About Tip Top Shoe Saver

About Tip Top Shoe Saver

As women, we love and crave what pointy-toe shoes represent - sexiness, sleekness and sophistication. But what we don't love is the pointy-toe shoe "elephant in the room" problem that has haunted us for years - forcing stylish women to 'shut up and put up with it. We are speaking about bent, creased, and worn out shoe tips.

This is why we invented the Tip Top Shoe Saver, the revolutionary shoe form that preserves and restores the tips of women's pointy-toe shoes.

How Does it Work?

Simply put, Tip Top Shoe Saver, fills the tips of pointy-toe shoes. Unlike most shoe forms that are placed in shoes and can only be used while the shoe is not being worn, TTSS can actually remain inside of the shoe while you're wearing it. Yes, we said Tip Top Shoes Saver can be worn, and at the same time, provide the structure and form that helps new shoe tips keep their form and restores worn out , bent and creased shoe tips to their original form.

 Click the images below to see an enlarged Before & After photo

                                             

Did You Just Say Wow?

Because that's exactly what most of my clients say.

Tip Top Shoe Saver provides a solution to a problem that's been evading women for years - a need for pointy-toe shoes to maintain their original structure and form.

Now that it's available … what are you waiting for? Try it for yourself...

Shoe buying tips

Running Shoes Tips

Introduction

A running shoe’s purpose is to protect the foot and to achieve your maximum potential while running. There are some great runners and some may even say legends from Ethiopia and Kenya that run barefooted but for most runners in the west we must wear running shoes. A general purpose trainer is exactly what the name suggests; it can be used for all types of sports. Sports specific shoes are essential and in the case of runners a cross trainer is ideal.

Concept

The general concept of the running shoe is that it should facilitate horizontal running. Running shoes usually have a slightly larger toe box to accommodate the increased pressure on the mid foot during the running stride. Most running shoes have a slight heel raise to reduce stress on the lower leg and increase ankle stability. Greater shock absorption and medial posts (arch support) are also a feature of many running shoes.

Research suggests that you have a 1 second per mile improvement for every ounce less of running shoe you use. This can help many runners achieve personal bests but if you have a biomechanical complaint or are prone to injury than the lighter running shoes may cause further problems. The lighter running shoes are usually racing shoes. Do not wear racing shoes for races only as this can lead to a running injury. An important point to remember is that racing shoes are lighter but have less shock absorption and stability.

Shoe buying tips

• Go to specialist running stores. I have personally found that the level of advice and the quality of the shoe is much greater in comparison to a high street sports shops.
• Wear the same socks that you intend to run in for a proper fitting.
• Buy your running shoes later on in the day when your foot is at its widest. The human foot tends to expand by a few millimeters and in some people it can expand up to 2cm at the end of the day.

• Get your feet measured every time you buy running shoes.
• Change your running shoes after 350-400 miles as the mid sole and the heel begins to degenerate. The shoes can still be worn for causal wear but are not suitable enough for the pressure of running.
• Make sure you have a finger width of span at your great toe in the box of the shoe. This simple technique will insure that you do not damage your toes while running.
• Do not buy shoes that are too loose or constrictive in width or length.
• Insure you have strong laces for your running shoes. Do not tighten your laces too tightly or too loosely as this can result in a loss of stability and over pronation (foot imbalance).
• CARDINAL SIN - Do not wear new running shoes for a race; always ensure that you run at least 100 miles in them before you run a race or a long run.

Signs of Wear and Tear

It is normal to have shoe wear on the outer aspect of the heel but if you have shoe wear on the inner heel than this must be examined by a sports podiatrist. The runner may have severe over pronation which can lead to conditions such as heel spurs, achilles pain, shin pain, knee pain, quadricep pain and other running injuries. Most short distance runners will show greater forefoot wear as there is more pressure being applied to this area. Uneven shoe wear in the fore foot area may be characteristic of a condition called forefoot varus (over pronation). Excessive shoe wear on the lateral (outer) aspect of the fore foot and heel area can be a result of a rarer condition called over supination.

