Keeping Warm on a Ski Trip

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Shoe Lady,

My husband and I are planning to fly to Colorado after Christmas for a ski trip, and considering I live in the South, I can’t say I’m at all prepared! I want to be stylish, but of course my biggest priority is not having my feet freeze over. Can you suggest some cute boots and shoes that can handle winter weather?

Thank you!!

Clare from Texas

——–

Dear Clare,

I’m going skiing myself soon, and I can definitely understand the importance of staying comfortable yet stylish around the slopes. One of my favorite winter brands is Tamarac, and all of their shoes and boots are just the warmest.

tamarac-arizona-rootbeer-designershoes.com

Tamarac Arizona Rootbeer - DesignerShoes.com

These loafers are perfect for walking around your hotel or cabin or even outside, if you don’t want to wear boots. These come in a few colors, but I think the black-on-black is very stylish and matches with just about everything.

tamarac-megan-black-designershoes.com

Tamarac Megan Black - DesignerShoes.com

Boots will be your #1 staple around the ski resort! I love the Megan boots because the sharktooth-style toggles on the sides add a stylish touch to an otherwise classic suede boot shape.

Oh! And of course, I should add that everything from Tamarac is 10% off right now (code: TAMARAC).

trotters-blast-too-mocha-designershoes.com

Trotters Blast Too Mocha - DesignerShoes.com

What I adore about these boots by Trotters is that they’re practical, waterproof, and warm, but they definitely don’t compromise style at all. They’re perfect for apres ski dinner or drinks.

Have a great trip!

– The Shoe Lady

New boots for fall…

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Shoe Lady,

With every fall, I get the urge to add yet another pair of boots to my collection. This year, I’ve been looking for a knee high boot in deep cognac or dark brown to wear with a skirt and wool floppy hat (a la Ali MacGraw in the ’70s) or with black leggings and a chunky knit sweater on casual weekends – something comfortable, with a bit of a heel, and not too bulky around the ankles and calves. And not terribly expensive either. And being that I’m a bit on the tall side (5’10”), an extended calf would be great to have too!

Here are a few I’m considering..

1)

Naturalizer Array Oxford Brown Wide Shaft Leather/ Elastic Fabric

Naturalizer Array Oxford Brown Wide Shaft Leather/ Elastic Fabric

2)

Ali MacGraw

Ali MacGraw

3)

Aerosoles Ride Line Brown Pu

Aerosoles Ride Line Brown Pu



What do you think? I would love to see your suggestions as well.

Thanks so much,

Katie

——————-

Dear Katie,

I love both pairs!
Either would go great with causal or more dressy looks, but I prefer the pair in cognac as they have a more polished look and will add a bit more color to your wardrobe (I love wearing my cognac-colored boots with black jeans and maxi skirts).

Here are few more I thought could work too (both are available in extended calf sizes).

4)

Annie Ropper Coach Antique Nubuc Wide Calf

Annie Ropper Coach Antique Nubuc Wide Calf

5)

Naturalizer Glassy Dark Sienna Wide Shaft Suede/ Leather

Naturalizer Glassy Dark Sienna Wide Shaft Suede/ Leather



Keep us posted on your findings and happy boot hunting!

The Shoe Lady

What USA Size and Width for a Bridal Sandal in Norway?

Posted on by
1

Dear Shoe Lady,

My name is Kjersti, and I’m writing from Norway. I’m thinking about ordering Dyeables Alyssa White Satin for my wedding, but I’m having trouble figuring out the right size.

I usually wear a EURO size 36, but since we don’t use Width sizes in Norway, I don’t know which USA size that would be correct.

My biggest foot is 23 cm long and 8,5 cm wide, something that would end up in a USA size 6 or 6.5 Medium. But that is about the same as a EURO size 37, which is usually to long for me when it comes to sandals.

I have also experienced that some sandals that I’ve bought in shops here at home can get a bit tight over my foot, but my ankles aren’t really thick.

What size would you recommend for me?

Thank you!

Dear Kjersti,

My goodness!  You are breaking my stereotype about Scandinavian women being tall with long feet.  You have tiny feet!  All your measurements suggest a USA size 6 medium or 6.5 medium.   But a EURO size 36 is closer to a 5 or 5.5 wide.  I tend to pay more attention to the size of the shoes you wear rather than the measurements you took because, well, who knows if you slipped up with the tape measure?  The difference between a size 5 and a size 6 is only 0.8 centimeters or a third of an inch!  So lets assume you should be looking at either a size 5.5 wide or a size 6 medium.

