit and therefore the shoe. As an example, you should usually only wear black suits to funerals and very strict business meetings. For everyday formal affairs, such as business office attire, stick to gray or navy blue. For dinner reservations in a casual yet upscale restaurant, a brown suit with less formal brown leather shoes suffices. Bear in mind that suit colors other than black, gray, brown, and navy are casual.

Style and Finish

The finish of a shoe is also important when pairing it with a suit. For example, a shiny black patent leather shoe does not pair well with a casual light gray suit. Patent leather is for extremely formal events, such as ballroom dancing or a wedding. On the other hand, a soft, brushed suede is casual. It pairs well with a casual suit and is appropriate for most business attire. The most versatile style and finish is traditional leather; in this case, the color dictates the formality.

Men’s dress shoes, like Clarks come in various styles. Some simply slip on, others have laces, and some even have tassels or faux laces tied in bows. For the most part, you are free to choose the style you like best as long as the color and finish follows the rules above.

Top 4 Women’s Shoes This Spring

Women certainly love their shoes, but they also love staying on top of the latest trends. This spring, four distinct styles are all the rage. Below, lean more about the top four women’s shoe styles this spring. The possibilities are truly endless, and your wardrobe will thank you.

Woven Textures

wovenA woven texture provides either a basket-like appearance or intricate patterns like eyelets or lace. This spring, they have shown up on the red carpet in bold, bright opposing colors as well as in beautiful neutrals. Woven textures make for casual dress shoes, so they are most common in pumps and booties. However, it is possible to find them in stiletto heels and formal styles, too. Wedge heels pair well with this design, as does an open-toed look. The most popular colors for this style are black, beige, and other neutrals.

Pointed Toes

Nothing says sophistication and professionalism quite like a pointed-toe shoe, and spring 2015 sees an insurgence of this popular style – especially in the office. Solid colors like black, navy, and maroon pair well with pantsuits and many women are pairing up brightly colored pointed-toe shoes with their favorite jeans and light sweaters for a casual look that is the definition of class. Flats, pumps, and even stilettos boast pointed toes this season, and with the many colors and styles available, you can take your favorite slacks from the office to a night out on the town in a flash.

Strappy Sandals

A strappy sandal says a lot about a woman’s personality. Sandals that lace high up on the calf are the image of innocence when paired with a swingy sundress. On the other hand, a pair of sandals with open toes and minimal straps is as formal or casual as you would like, depending on how you choose to wear them. Sling-back sandals are not quite as popular this season, but they do pair well with shorts, skirts, and dresses in casual settings. Super-strappy sandals with embellishments make a fashion statement, especially when made from the floral patterns in pastel colors that are so popular this time of year.

Barely-There Athletic Shoes

athleticEvery woman needs a good pair of athletic shoes for those walks in the park or jogging around the block, and this spring, it is all about comfort. In fact, many of today’s most popular athletic shoes are barely there at all. Once again, New Balance takes the cake in 2015 with their bright colors and styles. The lightweight soles and mesh uppers provide a foot-hugging fit that weighs next to nothing. Merrell’s line of cross trainers for 2015 also incorporates a close fit and lightweight feel, and the bright colors provide you with plenty of aesthetic appeal.

Many of the women’s shoe trends for spring 2015 are simply resurgences of classic styles. Choosing the right shoe is about balancing style, comfort, and function. Whether you need a formal shoe to wear to a wedding or you need something comfortable for your morning jog, this spring’s popular styles have you covered.

5 Shoe Accessories Any Person Should Have (Infographic)

5 Shoe Accessories Any Person Should Have

They may be relatively small, in terms of a person’s total mass, and they may be located way down there at the bottom, next to the floor, don’t ever be lulled into believing that the shoes you are wearing are not being noticed and even critiqued by practically everyone.

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Take good care of your shoes, and they will be there when you need them – looking good and giving you the “well put together” look, wherever you go. Being a responsible shoe owner comes with a few mandates, however, and regardless of how much you actually plunked down for your shoes, they will last a lot longer and keep on looking new or next to new for extended periods of time. Your shoes are an investment, in yourself and in your life. Obviously, when you buy cheap, off-brand mockups, you won’t be able to have them last very long. Likewise, investing in high quality, well-made shoes will pay off considerably in the long haul. Good shoes will ultimately save you money, especially if you make sure to have the right accessories for taking the best care of them.