Top 7 Stripper Shoe Tips For Beginners

Filed Under Strippers/Entertainers 

Tip #1. First aid is most important when starting out. Here is a small list of things you’ll want to have on hand..

Band aids- get the stretch fabric kind as the clear one’s actually glow in the black light.

Super Glue – As you wear down the sole,  you’ll need to glue the bottom rubber back on your shoe.  Note: If the body of the shoe breaks never try to glue it back together and continue dancing! Its an accident waiting to happen.  If there isn’t a girl there who is willing to let you borrow shoes for the remainder of your shift, go home.  No amount of money is worth twisting your ankle or falling and getting hurt.  Cut your losses and get another pair ASAP.

Spray Deodorant – Whether open toe or closed, your shoes will begin to smell as your  feet sweat.  Spray your feet lightly with Arid Extra Dry Regular/Unscented before your shift to keep away the funk.  Make sure to put band-aids in place before spraying or they wont stick.

Gel Inserts - these have the ability to save your night. Less than $10, slip these into your shoes for added comfort as you build your calluses.

Tip #2. When first starting to dance, you’ll want to get 5 – 6 inch heels. Going for the 7 and 8 inch heels is a very bad idea if you’ve never walked in them. Wobbly ankles is not attractive. Starting low and working your way up builds stability. The muscles on your shins will need to strengthen also so be prepared to feel pain when simply standing as you use them to balance.

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Tip #3. Recognize that your feet will be molding into your shoe. My first recommendation is the solid sole with 2 clear plastic straps. As your feet sweat, the straps stick and keep the shoe on. This has been the most comfortable shoe for me right out of the box, however, I still got a few small blisters. This is where band-aids come in handy.

Tip #4. When I first started dancing I learned in 5 inch stilettos and I ended up pinching the nerve in my feet. I couldn’t feel my toes until I started wearing 6 inch platforms.  I recommend platforms 10 out of 10 times.

Tip #5. When getting a pedicure, ask them to not remove your precious calluses. Expect your feet to get somewhat beat up as this job is hard on them but you need the calluses for protection. If you remove them, your feet will hurt forever. Keep them and your feet adapt.  Expect them to hurt for the first 3-4 months of dancing until they adjust.

Tip #6. Practice walking around in your work shoes at home. Start out walking in the kitchen and graduate to carpet. Some clubs have carpet in the VIP rooms so be prepared.  Stages are usually vinyl but don’t always have an even surface.  Walking around at home will also help break in the shoes.

Tip #7. Now that you have been dancing for a while you’ll notice the quickest part of a stripper shoe to wear out is the sole – the second being plastic strap.  After inspection, if you have determined that the shoe is still good (ie., straps intact, cracks in plastic, etc),  have them re-soled by by a local shoe shop. This usually costs around $20 and takes about a day to repair.  You can also re-sole brand new shoes to make them last months if not a year longer.

Shoe Tips

Shoes, if properly cared for, can last you a very long time. Below are some shoe care tips that will help you get as much wear out of your shoes as possible.

Rotate Shoes – You should switch up your shoes every few days to give your shoes a rest.
Add Protective Soles – Adding a sole protector to your shoe will prevent a lot of wear and tear and will extend the life of your shoes
Clean Your Shoes – Cleaning your shoes periodically will help to keep your shoes in great looking condition and will help to protect them from the elements.

Mens Dress Shoe Tips

Mens Dress Shoe 

Many suit wearing men consider shoes as being either brown or black, laced up in the morning, and worn until it’s time to take them off. This is not to say that men don’t care about their shoe choices, but rather that it’s one of the last accessories considered when putting together a fashionable ensemble. The truth is that men’s shoes really are not too much more complicated than you might think (certainly nothing when compared to the variety of women’s fashions), but there are a few tips that you might want to keep in mind when choosing a pair of shoes for your outfit.

