For a young shoe, the sneaker has a rich history. While the first rubber-soled shoes appeared in the mid-1800s, it was not until nearly the end of the 19th century that sneakers as we understand them today began to appear. These, made by the Goodyear rubber company, were canvas and rubber creations that were soon branded as Keds.

Keds became the first athletic shoes to be mass-marketed in the early 1900s and earned the shoe style the name "sneakers" thanks to the imagination of an advertising executive who noticed how little sound the shoes made. During this time period, many other sneaker brands we know today emerged including Converse and Adidas.

Sneakers don't become an actual fashion statement until the 1950s, when they became the emblem of rebellious teens, cute cheerleaders and James Dean. Because the shoes made from canvas and rubber were relatively cheap at this time, sneakers were a fairly easy status symbol for teens to obtain.

While sneakers were becoming a part of fashion, they were also doing a great deal of their development thanks to science, and efforts to produce better athletes by building better shoes. The emergence of the Nike brand and its marketing campaigns featuring the successful athletes who chose the shoe were a major part of this.

By the 80s, new shoe technologies were constantly being promoted including air soles and high tech support systems and materials that made the shoes lighter, more comfortable and provided both greater bounce and traction to athletes. The diversification of sneaker styles also accelerated at this time, with a wide variety of shoes designed for specific sports as well as a broader variety of shoes specifically for the fashion conscious. Many of the classic sneakers from the 1980s are valuable collectors items today.

Today, sneaker technology continues to improve as style continues to vary. Retro-styles harking back both to the 1950s and 1980s are popular, as are new, sleek high-tech basketball shoes, and more flexible sneakers intended for yoga but highly comfortable for walking. Limited edition sneaker releases are also common and has helped grow the collector's market. Additionally, shoe endorsements from both athletes and pop stars continue to keep athletic shoes from of mind for a wide range of costumers.

Finally, while sneakers remain a distinctly casual fashion choice, today they can often be seen worn with suits or even tuxedos. Leather and patent leather sneakers even exist for suchoccasions , combining casual style with elegant materials for an edgy look.

Since high-heel, wedge sneakers have never really caught on, despite being produced periodically, sneakers at formal occasions have remained largely, but not entirely, the province of men. As flat shoes for formal events become increasingly acceptable and common for women, we can probably expect to see the sneaker increasingly paired with dresses.

If you've renewed your commitment to that New Year's Resolution to get fit and lose weight - one that demands a daily trip to the gym and squeezing in a workout at every possible opportunity - making sure your feet are in the best shape possible is a step in the right direction. Whether you're a treadmill enthusiast after work or addicted to spinning classes at sunrise, the extra pressure and stress will take a toll on your feet and legs.

To get through those challenging workouts ahead, you'll need a plan to support those feet, making sure they're great shape for your kickboxing routine, elliptical machine adventures, or just your daily jog. Here are some tips on keeping feet happy and in great health during and after a workout:

Wear the right socks!

Nothing is more uncomfortable than slipping around in your shoes during that step aerobics class; wear the right thickness of socks so you have plenty of cushioning and support during that challenging workout.

Look for flexible soles.

Take the time to find the ultimate fit for your workouts shoes so you're not causing extra damage to your feet. Shoes with a flexible sole and extra cushioning can provide support for high-impact activities such as contact sports and long distance running.

Make sure the shoe fits!

Wearing the wrong size of shoes can cause excess damage to knees, put more pressure on the calves, and may even lead to bad posture in the long-run. Since you need to have near-perfect form during any workout, a stable foundation for the soles is an absolute must; make sure your shoe provides the support you need to maintain balance and move around with ease.

Sprinkle Powder in Your Socks

This can help absorb excess sweat and keep you more comfortable throughout an intensive workout. This is also a good idea after your workout shower.

Head to the Spa for a Foot Massage

If you're a busy athlete, a foot and leg massage can help improve circulation and reduce stress and tension. Your feet are sure to thank you, especially if you're just starting a new training routine.