Here are five shoe accessories no one should be without:

  1. Backup Shoelaces: Especially for any shoes that have thin laces, it’s a good idea to have extra shoelaces to replace one or both, if they should eventually break. Some people even prefer to use shoelaces with extended lengths on athletic shoes. Keep a minimum of two pairs of laces for dress shoes – one black and one brown pair. And then, at least one white pair in the right length for your athletic shoes. If you wear lace up boots frequently, keep some shoelaces for them, as well. You won’t have to replace these backup shoelaces until you actually use them, so just because you buy a new pair of shoes, don’t fret about new shoelaces, unless the shoes have unusual or different laces from what you already have.
  2. For Men’s Shoes, Good Shoe Trees and for all Boots, Boot Forms or Trees: Whenever we wear our shoes, and especially for long periods of time, we naturally stretch them out in odd ways that can eventually permanently alter the nice clean lines that the shoes were designed with. This only works with leather shoes, as once canvas and certain other shoe materials are stretched, there is nothing that will zap them back into shape. Nothing else can make your leather shoes and boots look older and more worn. By purchasing the best fitting shoe trees and boot forms, your leather shoes will be stored in your closet in their original condition – as they were when brand new, decreasing lines, bulges and wrinkles.
  3. Patent Leather Cleaner: Obviously, if you do not own patent leather footwear, or footwear that has patent leather accents in the design, then you will not need to buy this highly specialized cleaner. If, however, you do have any patent leather, nothing will work on those tough trademark scuff marks that only patent leather gets like specially formulated patent leather cleaner.
  4. A Good Shoe Shine Kit That Includes Suede/Canvas Protection: In an appropriately sized container, make sure you have a good horsehair brush for shining, a horsehair applicator for applying polish, some clean and dry cotton polishing cloths for final polishing and some disposable gloves. For polish, match the actual color(s) of your leather shoe inventory. Cream polish does not shine as well as wax polish, but it is kinder to your shoes, in the long run, as it allows the leather to breathe. Optional edge dressing can be used to address the leather edges of your shoes. And keep a little 409 for small touch ups of your athletic shoes, especially on the sides of the soles, where they get the most dirt.

A Few Types of Insoles: Orthotics, Gel Comfort and Odor Eating: There are a number of different inserts you can buy for your shoes, and obviously, those made for women’s dress shoes are quite different from those made for men’s or women’s casual shoes and athletic shoes. It’s nice to have a few pairs on hand, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. You can easily add them when your feet become tired or achy. and if your feet/shoes tend to develop less than fragrant odors, invest in some good odor eating insoles, so that if you ever find yourself in the position of needing to remove one or both shoes, no one will wince in agony.

The Top 3 Benefits of Women’s Casual Shoes

Women have always needed and benefitted from having several good pairs of casual shoes, in a nice variety of colors, and there have been periods of time when most women actually wore their casual shoes much more frequently than they do these days.

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Didn’t the Women’s Lib Movement Teach us to be More Comfortable?

With all the work, struggles and dedicated efforts that were wrought by so many tireless souls in advancing the women’s rights movement, one might think that a good part of the residual success of that movement would have been forever eliminating the ever pressing need for women to have to suffer to look fantastic. Not true, apparently, as today, women are forever going to great and unprecedented painful extremes to be smokin’ hot and fully own the wow factor.

Women’s Shoe Design is Reaching New Heights

In actuality, women seem to be suffering more than ever before, when it comes to their feet, at least. Women’s shoes have definitely reached new heights, and it is not ever surprising to go into a room where people are gathered and standing, only to find the women to be the main ones towering over everyone else. And all you need to do is to look downward at the feet of these gargantuan women to figure out the reason for this new anomaly. The heels went as high as they possibly could on women’s shoes, and when they just could not go any further, the next course of action was to design upward-moving soles, mostly in the form of wedges, so that the end result was a shoe that would increase a woman’s height by strange new levels. Don’t ask why, because there is probably no real answer beyond  “Because they can.”

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What Looking Good Should Begin With

When it comes to efforts a woman can make to look her best, the very first objective should be that she needs to look like she is comfortable and in full control of her gait, her balance and her posture. If the women in these horribly awkward “heels” could just see how awkward and uncoordinated they look while wearing and walking about in them, they might rethink wearing the bigger heels altogether. It’s like they should install a treadmill in the women’s shoe department, so the women can actually see how ridiculous they look while walking in these aggressive foot rockets.

