Many shoe designers start their careers because they either can't find the type of shoe that they want or because they are inspired to create their own shoe design. Both of these scenarios fit the beginning story for Vegetarian Shoes. This shoe design company was founded in 1990 by a vegetarian who wanted to create a great looking shoe that used a material other than leather.

Vegetarian Shoes - The Beginning
Vegetarian Shoes was founded by an artist who just happened to be a vegetarian. After art school, Robin Webb, the founder of Vegetarian Shoes, read a story about people in Africa who were making shoes from old tire rubber. This story of ingenuity and practical recycling inspired him to come up with his own shoe design.

The first problem that Webb ran into was finding a breathable but durable material to use for his shoes. Fortune shined on Webb when he found a synthetic material used by yachters to upholster their boats. This material looked and felt like real leather, however, it was breathable, which was unusual for a synthetic-plastic material.

Vegetarian Shoes started out with a basic, handmade, lace-up shoe design that Webb made himself. The line's popularity exploded, and soon Webb was designing and manufacturing boots, shoes, sandals and even belts. Today Webb doesn't manufacture the shoes. Instead, this part of the business is farmed out to co-op manufacturers in Britain and other countries in Europe. Webb, however, still runs the sales end of things at a Brighton shoe shop.

Current Vegetarian Shoes Line
The current Vegetarian Shoes enterprise has expanded to include several distinct shoe lines. The casual sports line is one of the most popular. It includes shoe designs like the Slouch Shoe, the Aztec Shoe and X-trainers. The women's shoe line is also very popular. In this line, you will find designs like the Audrey Shoe, the Creeper and the Esme Loafer. Other lines offered by Vegetarian Shoes include women's boots, men's shoes, men's boots, off-road/hiking shoes, Airseal footwear, Birkenstock sandals, general sandals and slip-ons and safety footwear. Vegetarian Shoes have also branched out into other clothing and accessory products such as jackets, belts and bags.

With spring break around the corner having the right equipment for travel is definitely necessary. Most Generation X members and younger tend to carry backpacks when traveling with many of the backpacks being ergonomically correct, which lessens the wear and tear on one's back, neck and shoulders. In most cases, it is easier to carry backpacks when traveling because of the convenience of having one's personal gear accessible during a flight or other means of travel.

A top choice, ergonomically correct backpack is the Gravis Shadow Backpack available in several colors including; "bright" white, gray microdot, majesty and sangria. Made of durable nylon with PU2 backing and a nylon heat embossed lining, features of the backpack include ergonomic shoulder straps, a main compartment with a laptop sleeve, zippered mesh organizer, expandable rear compartment with a convenient organizer, an audio pocket and four additional accessory pockets. One of the top choices of ergonomic backpacks for spring break, the Gravis Shadow Backpack, retails for approximately $77.

The ultimate ergonomically correct backpack is the Sidetrack 25-inch Backpack Luggage, which is a backpack on wheels and is very comfortable to carry. Features include stow-able suspension, contoured shoulder harness, load lifters, a hip belt, an ergonomically correct curved lumbar region, side carry handle, large main pocket, clothing organizer, removable daypack with pockets, hydration port, a main compartment with padded sleeve, organizer pockets for electronics and more. Definitely one of the top choices of ergonomically correct backpacks for spring break, this backpack retails for $169.99.

One of the premier ergonomically correct backpacks is the Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer LT. Key features of the Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer Lt include fleece lined sunglass pocket, camera pocket, detachable daypack, water bottle pockets, a security cover, package duffel, micro-torso adjustable, improved back support, a pulley assist hip belt adjustment, padded back straps and a 3-in-1 travel shell while still remaining lightweight. This retail price for the ergonomically correct backpack is $279.

The backpacks reviewed are all comfortable and ergonomically correct backpacks that are easy to pack and have organized compartments to maximize space.

Gather round, shoe terminology students. It is once again time for another lesson from the shoe encyclopedia. From the last lesson, you learned about the Louis heel (named after a famous king), the kitten heel, the plug of the moccasin and the heavy brogan. If you missed last week's lesson (or any others), don't forget to go back through and learn them. This shoe encyclopedia lesson focuses on the quarter, the shank, the crampon and the top lift

Quarter
When it comes to shoes, the quarter is not a coin. The quarter actually is the part of the shoe that covers the sides and back of the foot. Sometimes it consists of one whole piece of material, and other times, it is split into sections that are sewn together or held together by zippers or glue. The quarter is located on virtually every shoe. Therefore, styles and variety can vary significantly.

