Want a Quality Pair of Shoes? Consider These Two Factors - gearpatrol.com |
- Want a Quality Pair of Shoes? Consider These Two Factors - gearpatrol.com
- You can save £63 on the shoes Mo wore when setting the European men's marathon record - Runner's World (UK)
- Stepping towards awareness with red shoes - Grand Valley Lanthorn
- Tom Treece: Thoughts of Colin, smoking and Nike shoes - The Daily Telegram
- Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X + More Celebs With the Craziest Shoes at the 2019 AMAs - Footwear News
| Want a Quality Pair of Shoes? Consider These Two Factors - gearpatrol.com Posted: 25 Nov 2019 01:31 AM PST Shoes that hit the sweet intersection of cost and quality require a discerning eye to spot. How do you know whether a pair of shoes is worth it? Generally speaking, if you want your shoes to keep kicking for years and years, they'll most likely run you at least $250 or $300. That's a chunk of change not everyone has or is willing to put down enthusiastically. While there's an entire universe of cordwaining nerdery that can go into a pair of shoes, we'll be focusing on the baseline of what makes a pair of quality shoes. For us, that means a really good bang for your buck; a high cost-per-wear and that comes down to two fundamental components: sole construction and the upper. Sole ConstructionBefore looking at anything on a boot, look at the sole construction. This will tell you whether or not a boot is even worth considering. The soles will give out long before anything else (in theory) and if you want your investment to go the literal distance, making sure a boot can be resoled is imperative. Shoes that use stitched sole construction can be easily resoled. There are a variety of stitched methods including Goodyear welt, Blake stitch, stitchdown, Norwegian and more, each of which will be able to handle several resoles before the shoe gives out entirely. Generally speaking, Goodyear-welted construction will last longer than Blake stitch construction because the welt adds another layer of protection between the sole and insole. Stitchdown construction, as the name implies, features an upper stitched down to the midsole. On the other hand, Blake stitch construction stitches the sole directly to the insole and the upper. This results in a lighter shoe with a sleeker profile that is still able to be resoled, however, it cannot withstand as many resoles. Contrary to what's been spouted online, cemented shoes — those with an upper glued to the sole — can be resoled. But there are notable downsides. Because the soles are fixed to the upper, detaching them can be tricky. The equipment required to detach and resole cemented shoes isn't as common in shoe repair shops. And, the lack of capable cobblers to perform the operation is accompanied by the fact that the price of repair almost negates the resole since most cemented shoes are significantly less expensive compared to stitched styles. So, while you could theoretically get a pair of Vans sneakers resoled, it would be cheaper to just buy a new pair. Broadly speaking, as unsustainable as it is, people don't buy cemented shoes to have them resoled. Be wary, however. Some shoe manufacturers will make shoes that look like they have a welted or stitched construction but are actually just cemented. They'll do this by adding decorative stitches or welts. If a shoe looks like it has a stitched sole, but doesn't come from a reputable manufacturer and is priced lower than $120, it's probably too good to be true.
 The UpperThe upper is perhaps a shoe's most important component. While the soles should be the first thing you consider, soles can be repaired, replaced and upgraded. If the upper is ripped or if it develops a hole, there's not much a cobbler can do. You want to make sure that a shoe's upper is made from quality leather. Good leather uppers will literally last decades with proper care, so you shouldn't skimp here. After a hide is tanned, it can be processed into several different grains of leather. Full-grain leather is the best grade of leather you can get and will last a lot longer than lower grades of leather. The hide is minimally processed and includes the natural texture of the animal's hide. Full-grain leathers will develop patina and age much better than other quality of leathers. Shoemakers are sure to point out that they use full-grain leather because it is definitely a selling point. The next tier of leather is top-grain leathers. They have had the top layer sanded down to smooth out any imperfections like scars in the leather. These leathers are a bit thinner than full-grain leathers and don't feature the hide's natural grain. Though top grain leathers can still last a long time, they tend to not age as gracefully as full-grain leathers. Split grain leather follows top grain leather and is the portion of the hide that is literally split away from the top-grain or full-grain leather. Split grain leather is heavily processed and pigmented, and often has an artificial grain texture added to the surface to give it the appearance of a higher quality leather. If a shoe brand doesn't label their leather shoes as either full-grain or top-grain, you'll probably see something generic like "genuine leather," "vero cuoio," or "bonded leather." These terms are marketing terms to mask the fact that they're inferior quality products. These materials are often made using scraps of leather that have been ground down to bits and glued (i.e. bonded) together. The result is a material that will not stand up to the test of time and will eventually fall apart. The gamut of shoes that fulfill these two main requirements for quality shoes is wide. Typically, you can expect to find a pair of well-made Goodyear welted shoes with full-grain uppers for at least $250 from brands like Red Wing, Wolverine and Lucchese. For Blake-stitched and stitchdown shoes with decent leather uppers, the point of entry is a notch lower at around $125 from brands like Clarks and Frye. Check out a few of our favorite styles below.
