Shoes Stories : Part 3

The Red Shoes
by Hans Christian Andersen

Now every one came out of church, and the old lady stepped into her carriage. But just as Karen was lifting up her foot to get in too, the old soldier said: "Dear me, what pretty dancing shoes!" and Karen could not help it, she was obliged to dance a few steps; and when she had once begun, her legs continued to dance. It seemed as if the shoes had got power over them. She danced round the church corner, for she could not stop; the coachman had to run after her and seize her. He lifted her into the carriage, but her feet continued to dance, so that she kicked the good old lady violently. At last they took off her shoes, and her legs were at rest.
At home the shoes were put into the cupboard, but Karen could not help looking at them. Now the old lady fell ill, and it was said that she would not rise from her bed again. She had to be nursed and waited upon, and this was no one's duty more than Karen's. But there was a grand ball in the town, and Karen was invited. She looked at the red shoes, saying to herself that there was no sin in doing that; she put the red shoes on, thinking there was no harm in that either; and then she went to the ball; and commenced to dance.
But when she wanted to go to the right, the shoes danced to the left, and when she wanted to dance up the room, the shoes danced down the room, down the stairs through the street, and out through the gates of the town. She danced, and was obliged to dance, far out into the dark wood. Suddenly something shone up among the trees, and she believed it was the moon, for it was a face. But it was the old soldier with the red beard; he sat there nodding his head and said: "Dear me, what pretty dancing shoes!"
She was frightened, and wanted to throw the red shoes away; but they stuck fast. She tore off her stockings, but the shoes had grown fast to her feet. She danced and was obliged to go on dancing over field and meadow, in rain and sunshine, by night and by day - but by night it was most horrible.

Shoes Stories : Part 2

The Red Shoes
by Hans Christian Andersen

"I suppose they are of shiny leather?" asked the old lady. "They shine so."
"Yes, they do shine," said Karen. They fitted her, and were bought. But the old lady knew nothing of their being red, for she would never have allowed Karen to be confirmed in red shoes, as she was now to be.
Everybody looked at her feet, and the whole of the way from the church door to the choir it seemed to her as if even the ancient figures on the monuments, in their stiff collars and long black robes, had their eyes fixed on her red shoes. It was only of these that she thought when the clergyman laid his hand upon her head and spoke of the holy baptism, of the covenant with God, and told her that she was now to be a grown-up Christian. The organ pealed forth solemnly, and the sweet children's voices mingled with that of their old leader; but Karen thought only of her red shoes. In the afternoon the old lady heard from everybody that Karen had worn red shoes. She said that it was a shocking thing to do, that it was very improper, and that Karen was always to go to church in future in black shoes, even if they were old.
On the following Sunday there was Communion. Karen looked first at the black shoes, then at the red ones - looked at the red ones again, and put them on.
The sun was shining gloriously, so Karen and the old lady went along the footpath through the corn, where it was rather dusty.
At the church door stood an old crippled soldier leaning on a crutch; he had a wonderfully long beard, more red than white, and he bowed down to the ground and asked the old lady whether he might wipe her shoes. Then Karen put out her little foot too.
"Dear me, what pretty dancing-shoes!" said the soldier. "Sit fast, when you dance," said he, addressing the shoes, and slapping the soles with his hand.
The old lady gave the soldier some money and then went with Karen into the church.
And all the people inside looked at Karen's red shoes, and all the figures gazed at them; when Karen knelt before the altar and put the golden goblet to her mouth, she thought only of the red shoes. It seemed to her as though they were swimming about in the goblet, and she forgot to sing the psalm, forgot to say the "Lord's Prayer."

