Best Shoes

Best shoes ever:

Who Is The Best Shoe Designer of 2007?

As a girl with a fabulous collection of footwear rivaling that of Imelda Marcos (okay, maybe not), it was difficult for me to narrow down the choices for this year's shoe designer of the year. But alas, I have my top five: Nine West, Jimmy Choo, Kors by Michael Kors, Brian Atwood, and Christian Louboutin. Some of these I regularly wear, some of these I aspire to wear. Whose shoes rocked your feet this year?

 

(L-R: Nine West, Jimmy Choo, Kors by Michael Kors, Brian Atwood, Christian Louboutin)
Be sure to vote on all the Best of 2007 Sugar polls!

Who Is The Best Shoe Designer of 2007?

Nine West

Jimmy Choo

Kors by Michael Kors

Brian Atwood

Christian Louboutin

Top 10 Best Shoe Brands

As you know, The Fashion Guru blog is known for their top 10 lists.So in honor of the shoe,I thought I’d make my list of the “Top 10 Best Shoe Brands”.  Any of these shoes you can find at their web site (under the same brand name) or at Zappos.com.  So kick back, relax, and find a comfy pair for your feet!

1.      Keds:  From their classic sneakers to trendy ballet flats, Keds has made a mark in the shoe industry.  And with having beautiful celebrity models such as Mischa Barton, how could you not resist wanting a pair?

2.    Skechers:  I loved them ever since the Spice Girls and Britney Spears were wearing their infamous platform sneakers.  (I even had a pair.) Now, I’m addicted to their maryjane and sandal lines.  No matter how stylish they are, they remain just as comfortable.

3.     Saucony:  Even though I haven’t worn these shoes for years, they still hold a place in my heart.  These colorful sneakers will brighten up your outfit and day.

4.     Cheeks:  Forget those uber-expensive sandals and sneakers that claim to tone your calves.  Cheeks by Tony Little are not only cute and affordable, but they give you great posture as well!  Who wouldn’t want that?

5.     Birkenstock:  Another great sandal that is super comfortable.  They no longer just come in the Hippie/Jesus version.  With so many styles to choose from, how can you resist?

6.     A.J. Valenci:  Not only are they trendy, but these shoes are comfy.  You’ll be wearing them, not the other way around.  Trust me; they’ve been around for YEARS.

7.     Aerosoles:  This is another stylish brand that has comfort on their mind.  Their array of shoes will take you from the office to a night out on the town.

8.     Clark’s:  I know I sound like a broken record by now, but this comfortable line has everything from sneakers to dress shoes to sandals.  But I have a few words for them:  Please bring back the old Springer sandal!

9.     Converse:  The punk rocker in me had to add Converse the list.  And with their clothing line sold exclusively at Target, how can I not praise them?  Even if you don’t like high-top sneakers, they will have a style for you that’s just as hardcore.

10. Reebok:  Known for their British emblem, Reebok made themselves a household name with their street style sneakers.  They were even one of the first brands to come out with high-tops.  No other brand screams, “Cool” like they do.

 

Easiest Target For Foot Fetishists

Anne Hathaway is simply shutting it down when it comes to her style lately - and her career too, I guess. And while her dress was pretty, these heels are making my heart beat a little faster. The needle and thread stitching on top that's in direct contrast to the haute heel is giving me a shoegasm.

Six of the Best: Sexy Heels

We love heels - a great pair has the ability to instantly make you feel long, lean and lavish. A good heel can not only add inches to your height, it can appear to take inches off your waistline and make you look so much more polished.
From a good pointed shoe, perfect for lengthening out curvacious legs, to heeled cut away ankle boots perfect for adding curve to slim pins. A little metallic gives a heavy pair of industrial heels enough polish for a night out (such as the gorgeous Siren Wasp from Wild Pair), whilst the Can Can heel from Mimco is a little bit of shoe perfection…

Siren Wasp $119.90 from Wild Pair
2: Suede Peep Toe Heel $28.00 from GoJane
3: Baylee Heel AU$169.95 from Witchery
4: Farrah Pump $199.00 from Country Road
5: Can Can Heel AU$450.00 from Mimco
6: Pulp Noir Boudoir Heel $99.00 from Pulp 

 

What Shoes Are Best for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, specifically in runners or other individuals who must be on their feet for long periods of time. Once plantar fasciitis sets in, it is relatively easy to be rid of. With the proper exercises and arch support, specifically a change of shoes, plantar fasciitis can disappear just as suddenly as it set in.

Plantar Fasciitis

1. 
   
   
   
   
   Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toe and running along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. Normally, the band of tissue, or the plantar fascia, acts as a shock absorber for your foot with every step you take. Once the tissue becomes over-stressed or is under undue tension, the tissue will tear and swell. Obesity, flat-footedness, certain types of exercise such as running or dancing, long periods or standing or walking time, and improper shoes can cause stress or tension.
   
   A telltale sign of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the arch or heel of your foot. It generally occurs in the morning with your first steps of the day. Once your foot limbers up, the pain generally subsides. But without treatment or attention, the pain will only grow worse and could cause other foot, knee, hip or back problems, eventually changing the way you walk.
   
   
   
   

   Your Shoes

2. Your shoes play an important role when it comes to plantar fasciitis. Open-toed shoes such as flip-flops or sandals, high heels, or any other shoe without arch support can contribute to much of the tension on your feet, especially if worn at all times. To reduce the risk for plantar fasciitis, wear shoes with proper arch support. Although they typically tend to be more expensive, they will last longer and be more forgiving on your feet. The best and most comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis are simple running shoes, although these tend to lose their support after some time and will need to be replaced.
   
   If you must wear shoes that are flat or you simply don't like the look of arched shoes, you can buy an over-the-counter arch insert from any grocery store or pharmacy. They will generally help relieve the tension and keep you in style.

 

BEST SHOES FOR WEIGHT LIFTING