Showing posts with label sandals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sandals. Show all posts

Tuesday

Sandals and Traditional Japanese Sandals


Before the shoes厀ere sandals. But in some regions, the shoes were first devised rather than the more comfortable and light sandals. Throughout the world, there are artifacts and strong evidences that sandals had been existing since human first inhabited earth. These evidences were not only found in the relics but may also be sighted in the similarities of terminology to connote something that is worn for feet covering. Take for example the Latin word sandalium, or the French sandale and even the Arabic andal. All these seem to be linked by a common idea of a sandal.

The variety of sandal types today attests to man抯 mastery over sandal making and the use he has found in the item. In the following sections of this article, we will discuss some of the most popular sandal types in the world. Most of the types mentioned here will only be discussed in brief since we will try to focus on the types of sandals traditional to Japanese culture alone.

espadrille - is a type of sandal characterized by the rope sole or rubber sole with a cloth covering for its upper section.

flip-flop - is Japanese in origin and is characterized by being backless. This sandal is held on the foot by means of a thong between the second toe and the big toe.

Gladiator- named after the sandals worn by gladiators of the Roman arenas, straps that are fastened to the flat sole to hold the foot in place characterizes this sandal.

huarache or huaraches - is a Mexican sandal with flat heels and woven leather thongs for straps.

scuffer - is usually worn as playshoes among children and as sportshoe among adults. Scuffers are frequently made out of lightweight materials and are characterized for their sturdy sole.

shoe - is a footwear that is patterned to fit the foot. Usually, the upper is made of leather, plastic or rubber and the sole is made out of much heavier and sturdier material.

talaria - is frequently mentioned in most Roman myths. This is a winged sandal worn by Hermes, a Roman god.

Zori or pusher - originally a Japanese, this is a sandal made of rubber sole and two straps that are held on either side which meets at the upper part between the big toe and the second finger.

Among these general types of sandals, the most popular types are the zori, the huarache and the gladiator.

Japanese sandals

The three of the basic Japanese sandals are the geta, tatami and the zori. Geta sandals are more commonly known among Americans due to the popularity of Geisha women images. There are varieties of geta sandals but two of the best-known are the vinyl and the wooden. The latter is worn during ordinary days while the vinyl geta is worn on occasion. Geta is named as such because of the sound (click clack) they produce when being walked.

The tatami sandals on the other hand are included in the casual category. These are typically worn for normal days and daily wear. The term tatami was derived from the Japanese word for straw. The tatami sandals are crafted from tatami, the same material used in making the mat flooring for traditional Japanese houses. Traditionally, the thong either comes in black or red velvet.

For formal occasions, zori sandals are worn. Along with these sandals come tabi socks that are split between the large toe and the second toe.



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Choosing Footwear - Why Choose Sandals


Why wear sandals? This question comes up on so many occasions. It is like there are rules to the etiquette of sandal wear. Can you wear socks with sandals? Dress wear and sandals? Can you golf in sandals? Many people have their interpretation of when sandal wear is appropriate. In many countries and especially where there is a beach culture, sandals are the footwear of choice year-round.

The benefits of wearing sandals on your feet vary to the activities that you are interested in. Sandals obviously do not suffice for any activity that requires proper foot protection. Flip flops are great for using in public areas and can protect your feet from fungal infections, warts, and lacerations. They are great for wearing indoor as well and takes only seconds to put on or take off.

Sandals are stylish. At the beach, at parties or even at business meetings, there is a wide range of sandals that are available. From bright colored flip flops, to the strappy high heel, to casual wedge-style platforms, there are enough styles out there to suit any occasion.

There are many types of sandals on the market today that not only look good, they keep your feet happy with good ventilation and foot circulation. Sandals are even making winter appearances in cooler climate areas. Name brands such as O扤eill and Sanuk are beginning to produce sandals with quilted flannel and fleece attached to straps, or stitched wool socks lined in polo fleece for the die-hard sandal wearer.

The sandal industry has substantially increased in the last few years. Stats from March 2006 indicate that the sandal industry rose 13 % to 7.4 billion dollars nationwide in just one year. Sandals have now expanded to nearly one-fifth of the footwear market.

Shopping for sandals is quite easy. Most local shoe stores will have a small selection. You can pick up a cheap pair in a department store or even in some grocery stores. You also have the option of shopping online from a wide variety of sandals from any brand. As most sandal models have adjustable straps, you can be confident in your online purchase. You can choose from literally thousands of different sandal models. Check out some online today.



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Looking For Discount Shoes?


Shop Online For Terrific Deals On Popular Footwear!

Smart consumers have discovered that purchasing discount shoes online has several major advantages. With more and more so-called 揵rick and mortar?stores competing online these days for business, the consumer comes out the clear winner!