Shoes Stories : Part 1

The Red Shoes
by Hans Christian Andersen

Once upon a time there was little girl, pretty and dainty. But in summer time she was obliged to go barefooted because she was poor, and in winter she had to wear large wooden shoes, so that her little instep grew quite red.
In the middle of the village lived an old shoemaker's wife; she sat down and made, as well as she could, a pair of little shoes out of some old pieces of red cloth. They were clumsy, but she meant well, for they were intended for the little girl, whose name was Karen.
Karen received the shoes and wore them for the first time on the day of her mother's funeral. They were certainly not suitable for mourning; but she had no others, and so she put her bare feet into them and walked behind the humble coffin.
Just then a large old carriage came by, and in it sat an old lady; she looked at the little girl, and taking pity on her, said to the clergyman, "Look here, if you will give me the little girl, I will take care of her."
Karen believed that this was all on account of the red shoes, but the old lady thought them hideous, and so they were burnt. Karen herself was dressed very neatly and cleanly; she was taught to read and to sew, and people said that she was pretty. But the mirror told her, "You are more than pretty - you are beautiful."
One day the Queen was travelling through that part of the country, and had her little daughter, who was a princess, with her. All the people, amongst them Karen too, streamed towards the castle, where the little princess, in fine white clothes, stood before the window and allowed herself to be stared at. She wore neither a train nor a golden crown, but beautiful red morocco shoes; they were indeed much finer than those which the shoemaker's wife had sewn for little Karen. There is really nothing in the world that can be compared to red shoes!
Karen was now old enough to be confirmed; she received some new clothes, and she was also to have some new shoes. The rich shoemaker in the town took the measure of her little foot in his own room, in which there stood great glass cases full of pretty shoes and white slippers. It all looked very lovely, but the old lady could not see very well, and therefore did not get much pleasure out of it. Amongst the shoes stood a pair of red ones, like those which the princess had worn. How beautiful they were! and the shoemaker said that they had been made for a count's daughter, but that they had not fitted her.
to be continue....

Protect Your Pretty Feet

Isn’t it just a waste to have your manicured, massaged and pampered feet worn out from pounding on them everyday doing your chores, taking them shopping in the harsh sun, exercising them in steaming shoes and keeping them all night in piercing high heals? And you wonder why your feet don’t stay beautiful and you think that they are very high maintenance!!!

Well the truth is that we don’t treat our feet right and that is why they give us a hard time. But if we do give our feet just a little bit of respect, we will be amazed at how pretty and comfortable feet will look and feel. Stay with us to know more.

Sun Protection. Your feet are an area that is constantly exposed during the summer months and it is very important to use a sun block to prevent premature aging. You may have been taking great care of your face but are your hands or feet a dead giveaway.

History of Athletic Sandals Part 2

Throughout the Middle Ages sports were played in different cultures but it was the British in the 17th and 18th centuries who appeared to keep up the Greek traditions of racing in a straight line. As the influence of the British Empire with its concentration on militaria and discipline permeated throughout Europe and the colonies, many were taken with the idea of competition and fair play. Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin saw a window of opportunity and wanted to bring trading nations together on the field of athletics. This was a good commercial opportunity for suppliers to manufacture sport's clothing and footwear.

More recently the athletic sandal has made several reappearances and in different guises. The exercise sandal was very popular during the nineteen sixties and early 70s. It was never very clear weather the shoe 'exercised' the foot by its intrinsic shape, or was the ideal footgear to take exercise in. Shaped like the sole of the foot the shoe combined the properties of a simple sandal with a clog. They remain popular to the present day. With the introduction of extreme sport such as water rafting, the athletic sandal has been given a new lease of life. The trend started by Mark Thatcher, not the male offspring of Baroness Thatcher, but an entrepeneur she might be proud of, none the less. Fourteen years ago Thatcher lost his job as a geophysist. His hobby was white water rafting and he began to concentrate more and more on the sport. A source of continual annoyance to Thatcher and his friends was the flip flops they had would constantly wash away. He designed a prototype sandal which would not leave the foot. The sandal with a heel strap was called Teva. This is Hebrew for "nature". The natural sandal held fast even in the most trying of circumstances.

Now Nike, Reebok and Timberland among others sell this very popular item. The new sporting thongs come in a pretty price and would set you back as much as a pair of moderately priced sports shoes. Nothing is too good for the fashionable but a cautionary warning is necessary. With so many eateries and watering holes now operating a dress code to keep the riff raff out, trend-setters wearing expensive sports sandals are as likely to be banned from entry, as "bums in thongs.' In Australia the sandal (referred to simply as, thongs) have become an icon. Loved and loathed it is considered to be as Australian as cork hats and Foster's Lager. Interesting to note this love affair with thongs came to pass at the time of the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, when television viewers were taken with the Japanese swimming team, who just happened to wear geta clogs prior to competition. A clever shoe retailer captured the moment by selling similar sandals to Australians who bought them in their millions

History of Athletic Sandals

In the ancient games the competitors ran barefoot. However as the Greek empire extended many athletes from colder climates came to race wearing sandals. At first spectators and barefoot competitors treated these as a novelty and sign of parochialism. As soon as shod athletes became winners then public opinion changed and the wearing of sandals was viewed with great suspicion and associated with cheats. Eventually once it was recognised the sole of the sandal increased ground traction and propelled the leg forward with greater efficiency most athletes adopted the running sandal.