Shank
Sometimes the term shank can refer to a portion of ham but, luckily, not when referring to shoes. In a shoe, the shank is the portion that extends from the heel to the outsole. It gives structure to the shoe, as well as providing support to the arch of the foot. A shank can come in many different styles. All shoes have a shank.

Crampon
The crampon is often used in mountain and glacier climbing sports. These heavy-duty climbing devices clamp onto mountain boots and are used to trek through thick ice and snow. The metal spikes offer a strong grip. One type is made for trekking through snow and ice located on mountains and glaciers. The other type is made for ice climbing up steep vertical ice (or ice covered) structures.

Top Lift
The top lift, contrary to what it first sounds like, is actually located on the bottom of the shoe. It is the bottom portion of the shoe heel. The top lift supports and balances the shoe. The top lift can be thick, like in a platform shoe, but can also be very thin, like in a stiletto heel. Sizes can vary, depending on the shoe.

Cold weather boots are definitely a necessity this time of year in order to be warm as well as comfortable. For the regions that are conducive to cold weather, cold weather boots are an annual must have item. There are a wide variety of brands from which to select including Uggs, Minnetonka, Timberland and Columbia. The selection available from each of the many brands includes stylish boots that are very functional for cold weather and provide the warmth needed for cold weather.

Uggs have remained a popular cold weather boot among young women, men and children. The variety of different styles available from Uggs includes low quarter and high quarter boots. A great choice of cold weather boots from Uggs is the Uggs Sussex, which is made of leather with tassel accents and sheepskin lining and trim. Designed for women, the Ugg Boot is available in either brown or Antique Light Chestnut and retails for approximately $284.

The Uggs Butte Boots, available in Worchester Brown, is a great style for men. Features of the stylish boot include lace-up styling, sheepskin trim and waterproof leather. Another of the great features of this quality boot is the removable sheepskin sock liner. The average retail price for the Uggs Butte for men is $224.

Timberland boots also make great cold weather boots. The Timberland Fauna Lace Boot is a great choice for women and offers features such as waterproof upper, acrylic fleece sock liner, cork and rubber midsole and more. The Timberland Fauna Lace Boot is a well made boot ideal for cold weather and is a great buy at $119.95.

Another great choice of cold weather boots is the collection of boots by Minnetonka, which has been popular for years. One of the more popular choices is the Minnetonka New Alta Boot, which is made of suede leather with a stylish fur topped upper. Designed for warmth while being super stylish, the mid-calf Minnetonka New Alta Boot is available in either sand suede or brown and will definitely make a statement as one of the most stylish cold weather boots.

Sustainable business practices are becoming more important to consumers. While many shoe manufacturers are slow to catch up to this trend, EcoDragon is on the forefront of the eco-friendly shoe manufacturing crusade. The company tries to create as little environmental impact as possible by selecting environmentally friendly construction materials and techniques. If you are interested in a comfortable shoe that is kind to the environment then check out the line offered by EcoDragon.

EcoDragon Background
EcoDragon is a natural shoe company that was found in 1993 by a pair of brothers named Wes and Eric Crain. Their goal was to design a line of shoes that utilized the ultra-environmentally friend fiber called hemp. Hemp was chosen as the construction material because it is easy to grow without chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides, is one of the strongest vegetable fibers in the world and can be woven into cloth or spun into twine and rope.

In addition to using the eco-friendly hemp as the primary material for their shoe line, the Crain brothers also utilized dyes that were fiber-reactive. This means that the dye quickly absorbs into the fiber and becomes naturally affixed to the fiber molecules. This eliminates the need to use chemical dye fixatives, again lessening the impact of the shoe line's manufacturing process.

Finally, all of the shoes produced by EcoDragon are hand sewn. This means that the natural shoes are durable as well as stylish. Furthermore, since the shoes are sewn by hand, there is no need to use petroleum products, glues and toxic chemicals. These reasons are why EcoDragon shoes are comfortable to wear as well as good for the planet.

EcoDragon Shoe Line
The EcoDragon shoe line all started with the Original Hemp Sandal. This sandal remains a top seller, but it is no longer the only shoe offered by the company. Other shoes in this collection include Hemp Clogs, BackSlides, EcoStyle, EcoCross, Nature Walk, Nature Wet, Back Sling and Hempadrilles. As you can see, EcoDragon offers a variety of shoe styles from basic sandals and clogs to casual business shoes.