It is now possible to view a major shoe manufacturer抯 entire product line right from the comfort of your own home. Many of these online shoe stores offer special unadvertised shoe sales and discount shoe coupons. You can even read helpful reviews on brands you are considering for purchase.


Some Major Advantages To Buying Shoes Online:


?Save Time And Money

There is no need to waste hours of valuable time and precious fuel traveling from one store to the other. Online shoe stores are easily accessible twenty-four hours a day right from your home computer. With the click of a mouse, you can find lots of great bargains at several well-known Internet footwear stores. There抯 a real good chance you抣l find the brand and style you抮e looking for quickly. All the major online stores offer free shipping, free return shipping, and never charge sales tax!

?Huge Selection

Many online stores carry a huge selection of footwear for Men, Women, and Children. They are committed to providing their customers with a wide selection of styles, colors, sizes, and brands. If you抮e looking for specialty shoes, you抳e come to the right place! For example, you抣l find shoe sizes ranging from AAAAA to EEEEEE. Many of these sites also offer a large selection of shoe accessories, luggage, and other leather products.

?Unbeatable Price Protection Guarantee

Let抯 suppose you find a shoe for a lower price on another web site or in a shoe store. Many online shoe stores will now refund you 110 - 115% of the difference between the lower price and their price. They will give you up to 10 days to take advantage of this policy. What a great deal!


?Free 365-Day Return Policy

More and more online shoe stores are offering an incredible 365-day return policy. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you have an entire year to return it! Return shipping is absolutely free. You are even provided you with a pre-paid UPS or USPS domestic label to return your purchase.
Summary

Purchasing footwear online can truly be a pleasurable experience. The online shoe shops have bent over backwards to make the whole process quick, easy, and convenient.

It is highly recommended that you give it a try!



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Shopping For The Perfect Pair Of Sandals


If you are planning a vacation, enjoy keeping up to date with the latest fashion of simply want a classic business look, sandals are a must. A good sandal will be designed for comfort and support, durability and promise to withstand plenty of use. With a few simple tips, you will be ready to shop for sandals and will soon be stepping out with confidence.

Comfort. The first thing to consider with any footwear, including sandals, is comfort. If a shoe isn抰 comfortable, there is no use in wearing it. Blisters, balance problems and overall discomfort are the result of poorly fitting shoes.

Affordability. Just because you are looking for a new pair of sandals, there抯 no reason to empty the bank account in doing so. Quality sandals can be comfortable and affordable at the same time. By shopping around and comparing prices, you will find the perfect sandals at the perfect price.

Design. Everyone wants a shoe that looks good, which is why design is very important. In selecting a color scheme that suits your taste and lifestyle, you will not only feel good in your new sandals, but you will look good too.

Versatility. One of the most important factors of shoe selection is versatility. Will the shoes work with your daily errands and look equally snazzy with your favorite pair of jeans? Sandals are a terrific compliment to blue jeans for a classic look.

Know what you are buying. Always purchase from a reputable, authorized shoe retailer. There are a lot of imitation products out there, including clothing and footwear. Buying from an authorized retailer will eliminate the chances of buying fake merchandise.

Try before you buy. If you are purchasing locally, go in and sample several pairs of sandals. Try them on, take a few steps and move your foot around inside the shoe. In making sure that you have ease of movement and a proper fit, you will be much happier with your purchase.

Layaway. Certain brands of sandals can be expensive, which is why layaway is often a popular option for anyone who doesn抰 have quite enough cash to pay right away. Even if it抯 just to secure a purchase until your next payday, layaway programs provide customers with the opportunity to secure the perfect pair of sandals.

Make sure the sandal fits with your lifestyle. Avoid purchasing any sandal that doesn抰 really fit with your schedule. Quality sandals are made to work with you and your level of activity.



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What is the Best Footwear for Your Outdoor Activity?


There are many types of footwear on the market today depending on what activities you enjoy and what suits your needs as an individual. From posh parties to the beach to a casual shopping trip, what you wear on your feet distinguishes who you are. A day hiking the trails can be a disaster with the wrong footwear.

If you are the type of individual that enjoys a number of outdoor activities but none serious enough to warrant specific footwear for each sport, then a multi-sport shoe is for you. This type of footwear is ideal for that walk in the park, a light day hike through a well traveled trail, a fun game in the field, and is a definite life-saver on vacations. It allows you to multi task your activities and gives you enough support and versatility to not limit your enjoyment.