The sole of the sandal needed to be securely attatched to the foot and this necessitated leather thongs wrapped to the ankle and sometimes above. Between the Greek and Roman Civilisations there existed a small, almost obscure civilisation known as the Estruscans. They lived in North Italy and were well known for many crafts including sandal making. The Estruscans developed a technique to attach the sole of the sandal to the upper of the shoe with metal tacks. Before this sandals broke easily. As soon as tacks could hold the shoes together it coincidentally offered greater sole traction to the ground and the crude running shoe was developed. The greatest challenge to the Romans was how the track shoe could be held next to the foot and this was achieved by using tongs to wrap around the foot and leg. After the end of the games and the Fall of the Roman Empire the craft of sandal making was almost lost.

How to Clean Suede Shoes & Boots

Treating your suede or nubuck shoes with a protective spray or finish will help to repel water and prevent stains. If that ship has already sailed, at least you'll know for future reference to protect before wearing.

tips for cleaning suede footwear

In the meantime, here are some tips for cleaning suede shoes and boots after stains have already set. Remember to first test any treatment or product on a small inconspicuous area before tackling a large stain, and only use products designed specifically for the material of your footwear (suede, nubuck, smooth leather, etc.).
For heavy stains on suede footwear, use a suede cleaning block (also called a suede eraser).

These products will crumble as you rub them across the surface of the footwear, and are great for removing even deeply embedded dirt.

After cleaning, the nap of your suede can be restored by using a suede brush. The bristles of suede brushes are usually made from brass, and often you can find both the cleaning block and the brush in one kit.

Suede Footwear

What is Suede?

The finish produced by running the surface of leather on an emery wheel, with the result of ruffling up the fibres and giving it a “nappy” appearance. The grain of leather may be suede finished (called nubuck) but the process is more appropriate to flesh or split surfaces. The name was applied (originally in France) to a glove leather of Swedish origin and only later to the finish that characterised the material. When suede gets wet, it turns a darker color and can become damaged easily, as water drives out the essential oils that keep suede leathers supple. It is difficult to waterproof or stain-proof suede leather.

Suede uses

suede was originally used for women's gloves. Suede leather is also popular in upholstery, shoes, bags, and other accessories, and as a lining for other leather products. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede becomes dirty quickly and is especially susceptible to stains. As it is not washable, but must instead be cleaned carefully with special suede cleaners, it is not recommended for daily-wear items. When suede gets wet, it turns a darker color and can become damaged easily, as water drives out the essential oils that keep suede leathers supple. It is difficult to waterproof or stain-proof suede leather.

How to Use Shoe Stretchers

When you buy shoe stretchers, you'll want to ask how the particular stretchers should be used, but normally, you'll need to use a shoe stretching liquid or spray. This will help to saturate the material, and allow the shoe stretcher to work better - follow the instructions for the product you purchase, as each one is a little different.Insert the shoe stretchers into the shoes, making sure they are expanded as much as the shoe will allow before inserting them.Turn the knob to begin stretching the shoe. You will usually have to leave the stretcher in at least overnight, and sometimes for 24-48 hours. The longer you leave the stretcher in, the more the shoes will stretch, so you might want to try a shorter period of time first, as shoes that are too loose don't feel good either.

Before You Use Shoe Stretchers

Stretching your shoes is not difficult, but it may take a little practice to get used to the whole process. Practice first on a pair of shoes you don't care as much about before you ruin a pair of Manolo Blahniks by overstretching them.Alternatively, you can contact a shoe repair shop if you're uncomfortable with the idea of stretching your shoes yourself. They will be happy to stretch your shoes for you. They may also be able to recommend specific products or shoe stretchers for the kind of shoes you need stretched.

Shoe Stretchers Tips

Shoe stretchers will work best for suede, leather, and other natural materials. Shoe stretchers don't work as well on vinyl, because the material does not have as much give.Shoe stretchers are also best suited to breaking in shoes that are barely too tight, or expanding shoes that are close to the right size. If you're looking to stretch a size 7 to a size 9, you want a new shoe, not a shoe stretcher.

Different Types of Shoe Stretchers

Shoe stretchers are usually bought as singles, and will stretch both the left and right shoe, although not at the same time. There are different shoe stretchers are made for flats, high heels, boots, and other specific types of footwear. You'll need to be certain that you are buying the right shoe stretchers for the job.Typically sold in men's or women's size ranges - for example, men's size 6-8, there are also shoe stretchers that will stretch different areas of the shoe.A two-way shoe stretcher will stretch length and width; a vamp or instep stretcher will lift the part of the shoe that sits on the top of your foot; and toe stretchers will help to lift the toe box of the shoe, providing more height for your toes. There are also boot stretchers that will help stretch the shaft of a boot, making more room for your legs.