The Top 3, in a Nutshell

Today, there are a myriad of styles and designs in women’s casual shoes, with some being actually quite appropriate for certain dress occasions, even. Not that you need one, but if you are looking for reasons to justify wearing casual shoes, read on.

  1. Comfort is a Good Thing. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that being comfortable is vastly better than being uncomfortable. When you invest in top quality casual women’s shoes, you will feel better, respond better and think better. You will increase your productivity, as well.
  2. The Top Selling Casual Shoes for Women Radiate Success and a High IQ. When you want a level of quality to match your casual shoes, in terms of comfort and support, turn to the best selling brands, such as Josef Seibel, Naot, Ecco , Rockport and Keen–just to name a few. When you buy your casual footwear from a reputable shoemaker, you have all the support, durability, comfort and style you would ever need. And make no mistake about it–others in the know do notice the shoes you are wearing. When you wear really great shoes, you show the world that you are smart and self sufficient.
  3. Take Good Care of Your Feet, and They Will Take Good Care of You. Bunions, hammertoes, corns, pinched nerves, fallen arches and plantar fasciitis are just some of the anomalies that  your feet can develop, when you make a habit out of wearing subpar shoes. You totally depend on your feet so very much, and they take a lot of abuse. Treat your precious feet to a generous amount of time cradled in good casual shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Ecotourism and Top 5 Adventure-Friendly Shoe Brands (Infographic)

Are you looking for an outing? Do you have a proper pair of shoes? If you like trekking, strolling in the woods or just running on the beach you need adventure-friendly shoes that will never let you down!
Ecotourism               

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Ecotourism and Top 5 Adventure-Friendly Shoe Brands

In an effort to break the boredom of the daily routine, for example, working in an office, shop, garden, etc., it is advisable to engage in any outdoor activity. These are leisure pursuits engaged in the outdoors, often in natural or semi-natural settings out of town. Outdoor activities are part of healthy development of human beings. It entails engaging in hazardous and exciting activity, usually the exploration of an unknown environment or otherwise called ecotourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines it as “responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and promotes the welfare of the locals. It includes:

  • Travel to natural and cultural areas;
  • Travel that supports conservation and bio-diversity;
  • Travel that improves or enhances the lives of local people;
  • Travel that includes some form of education for visitors and supports education;
  • Programs for local people.

Key Latest Findings Of The American Ecotourism

  • Approximately 50 percent of Americans aged at least six participated in outdoor recreation in 2012. That equates to 141.9 million Americans.
  • According to a recent study by the Outdoor Industry Association, every year Americans spend $120 billion on products for their outdoor recreational activities. This expenditure includes purchasing of trekking equipment.
  • The number of total outdoor outings increased attaining in 2012 an all-time high. Americans used 12.4 billion for outdoor excursions in 2012, up from 11.5 billion excursions in 2011.
  • Running (both jogging and trail running) is the most popular activities among Americans when observed  by a number of participants and total annual outings
  • 40 percent of outdoor participants are from households with incomes of $75,000 or more.
  • Averagely, Americans spend half an hour per day doing sport, exercise and on recreation. A survey carried out by the International Food Information Council Foundation indicated that 55 percent of the respondents considered themselves averagely active when asked about the personal level of physical activity. 65 percent of them believed their physical activity had a positive impact on their health.

Here is an age composition about Americans who engage in outdoor activities

  • 13% of them are between 6 to 12 years.
  • 9% between 13 to 17 years.
  • 33% between 25 to 44 years.
  • 33% are over 45.

One of the most crucial items used in any outdoor activity is the shoes. Whether you like to climb mountains or trek through the woods on the hunt, you need the right footwear to give you support and keep your feet protected. You don’t want your epic trek up Everest to be thwarted by a tumble caused by weak ankle support, and you don’t want to have to end your day-long hike along the Rockies because you have blisters on your feet thanks to thin soles.

Fortunately, we have all the footwear you need no matter what your adventure of choice. Here are the top five brands for your adventure-loving lifestyle:

Ecco

Ecco shoes are the perfect choice for casual or formal wear. Their simple, clean lines create classic style that goes with any outfit and any activity.

The more rugged footwear in the Ecco line will make you look just as stylish as you are comfortable. Choose from styles like boots, sports sandals, rain boots, walking shoes, thongs and clogs.

