July Pop Gallery
Category Archives: Shoes
Comedy Kicks #2
POPDIATRY TALKS SHOES WITH COMEDIAN TJ YOUNG
P. Adidas is launching an app soon that will allow users to print custom photographs on sneakers. What could go wrong with that?
TJ: I can’t see a problem with that… actually I see one problem so far- it’s the very first picture I saw- nobody should be wearing hamburger shoes.
P. Especially with some of these rats in New York City-you know, since I started doing this shoe blog I’ve been asked questions about vegan and vegetarian options for shoes- not to eat- just to wear!TJ: I don’t think that’s possible because even if you go with no footwear at all, your feet are made of meat, so you’re screwed either way.
P. Do you have a position on flip-flops?TJ: Good question- usually on top of them- that’s my usual position if I wear them. . . that’s a tricky one- flip-flops in general- one, growing up, we used to call them thongs, have you heard that before?
P. YepTJ: Yeah, then obviously as a teenager I found out a thong is a very different thing- not nearly as comfortable to wear on your feet.. flip-flops- I know some people have very strong opinions on them, and I feel like I fall somewhere in the middle. I know that I’ve made some terrible flip-flop mistakes in my past, things like wearing flip-flops with jeans for instance- I believe that to be a no-no. I have some friends who are like “flip-flops are never acceptable footwear”, except I think those people would probably say “in the shower”, because you’re protecting your feet from something. I know I would certainly judge someone, no matter what other clothes they were wearing, if they were wearing flip-flops in the winter. At that point you’re just showing off.
P. Do you remember velcro shoes?TJ: Absolutely, I had some as a kid. I just feel like your shoes shouldn’t make that much noise going on or off- especially off. Any time you’re about to do something where you need to take your shoes off it’s usually a pretty chill activity; you’re going to sit down and watch a movie, you’re going to bed, you’re winding down at that point- it shouldn’t be a moment where you’re startled awake by the noise of ripping plastic.
P. We know when it comes to personal fashion, that there are no rules- but there are, and they come into play when you notice someone breaking them badly. Have you noticed any blatant rule-breakers in New York City lately?TJ: I think it’s ballsy to wear any kind of open footwear in New York City, and I think it specifically means Manhattan for some reason… on a really nice summer day I’ll walk in my (Brooklyn) neighborhood in shorts and flip-flops to go the Bodega, or the park, as long as it’s close by, but if I have to take public transportation and go underground I need coverage on my feet. I knew that before, but I just learned from my mother, who’s been doing some essential oils therapy- this woman told her that your biggest pores are on the bottom of your feet- a lot of these essential oils that this lady uses- they rub them on their feet because that’s how it gets into your bloodstream the quickest…
TJ: Instinctually I have been doing that, but now it’s even more important that if you are going anywhere underground in New York City, cover up your feet! Not just the bottoms because things can seep down. I never know what’s in the subway. The station near my home is so dank and drippy- there’s so much standing water and dripping water that I just go there to spot ninja turtles. I don’t want to be caught anywhere near there with my feet exposed.
Check out TJ Young in real life at ThatTJ.com
Rip-Offs
I came across this ad on the back of an old Marvel G.I. Joe comic book (#40 “Hydrofoil”, 1986) while looking for images of the Soft Master to use with my review of the Soft Star Portlanders. The Soft Master was of course the guy who taught Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow how to be Ninjas. I have never seen these kicks in real life, but a quick search reveals that the brand was re-launched by an Italian company in 2008. They have morphed into pre-distressed high-tops costing almost $400- perhaps to better live up to the company name.
Anybody out there own some Rip-Offs?
Almost Shoe Religion and Horseshoes
Have you tried Atheist brand shoes yet?
Probably not, as they’re brand new. This Berlin company Kickstarted itself into existence with a classic concept (quality materials, handcrafting) and an authentic open kitchen approach (check out their site) to why they deserve to be purchased by you (me), in a world where consumers become converts to global sneaker gods.
The Atheists are made in Guimarães Portugal, using high grade Nubuk, calfskin, and other leathers.
They even make a vegan imitation leather option for your vegan friends (you’re still friends right?). Their website is a great read in itself. As an American barraged by the billboards of Broadway daily, I find Atheist’s campaign to be refreshing in its honesty, and entertaining with its info.
Skechers has made an endorsement deal with a horse.
Skechers, a marketing company that just happens to be in the footwear business, has draped California Chrome with this blue training blanket and a big sponsorship deal for the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York this weekend. Of course Mr. S will not be wearing two pairs of Skechers on the track. The crew will don the sneakers, and if Chrome wins, expect to see all Skechers everything everywhere. For information on the actual horseshoes attached to California Chrome’s hooves by an equine footwear blacksmith click here.
This popdiatribe is going, going, done! Check back soon~ C
Say Nikey! New Navy? No Tickle
To squash any debate about how exactly to pronounce the brand with the swoosh, chairman of Nike’s board, Phil Knight confirmed via letter sent with a self-addressed-stamped-envelope that it is definitely pronounced “Nikey”.