Stop the Pain of Tight Shoes

The Pain of Tight Shoes & Shoe Stretchers

The best scenario, your shoes fit perfectly. You know your shoe size and width; you try on shoes late in the day when your feet are their largest; and you buy styles that don't have a tendency to pinch your toes - like extremely pointy shoes can.But despite our best efforts to insure comfortable shoes and a good fit, we still sometimes find that our shoes are too tight. This is when shoe stretchers will come in handy.

Why Use Shoe Stretchers

There are several reasons one might find a need for shoe stretchers - shoes can shrink; feet can swell; we can land between two sizes; and bunions, corns or other foot imperfections can make our shoes hurt. And when our shoes hurt, life can be pretty miserable. Luckily, there are shoe stretchers, and they can help alleviate several of these problems and deliver a more comfortable shoe. Shoe stretchers can expand the width and the length of shoes. For both benefits, in one device, you'll want to be sure to purchase a "two-way" shoe stretcher. Several shoe stretchers also come with little holes built into them. Plugs inserted into the holes can stretch the shoes in problem spots, like where a corn or a bunion is, or where pinching occurs.

From : Desiree Stimpert,
Source : Shoes

Waterproofing and Weatherproofing Leather Shoes Caring

Protect Your Leather Shoes from the Elements
Weatherproofing your leather shoes will help to protect them from water and other elements that can ruin the finish and shorten the life of your shoes.

The Right Protectant for Your Shoes
Different weatherproofing products serve different purposes, so you should choose wisely. For example, if it is essential that your shoes are waterproof because you spend a lot of time in wet or messy conditions, and a pretty finish is not as is important, a beeswax product would be a better choice than a protective spray. Beeswax products form a protective layer over the surface of the shoe or boot instead of being absorbed into the leather. This provides a better barrier against water, but the additional layers can alter the appearance of the shoes. If the appearance of the shoe or boot is of more importance than the weatherproofing properties, a spray protectant should do the trick.
By providing a breathable barrier against mild to moderate wet conditions and dirt, this type of weatherproofing product is virtually invisible on your shoes or boots. Joe's Shoe Service sells a large variety of waterproofing products including those for smooth leather, suede or nubuck.

Additional Tips for Leather Shoe Care

• If your leather shoes have a lot of old polish buildup, you may want to use a pre-cleaner.
• Don't try to use shoe polish to change the color of your shoes. If you need your shoe color changed, consult a shoe repair shop.
• Remove any laces before beginning. Laces can be cleaned separately or replaced if they are in really bad shape.
• The next time you buy a pair of leather shoes, condition them before ever wearing them. This will help insure that your shoes are best protected from the start, and will save time on future cleanings.

From : Desiree Stimpert,
Source : Shoes

Alternatives to Using Traditional Shoe Polish

Take your shoes to a shoe repair shop to have them cleaned and polished for you. Rub your smooth leather shoes (not suede or nubuck) with the inside of a banana peel (test this method first on a small spot of the shoe), then buff and shine with a soft cloth or rag.

Olive oil or walnut oil works for smooth leather as well. Work a small amount into shoe, and polish with a soft cotton cloth. Again, try this method in an inconspicous spot before using the oil on the entire shoe.

Polishing Your Leather Shoes with Traditional Shoe Polish

Shoe polishes are available in liquid, cream or paste. Liquid shoe polish dries quickly, but is not readily available in a lot of colors and does not last as long as the other options. Shoe polish paste is the longest lasting, but is very messy and slow to work with. Shoe polish cream is a great compromise, and is available in lots of colors. Of course you'll need to get the appropriate color of polish for you shoes. You can find a variety of shoe polishes at shoe stores, shoe repair shops and general stores, although you won't find a large variety of colors at the latter. There are also several places on the web where you can find shoe polish. For example, George's Shoes sells several different colors and types of shoe polishes. Apply the polish to a small, less conspicous area of the shoe to test and be sure the color is right. Rub the polish into the shoe with a soft cloth, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Polishing Your Shoes and Shoe Polish Warnings & Alternatives