Keep Your Cool

A cold shower or foot soak can help boost circulation between workouts, and it's also a great way to treat your feet to a pick-me-up if your mood needs a boost. A hot foot soak is your best bet for relaxation, and adding a few essential oils or Epsom salts can give your feet an extra-relaxing treat.

Moisturize to the Max.

Applying a quality moisturizer to feet and ankles after a shower, or even before bed will keep your soles as healthy as possible. Try some self-massage or reflexology techniques to pamper those toes and keep feet flexible.

Maintain Good Form

Every type of exercise requires good form and posture, and you'll be preventing injury to your feet and legs as a result. Maintain good form by stretching and flexing properly so you can stay in great shape throughout your workout season ahead.

Keeping your feet happy for workout season means you can look forward to your fitness routine without stress, pain or health problems. Just keep these eight tips in mind as you set out on your fitness venture, and you'll be on the fast track to getting in shape!

Even though baseball has a season that spans fully half the year, I mainly think of baseball as a summer sport. It's when I played T-ball as a child, and the softball league I participated in as a teenager took place in the summer.

Besides, during the summer, I can't avoid baseball -- even if I want to. My husband loves the Yankees, and we subscribe to MLB.tv and we got XM radio just so that we can listen to baseball games in the car. And we pay an extra fee to the satellite company so that my husband can watch games on the local New York television station. (We also go to one game a year when we head out to visit my husband's family.)<p>Last night, as we watched yet another Yankees game, and as I thought about this blog post, it occurred to me that baseball shoes are made special -- just as other sports shoes are made specifically for the unique challenges of the game. With different fields (turf or grass -- not to mention the dirt infield), and different conditions (dry, wet, somewhere in between), baseball shoes have to be durable and adaptable.

Baseball Shoes in the Early Days

Baseball shoe construction was very basic when the game first appeared in the late 1800s. For the most part, soft leather shoes were used. These were supposed to be comfortable, while at the same time allowing baseball players to run, hit and field as needed. Then someone got a brilliant idea: Spikes. Spikes were made of metal, and made to be detachable. Many player wore them in order to gain traction. Improving performance became vital as stats gained in importance. (Indeed, the number of stats my husband can remember makes me narrow my eyes in skepticism when he claims he "forgot" something I told him.)But, by 1976 metal spikes were banned. Perhaps because of the danger of impalement involved.

Baseball Shoes Today

Today, baseball shoes make full use of modern textile technology. Construction is of synthetic leather or of soft cowhide leather. Most shoes are durable, since they must be worn so much. Often, there is some extra padding on the collar of the shoe and on the tongue. This allows a fit that is firm and close to the foot, but more comfortable than traditional shoes might be.

And instead of spikes, they are fitted with cleats that can be of rubber or of traditional metal (although not such sharp spikes). There are even interchangeable cleats that can be used. Some professional baseball players have their shoes constructed so that they can use different types of cleats on different playing surfaces and in difference conditions.

It is important to note that, while professionals and college players can use metal cleats, they are forbidden in most youth leagues. Before buying baseball shoes, it is important to find out what sort of cleats are allowed -- and which are banned.

Pink, green, blue, yellow, white, black, polka dot, striped, plaid, generic, ski, knee high, diabetic... oh my gosh, the choices to buy socks are endless! This knitted or woven type of foot garment has been around since before the 8th Century when they were worn by the Roman comic actors. The word "sock" comes from the Latin word "soccus." This handy dandy cloth has been used since then to keep the feet clean, help with comfort from those hard-to-wear shoes, keep feet dry and warm, as well as add fashion sense. Unlike back in the 8th Century, our socks now have to match our outfit, add flare to our personality and aid certain medical symptoms.