Typically men’s shoes fall into roughly two categories; ‘oxford shoes’ (what most men think of when they think of a dress shoe), and non ‘oxfords’. While there are a wide variety of types of ‘oxfords’, they all have similar traits. Simply put, an ‘oxford’ is any lace-up men’s shoe that doesn’t rise above the ankle. That’s it. But, within that family, there are numerous members; open-laced, closed-laced, saddle, kilties, and of course wingtips, to name a few. First thing’s first, though; never settle for anything other than genuine leather for you oxford shoes. Any other materiel will be inferior, and compromise your look. In terms of color, you should know that, whatever the particular style of oxford you choose to wear, black will always win. A black oxford shoe will go with any business suit that you throw at it. That’s the beauty of black; it matches everything. For a more formal look, however, you may choose a black, closed-laced style. These work especially well with pin-stripe, or double breasted suits. And, perhaps you own a pair of brown oxfords as well; these go well with tweed suits, or sport jackets. If, you’re looking for a more casual look, brown, or oxblood (a redish-hued shade of brown) open-laced oxfords will match anything from light linen suits and sport jackets, to khakis, and even jeans for a particularly devil-may-care look.

If, however, decidedly casual business attire is your standard operating procedure, you may wish to consider ‘loafers’. Far from a comment on your laid-back attitude towards life, loafers are a legitimately viable alternative to the more traditional oxfords. It should be noted, however, that you should approach these shoes with caution, as they do not automatically look good on all men, and do tend to be the domain of middle-aged guys. Again, as with the oxfords, there are many different varieties (penny, tassel, moccasins-style, monk straps), and colors to consider, but they are all grouped together as shoes that feature no laces for easy slipping on and off, a low-cut profile with a broad ‘moccasin-style’ top, and a wide, flat heel. Of course, the beauty of a nice pair of loafers, is that they automatically communicate a more casual attitude, and the same pair of shoes can easily transition from a business suit to even a pair of jeans. Indeed the Gucci and Prada moccasin-style loafers have been worn, and considered a fashion necessity, by young men on the go for some time now. Again, they can be worn with a suit to a business meeting, and then instantly transition to a club outfit for a night of dancing. It should also be noted that penny loafers are considered the only ‘dress’ shoe that it is permissible to wear with shorts and a polo shirt.

This is far from the end-all-be-all of men’s shoes, and there are many other fish in the sea. However, it is hoped that in the future more men will think beyond the automatic answer of black dress shoe, and consider their shoes as another element too their outfits that must be balanced, matched, and evaluated. 

Shoe Tips

Shoe Tips

Running aficionados noted not so long ago that a good pair of running shoes was the sport's only real cost. They worked out that shoes cost about a penny a mile. Inflation has largely taken care of that claim, but good shoes are still the soundest investment a runner can make. Coupled with a sensible training schedule, they are essential in helping to prevent injury. But how do you choose from the range and prices offered by seven or eight manufacturers in any one store? Get help. You won't be alone. Veteran runners who think they have found the perfect shoe often return to a store six months later to find that a manufacturer has totally changed its design. They too need expert help in finding what will work for them. A tip is to buy two pairs of shoes if you discover a model that is working well for you. That's if you can afford it, of course.

Here are 10 tips in shoe buying:

Spend Time
Set an hour aside to visit your local running store. Don't go if you are in a rush. Compare products, and walk and run in the shoe. Never rush into a decision or buy shoes because they worked well for someone else. Shoes are designed to fit specific foot types. The wrong ones might injure you.

Take Along Your Old Shoes
An experienced salesperson can determine a great deal from your old shoes and smelly socks. They can "read" your wear pattern and use it to recommend what will work best for you. Don't forget to take along a pair of socks to wear when selecting your size. If you wear orthotics or use a foot device of any type, take them along too.

Sales Questions
A good store salesperson will ask you about your running history, your goals, past injuries and the type of training you do. Good stores will sometimes do a video analysis of a runner's gait and foot-strike. The more information you give, the better your chances of getting the right shoe. If you are not being asked questions, you might want to try another store.

Foot Exam
Your foot should be examined for width and type. Most people either have a rigid or floppy foot. Whether you have a low-arch, a high-arch, or are flat-footed makes a difference as to what will best suit you. Millions of dollars have been pumped into shoe technology and you must take advantage of it. Don't forget to take your common sense along with you. Pressure spots are obviously going to be susceptible to blisters. And a loose fit will allow the shoe to slip on your foot, which can also lead to blisters. When the foot slides excessively, you will lose energy on the push off.