Rockport

Rockport has a reputation for making beautiful, professional shoes and quality, rugged outdoor shoes. Tall boots can protect you from the rain, and sturdy cleats can give you traction for mountain climbing and hiking.

You don’t have to be scaling a cliff to enjoy the benefits that Rockport has to offer. Rockport is known for making exceptional walking shoes. No matter how long your daily walk, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air.

Merrell

Merrell takes its commitment to outdoor footwear seriously. Each shoe in the line is created with its specific function in mind. Therefore, if you buy a Merrell running shoe, you can feel confident that every aspect of the shoe’s design was specifically chosen to support the needs of a runner. For example, running shoes include Vibram technology for durability and slip resistance.

Other shoes in the Merrell line are created for hiking, water sports, and winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. With each, you can be sure you have all the features you need, such as waterproofing, support and warmth. You can even find vegan shoes.

Clarks

Clarks produces a diverse line of shoes, ranging from stylish stilettos to comfortable sneakers. Clarks is distinguished for the comfort of its shoes. Its handcrafted shoes offer support and comfort no matter what the activity, if you are walking, running, or hiking.

Clarks shoes are also waterproof for activity in any weather or terrain, and they are breathable so your shoes don’t become too hot or sweaty.

New Balance

New Balance is known for its athletic shoes. Whether you are playing basketball or running a marathon, New Balance has a strong, comfortable pair of shoes for you. New Balance specializes in creating shoes for serious athletes. The shoes are made of the highest quality and with technology that provides the best comfort.

Conventional shoes fit across your feet at the toes, restricting the way your toes spread as you walk. Adventure-friendly shoes make any walk comfortable, gives men and women power and strength to move further and discover new horizons.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Men’s Casual Shoes

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Regardless of how high up your ranking in the white collar world of wheeling and dealing, there are always going to be times when you need to have some good casual shoes. Getting casual is part of the equation of any guy’s success…you know what they say about the time honored adage from 1659 sharing that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Whether to slip on some easy footwear for a quick trip up to the store, a leisurely lunch with the wife or girlfriend or getting a cup of something at Starbucks, a good pair of casual shoes is a staple of the complete male wardrobe. Here are the top 5 reasons to choose men’s casual shoes.

1. You Always Need at Least One Pair of Casual Shoes–but Probably More: There are always going to be those members of high society whose trademark is to show up at the most high faulting society functions all smoothly clad in black tie apparel and casual shoes with no socks, but we won’t go there just now. Assuming your penchant for the appropriate is intact, you will choose casual shoes for the casual occasions in life, whatever they may be. Likewise, a good casual shoe is not to be confused with an athletic shoe. The two are actually polar opposites. Casual shoes are to be worn when you will be partaking of the casual life, and not in any sort of position that would require any great volume of exertion whatsoever. There is nothing casual about participating in any worthwhile sport.

2. It’s Actually Good to Look GQ Even on Your Days Off and When You’re Doing Nothing: In fact, it’s often when you are your least presentable that someone will drop by or you will run into an old friend or business associate. With some great men’s casual shoes on your feet, you’ll be ready for anything, and you’ll look like you are.

3. Because You Want to Treat Your Feet Well. Of all the clothing you depend upon, it’s always your shoes that take the most significant beating. This is why it’s critical to look for your casual shoes from among well-proven brands like Clarks, Dansko, Rockport and Birkenstock. Otherwise, you could be merely throwing away your money. Good quality men’s casual shoes will continue to look great, for significantly longer periods (years) than inferior quality copies. You depend on your feet, so treat them well. Quality shoes are comfortable shoes.

4. Because Casual Attire Just Does Not Pair Well With Dress Shoes. Your entire wardrobe may not include a single pair of jeans; however just by stashing your suit jacket and tie at the end of the day, your whole look changes, and casual shoes are what you need to wear, to convey that you know what you’re doing.

5. Because Believe it or Not, People Judge You by Your Shoes. That’s right: It’s really funny, but someone can have on the most ratty looking pants and tee, but if they are wearing top quality casual shoes, they can appear to be on top of things and successful. So, by choosing quality men’s casual shoes, you might be able to save big on the other items comprising your “casual collection” of clothing. Shoes make the man, and casual shoes make the man relax and enjoy a little R&R time.
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Walking a Mile in Your Shoes: How to Properly Measure Your Feet (Infographic)

Average shoe size has changed drastically over the years. Dive into this infographic to learn how to measure your feet properly to keep your feet healthy!