Dangers, Alternatives & Types of Shoe Polish

As I was looking for certain shoe polish products, I was surprised to find warnings that shoe polish contained toxic chemicals and could actually be considered very dangerous. While I know most of us have had shoe polish around the house for years, probably without any problems, the warnings I found were of enough concern to me that I wanted to share the information with all of you. Below is more information about the toxicity of certain shoe polishes, as well as alternative and traditional polishing instructions.
Toxicity of Shoe PolishCertain shoe polishes contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and or inhaled (read more at the epa web site). It is essential that if you use shoe polish, you wear gloves when doing so, do not drink alcohol while polishing shoes (it can increase the effects of certain chemicals), and keep all shoe polish out of reach of children and animal companions. If used, shoe polish should be used in a well-ventilated area, and all of the product shoud be used, with any residual being discarded or given to someone who will use it. When disposed, shoe polish needs to be handled as a hazardous househould substance.

Rags or clothes used that come in contact with the shoe polish should also be immediately discarded. While some shoe polished claim to be non-toxic, most do not list their ingredients, so it is impossible to know that they are truly free of dangerous chemicals. While it is better to avoid shoe polish if possible, if this is not practical for you, and you do feel the need to buy commercial shoe polish - please use the necessary precautions.

Cleaning Smooth Leather Shoes

Important First Steps to a Proper Shoe Shine

Remove dirt by cleaning with a leather cleaner made specifically for smooth leathers. You can use saddle soap or a smooth leather shoe cleaner. Shoe cleaners come in gels, foams, sprays, liquids and creams. Many leather cleaners come with an applicator top, or you can use a soft shoe brush to aid in removing dirt from the surface of the shoe. This will also help to remove dirt from any cracks in the shoes. After cleaning, let the shoes dry for a few minutes and begin shining the shoes with a soft cotton cloth - either a shoe shine cloth, or even an old t-shirt, as long as it's soft and made of cotton.

Conditioning Leather Shoes

Conditioning your leather shoes will help soften and moisturize the leather, and protect it from drying out and cracking. Certain types of leather, and shoes worn in dryer climates might need to be conditioned more often. Some shoe cleaning products will clean and condition your shoes, but if you want your shoes to get the full treatment, or used a product specifically for cleaning, the next step is to condition your smooth leather shoes. Of course, you'll want a conditioner made for the specific type of shoe you're working on. Also, look for a natural conditioner that is absorbed into the material of the shoe, as opposed to a synthetic conditioner that sits on top of the surface. Rub small amounts of conditioner into the shoe, until the entire shoe has been covered with conditioner. After a couple of minutes, wipe any remaining conditioner off of the shoes, as the leather will only absorb what it can.

How to prepare for a shoe cleaning session

Getting Ready for a Shoe Shine
Most of the products you'll use for leather shoe care can be found at general stores, shoe stores and shoe repair shops. If you are nervous about working on your own shoes, of course, any shoe repair shop will be happy to clean, polish and condition your shoes for a price. To do a full and thorough session of leather shoe care, you'll want the following items. Be sure the products you buy are recommended for smooth leather shoes.

• Newspapers


• Gloves


• Soft Cotton Cloths or Rags


• Soft Shoe Brush (optional)


• Smooth Leather Shoe Cleaner


• Leather Conditioner for Smooth Leather Shoes


• Shoe Polish, or a Shoe Polish Alternative


• Leather Protectant (Waterproofing Product)

Before you begin, you'll want to make sure to you're prepared for the shoe care process. Work on top of newspaper, wear gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. These precautions are essential, as many shoe care products contain toxic chemicals that can be very harmful - more information on this in the shoe polish

How to Take Care of Your Smooth Leather Shoes

Caring for Leather Shoes

Care of leather shoes is not just about making your shoes look good, which would be reason enough to take care of them. It's also about preserving and adding to the life of your leather shoes. Whether you spend a lot on your shoes, or don't have much to spend, taking care of your leather shoes makes sense. In the case of designer, or more expensive shoes, look at it as though you're protecting your investment, or what could be a future collectible. And if you don't have a lot to spend on shoes, keeping the ones you have in great shape will remove the need to buy new shoes for every occasion.

Why Caring For Leather Shoes is Important

Without proper conditioning and care, leather can dry out until it eventually cracks and falls apart, and you'll no longer want to wear them out of the house - even if they did cost a small fortune, While some people are content to throw on a coat of shoe polish when their shoes start to look shabby, to really protect your leather shoes and keep them looking their best, there are four steps to follow.

