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.
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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.
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Australian Designer Shoes

Posted by admin On October - 24 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

What it means to be “designer”.

The term “designer” is often used loosely in the fashion industry, and certainly so by a number of factories mass producing shoes that copy the fashion leaders.

We do it differently. How you’d expect a true designer shoe to be created for you. At Vein, each new design is sketched, first as a conceptual, and then worked and re-worked into final drawings with graphite on paper, by head Vein designer, Christopher McCallum. Then, a prototype shoe is meticulously crafted by hand.

The new design is then put into production, brought to life for our discerning clientele using the finest leathers, hand selected for their uniqueness and quality, from renowned international and Australian tanneries.

When you inspect our famous Vein shoes, you’ll quickly see they embody qualities others only aspire to. Designs and quality inspired by the great clothing fashion houses, by timeless architecture and the personalities, stunning locations and exciting lifestyles we experience around the world.
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Guides To Find A Good Pair Of Steel Toe Shoes

Posted by admin On December - 7 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

These days steel capped shoes are big business both from a safety point of view and inverse snobbery as a fashion accessory for the “punks”. To decide how to find the best pair of steel toe shoes for your purpose I decided to review the “review sites”

Steel-Toe-Shoes.com claim to be the “largest source of safety shoes on the web”. What I liked about the site was its clear returns policy, how to send something back. It demonstrates that it does have a clear after sales policy and the quality matters. . It caters for special needs as in large sizes and wide shoes as well as splitting the sales into male and female. They have a good clearance section, which clearly shows there current offers. The price range is very wide and the selection is enormous. If you can’t find it here then you can’t find it on the Web.

Shoes for Crews deal in steel capped shoes for the industrial workplace. The emphasis of this site is slip resistant shoes, both for the dress occasion, walking and for industrial shoes. There are a wide range of styles and prices but all made by the Shoes for Crews.
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