Alyssa, dyeable white strappy sandal by Dyeables

Now, down to business.  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  The Alyssa is a beautiful shoe.  It doesn’t come in wide, only medium.  But it is very open.  I think you could wear a 5.5 or a 6 medium.  It depends on how close to the end of the shoe you want your toes to be.  If you  want only a sliver  of the shoe to show under your toes, go for the 5.5.   Otherwise, go for the 6.

Best Wishes on your special day!

The Shoe Lady

Strappy Sandals for a Thicker Foot

Posted on by
2
Dear Shoe Lady,
I will be matron of honour at my niece’s wedding and am deciding
between the 1. Touch Up Morgans Bronze 11w

Morgan, bronze by Touch Ups

and the Annie Allison Black
11extra W.

Allison, gold by Annie

My foot measures 26cm long and 10cm wide – however I have a
high instep and was wondering how generous these shoes were with their
straps across the top – ie. depth from sole to top of foot?    Your opinion
would be great, as I have not tried these brands before.  Could you please
also advise the postage to Postcode 2346, NSW, Australia for both 1 and 2
pairs (in case I buy both…lol)  Thanks Cindy  (I have just measured and my
largest foot around is 25.5cm -this is taken with tape measure around the
middle of foot where the heel arch is and fully around to the top halfway on
top of foot (not incl toes)  -hard to describe isnt it…lol….
thanks  again,
Cindy
Dear Cindy –
I, too, have a high arch and a thick foot.  If you just looked at the length and width of my foot, you’d sell me a size 10.  You are quite correct to take the girth of your foot into consideration.  But if your measurements are correct, I think you may have overdone it.  Both of these brands are pretty true to size.  Your measurements suggest that, independent of the girth of your foot, you should be a size 10 to 10.5 Medium.
The Morgan is cut in such a way that it would accomodate a thicker foot.  The strap across the top of the Allison does not have an elastic insert that would allow the top to stretch.  It is possible to move it around a bit to fit the top of your foot.  In some circumstances, you could get a wider size and that would help for the top strap but if you do, you may run into problems with the heel strap.  It has a 1 inch piece of elastic but it does not have a buckle and isn’t really adjustable.  So if you get a shoe that is too wide, the heel strap will slip down all the time.
That said, both shoes could fit perfectly, or neither could.   I like the sparkle on the Allison and I normally think a heel strap makes walking easier.  But for you, I’d lean toward the Morgan as being the more versatile fit.  Then consider whether you should be going with a 10.5M or 11M or 10.5W or 11W.   This decision is based on your own knowledge of your feet and your preference for whether you want the sole of the sandal to show above your toes, or if you like your toes to go to the very end of the sole.
The Shoe Lady

The Making of a Women’s Shoe

Posted on by
2

Beth Cornaccio, right, prepared this explanation for how one of  DesignerShoes.com’s  premier italian shoe designers puts together a shoe collection for the season.


One… The designer decides lasts/heels for the season. (round, square, pointed, etc.) as well as heel height.

Two… The designer then sketches the models for each last.

Three… The technicians receive sketches and input to the computer. This prints a cardboard pattern.

Four… The first department that receives the cardboard pattern is the “cutting room”. Approx. 3½ pairs of shoes per skin is the average. Here the leather is cut for the different parts of the upper (vamp, heel, lining, etc.). The best leather is put around the toe and the less durable around the heel. They try to cut so there is no waste.

Five… The second department is the “sewing room”. This is where different pieces are stitched together. They insert the toe cap between the vamp and the lining to reinforce the shoe toe. All shoes are reinforced to some degree. The more reinforced the less comfortable but the less reinforced the more likely the shoe is to wrinkle.

Six… At the same time another department called the “preparation room” prepares the components for the bottom of the shoe. These are the lasts, heels, counters and insoles. The counter has to reinforce the back of the shoe and is the same for all shoes. For each size there is a different last Heels are used for two sizes: for example, a size 7 heel is used for sizes 7 and 7½.

Seven… Next the “lasting room: receives the stitched uppers from the “sewing room”. This is where they put everything together. The upper is put on a last to acquire the shape. At one time lasts were wooden but now they are all plastic. Next the insole is glued underneath. Then the heel is nailed to the sole (the insole is between the sock lining and the stacked sole). The next step is taking off the last. Afterwards, the sock lining is glued in.