One of the most made-fun-of and problematic aspects of socks is that deadly, gagging, smelly sock syndrome that can develop! New technology has developed a treatment in which socks are now being made with a specific ingredient called silver nanoparticles to kill the bacteria associated with smelly feet. Talk about a great idea, one that everyone's family and friends can benefit from! Some companies are experimenting with copper in socks as well to control and prevent bacteria and keep your feet cooler, drier and healthier.

For all of you athletes out there, Smartwool is shedding light on the world with socks that are engineered to have a complete compression system, bacteria-fighting agents, moisture absorption and some say it's so wear and tear resistant that it's almost bombproof! (However, you'd be wise to check that one out before testing it yourself!)

Socks have now been designed to go along with the seasons also. You have got your heavy socks for the winter and light socks for the summer. You can even choose from ankle-high socks to under ankle-high socks to even socks that go all the way up to your knees! Knee-high socks aren't a personal favorite, but they are very popular among athletes and girls. In the fashion world, when a girl is wearing a short skirt, choosing these knee-high socks will not only keep her bare legs warm but create a matching and colorful fashion statement.

And last but not least, we can't forget the most entertaining use of socks that kids around the world love... sock puppets! Any old or new sock with a pair of googly eyes or a simple face drawn on it will make a child laugh and giggle. Just add a funny voice and you'll have a new best friend for you're child. If you make one for both hands, you'll have yourself a puppet show!

There are so many different sock colors, shapes, sizes, lengths and uses out there that it is impossible to name them all. Socks have been around for a very long time, and due to their overwhelmingly popular use, socks will not be going out of style any time soon.

Sources:

www.wikipedia.com
www.sciencedaily.com

With destination weddings all the rage (think honeymoon, vacation, and wedding all rolled up into one), finding the perfect location to become man and wife tops the list. Whether seeking a wedding on the beach, or one on the slopes, options abound. Antigua, one of the Caribbean's go-to spots for a destination wedding, offers that something special to make your wedding, honeymoon, and vacation unique. Once the spot of my own honeymoon, I know firsthand about the beauty of Antigua.

Relax.
Antigua is located in the Caribbean, and boasts over 365 beaches for visitors to enjoy. They have even realized how popular destination weddings have become, and have an entire section on their tourist information website detailing the process. Thankfully, it's an easy one, requiring simply passports as proof of US citizenship, and a fee of less than $250 for the Wedding Officer, the registration fee, and the marriage license. In addition, many resorts or locations where you'd consider having the wedding on Antigua can help you coordinate the details should you have any questions or concerns.

Pamper Yourself.
One popular Antiguan resort for destination weddings is Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. The location of my honeymoon almost 6 years ago, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa was a bustling island wedding spot even before it became the fashion. This all inclusive Caribbean island destination is a wonderful spot for a wedding, a honeymoon, or a romantic island getaway. The resort is adults only, located on a beautiful beach with pools, coordinated activities, and water sports, and offers beautiful rooms with a view of the ocean. Sandals Grande Antigua even knows how to appeal to visitors interested in planning a destination wedding. According to their website, guests who stay in a Concierge category room for more than 6 nights are eligible for a free wedding package. You can't beat a deal like that, and there are similar resorts across the island.

Explore.
With the wedding ceremony and details taken care of by a resort, a destination wedding in Antigua means that the bride, groom, and their family and friends can explore the island and relax on their vacation, instead of stressing about the wedding ceremony itself. Book day trips
out on the water or around the island. Head to neighboring Barbuda for a day, or enjoy the scenery on nearby Bird Island. If you'd rather stay land-bound, try Shirley Heights and look over the harbor and much of the island. Shop in the capitol city of St. John's, or enjoy your
resort and the beaches surrounding you.

A destination wedding in Antigua offers a unique experience for the bride and groom, as well as their guests. Enjoy the flavor of the Caribbean with a Banana Sip Sap or a Rum Punch, take in a breathtaking sunset on an Antiguan beach, or never leave the honeymoon suite. A destination wedding in Antigua can't be beat.

