Women love shoes! They love the way shoes look and feel, and they will sometimes go to great lengths to find the perfect pair of shoes to wear only once or twice with the perfect outfit or the fashion of the day. Once worn, these fashionable designer shoes may spend weeks, months, or years in the closet without being worn again until another special occasion comes up. With that said, are expensive designer shoes really worth their cost?
Historically, shoes were invented to protect feet from the elements, from sharp rocks, hot sands, and blisters. Shoes were made to be simple and functional, with tough leather soles and straps. As society became more sophisticated, the role of shoes shifted from protective functionality to image enhancing; shoes were made to add glamour and status to the wearer, especially for royalty or special dignitaries.
Shoe designers began to specialize in the craft of fashioning shoes for the wealthy; shoes meant more for show than for function or simplicity. Good shoemakers earned a reputation and printed symbols on their shoes, so that people would recognize the maker of that particular design. That was the beginning of designer shoes.
Specialized designer shoes for women are often known for their quality, durability, elegance and style. Notice, however, that the word comfort is not included among this list, and that is because expensive designer shoes are not supposed to be worn eight to twelve hours a day.
Many women develop serious problems with their feet because they do not wear the proper kind of shoes during the workday. Tendonitis, shin splints, twisted ankles and small fractures in the bones of the feet can result from wearing designer shoes for too long, and the medical costs for taking care of these issues can get very expensive.
So along with those high heels, pumps, sandals and cute little boots, it is important to invest in a pair of good, sturdy, comfortable shoes that you can wear when you have to be on your feet for long periods of time. These kinds of shoes can also be very expensive, but I can assure you that those are definitely worth the cost.
Some popular makers of designer shoes have been working towards incorporating comfort and functionality into their shoes, and those brands have achieved some success, but despite the added benefits it has been noted that women still go for style and uniqueness above everything else. Being unique and popular are the ultimate goals of any fashion conscious woman, and as long as this is the case, designer shoes will try to meet their demand, which means that the costs for obtaining shoes will remain very high.
So to answer the question as to whether or not designer shoes are worth the cost, the answer is a definite yes, but be smart and invest in an expensive pair of durable, comfortable, not so stylish shoes for the days when you want to go mucking about for hours!
By: Gregg Hall
Posts Tagged ‘Blisters’
The Difference Between Buying Comfortable Designer Shoes And Shoes You Never Want To Wear
April 23rd, 2010Happy Feet – Tips for Buying Cheerleading Shoes
March 30th, 2010
One of the most important components of a cheerleader’s uniform is her shoes. The type of shoe that a team wears can make the different between a safe and success season or a season full of failed stunts, injuries, and tons of blisters. To make sure that you start out your cheer career on the right foot, here are a few guidelines that can help you choose the right shoe.
The Cost of Comfort: Price can be a major factor when deciding what shoes to purchase for the individual or the team. Often times cheerleading squads are under strict budget limitations or need to partake in fundraising events in order to purchase equipment. Unfortunately, a cheap shoe is not always going to be the best choice. When it comes to cheerleading shoes, often times you get what you pay for. Cheaper shoes can be lower in quality, less comfortable, and not as durable as their expensive counterparts. There are however discount vendors or vendors that will offer a discount when ordering in large quantities. Make sure to do your research before purchasing your shoes to make sure you get the best shoe for the best price. The Perfect Fit: Comfort is a big issue when it comes to selecting the perfect shoe. There are a few qualities that you will need to look for in a shoe if you want to make sure you choose the right one. The most important factor to consider when purchasing a cheerleading shoe is the level of support it will offer. You will need a shoe that will take you through all the stunts and jumps you will be doing throughout the year. You should also look for a lightweight shoe that allows your foot to breath. Finger grooves on the soles of the shoe will also be a useful addition that will help you through stunts where you or your cheermates will be lifted into the air. If you choose shoes that are not adequate enough, you will put yourself at risk for injury and discomfort the entire season. Added Bonuses: There are a few more things to consider in your search for shoes besides affordability and comfort. Obviously the availability of your team’s colors and the style your team prefers is going to play a role in what shoes to purchase. It is also important to consider what type of activities you and your team will be engaging in. If your routines are comprised of mainly difficult stunts and rigorous jumps and flips, it may be best to consider shoes that are made specifically for that. Look for brands that offer optimum cushions and flexibility. Some of the brands that are popular are Adidas, Asics, Kaepa, and Nike. Time Restraints: One more thing to consider before you buy shoes, especially if you’re ordering them, is the amount of time it will take for them to get to you. If you are ordering shoes for the entire team and have a performance or competition in a few days time, it may be best to find a company that has clean customer service record and can deliver your shoes on time.
By: Jennifer Wasilewski
Dance the Night Away in the Perfect Pair of Prom Shoes
February 10th, 2010
It’s prom season and for many girls this means a mad dash to find the perfect dress. In fact, a large majority of the time you spend shopping will be dedicated to looking through hundreds of dresses in hopes of finding the perfect one. So much time is spent looking for the dress that shoes often take a back seat in the prom essentials search. Shoes can make or break your entire prom night attire and therefore you should make it a point to choose the best pair to compliment your dress. Use these tips to help you find a great pair of shoes to dance you through your perfect prom night.
Choosing a Style: Choose a shoe that compliments the shape of your foot, your height, and your dress. Don’t be tempted to buy a shoe based on what they look like on the shelf. First and foremost, choose a shoe that works well with the width and size of your foot. Peep toe sandals are generally a great choice. Not only are they in this season but they work well with the majority of foot types. Never try to wear a style that doesn’t compliment your feet. For example, if you have wider feet you may not want to choose those sleek strappy sandals you saw. Another important decision to make when choosing a shoe style is to determine if you want flats or heels, and if you wear heels what size heel you prefer. For those of you who are extremely tall, it’s your lucky year. Ballet flats are definitely in and they make very cute, comfy, and elegant prom shoes. For those of you who prefer heels, look for ones that compliment the height of your date. Break Them In: Breaking your shoes in before the prom is a great way to prevent uncomfortable blisters that can spring up from brand new shoes, especially high heels. Once you get your shoes, slip them on and pretend you’re already at the prom Walk around your living room, dance like your all alone, and take a few trips up and down the stairs. Not only will this get them ready for the big night, but you will also learn how to walk in them. When you do try on your shoes, make if a point to do so later in the day. Your feet tend to swell up over the course of day and trying them on at night is the best time to make sure they fit right. Be Prepare With Back Ups: No matter how comfortable your shoes may be a night of dancing will have you begging for a break. Treat your feet after prom with a comfy pair of alternatives shoes. If your concerned about fashion, consider looking for a pair of ballet flats that are as cute as they are comfortable. You can even pack a pair of flip flops or sneakers to give your feet the comfort they deserve after carrying you across the dance floor.
By: Jennifer Wasilewski
