Shoes are an important part of popular culture. Nearly every culture and ethnic group has a story that is about a special pair of shoes. Just think about all the fairy tales and fables told about magic or special shoes. There is Cinderella and her glass slippers, the little old lady that lived in a shoe, and perhaps the most famous story about shoes ever told, the Wizard of Oz, featuring a magical pair of "ruby slippers." The importance of shoes in the evolution of humans is clear; without them we would never had been able to disperse to as many climates and destinations as we have. It is because of this that they have become not only a necessity for human life, but also a status symbol and starring character in human mythology and popular fiction.

The Ruby Slippers in the Wizard of Oz
In the original story of the Wizard of Oz, written in the early 1900s by L. Frank Baum, the slippers that Dorothy acquired were actually silver shoes. It was MGM that decided to change the shoe's color to ruby red in order to demonstrate the capabilities and splendor of the newest entertainment invention, color film. This change in shoe color truly made the movie more provocative, adding another layer of symbolism to the tale of a girl making a journey from ignorance of the evils of the world to a disenchanted, young adult who learns that the Wizard of Oz is not a wizard after all.

Nobody knows for certain exactly how many pairs of the famous ruby slippers were made for the filming of the Wizard of Oz, however, the estimate sits at about seven pairs. The Wicked Witch of the East had a pair, Dorothy had a pair and Dorothy's stand-ins each had a pair. Since continuity and timeliness is essential during the filming of a movie, back up pairs of the ruby slippers were also most likely made.

Today, you can see one pair of the famous ruby slippers in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, which is located in Washington, D.C. This pair was designed for the dance scenes in the movie. Their uppers are made from a red silk, which is covered with a georgette fabric that was hand-sequined. The inside of the shoes were lined with kidskin leather. The soles, because they were made for dancing, were covered in felt.

Ski season is around the corner and having the right equipment makes the difference when it comes to being comfortable and able to focus on the sport. Having ski goggles is important not only for protection but also for comfort. Challenges can arise for those who wear contact lens or glasses. Being able to see properly and feel comfortable is a big part of selecting quality ski goggles.

There are a number of things to consider when preparing to purchase a pair of ski goggles. It is very important to try them on with your corrective lenses or glasses in place. If you wear contact lens, you can opt for a smaller set of ski goggles. For those who wear eyeglasses finding the right pair of OTG, or over-the-glasses, type of ski goggles is paramount.

There are a wide variety of ski goggles available including glasses that offer different styles, sizes and tints. The tint of ski goggles will vary and is designed for varying sunlight conditions. A versatile tint that works well for most levels of sunlight is the yellow to brown tint.

It is important to fit your ski goggles with your helmet to ensure comfort. It is imperative for goggles to fit comfortably over the helmet. Additionally, they should not be so tight that they pinch but should be able to fit the face securely while also being able to smoothly fit over the helmet when raised up. Ensure that the goggle strap has enough length to adjust the goggles comfortably.

For skiers who wear prescription glasses that they cannot part with, consider investing in prescription ski glasses to ensure comfort and safety. This is a great option for days when there is not a lot of wind and snow. Generally, a wrap-around pair will work in lieu of goggles provided they have at least 95 percent UVA and UVB, otherwise invest in OTG goggles for comfort and safety.

When planning to purchase goggles take the helmet and eyeglasses you will be using during skiing. Being prepared will ensure maximum comfort and safety when on the slopes.

No matter how much wisdom a person gains, there's always more to know. The same holds true in the world of shoes. Just when you think you know your terminology, there are new words to challenge you. The shoe encyclopedia has been filling your head with a good amount of knowledge. Are you ready for some more? Last time we discussed the burnish process, sipes, the metatarsal bones in the foot, as well as bunions. This week we will learn the shoe encyclopedia terms shoe anatomy, break, vibram and foxing.

Shoe Anatomy
A shoe anatomy is a diagram that details each part of the construction of a shoe. Just like an anatomy chart can be made for the human body, the same is true for the parts of a shoe. In past lessons of the shoe encyclopedia, we have discussed some of the parts of the shoe that would be depicted on such a diagram. Some of those include the vamp, heel and sole.

Break
We're not talking recess time at the playground here. When talking in shoe terms, a break refers to the crease that sometimes ends up going across the front of the shoe from normal, everyday use. Of course, if you always buy shoes with steel toes, you should be able to prevent this annoyance. However, that strategy could present a problem when looking for some strappy heels to go with that cute evening gown. Steel toe shoes don't exactly come in that style.

Vibram
You'll most often find vibrams on hiking boots. They are an outsole designed to be non-slip and durable. Both of those features are necessary when hiking in the mountains, especially during certain weather conditions. The trails can get slippery or even rough at times. Strength and traction are ultra important in these situations.

Foxing
Foxing is a rubber strip that joins together the upper portion of a shoe with the sole. Canvas shoes are a good example of those that use foxing. Foxing can be found in other styles as well, but canvas shoes are those that most commonly use foxing.

