If The Shoe Fits ! Wear It

The first rule to buy a new pair of shoes is: Never buy a pair of shoes without having both your feet measured. It is not uncommon for your feet to be two different sizes. If there is too much difference, you may have to decide if you need to buy two different sizes. Yes I have known of several people needing to do this every time he or she bought a pair of new shoes. Expensive, you bet, but we need our shoes to fit to avoid foot problems. I have a good friend who always has to buy two pair. He wears 2 sizes difference.

Not only should we measure, but all shoes do not run the same. We must always try on both shoes. Our feet are not usually exactly alike. You must buy to accommodate the foot that is a little larger. I wear a C width on one foot and a D+ on the other. Therefore I need to buy an extra wide or a D width. I can always put a pad in the other shoe. Be sure you have toe room, very important.

All retail shoe stores have measuring devices; even in the self service discount stores. If you do not know how to measure your feet, get the store personnel to assist you. They are usually very good about making suggestions if you need help. This is according to the medical association

. This causes many types of foot problems. Many young adults do not measure. Later in life their feet may end up with all types of problems such as bunions, hammer toes, fallen arches ,or corns. All of these problems plus other can cause a great deal of misery.

Always buy your shoes late in the day, when your feet are swollen and are very tired. you will get a better fit. Wear the socks or hosiery you intend to wear with this pair of shoes. Doing these minor steps, you will always have a more comfortable fit. Never buy a pair of shoes thinking I can break them in. This usually does not work and we have another pair in our closet. Leather shoes do give some but synthetics do not.

Always try on both shoes. Many times we do this if we are in a hurry. They need to be comfortable immediately if they are not don't buy them. Go to a different style or larger size.

Walk around the store several minutes, just to see if they are comfortable. Don't just buy the size you purchased before, and they may fit fine. Your feet might not have changed. Especially as we age our feet tend to change and get more sensitive. We usually have more foot problems. Comfort is everything. Wear your shoes on the carpet when you get home and be sure they are right for you.

One big mistake we all make is buying shoes on sale whether they are a great fit or not, after all they are a great price. Women are very inclined to do this. Sometime at sales we tend to buy several pair of the same size and don't try all of them on for a good fit. We just assume they all fit alike. Most of the time they do not. Next spring when we get ready to start wearing them, we discover one is too narrow, one is short etc. Buying this way is just another pair or two in our closet. After all these are last years sale shoes, not returnable. Even if they fit last season, they may not fit next year. Usually going from work to retirement is the time our feet change. Why? we wear different type shoes, we go without shoes more or wear our house slippers more. Just something to keep in mind.

There are many items to consider when buying shoes. This is any shoe, you may be considering. The toe box should be deep and wide enough with about 1/2 in. at the end of the toe area. Does the arch of the shoes hit your arch correctly? This is most important. You do not want an aching arch. If your arch has fallen you may need an arch support. A podiatrist would need to fit you for a support. If you have a flat foot you may need to see a podiatrist for an arch support. You will certainly be more comfortable.

Salvatore Ferragamo Andrea Lace-Up Shoes

THE ASKMEN TAKE

These finely crafted black leather lace-up dress shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo are made in Italy, and are designed with only two eyelets for the laces and a plain, smooth, rounded toe. The heel is stacked and the shoe has a high vamp when compared to most dress shoes, giving it a sleek and low overall profile. As a result, the shoe wraps itself around the base of your ankle snugly for a minimal, contemporary look.

UNIQUENESS

When spotted among the wingtips, cap-toe oxfords and other old standbys favored by so many men, these Salvatore Ferragamo Andrea lace-ups not only stand out, but they do so in a subtle, refined manner. The two-eyelet design is enough to draw a second glance, but it’s the purity of the unadorned toe that makes this shoe a must-have.

DURABILITY

A well-made leather dress shoe will outlast you, and even follow you to the grave if polished and cared for properly. The initial cost may seem extravagant, but consider this: You’re paying for an artisan-crafted product that may very well be the last dress shoe you’ll ever buy. What you pay now could actually save you money in the long run.

Prince Charles was recently seen sporting a pair of shoes that he has owned for nearly 20 years. In the present financial climate, there are far worse places to invest your money than in a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo Andrea lace-ups.

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Graphic Bow Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Blame it on the recession, but many designers sought meaning in craftsmanship this fall, resulting in collections where fine apparel and dressing up were major themes. As such, bow ties were seen in abundance. To try out this trend, don’t resurrect your neckwear from prom night; instead, consider this of-the-moment graphic printed bow tie from avant-garde Scandinavian label Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair. Continue keeping things fresh by pairing this pre-tied bow tie, not with a three piece suit, but with a deep V-neck cardigan and a pair of slouchy pants. Or, try it with a button-down, a military-inspired jacket and some distressed denim.

UNIQUENESS

Founded in 2004 by two Swedes, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair specializes in seriously fashion-forward, expertly cut and masterfully tailored pieces made from high-quality fabrics. In fact, so skilled are these designers at what they do that in their hands even the most basic pieces somehow become incredibly cool. Take their graphic bow ties, for instance. It’s hard to make this neckwear hip given that many people consider bow ties to be a stuffy accessory reserved for the most formal of occasions. However, this label has managed to turn out a selection of three for Fall 2009 that are not just wearable in many settings, but add character to your ensembles. Plus, because this label doesn’t have the same following as mass-market chains, there’s no chance you’ll see anyone else wearing one of these pieces this season. Choose from copper or green paisley prints, or black with slightly psychedelic swirls.

DURABILITY

Every piece from Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair’s collection is a carefully designed and artfully executed labor of love, so expect your bow tie to endure for as long as you’d like to keep it. As this fall saw a renewed interest in traditional gentleman’s apparel, you’ll be bang-on when you sport this piece in the coming months. It’s unlikely that bow ties will establish a huge fan base, however, meaning that you can’t expect this piece to look as cool as it does now in one year’s time. If you’re willing to don a bow tie on any old day it suggests you’re deliberately giving your outfits an edge, in which case $100 isn’t necessarily an insane amount to pay for anaccessory. Don’t even think about it, though, if wearing a bow tie everywhere this fall seems more like a punishment to you than a fun fashion statement.