 Stitchdown Styles Desert Boot by Clarks $130 Bitflex Boots by Astorflex $195
350 Cutter Boots by White's $560
Boondocker Boots by Viberg $670Blake Stitched Styles Seam Shoes by Wild Bunch $195 Walker Cap Toe Oxford by Jack Erwin $225 Fondeghee by Velasca $285
Tavernelle Boots by Oliver Sweeney $459Goodyear Welted Styles 875 Moc Toe Boots by Red Wing Heritage $260 Roper Boots by Tecovas $245 Traveler Penny Loafers by Grant Stone $320 Kenton Leather Cap-Toe Boot by J.Crew $248We Cut 5 Great Boots in Half to See What Makes a Quality Pair
Frequently at Gear Patrol, we implore readers to invest in quality boots. We wax poetic about how a great pair will age: how it will develop a unique patina, how it will form to the wearer's foot, how it can be resoled countless times. We talk about it like it's a serious investment, not as a rhetorical exercise, because it actually is. Most quality boots cost hundreds of dollars and are designed to last for years. Read the Story Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team's mission. Learn more here. |
| Posted: 25 Nov 2019 07:01 AM PST  JIM YOUNGGetty Images Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below  |
| Stepping towards awareness with red shoes - Grand Valley Lanthorn Posted: 25 Nov 2019 05:00 AM PST   GVL / Meghan Landgren GVL / Meghan Landgren
"Zapatos Rojos" is an art installation being displayed at the Kirkhof Center from Nov. 1-Feb. 28. This art installation serves to represent the cause and spread awareness for the fight opposing violence against women. This installation was chosen by the Modern Languages and Literatures department and was originally created by award-winning artist Elina Chauvet in Juárez, Mexico. When guests pass by it in the lobby, they will notice documentation of a selection of the brightly painted red shoes. Each of the shoes, originally being thirty-three pairs, represents a missing woman from Chauvet's community. This installation was originally organized in 2o17 by Modern Languages and Literatures Professor Zulema Moret. By working with Elina Chauvet and GVSU students, she was able to organize the installation of this project in Grand Rapids. After that, Moret approached the art gallery about exhibiting this project for students to see. Chauvet's art is deeply tied to her hometown of Juárez, Mexico. Her art is often political, dealing with a broad variety of issues caused by corruption in Mexican politics. Specifically, "Zapatos Rojos" is a statement about the violence against women. However, Chauvet also has covered a broad variety of issues caused by corruption in Mexican politics. In her city of Juárez, there was an eruption of girls going missing around Chauvet's community. In 2009, she decided to take a stand against the numerous girls that were going missing or being murdered. She employed a community of people to paint red shoes to represent each of the women who disappeared. Many of these women's stories were underreported by the press, and local law enforcement was not doing much to eliminate the issue of domestic and gang violence against women. "We should all be aware that violence against women continues to be a problem worldwide, and it is important to work in solidarity to combat it," said curator Joel Zwart. One may ask "why shoes?" Almost all of the victims represented in this installment had one thing in common: they were either out shopping for shoes or worked at a shoe store when they were targeted. Chauvet used shoes in order to connect all the women together and give them representation through art. "I believe that the installation of red shoes is a powerful representation of those who have been affected by violence towards women," Zwart said. "I'm hopeful that it will catch the attention of students and remind them of this important issue." Chauvet makes it her goal to use the project "Zapatos Rojos" to spread a message to fight violence against women and to raise awareness for those who have disappeared or been murdered. Chauvet states that her goal is to collect more shoes than the number of women murdered since the start of her project in 2009.  |
| Tom Treece: Thoughts of Colin, smoking and Nike shoes - The Daily Telegram Posted: 25 Nov 2019 06:12 AM PST "While I'm still no fan of his, I was happy to see Colin Kaepernick get his shot at an NFL workout," Tom Treece says in his latest column. Meandering on Monday…. While I'm still no fan of his, I was happy to see Colin Kaepernick get his shot at an NFL workout (that he pretty much blew by dictating a change in venue). I still say that if he was good enough and could possibly lead a team to the Super Bowl, any team would pick him up no matter his politics or baggage. I also have no heartburn about his cause, but I do for the time frame during which he chooses to promote it. That time before the game is reserved to honor the country that allows him and others to make millions playing a game, as well as time to honor those who have given their lives ensuring the freedom to