Welcome back to class, shoe students. It's time for another fun lesson from the shoe encyclopedia. Don't forget that if you've missed any previous lessons, you can always go back and review them on Zappos.com. Last time, we discussed the tap of the shoe, painful heel spurs and the welt of the shoe as well as shoes called slides. If you didn't catch that last lesson (or any previous ones), be sure to go back through and check. Today's four terms from the shoe encyclopedia will be burnish, sipes, metatarsal bones and bunions.

Burnish
To burnish a shoe is to create an antiquing effect in the leather of that shoe. Once burnished, the leather will have an antique or worn look. Burnished leather footwear can be seen in a variety of boot and shoe styles and sizes. Burnished shoes may be seen in footwear created for men, women or children.

Sipes
Deck shoes need to be created in a way that prevents slippage. That is where the sipes come in. Sipes is the pattern carved in a specific shape in the outsoles of deck shoes. That shape helps to distribute the water evenly and prevent slipping. Deck shoes with sipes can come in varied styles and sizes for men, women and children.

Metatarsal Bones
The metatarsal bones are those in the foot that aid the body in forward movements during walking or running. They are the five bones that make up the top part of the foot that goes from the instep to the toes. Without the metatarsals, the foot would not move or balance in the same way.

Bunions
The name may sound like a tasty dinner bread formed between buns and onions, but these are far from tasty and are not desirable at all, in fact. Bunions are painful swollen areas that occur on the bottom of the foot. These can often lead to permanent damage in the toe joint. There are special shoes for both men and women that can be worn to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with bunions.

Shoes have been an important part of human life since the beginning of fashion. They have allowed humans to travel over various terrains and adapt to life in a number of climates. However, shoes wouldn't be what we know them as today if it weren't for the shoe accessories that developed along with our foot fashion. Some of the most commonly used shoe accessories today include shoe horns, shoe trees, shoelaces and shoe inserts.

History of Shoe Accessories:

Shoe Horns
Shoe horns evolved along with leather and hide shoe designs. Their purpose was to help a person get their shoes on more easily. They were traditionally made from wood, however, wealthy shoe owners had theirs made from bone, ivory, silver and shell. Today, shoe horns are still commonly made of wood; however, they are also made from plastic, glass and stainless steel.

Shoe Tree
The shoe tree was a remarkable invention. This device, traditionally made from cedar, was designed to fit into shoes when they were not occupied by feet. The shoe tree helped the leather to keep its shape, and the cedar of the shoe tree absorbed both foot odor and moisture left in the shoe. Today, you can still find cedar shoe trees; however, plastic shoe trees are more common.

Shoelaces
Perhaps the oldest shoe accessory in the world is the shoelace. Shoelaces can be traced back to 3,000 B.C. Their purpose is to secure footwear to the person's foot. However, while used in primitive shoes, shoelaces were replaced during subsequent shoe design eras with buckles, buttons, zippers and other closing devices. They didn't really emerge as the leader of shoe closures until the 20th century.

Shoe Inserts
One of the latest shoe accessories to hit the shoe market is the shoe insert. Shoe inserts are designed to make the shoe more comfortable to wear. Common shoe inserts include cushions, orthopedic supports and lifts. Basic shoe inserts can be bought at department and shoe stores, however, orthopedic shoe inserts usually have to be prescribed by podiatrists.

With the fall season upon us and the winter season close behind, switching up your athletic gear is at the peak of the horizon. This is the time of year when jackets and comfortable warm clothing are popular and staying trendy is not difficult. For those in climates that really get chilly, yet prefer to avoid the bulk felt with a coat, light layering is always an option. For most people it is all about comfort. What better way to feel comfortable than in something that is soft, warm and just heavy enough to provide the warmth needed without the feeling of being confined? Enter Moving Comfort Apparel.

Moving Comfort Apparel is a great line of outerwear that makes quality apparel ideal for runners, bikers and other athletes. The Nochill Hoodie is a perfect choice to add to your workout gear for the fall and winter. Made from 56% tactel nylon, 15% Lycra and 29% polyester, the semi-fitted fabric offers quick wicking and the perfect amount of stretch. The key features of the comfortable outerwear include non-chafe flat-seam construction, neck taping, a full-length zipper, signature thumbholes, pockets for storage, a semi-fitted style and the ease of machine-washable maintenance. Available in Blueberry Mist, Black Storm and Wild Rose Cherry Blossom, the Nochill Hoodie retails for $84.

Designed to allow athletes to perform well despite uncomfortable temperatures, the Moving Comfort Endurance Tight is the perfect match for the Nochill Hoodie. Stay warm and comfortable while running with the perfect endurance tight made from 88% polyester and 12% Lycra and featuring no-chafe flat-seam construction to allow a comfortable workout. This is the perfect piece to layer under slightly heavier gear due to its smooth construction. The Endurance Tight has both front and back yoke-waistband curved design lines for comfort and fit, in addition to a stretch-draw cord. Available in black, the retail price is $56 for the Endurance Tight.

The key to good workout gear is high-quality fabric and construction, fit and of course comfort, which are all offered with Moving Comfort Apparel.