A Snug Fit
You should feel secure on the heel and across the breadth of your foot (the widest part). Pull the laces so that you have a feeling of security without discomfort. You can adjust the laces on most shoes so that you can tie the shoe tightly in some places while leaving it looser in others. Many of today's shoes have an optional lace hole at the top, which will allow you to pull the lace even tighter.

Selecting The Right "Last"
The shape of a shoe is determined by the "last" of form around which a shoe is made. The two predominant shapes today are the "straight" and the "curved" last. A perfectly straight-last right shoe will look the same as a perfectly straight left one. A very curved shoe bends strongly to the inside. Refer to Galloway's Book on Running for more good information. If you have a curved foot and wear a straight shoe, you will feel pressure on the inside of your big toe. And you will tend to roll off the outside. So many shoes, so many configurations and lots of time. The chances of finding one that works for your are excellent.

The Selection Process
Select two or three types that work best for your foot function, rigid or floppy. Compare the fit of each and then stand, walk around and run in each shoe to feel how it performs. Spend a little time and you'll probably get a better fit. Runners at this point often decide that there is a night and day difference between shoes and the right shoe will be obvious.

Running In Cross Training or Aerobic Shoes
Runners often ask if they can run in cross training or aerobic shoes. The simple answer is no. Running shoes are designed for a forward motion and cushion the impact specific to running, while other shoes are designed for other uses. For instance, aerobic shoes are designed for more lateral support and toe flexibility. If you use your running shoes, which don't have a full-leather upper to give the lateral motion required, you'll risk injury in aerobics.

Where To Start
To get the proper protection required for running, you are looking at about $70-$80 as the starting price. The cost goes up depending on the amount of motion and cushioning control required. Pronation control shoes will cost a little more as they require more technology and materials in construction.

When To Buy A New Pair
The average life of a shoe, according to manufacturers' and sports medicine testing is about 500-700 miles, or 800-1,120 km. Often, a shoe's upper is still in great shape, but the cushioning and motion control has been lost. A test? Drop by your running store after you have logged 500 miles and compare your old shoes with a new pair by running around the block. Good stores will let you do this. The key to keeping off the injury list is to replace your shoes once they begin to wear or break down.

Tips on Selecting Your First Pair of Walking Shoes

Tips on Selecting Your First Pair of Walking Shoes

By Bonnie Stein, M.Ed.

This is one area of fitness in which you must be the expert, or least a very educated consumer.  You shouldn't count on help from most shoe store clerks.  Many are not knowledgeable about walking shoes.  A clerk in a well known athletic shoe store in the mall picked up a beautiful running shoe, with about three inches of cushioning in the heel (Just what racewalkers don't want due to instability at heel plant), and told me,  "Of course you can racewalk in these running shoes.  Racewalkers can wear running shoes because you're as fast as some of the runners."

My hope is that you will become the expert.  Be an informed consumer and you won't need to count on the clerks.  On the other hand, if you find a salesperson who is knowledgeable about walking shoes, you're in luck.  Most likely you'd find these salespeople in smaller, family owned shops and not the sport store chains in the malls.

1.   It's best to look for walking shoes at the end of the day (at least in the afternoon) when your feet more closely approximate the size they'll be after you've been walking for a while.

2.   Ask the clerk to measure your feet to find your current size.  Feet change size with age, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and even as a result of athletic activity.

3.   Just because you've always been a size eight means very little.  A size eight shoe will vary considerably with style and features, especially among different brands. 

4.   If you buy a walking shoe that's too tight, you'll be compromising your comfort.  A walking shoe must have sufficient room in the toe box area (front of the shoe) to allow adequate space as your foot flexes.  Shoes that are too small will restrict the muscles and tendons in the foot, causing pain and cramping.  One indication that a shoe is too tight is if a student tells me that his feet fall asleep while walking.  If you get a shoe that doesn't have adequate room, it may feel OK in the store, before you start walking.  However, shortly thereafter when your feet begin to sweat and swell a bit, the result will be numb feet in a constricting shoe.  That's the reason for the thumb's width rule.