do that and more is protected. And, if he ever is in need and is rescued by a policeman, I would expect to hear an apology from the one who proudly wore a pair of "Cops are Pigs" socks. Shameful! ...I was disappointed there was not more fanfare over The American Cancer Society's 43rd Annual Great American Smokeout last Thursday. I love proclaiming that one of THE most important things I've ever done in my lifetime was to quit smoking, and I also take every opportunity to urge anyone else who smokes to do the same. At the same time I always like to remind smokers that I, too, once was a heavy smoker who hated self-righteous ex-smokers preaching to me to quit. But the profound difference it has made in my life compels me to accept the ridicule for the sake of the possibility that if even one person considers quitting, it will have been worth it. ...Grandchildren are one of the great joys of life but they can be brutally honest sometimes. I read where one asked his grandfather how old he was. When gramps answered, "72," the grandson thought for a moment and then asked, "Did you start at one?" When you're a child, 72 is an eternity. ...While one of my main goals in life is to be more like Jesus, I don't think I'll be following Nike's latest lead in order to do so. Last month the running-shoe giant unveiled their new Air Max 97's, also christened as "Jesus Shoes." The soles of the shoes have been injected with 60cc's of holy water drawn from the Jordan River "so you can literally walk on water." Also featured is a crucifix in the laces and red insoles in keeping with Vatican traditions. They are scented with frankincense and have an inscription from Matthew 14:25 of Jesus "Walking on the sea." Your wallet better be fluid as well if you'd like a pair; they originally sold for nearly $1,500 but now go for between $2,000 and $11,000. I found a pair of men's size 11 on the Internet for only $6,499.99, or 24 easy payments of $310 per month. ...And speaking of Jesus, Renee and I have two friends I have known and loved for virtually my entire life who are wonderful representatives of the King of Kings. Austin and Loretta Cosby have another distinction worth noting: Friday they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations dear friends. Sadly, after reading this newspaper's ongoing divorce records, it seems to me that most kids today can't even make it 73 days together. But, what do I know. Contact Tom Treece at rttreece@aol.com  |
| Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X + More Celebs With the Craziest Shoes at the 2019 AMAs - Footwear News Posted: 24 Nov 2019 10:11 PM PST Red carpet footwear tends to include a lot of pointed-toe pumps and strappy sandals — but some celebrities experimented with more interesting styles on the red carpet at the 2019 American Music Awards tonight in Los Angeles. Billie Eilish was one star who embraced a unique look. The "Bad Guy" singer wore a head-to-toe Burberry outfit that included a sparkly face mask. On her feet, Eilish sported Velcro-strap sneakers in the brand's signature beige check print, which also adorned her oversized T-shirt and pants.  Billie Eilish in Burberry. CREDIT: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock  A close-up look at Billie Eilish's Burberry sneakers. CREDIT: Jason Merritt/Shutterstock Kesha also rocked head-to-heel prints, stepping out in a Versace robe and tights. Floral black and gold pumps with a pointed toe and stiletto heel finished off the "We R Who We R" hit maker's look.  Kesha in Versace. CREDIT: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock  A detail shot of Kesha's Versace shoes. CREDIT: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock Elsewhere, Lil Nas X lit up the red carpet in a neon-green Christopher John Rogers outfit consisting of a pantsuit and a zebra-print top with rhinestone studs (plus matching opera gloves). The "Old Town Road" performer's shoes adhered to one of fall's biggest trends: square toes. His boots also featured a chunky block heel.  Lil Nas X in Christopher John Rogers. CREDIT: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock  A close-up look at Lil Nas X's neon green square-toe boots. CREDIT: Shutterstock Like Lil Nas X, Christina Aguilera went with block-heel boots. She also embraced autumn's platform shoe trend, choosing boots with a shiny white exterior and a rounded toe. The Disney alum's high-fashion dress came from Jean Paul Gaultier.  Christina Aguilera in Jean Paul Gaultier. CREDIT: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock  A close-up look at Christina Aguilera's white platform boots. CREDIT: Shutterstock Click through the gallery to see more celebrity red carpet arrivals at the 2019 AMAs. Want more? Best Dressed Celebrities at the 2019 AMAs: Selena Gomez, Billy Porter + More Dua Lipa Brings the Popular Pink Trend to the AMA Red Carpet Lizzo Pops in Orange Minidress + Trendy Square Toes at the 2019 AMAs Watch on FN |
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