• Clean


• Condition


• Polish


• Preserve or Weatherproof

There are important distinctions between caring for smooth leather shoes and caring for suede, exotic skins, nubuck, or athletic shoes.

From : Desiree Stimpert,

Source : Shoes

Shoe Lasts and Metrology

Most shoes are made to a last. This is a foot model with dimensions and shape similar to the anatomical foot but sufficiently different to not be exact. Shoe fit and to some extent the last influences its durability.

Last

"The close relationship between a man and his shoe maker was based on the shared secret of the client's measurements. The statistics of clients were never disclosed."
Traditionally before mass production, the original shoemaker started the process by taking a footprint outline of the sole. He whittled or chiselled a wooden last from the print. A last ( 'laest', Old English meaning footprint) was traditionally made from wood but are now available now in metal or plastic. They are complex structures made from many measurements (statistically determined). Lasts are not the same size and dimensions of the anatomical foot but instead an abstract form with specific functions. It is usually deeper in the midfoot region, has a sharp 'feather edge' where the upper surface meets the sole, is clipped in along the topline (around the ankle) and is flaired over and extended in the toe region. This provides shape, which applies appropriate tension when the shoe distorts to contain the loaded foot. Lasts provides a working surface on which flat leather components can be given plastic form. The physical dimensions accommodate the foot during activity and the last contains contemporary fashion and styles such as toe shape. To allow the last to be removed from the shoe they are often hinged around the instep. Shoe lasts are not made to resemble feet but instead to suit the shoe manufacture. Modern lasts are totally unlike the foot with the sole of the last, flat in order to assist in manufacture. Shoe making was classified under three headings: turned shoes, welted shoes and through-seam shoes.

Turned shoe

The turned shoe is made inside out with only an outset sole between the foot and the ground. The upper and soles are very flexible. The last is designed in a single size and then a set is made in the range of sizes and widths in which shoes are to be manufactured. Marked sizes will vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. No longer a popular technique.

Welted Shoes

Any construction using a welting, either as an intrigal part of the construction or simply for imitative effect.

A Review of Tailor's Bunion

Pathology
The pathology of the tailor's bunion is complex and controversial. However, the reviewed literature suggests that mild to debilitating pain associated with prominence of the fifth metatarsal head is due to either shearing or weightbearing forces. This prominence is thought to be the result of structural or biomechanical abnormalities, or a combination of both.

Whilst a bunion deformity of the first ray may take precedence in size and physical disfigurement; it may be no more painful or inconvenient than a fifth ray bunion for the patient. The ratio of literature between bunions and bunionettes would suggest that a tailor's bunion is of little significance in comparison to a hallux valgus deformity. However, a bunionette may prove extremely significant to the patient who endures chronic pain or difficulty with shoe fitting.

The bunionette is subject to various methods of treatment, including: padding, reduction, shoe modification, drug therapies, and surgery. Conservative measures to control the deformity should initially be employed; however invasive procedures may prove the only option in some cases. The hallux valgus deformity has spawned approximately one hundred differing surgical procedures in its history of treatment. The tailors bunion, seemingly only recognised over the last fifty years, has also given rise to various techniques in operative correction. Some of these have been developed specifically for the bunionette, but many have been modified from existing first ray bunion surgery. This report will provide an overview of the pathology, aetiology, clinical features, and conservative treatment related to the tailor's bunion deformity. A discussion of the more common procedures employed in bunionette correction will then be presented, along with radiography, classification, and possible complications related to the procedures.

Department of podiatry encyclopedia at Curtin University of Technology. By Matthew Benson

A Review of Tailor's Bunion

History of Footwear Perod The Thirties

The Great Depression beginning with the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 was to effect millions of people throughout the Western world for a decade. In the days and months that followed that fateful day, the bubble of gaiety that had defined the twenties was ended, and a decade of hardship and depression followed.
Politically the decade of the 1930’s was filled with revolutions, invasions, dictatorships, and the final weakening of the League of Nations. The slide toward was ended with Hitler’s invasion of Poland, and the beginning of World War II.

The Thirties

With the depression, the saucy, boyish flair of women’s clothing and the sleek look in men’s dress came to an end. The women’s clothing turned to a more conservative image. It is said that hemlines rise and fall with the economy. The Wall Street Crash sent daytime hemlines tumbling down to mid-calf. Elegance was understated, and opulence was out. No one wanted to look frivolous while the unemployed waited in lines at soup kitchens.
For men, this meant a less smooth, sleek line with more stress on squareness, bulk and padding, giving the male figure a boxy look.