 5.   Non-cotton socks are a good investment along with  properly fitted shoes.  Take the socks that you will wear for walking with you when you go shopping for shoes.  Don't wear cotton socks for fitness walking or racewalking.  Cotton socks are a primary cause of blisters because they hold the moisture close to your skin.  If that's a surprise to those of you who always were taught that cotton is desirable, think about cotton's properties.  Cotton is highly absorbant.  That's exactly what we don't want on our feet- - - wet socks.  Combine that with the friction of rubbing against wet skin and you've got the leading cause of blisters.

My favorite socks are made by THOR-LO.  They are made from a synthetic material that wicks the moisture away from your skin.  When I take my socks off, they may feel a little moist, but my feet are quite dry, and I never get blisters as I used to with cotton socks.

6.   Tight shoes will not stretch to fit better.  Don't think walking shoes need to be "broken in."  A proper fitting shoe should fit well from the first day.  If you still get blisters (and you're wearing non-cotton socks) chances are the shoe is too tight.

7.   For those with especially narrow or wide feet, try a different brand rather than a smaller size.  Some brands naturally run wider (Saucony) and some brands narrower (Nike).  Some brands even have styles in different widths (New Balance).

8.   Always fit the larger foot.  If you have to, you can add a half insole in the front of the shoe of the smaller foot.  Would you believe that a half-size larger is only a twelfth to a sixteenth of an inch difference?  Most of us can use at least that much extra space in front of our toes.

9.   If you have bunions, corns, or hammertoes, look for a shoe with a wider and higher toe box.  That will guarantee more comfort for you.  I've seen people press on the front of the shoe to prove that it fits, and the big toe is pressing right up against the inside front of the shoe.  That's not enough room.  Walkers need extra room in the toe box even more than they might in other sports, to allow for the flexing that takes place with the walking motion.

10.   Spend plenty of time walking around the store in the shoes to make sure they're right before you purchase them.  Never go shopping for walking shoes when you're in a hurry such as on your lunch hour.  Brad Zuber, the owner of all of a shoe store in Atlanta, encourages walkers to walk the mall in the shoes before they decide.  I know he got a little nervous only once when a walker didn't return until an hour later.  At the time he didn't know that Macy's was having a One-Day Sale and the walker got a little sidetracked as she was trying out her shoes.

11.   I always want a shoe that is flexible.  Either the mid-sole material should be flexible, or flex grooves could be cut into the sole.  If the shoe is not flexible, your feet will surely have to absorb more stress as you try to roll through the walking motion.

 12.   A shoe that is lightweight and breathable is very important.  I find leather shoes to be the heaviest, but also the most durable. They are not appropriate for racewalking because of their weight.  Mesh/leather combination shoes are the most breathable.  The least breathable materials are made of suede.

 13.   A good walking shoe should cost in the range of $65-$85.  Any less than that and the components of a good walking shoe are left out.  Any more than that and I believe we're paying for expensive bells and whistles that we don't need.  (Those $100 running shoes have a lot of extra shock absorption that offer no benefit to the walker.) 

 14.   Due to the lack of actual racewalking shoes, some racewalkers have chosen racing flats made for runners.  Most of them are flexible, lightweight, and adequate for the racewalker who wishes to race.  The down side is that these shoes wear out even faster than most walking shoes and they are not very supportive.  If you pronate (roll in) excessively, you will do so right through these shoes.  I never recommend them for anyone except advanced racewalkers.

 15.   Don't get too attached to a single brand.  Try on different styles and makes.  Be your own expert.  One shoe store owner in South Florida tells me that all of his salesmen go hide in the back when they see a customer come in who starts flexing and examining the walking shoes.  He jokingly tells me it's because they know that person is a graduate of the Beginning Racewalking class and may know more than the salespeople. 

That's my hope - - - that you all become knowledgeable walking consumers who can't be fooled into purchasing a shoe that's not right for you.  It all comes down to FIT and COMFORT.  Walk away with that!