Walking on a cloud measuring feet

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How Feet Have Changed

Shoe sizes have changed drastically over the years.
For example, in the United States, women’s average shoe sizes have gone up in the last century.

  • Early 1900s – 3.5 to 4
  • 1940s – 5.5
  • 1960s – 6.5
  • 1970s – 7.5
  • Today – 8.5 to 9

The average shoe size for Canadian women is 6.5.

The average shoe size for Canadian men is 10.

Factors contributing to the population’s changing shoe sizes:

  • Easier access to better nutrition
  • Taller children
  • Rising obesity rates

How Your Feet Change

Societal changes aside, your feet grow as you age, even beyond puberty.

Some people over the age of 40 can expect to gain half a shoe size every decade.

Tendons, ligaments, muscles, and tissue naturally lose elasticity and buoyancy as you age, but your feet are unique as they take your body’s entire weight.

  • Gravity causes your feet to swell.
  • The front of your foot widens.
  • Your arch flattens, causing your foot to grow longer.

Unfortunately, some people are unaware of the changes in their feet, but shoving your feet in cramped shoes can only lead to problems, including:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Corns
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Blisters
  • General pain and discomfort

Fitting shoes are healthy shoes.

Properly Measuring Your Feet

What you’ll need:

  • Tape
  • A piece of paper
  • A pencil or marker
  • A ruler or tape measure
  1. Tape the paper to the floor. You’ll be tracing your foot to measure, so make sure the paper is on a hard, flat surface (i.e., not carpet).
  2. Sit down with your foot planted firmly on the piece of paper on the floor. Bend your leg slightly forward so that your shin is just in front of your ankle. Don’t wear your shoes, but do wear socks.
  3. Trace the outline of your foot, holding your pen or pencil upright, not at an angle. Keep the writing utensil snug against your foot. If you’re having trouble with this step, get help from a friend.
  4. Draw straight lines touching the outermost points at the sides, bottom, and top of your foot tracing. These lines mark the width and length of your foot.
  5. Measure the distance from the top line to the bottom line. Use the closest 16th mark. Write this number down. It measures your foot’s length and is the primary factor in determining your shoe size.
  6. Measure the distance between the two lines at the sides of your feet. This determines the width of your feet.
  7. Subtract about □(3/16) ths of an inch from the length and width to accommodate the small space between the outline and your actual foot.
  8. Repeat with your other foot.
  9. Use the sizing charts below to determine your proper foot size. Note: use the measurements from the larger foot.

What’s Up With Width

Shoe widths are available in sizes A, B, C, D, and E with A being the narrowest and E being the widest.

  • Narrow
    • Women: A
    • Men: C
    • Accommodate thin feet or feet with narrow heels and high arches
    • For narrow widths, the more letters, the slimmer the shoe. For example, a AAA is narrower than a AA.
  • Average/medium
    • Women: B
    • Men: D
    • Make up most of a manufacturer’s inventory
    • If the shoe does not indicate a width, it is most likely average/medium.
  • Wide
    • Women: C/D
    • Men: E
    • Ideal for wide feet, flat arches, and wearers with bunions or hammertoes
    • For wide widths, the more letters, the wider the shoe. For example, a EEE is wider than a EE.
  • Extra wide
      • Women: E
      • Men: EE
      • Accommodate those with wide feet or feet that are swollen from certain conditions, including edema or diabetes
      • Tend to have more depth to accommodate insoles

     

If a shoe feels tight or loose along the sides of your feet, ask for a shoe of different width within the same size.

Don’t go down a shoe size to accommodate narrow feet, or go up a shoe size to accommodate wide feet.

For sneakers and most athletic shoes, if the brand doesn’t have different widths, remember that you don’t have to wear a shoe of your gender.

  • Men: Try women’s shoes if you have narrow feet.
  • Women: Try men’s shoes if you have wider or larger feet.


Resources:
• http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/10/16/size-8-is-the-new-7-why-our-feet-are-getting-bigger/
• http://www.theaveragebody.com/average_foot.php
• http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-our-feet-are-getting-bigger-9481529.html
• http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-our-feet-are-getting-bigger-9481529.html
• http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/01/health/la-he-agingfoot1jan01
• http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=164865
• http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3&chunkiid=14645
• http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Shoe-Size
• http://www.zappos.com/c/shoe-size-conversion
• http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/a/widenarrowwidth.htm
• http://www.healthyfeetblog.com/shoe-widths-101

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