Sources:
Antigua & Barbuda; http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/index.htm
Sandals Antigua; http://www.sandals.com/main/antigua/an-home.cfm

Handmade dress shoes as opposed to mass produced dress shoes

When it comes to dress shoes, especially for men, you can benefit from choosing handmade dress shoes over those that are mass produced. Handmade dress shoes are generally made from higher quality materials, as well as with process that includes work done by craftspeople. Mass-produced dress shoes, on the other hand, are usually made from inferior materials that are put together quickly, and without much care, in a factory assembly line. The process for making dress shoes is one that is fairly interesting.

Materials

Materials for handmade dress shoes are usually of high quality. Leather can be made from cow or pigs. Rather than using the lower-quality stiff leather - or even synthetic leather - that is used for mass-produced dress shoes, handmade shoes are made from softer leather. High-quality leather is actually a little bit soft and has some "give." It is usually a little pliable. Many people find this surprising, because they are only exposed to the lower-quality stiff leather that mass-produced shoes are made from.

Leather isn't the only material used in the construction of dress shoes. Sometimes, dress shoes are made with alligator skin or snake skin. This can give the dress shoes an exotic and unique look.

Goodyear Welt Construction of Dress Shoes

The main process used in making men's dress shoes is called Goodyear Welt. This process does take place in a factory, but instead of a factory like those that make mass-produced shoes, this type of factory features craftspeople that make the shoes to a high standard and oversee the cutting, sewing and other aspects of construction for each individual pair of shoes. Machines are used, but there are skilled operators running them.

Goodyear Welt construction of dress shoes consists of an upper that is specially shaped. Then a leather strip (called the welt) is sewed to it, holding the upper to the inner sole and the upper sole. A cavity is formed during this process, and then it is filled with a material made from cork. This cork material is flexible and resilient. Finally, the sole is attached. Goodyear Welt construction usually leads to dress shoes that are comfortable, flexible and quite durable. Additionally, the sewing, and the process used, makes for dress shoes that are more ventilated, allowing them to be more comfortable throughout the day.

Custom Dress Shoes

It is possible to have custom dress shoes made by hand. In this process, a pattern of your foot is used to design a dress shoe that offers optimum comfort and support for your unique foot. Additionally, custom handmade dress shoes are made from the finest materials (you can often help pick them). They are usually more durable than more cheaply made mass-produced shoes. Additionally, if you know you will be on your feet more, you can get added cushioning built into your handmade dress shoes. So, even though you pay more for handmade dress shoes, they often last longer - and look better - than your average mass-produced dress shoes.

The construction of steel toe shoes can provide protection.

Many people work in environments in which it is possible to sustain injury to the feet. Construction sites, logging, firefighting, industrial jobs and factories can all be hazardous. Indeed, many of these work environments require employees to wear steel toe shoes. Steel toe shoes have a piece of steel meant to protect the toes from injury if something should be dropped on them. It can also prevent the toes from being sliced off in cases of heavy machinery and chainsaws. Some people even like to have them for camping and landscaping. Some of the more popular steel toe shoes are Dr. Martens, which are known for their durability.

Construction of Steel Toe Shoes

Steel toe shoes are made similarly to other types of shoes, but they include extra steps for the insertion of the steel portion designed to protect the toes. Steel toe shoes have a sock liner and a vamp lining. The front part of the insole is attached to the bottom of the sock liner. The vamp lining has a toe part. The vamp lining and the shoe liner are stitched so that the toe can fit in the area. The steel part, which often extends partly up the foot (but not terribly far), is positioned around the toe section of the vamp lining.

In addition to having the steel part over the toe, steel toe shoes are usually made from stiff, tough materials. Event the materials that are used are tough, designed to aid in the protection of the toes. This way the entire shoe is part of the safety. Often, steel toe shoes are cushioned to help make them more comfortable. Doc Martens, especially, are known for trying to combine comfort with functionality in steel toe shoes designed for working.