Eight… The last department is the “finishing room”. This is where the shoes are cleaned, brushed and prepared for packing and shipping. Nine… Ornaments, bows, etc. are put on prior to the shoe being taken off the last.

Get Friendly With Your Feet

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Shoe Lady,

I always wear down my shoes on the inside bottom of the heel area. Is this significant?

Marli

Dear Marli,

EVERYTHING about shoes is significant! Your shoes are telling you that you are probably a PRONATOR. Don’t worry, you will neither be arrested or required to change your voter registration. But knowing this will help guide you in your selection of shoes. A pronator has a type of foot that rolls far inward during the weight-bearing phase of the stride. This type of foot is characterized by a very low or flat arch.

Arches in your feet are more than just decorative features. According to the folks at Northwestern Health Sciences University: Discovering what type of shoes, (especially running shoes) you need has a lot to do with simply looking at your feet, which is the first step to finding the right shoe for you. There are three different foot types, based on the height of your arches. A quick and easy way to determine your specific foot type is called the “wet” test. Pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan; wet the sole of your foot; step on a shopping bag or blank piece of heavy paper; step off and look down; and analyze the shape of your foot and see if it matches with some of the foot types mentioned below.

Normal (medium) arch: If you only see about half of your arch you have the most common foot type, meaning you are a normal pronator (your foot can support your body weight without problem). You can wear just about any shoe but may be best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support or medial stability.

If you are a lightweight runner, you may favor a stability shoe with a moderate level of arch support or medial stability. Lightweight runners may want neutral-cushioned shoes without added support or a performance training shoe that provides some support but less weight for a faster feel.
Flat (low) arch: If you see almost your entire foot, you have a flat foot, meaning you are an overpronator (your foot and ankle have problems stabilizing your body and shock isn’t absorbed properly). Mild to moderate overpronators need stability shoes or motion-control shoes that have devices such as dual-density midsoles and supportive “posts” to reduce pronation. Severe overpronators, as well as tall, bow-legged runners or people over 165 pounds need firmer support devices.
High arch: If you see just your heel, the ball of your foot and thin line on the outside of your foot, you are an underpronator (meaning the force of impact is not evenly distributed, resulting in too much shock traveling up your legs). Neutral-cushioned shoes are recommended for you because they have a softer midsole to encourage pronation. No stability devices should be added because they reduce pronation.

And, of course, I recommend reading up on shoe fit here, too. http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/measure-feet

Aren’t you glad you asked?!?
The Shoe Lady

Shoes for a Tall Lady to Wear to a Reunion?

Posted on by
2

Dear Shoe Lady,

I want to look terrific at my reunion this spring.  What do you suggest for shoes?  By the way, I’m on the tall side.

B.T.

Dear B.T.,

First, I’m guessing that because you mentioned you are tall, you are looking for lower heels?  High heels can be lots of fun for tall women.  But here I’ll stick with lower heel suggestions.

Sandals are great, whether they glitter with rhinestones, 

montaege-pocahontas-black-designershoes.com

Montaege Pocahontas Black w Crystals - DesignerShoes.com

shine with patent

aerosoles-gaduation-black-leather-designershoes.com

Aerosoles Gaduation Black Leather - DesignerShoes.com

or metallic finish leathers  or go earth tones with fabric and leather weaves .  I also love the by Special Occasions worn with stove pipe, cropped or capri pants – a glittery,

softwalk-rodano-bright-multi-designershoes.com

Softwalk Rodano Bright Multi - DesignerShoes.com

feminine, flattering footwear look and comfortable too.  

special-occasions-glamour-ballet-black-designershoes

Special Occasions Glamour Ballet Black - DesignerShoes.com

Top it off with a flowing tunic or cascade coat top from Truly Your. It’s hard to find interesting clothes when your tall.  These floaty, colorful tunics and tops are extra long and look great at a party! If you are inclined to want to stand out in the crowd and flaunt your own fashion sense, try designing your own footwear.  

touch-ups-letitica-white-satin-designershoes

Touch Ups Letitica White Satin - DesignerShoes.com

Dyeable shoes are low priced and versatile. Don’t just think of them for proms and weddings.  Go get some fabric markers or fabric paint.  Order a plain white ballet flat, a white wedge pump  or a peep toe slingback.  Go to town with your own design right on the fabric!   ….. and send us a photo of the results!

Have fun!

The Shoe Lady