The swinging sixties and seventies were decades where experimentation was big in fashion. One of the shoe styles that emerged from the fashion explosion that occurred during this generation was t*he go-go boot.* Go-go boots were revolutionary because they made women's boot fashions street wear instead of just functional, inclement weather wear.

Go-go Boots: The Design
Go-go boots were traditionally made from synthetic materials; however, modern variations also use natural materials like leather. They tend to be a low-heeled boot that can have a calf, knee or rise above the knee. They can be either form fitting against the lower leg, or they can be loose. Generally go-go boots designed for girls are looser fitting and have a flat or low heel, while women's go-go boots have a tighter fit and a higher heel. However, while two-inch Cuban heels have been used in a variety of go-go boot designs, the heel tends to be less than one inch.

Go-go Boots: Fashion
Go-go boots emerged back in the mid-sixties. Shoe designer Andre Courreges is given credit for the first go-go boots. These first boots were made from either vinyl or plastic and were generally white in color. The height of the boot complimented the shorter hemlines found in women's fashion during the 60s and 70s. The height of the boot's rise followed hemlines as they migrated up the leg. This was great for women who were a bit shy about exposing so much leg with daring fashions of the era. The boots provided significant coverage without having to sacrifice fashion forwardness.

Go-go Boots: Pop Culture
Go-go boots were very popular with young girls and women. They were popularized by pop cultural icons like Nancy Sinatra and Jane Fonda who both sported these boots. Nancy Sinatra promoted her single "These Boots Were Made for Walkin" by wearing a pair of sexy go-go boots, and Jane Fonda wore a pair in her sci-fi erotic film "Barberella." While not as popular as they once were, you can still see variations of go-go boots still making their way down runways around the world.

Wearing stilettos is a challenge however it is definitely doable with a little help from Foot Petals. Rather than allow the foot to slide down towards the toe of the shoe, which is almost inevitable depending on how the stiletto is made, the use of Foot Petals makes the shoe more comfortable and works as a stop gap to the foot sliding downward.

What are Foot Petals? Basic Foot Petals are a unique collection of products designed to adhere to the lining or insole of the shoe or other area with an adhesive backing to prevent slipping, sliding and rubbing of the foot. Foot Petals are made from PORON, which is performance urethanes designed to help stop friction, which helps to prevent blisters and calluses. Additionally, the design of the products helps to protect the bones and tissue of the foot and enhance the comfort of wearing desirable shoes such as stilettos.

When wearing stilettos, women tend to either grip their toes or walk awkwardly to prevent the sliding of the foot downward, which in time throws off the alignment of the body. Foot Petals Tip Toes, one of the many Foot Petals products, work as a preventative to long term damage by simply applying the shaped rubber patch to the area of the shoes where protection is needed.

Foot Petals offers a product called the Stiletto Foot Stylist Kit. The unique kit consists of items such as Killer Kushionz, Heavenly Heelz, Tip Toes, Strappy Strips, Sole Stopperz and Haute Heelz. Killer Kushionz are full insoles designed to provide precision support. Heavenly Heelz are designed to be applied to the back of the heel and cushions the tender area of the heel that is prone to blistering. Strappy Strips, on the other hand (or foot), provide comfort to shoes with straps. Foot Petals Sole Stopperz protect the soles and provides a non-slip surface. Finally Foot Petals Haute Heelz are designed as shock absorbers.

The Foot Petals Stiletto Foot Stylist Kitis available in Black Iris, Buttercup or White Lily and retails for $50.

Hello again, fellow shoe lovers. Shoe talk is getting exciting, isn't it? In the last lesson, you learned about the shoe lift, injection-molded construction, cordovan leather and Minktex lining. Today, the shoe encyclopedia offers four more interesting terms. You'll learn about crepe rubber, the Brannock device, the shoe counter, as well as shoe dressing. For a little extra fun, try guessing what the terms mean before continuing on with the lesson. Test your guessing skills against the meanings to see how close you were.

Crepe Rubber
Sorry to ruin your taste buds, but this is not the type of crepe you'll be seeing at the breakfast table. I don't recommend tasting this one at all, but wearing it is perfectly fine. Crepe rubber is a type of rubber used in shoe soles. It has a crinkled texture and is a crude, natural rubber. Many different shoe styles for both women and men can contain soles made from crepe rubber.

Brannock Device
In order to ensure accurate sizing and fit of shoes, it is a good idea to measure each foot properly. The Brannock device can help with that. It measures both the length and width of the foot to determine appropriate sizing. The Brannock device can be found in the fitting area of many shoe stores.

Counter
In order for the heel to retain its shape, it must have all the right layers. One of those layers is the counter. It is a stiff material located between the lining and the upper inside of the heel. Due to its stiffness, the counter can play an important role in retaining the shape of the heel in a shoe.

Dressing
Ranch or Italian? Well, actually, neither. When talking shoes, dressing is the process of applying gloss or finish to the outside of the shoe. Without gloss or finish, shoes can wear out more rapidly. A protective coating or dressing is a good feature for a pair of shoes. Many shoes have some type of dressing on them. Women's and men's boots, dress shoes, casuals and more can all have dressing, including children's styles.