This shoe ad was in a Boston Globe Newspaper from the early 1960s. Beck shoes had a couple shops in Massachusetts, and had fresh graphic arts that spoke to the forever young.
Back in the day..
Eating while walking is certainly not a crime. Dripping sauce on yourself is a foul. Crumbs that may drop keep birds alive. Pret a Manger is not a bad place to get something quick to eat on-the-go in Manhattan. I ate-walked a half-sandwich from there the other day- had to take a quick picture of a poster they had advertising how their food is not made to last like shoes.
Remember these ?
Just a parting reminder
Earl Anthony 8000s were said to be by Married With Children’s Al Bundy to be the world’s best bowling shoes.
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”.
Screenshot of letter sent by Ben Martin and Kendal Peters to Nike’s Phil Knight
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 Sentiment says the things are too heavy, uncomfortable, and way out-of-date.
Image cut from photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Ian W. Anderson (via Wikipedia)
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.
Hi Stan, this is Tom…
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?
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.
Speaking of health claims..
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.
Ssssssssssssss Image from Chloe Gosselin
A research team at the MIT Media Labpublished 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.”
Exoskeletal prototypical boots being tested. Image: http://www.businessinsider.com
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.
This shoe ad was in a Boston Globe Newspaper from the early 1960s. Beck shoes had a couple shops in Massachusetts, and had fresh graphic arts that spoke to the forever young. 