Safety of Steel Toe Shoes

You want to know that your steel toe shoes are safe. While they won't provide complete protection, they can add to the safety of your work environment. My cousin, a firefighter, had a rather large and heavy metal door fall on his steel toe shoes. Under normal circumstances, his toes would have been broken. And they might have been if the door had remained on his feet too much longer. But when the door was levered off, he discovered that his steel toe shoes had prevented permanent damage: All he had were bruises.

Another concern is electrical hazard. Because steel conducts electricity, some people wonder about this if they will be working in areas that include electrical wires. Most steel toe shoes are insulated in such a way that the electric current wouldn't make it to the steel in the first place. It is important that you check your steel toe shoes for electrical hazard designation if you are concerned about this.

Steel toe shoes can provide protection in a dangerous work environment. If you have a job where you think that something could be dropped on your foot, it might be a good idea to buy a good pair of steel toe shoes.

The construction and wearing of various types of shoes and sandals goes back thousands of years. Our modern shoe owes a great deal to technological advances in construction and manufacturing made in the 19th century: these include foot forms called 'lasts' used to make right and left shoes (shoes were essentially identical - and not very comfortable - for each foot prior to the differentiated last); special sewing machines for attaching the sole to the upper; and the rubber sole, so popular in today's athletic shoes.

Today, shoes that once took days for an artisan to make can be produced in an hour thanks to these and other technological advances. How the modern shoe is constructed depends to a certain degree on the type of shoe being built. Whereas, once there were just a few types of shoes available, such as sandals, work boots and court shoes, today there are shoes designed for hundreds of different purposes in a nearly infinite array of styles. The construction process for an athletic shoe that may involve lots of high-tech materials differs greatly from that of a woman's high heel which has its roots in the court shoes of Europe. Similarly dance slippers, work boots and men's shoes all have construction variations unique to them.

But, at the end of the day, a shoe is a shoe is a shoe and some aspects of their construction remain nearly universal. Like clothes, shoes are made from patterns, and the shoe construction process begins with the mechanized stamping and cutting out of pattern pieces from leather and the other materials used. These patterns can be cut out with either metal dies or, increasingly, computer-controlled laser mechanisms.

Once the pieces of a shoe have all been cut out from the pattern, a machine places each piece over the correct area of a shoe-form or last. The pieces are then cemented in place to hold them steady. This stage of cementing is essentially temporary, as stitching is then added to truly secure and shape the shoe. High heels are generally made in three separate pieces: the sole, the heel and the upper, while flat shoes can be constructed in two pieces because their heels offer less structural complexity and may be solid leather while the heel on a woman's pump is often made from plastic and then covered with leather or other appropriate material.

Athletic shoes, with their increased use of high-tech materials are also often made in several segments but can include hot material being extruded onto a form, as opposed to traditional cutting and stitching. The key sections of the shoe are then joined together using both glues and nails, tacks and stitching, as the shoe's structure requires. A completed shoe is then stamped and labeled for size and brand.

As much as advances in shoe construction technology continue to be made, the shoe construction process will continue to take its cues from traditional styles and construction techniques which have persisted through reinvention across multiple cultures and centuries.

Making sure your shoes fit properly is critical to comfort, good posture and general health. Feeling good is looking good and style should never need to be sacrificed for comfort. For this reason knowing how to determine your proper shoe size in both length and width is important.

Even if you think you already know your proper shoe size, it is important to measure your feet periodically. Our feet grow as we get older and the shoe size you wore in your twenties may no longer be appropriate in your 40s. Additionally, it is important to remember that our feet swell throughout the day, so a more accurate measurement is one taken in the afternoon. Finally, remember to wear the appropriate socks when measuring your feet: women should wear stockings for dress shoes, but wear athletic socks when measuring for sneakers and similar casual shoes. Men should wear dress socks for dress shoes and athletic socks for sporting shoes.