If you are more of an enthusiast and have an adrenalin-like craving then Approach Shoes are the ticket. They are great for those mountain visits with their excellent rock scrambling traction and climbing potential, yet stylish enough to cruise the mall. The soles of these shoes are made out of a sticky rubber and more closely resemble a climbing shoe than a hiking shoe. Approach shoes where intended to give a climber or mountaineer a comfortable yet solid footing for those short or long traverses to your climbing area. These shoes are not to be confused with climbing shoes. Though many climbers prefer them on easy multi terrain climbs, they are no substitute on difficult climbs.

Then there are your beach activities. Whether you are playing volley ball or just swimming, sport sandals are a good choice. There are many makes and models to choose from. These types of sandals are also referred to as 揗andals? because they are primarily worn by men (or in New Zealand slang 揓andals?. They are constructed with many types of materials. Synthetic fabric and leather is widely used along with a rubber treaded sole. These sandals sometimes have a removable rear heel harness to minimize foot slippage and are ideal for beach sports. They enable the user the mobility to maneuver over rough terrain and not have his or her sandal come off.

If you are just cruising the beach and do not need the support and versatility that a sport sandal offers, then a 揊lip Flop?is perfect for you. It consists of a rubber (usually) sole held on to the foot by two pieces of material ranging from plastic to leather called thongs. These thongs extend from the inner and outer side of the foot to the gap between the big toe. There is no strap to the heel and the sandal moves up and down, creating a 揻lip-flop?sound.

Flip-Flops (thongs) are very prominent in the surfer culture. They are becoming everyday footwear in the cities as well. Flip-Flops have stood the test of time and are growing more and more as some of the most popular footwear for the summer.

When choosing footwear for outdoor activities, ensure you consider the climate and the requirements of the activity. Does the activity call for extra traction, more ventilation, more insulation or more support? Above all, pick a shoe that will keep your feet comfortable. Choose the right shoes now and enjoy your outdoor activities even more.



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Monday

Birkenstocks - Comfortable Sandals That Are Good For Your Back


Do you know where the term "footbed" comes from? Most people have no idea that the term originated with the revolutionary sandal maker Konrad Birkenstock a 19th century shoemaker from Germany. Before Birkenstock shoes were all made with completely flat soles and had no arch support. They developed a revolution in shoe making by designing footwear that matched the actual shape of a person's foot.

Initially their idea was sold as an insert to be used in other shoes that had no shape. Their company took off as a major manufacturer of orthopedic inserts. They were called "footbed supports" and the term 'footbed' became a legal trademark of the Birkenstock company.

As time went by they realized that their novel footbed support concept could be extended into different types of footwear that they could make themselves. The original sandals they developed were intended to give the wearer a near barefoot experience while still providing fantastic support and protection of the wearer's sole. Little did they realize how much of a revolution they would create in the shoe and footwear industry.

People quickly found that not only were they comfortable, but they also helped greatly with many foot and back problems by providing the arch support and proper fit that had been missing in shoes and sandals to that point. Today Birkenstock sandals and other footwear are frequently 'prescribed' by podiatrists as part of normal care for people with foot, lower leg, and back problems. In particular the 'heel-less sandals' are known to greatly strengthen and tone calf muscles.

From their humble beginnings as simple shoemakers, Birkenstocks have become producers of some of the most recognized shoes and sandals in the world. They are available in hundreds of styles, materials and colours that will suit just about anyone's needs and personality. And they have done it by sticking to their basic philosophy: make them comfortable and make them last.



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Birkenstock Boots - Durable Footwear With Sole To Boot


When you think about birkenstock footwear, most likely sandals, and perhaps clogs come to mind. Certainly that is what they are most famous for. Very comfortable, durable sandals that are great for both casual daily wear, and even casual summer parties. Those who have used 'Birks' know that they will last for ages and gently form to the shape of your feet to provide an excellent fit that is just right for you. If you have any doubt, simply slip on another person's pair and you'll understand.

However, Birkenstock has recently added boots to their line of footwear products expanding out from sandals and clogs to include both shoes and Birkenstock boots. Time will tell if they are as successful as the sandal line, but if their sandals are any proof, the boots should be a success as well.

There are 3 basic types - approach/day trip boots in the Birkenstock Alpine series, regular aggressive hiking boots in their Rockford line, and a several trendy boot styles like the Segovia Calf-boot for women.

When you go out to look for a new pair of Birkenstocks, you may find that they fit a little differently than what you are used to. Don抰 let this bother you. Simply try on a slightly different size and you should be able to find a pair that is comfortable for your feet.

No question boots are not what made Birkenstock famous. However they their experience producing top end casual footwear gave them a great base for developing a quality line of boots from the start. They were able to do it all without loosing sight of their core principle of simplicity and durability.

So, the next time your go shopping for a quality pair of boots or shoes be sure to check out what Birkenstock has to offer. They may be slightly more costly than other sandals, but they will last much longer, and will be more comfortable on your feet and back as well.



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