Adidas is involved in a little marketing battle with international competitor Nike on who can out-sponsor each other in the glow of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Puma is playing the ‘come get me’ strategy by waiting until after the big match to promote their kicks, hoping that kids will see teams playing in Pumas and then press ma and pa for a ‘back to school’ pair. Does Skechers make cleats?
Meanwhile, the US Navy is wearing boots that they do not love. In an article in the Navy Times called “Building Better Boots”, writer Lance M. Bacon identifies the problem plaguing today’s Navy-issued footwear, and offers up solutions based on feedback from hundreds of current and former sailors. Sentiment says the things are too heavy, uncomfortable, and way out-of-date.
I wonder if ideas provided by these suggestions, along with increased commitment to the Berry Amendment can create a solution. Could we see New Balance and Wolverine footprints on aircraft carriers some day? Could another maker meet this need?
Clothing designers dropping shoes:
Thakoon Panichgul is releasing Thakoon Addition shoes this summer for the ladies (made in Portugal).
Tom Ford has line of Italian-made sneakers now.
Stories that Boston College was being bothered by a serial foot tickler look to be unfounded according to Boston police on an update on Boston.com . Of course the story has been shared thousands of times by now, but can you blame folks? Serial tickler?
Thanks social media.
Popdiatribe: Long Walk Weekend
Designer Satsuki Ohata was inspired by cheese dip to create a new concept in minimalist footwear that may perfectly match your foot by “dipping” it in liquified polyvinyl chloride.
These have been created around a foot mold, but Satsuki hopes to develop a dip & dry kit so we can safely make our own Fondue Slippers at home. Something like this:
And then:
Footwear Industries of Tennessee Inc. (FIT USA) just opened a brand new footwear manufacturing plant in Jefferson City, TN. The 40,000 square foot facility will be making a line of men’s work and hunting boots, complete with soles fabricated on location by a state-of-the-art direct-injection molding machine.
Inventor/videomaker Colin Furze is bringing X-Men powers to life in his Lincolnshire garage. Weeks after he had the net going nuts over some convincing Wolverine claws, he’s back with a D.I.Y. version of Magneto’s boots that enable standing on a (metal) ceiling.
Don’t try this or the PVC dip thing at home without expert supervision! Have a nice weekend.
Popdiatribe: Playoff Blues
Four Parsons The New School For Design students are each pitching an idea for a new mens’ shoe to Allen Edmonds and the world via a social media contest this month. I vote for this entry by Michelle Brown, which would feature a combination of both cow and salmon leathers to create a dress boot with a nod to Alaskan heritage.
Brand Eddie Bauer plans to compete for your outdoorsy shoe bucks this summer by offering their own line of outdoorsy trainers. Reebok went Gundam style. Nike did some Kevin Durant MVPs. Crocs hired a new president, but is still looking for a CEO if any readers are interested.
Strong opinions continued to pour out in the press about the recent Vibram FiveFingers legal settlement. The debate about wearing toe-shoes has somewhat evolved into a tiered discussion, with the requisite edgy fringes, and even a piece by the Onion to put a smiley bow on the story.
Soft Star Portlander: A Shoe Review
I’ve had my eye on the Soft Star Shoe company for some time now. They handcraft footwear in the USA at their workshop in Corvallis, Oregon. Save for some extra special vegetable-tanned leather imported from Germany, all of Soft Star’s leathers are sourced from the USA. The workshop is 100% powered by wind and solar energy, and employs about every eco-friendly practice in the book to maintain a minimal carbon footprint. It’s clear that the company has fun creating and promoting their products. When they asked if I’d like to put my feet in a pair of their new Portlander shoes to write about for Popdiatry, I threw on a Hillsboro Hops baseball cap that my cousin from Portland gave me, and quickly replied “Yes”.
Right out of the box, the Portlanders reminded me of svelte, hella-durable versions of the inexpensive Karate booties I used to buy at the martial arts supply store in Chinatown for wearing around my apartment(s).
The northeastern United States (my home turf) was subsumed by a strong winter for the past six months or so. My feet have been laced up in boots for a majority of that time. The Soft Stars arrived in the mail about the same week temperatures started to rise above 60°, and memory of winter’s hangover had subsided.
I would rather wear jeans with no underwear than shoes with no socks. Things get sweaty, particles invade, footwear gets dogged- I am firmly planted on team sockwear. Of course there are no rules; Soft Star says it’s OK to wear the Portlanders with or without socks. Even though I was wearing shorts in 70° weather, I put on some high, thin stockings, which led my photographer to start calling me Babe Ruth.
The design of the shoe is very timeless, with a tasteful green tag on the inside of the tongue branding the company’s logo and size. Thin pieces of leather are added to the inner tongue and heel peripherals to facilitate comfy-ness, along with a little padding piece in each heel.
One thing that struck me oddly has nothing to do with the construction of the shoes, but rather the sizing chart Soft Star uses. SS clearly states that the shoes run small. I am a size 11. They gave me 12s, and they were still quite tight in the toe. Perhaps it’s a Pacific Northwest thing?