Nowadays, everyone wants to either be on a reality show or have the life experience of the equivalent of living the part such as adventure racing. For those enthusiasts who chose to take on the challenge of climbing, paddling, mountain biking, cross-country or other adventures, the first rule of thumb requires having the proper, comfortable gear to successfully participate in the thrill of adventure racing.

One of the main pieces of equipment, besides the navigational tools for adventure racing, is the right bag or backpack. There are a wide variety of brands that make quality backpacks specific for adventure racing with many of the bags designed as gender neutral but most importantly designed to be carry comfortably.

A favorite backpack among the many designed for adventure racing is the GoLite Lite-Speed Pack. Made from 100 percent super durable nylon, features of the GoLite Lite-Speed Pack include: polyurethane coating and waterproofing, 3L hydration compatible, tow loops, adjustable load lifter straps, paneled back, adjustable hip-belt with mesh pockets and zippers, two side straps, shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap, rear bungee cord web with cord lock and hook, large front mesh pockets, a frame sheet with two adjustable aluminum stays, ComPACKtor system and more. Available in a combination of blue, black and gray, the comfortably designed GoLite Lite-Speed Pack retails for approximately $107 and weighs 2 lbs and 7 oz.

Another excellent choice of backpacks designed for adventure racing is the Osprey Talon 22, which is available in acid green or spicy chili. Made specifically to accommodate adventure racing, features of the Osprey Talon 22 include: front and side pockets, a top zippered mesh pocket, side compression straps, two torso sizes, an adjustable harness, a panel loading pack, zippered hip belt pockets, tow loops, hydration compatible and more. This is an excellent choice of backpack for males or females participating in adventure racing, with the bag weighing approximately 1 lb and 13 oz. The retail price for the Osprey Talon 22 is approximately $100.

This is the year for adventure racing, and with the right gear absolutely anything is possible as your make your life experience an amazing reality.

How are all the shoe encyclopedia students doing? Well, I assume, since you came to class. Our last shoe encyclopedia session involved some interesting wordplay. First, we learned about a quarter that couldn't be spent. Then came the shank that was not a ham portion. Next, we learned of the crampon, not a cramp on the shoe. Finally, we discussed the top lift, which is on the bottom of the shoe. This week's terms include the throat, Cambrelle, shoetree and TS2. Remember that past lessons are always available on Zappos blogs if you've miss any.

Throat
No, this is not something from a science fiction fantasy. Shoes do indeed have throats. However, they hopefully won't be using them for talking, singing or swallowing anytime soon. If they do, you might want to pinch yourself and awaken from your nightmares. A throat in shoes is the opening that the foot goes into when sliding on the shoe. Some shoes have wide throats, while others have more narrow ones.

Cambrelle
A lightweight fabric lining, Cambrelle is found in varied shoe styles. It is designed to absorb high amounts of moisture during intense activities. Its design also allows for cooling of the feet during high heat and heating of the feet during colder temperatures. This way, no matter what the person wearing Cambrelle-lined footwear is doing, sweaty or freezing feet are less likely to distract them.

Shoetree
A shoetree is not an ideal addition to your landscaping. A more welcoming spot to plant that shoetree is inside of your favorite pair of stompers. A shoetree will help maintain the shape of your shoes for longer wear. Shoetrees can be made from wood, plastic or metal. Shoetrees made from cedar will help pull the moisture away from the shoes, leaving them fresher. Typically, shoetrees are made for dress shoes, but some people like to use them for casual footwear as well.

TS2
Unlike the PS2, the TS2 is not a popular video game. In New Balance footwear, TS2 is a specially designed insole. This heel-to-toe transitional post is designed to create more stability. Stability is of great importance when it comes to trainer shoes or other athletic footwear.

Being comfortable is a priority when it comes to quality of life, and one of the key comforts is foot care and comfortable shoes. Each foot type has its own little quirks, which may require additional support not normally provided by a fashion shoe or work shoe. One of the top ways to prevent further damage to the feet is by taking advantage of the necessary orthopedic support alternatives, which are a great way to provide the added support and cushioning needed.

When looking for orthopedic support alternatives there are several great brands from which to select such as Spenco, Sof Sole, Sorbothane, Aetrex and others. There are several foot conditions such as over pronators, under pronators, low arch conditions, high arch conditions and others, all of which may require the need for orthopedic support alternatives.

In the case of Spenco insoles, these are ideal for even pressure distribution and can even be heat molded for a perfect fit. This particular pair of support alternatives is made specifically for individuals with diabetes. The Spenco insoles cost an average of $44 a pair.

For the male with a medium arch looking for orthopedic support alternatives an excellent choice is the Men's Aetrex Medium Arch Orthotic Insole. These are the perfect choice for a daily shoe as the unique support is made with a patented gel system that has specific gel support locations unique to the arch type. This is a great choice for providing stability, balance and excellent support. The Aetrex Orthotic Support retails for approximately $45.

If you're looking for the ultimate support alternative for the high performance person, a great choice is the Sof Sole Orthotic Insole. These insoles are designed specifically for strenuous activity while providing excellent protection for the foot that needs a little extra support. The Sof Sole Insoles are great for individuals suffering with foot pain who need maximum support. One of the key features of the Sof Sole Insoles support alternatives is that they are also moldable to provide an exact fit, ultimately providing a more comfortable fit. Sof Soles insoles retail for approximately $46.

It is possible to stay warm and comfortable while being stylish and fashionable with popular winter apparel. For those who live in regions with a colder climate that tend to have harsh winters, puffer jackets are popular and are made for kids as well as adults. The selection of styles and designers vary with puffer jackets being available from a variety of designers such as Esprit, Lilly Pulitzer Steve Madden, Ed Hardy, Patagonia and others.

One of the most popular puffer jackets for women, which definitely is ideal for staying warm and comfortable, is the Steve Madden Quilted Puffer Jacket with Hood. Made from 100 percent polyester with a quilted design, stand up collar, rubbed cuffs and waistband and detachable hood, this is definitely a great coat for winter weather, layering and wearing with a variety of accessories. The stylish Steve Madden Quilted Puffer Jacket is hand washable, making it a great casual coat for daily wear. Available in white, chocolate and fuchsia, the fashionable Steve Madden Quilted Puffer Jacket with Hood retails for approximately $120.

Not only is there a nice selection of puffer jackets, but puffer vests are also available for staying warm and comfortable. The puffer vests are great for layering and are a great casual fashion accessory. Esprit makes an attractive puffer vest that features an adjustable back belt, dual snap pockets, concealed front zipper and snap at the neck. The popular and fashionable Puffer Vest is made from 100% polyester with a 100% nylon lining. The Esprit Puffer Vest is available in black, off white, red clay, cypress, walnut, twilight, deep green and java. Definitely a great fashion addition to any wardrobe, the Puffer Vests from Esprit retails for approximately $76.

Another popular choice is the Lilly Pulitzer Sage Puffer Vest, which features a built-in belt, diagonal zip pockets, hidden zipper and the signature Lilly Pulitzer lining. Made from 80 percent polyester and 20 percent nylon, with a 100-percent polyester lining and filling made from down, fowl feathers and feather fiber, this vest is ideal for staying warm and comfortable at a retail price of $159.

It may seem a bit early to start planning spring vacations; however, those who spring early for spring break 2009 will find some of the best deals and access to the most comfortable backpacks available. Spring break has long been one of the most popular holiday periods to cast all troubles to the wind and have good time. Having the right, well-made backpack makes the difference in carrying the backpack comfortably, therefore attributing to a successful getaway. This includes the selection of the perfect bag, which is easy to carry, takes up a small amount of space and is easy to travel with as a carry-on thus avoiding the hassle of checking the bag.

College students, high school students and others will be in search of the perfect bag or backpack more so than ever with changes in bag weight policies among the various commercial air carriers. Those who spring early for spring break 2009 will find either the perfect backpack or duffel that offers all of the necessary features including shape, bag weight, organization options, convenience, fashion and budget.

One of the top bags suggested for use during spring break 2009 is the Oakley Kitchen Sink Pack. Designed by the same company that makes Oakley Eyewear, the Oakley Kitchen Sink Pack is a utility designed backpack, which is sturdy, durable and offers features such as a molded compartment for a laptop, a molded eyewear pocket, tie down straps with D rings, a media compartment and more. Definitely a versatile bag, the Oakley Kitchen Sink Pack costs approximately $179.

The Hurley Woven Plaid Travel Backpack is a great choice for spring break 2009. This backpack is easy to carry, stylish and smart. Other features include a padded handle, sternum strap, front skate straps, multiple interior pockets, convenient top-load pockets, side-load pockets, padded media pockets, pen and pencil pockets and more. The Hurley Woven Plaid Travel Backpack is available in brown plaid and costs around $86. Either of the above mentioned backpacks is certain to help one spring early for spring break 2009.