I do dig the shoes. After months of sporting heavy-duty winter warriors, it was refreshing to slide on something more relaxed and minimal, while keeping the high quality effects of kicks I normally wear (gorgeous leather, masterful hand-stitching, great shape). I think they’d be excellent for packing while travelling. With the minimal construction, they are easily flattenable, as to conveniently slide into a suitcase or backpack. You can certainly pull off casual, and even business-casual in them. The zero-drop contruction with butter leather uppers have the propensity to shape around your foot and become your best two friends. I concur that the brand delivers on their promise of making quality, functional and fun shoes. You’re sure to get a lot of good looks while wearing them. Thanks Elves.
Popdiatribe: Toes, Heels and Exoskeletons
I own a pair of Vibram FiveFingers Classics that I bought myself four years ago.
I’m not a runner; I don’t wear these in the club, or to work. Living in NYC, I’m very fortunate to have a concrete backyard where I like to wear my Vibrams. Jumping rope, playing handball, doing push ups and stretches- all make me feel like more of a ninja with these on. Last week, as a result of a class action lawsuit settlement, Vibram proposed to pay out as much as $94 to anyone who bought some FiveFingers as far back as 2009. The plaintiffs say that Vibram made unsubstantiated claims that wearing FiveFingers could strengthen muscles and prevent injury. Writer James Fallows typed an excellent defense of Vibram in a recent piece. “If people actually bought these shoes for promised health benefits, then perhaps it’s fair for them to get their $94-per-pair back.” He’s not claiming a refund and neither am I. Vibram denies any wrongdoing. The proposed settlement is simply to avoid a prolonged legal battle. The company has better things to do- like make outsoles for just about every shoe company on the planet. Just like James, I have no business affiliation with Vibram beyond me buying them. I can’t help thinking someone wearing FiveFingers in an inappropriate social setting led to the suit. Perhaps a couple wore matching FiveFingers to a Met Gala, or a wedding reception in Massachusetts where some legal eagles were in attendance. Lawyer A looked at lawyer B and said “let’s make ’em pay”. Over the years I watched with interest as Vibram released more and more maximal versions of their minimalist shoes, but I continue to prefer the no-frills Classics. This legal settlement does nothing to change my view of toe shoes or Vibram. I’m sorry for those people you see wearing them at the airport/coffeeshop.
In the parallel universe of high-heels, magician David Copperfield’s fiance Chloe Gosselin is launching her own line of footwear later this year. The line is made in Italy from leather and “exotic skins”. At this time, there is no evidence that wearing some Chloes can decrease injuries and strengthen muscles, but Popdiatry recommends that you avoid running (fast) in them. Though be advised that the $850- $1600 price points may cause premature erosion to your savings account balance.
A research team at the MIT Media Lab published a paper about a new exoskeleton boot project. Similar to how an electric bike helps you effortlessly pedal up hills, these exoskeletal boots may assist soldiers carrying heavy packs, or civilians carrying beer kegs to neighborhood parties through the use of sensors and motors that mechanically aid existing leg movements. According to the Lab’s Hugh Herr: “This is the first exoskeleton that actually augments human walking and significantly reduces metabolic cost.”
Puma linked with Alexander McQueen to create one hundred pairs of super-special (not-for-sale) soccer cleats to be given out to select associates of collaborating parties in recognition of Soccer’s World Cup in Brazil this summer.
There is still no word on the status of the stolen signed Usain Bolt Pumas which were lifted last month from an industrial estate in Croydon. The running star took to social media with an appeal to the perpetrator.
With all these health claims and lawsuits flying around, I would like to stress that Popdiatry.com is not a substitute for medical advice or medical attention. If you are experiencing foot problems of any kind, please feel free to read Popdiatry.com for information and entertainment while you are in the waiting room of a real doctor or podiatrist. Thanks.
Popdiatribe: Have a Nice May
Last weekend this 700-balloon sculpture of a running shoe created by Ryan Oelrich was displayed during the annual Bloomsday race and trade show in Spokane, Washington.
What about a running sneaker in a toaster oven?
Golden Harper, founder of running shoe company Altra, came up with the idea for his specialty line of trainers after doing modifications to existing running shoes. He would heat sneakers in a toaster oven to melt the glues in order to pull the chunky soles off to create minimalist prototypes. These became the precursors to Altra, which employs a thin, flat sole that is equally thick from toe to heel. In 2014, Altras can be found in over 700 running shoe stores nationwide.
Footwear brand Skechers added two-time Olympian distance runner Kara Goucher to their sponsored roster.
Feel free to start a rumor that you are interested in buying Rockport. Rockport’s parent company Adidas, is reportedly looking to sell off the dressy brand that it acquired when it bought Reebok back in ’05.
Danner Boots opened their first store outside their home state of Oregon in Renton, Washington. It will stock a huge collection of Danners, including many models which are made in the USA.
Here at Popdiatry, we advocate seeking out the ultimate in footwear comfort. This often means being cognizant of your foot’s width, which often leads to buying wider footwear. It tickled my pinky toes to learn that there is a mini-chain of shoe shops in Washington state called Wide Shoes Only. Read the article about them here.