To measure your foot begin by placing your foot on a piece of paper on the floor and tracing around it. Make sure to keep your pencil completely upright at all times while tracing. You may have to tilt your leg forward a bit to trace smoothly around the heel. It is important that you trace both feet. It is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other (it's usually the non-dominant one; right-handed people usually have a larger left foot) and you shoe size will ultimately be based on the larger foot's measurements.

Once you have your tracing, measure your foot at the longest point. Do not run your ruler on a diagonal. Rather, place it parallel to your tracing and take the measurement that way. To compensate for the width of your pencil, be sure to subtract 1/5th of an inch from the measurement. Compare the length measurement to a shoe size chart (there are dozens available online).

Ascertain the width of your foot in the same fashion, being sure to remember to adjust for the width of your pencil. Shoe width charts are also readily available online. However, choosing the shoe width for your foot can be difficult. Many shoes no longer come in widths designated by letter. Regular and Wide are often all that are available in women's shoes. Regular is usually a B width for women. Women with broader feet may wish to try a Wide when available. Narrow has also commonly replaced A through AAA sizing for women. Men's shoes more commonly use the traditional letter designation for widths. D generally translates to a Regular width in men's shoes, with Narrow and Wide being on either side.

While shoe sizing is consistent within countries, shoe sizes are named differently in different places. Luckily, conversions charts are readily available online. It is also important to remember that different shoes are cut in different ways and not every shoe is right for every foot. When trying on shoes it is important to walk in them to test for comfort and fit.

While they can't necessarily work miracles, comfort shoes provide the wearer with benefits such as additional padding, observation of pressure points, wider soles and better support that improve the walking experience.

When you have a medical condition that makes walking uncomfortable, comfort shoes come to the rescue with special construction that can help make walking easy again. While they can't necessarily work miracles, they do provide the wearer with benefits such as additional padding, observation of pressure points, wider soles and better support that improve the walking experience.

Sometimes referred to as "orthopedic," comfort shoes are produced by a wide variety of manufacturers, such as Dr. Scholl's, Comfort One and even New Balance. In some cases, they are geared toward specific conditions that consumers might be dealing with, such as diabetes, while in some, they are designed for the average consumer who might need some
extra protection against the rigors of walking.

For example, Arcopedico is one of the most popular manufacturers of comfort shoes, and they provide options in a wide variety of styles, colors and widths. Their most notable feature is the polyurethane outsole, which helps absorb the impact of every footfall while providing additional traction to avoid slipping and falling. Other companies use similar materials
for shock absorption and traction.

You'll also find that comfort shoes provide more room for the wearer, making it easier to stave off injuries to the foot, such as calluses, Dansko, for example, produces occupational comfort shoes that have Thermoplastic toe boxes that simultaneously provide the toes with more room and provide reinforcement for the shoe itself. Dansko also uses PVC for the inner
frame, which protects the entire foot without sacrificing flexibility.

Dr. Scholl's also provides innovative designs in comfort shoes, such as their Women's Client mary janes, which have cushy memory foam insoles for shock absorption as well as suede leather uppers for maximum flexibility while walking.

Soft materials such as gel, memory foam and leather are the cornerstones of comfort shoes, as they allow the foot to move freely regardless of the speed or gait at which the wearer walks. In many cases, these materials are combined with reinforcements, such as the PVC in the Dansko shoes, providing support for the moments when you need it most. Some are also made with different variations of canvas, which is both breathable and durable.

Additionally, most comfort shoes are built upon a foundation of extreme traction because consumers who buy these types of shoes are more prone to slip-and-fall accidents. Rubber tread is the most frequently used material for this type of feature, and can vary depending on the amount of slip resistance required for the shoe. Cross-hatched tread is generally the most effective, and is common with tennis shoes, walking shoes and sometimes even
sandals.

And finally, clogs are the latest style in comfort shoes, and are preferable to many closed-toe versions because of their breathability. In years past, comfort shoes were often considered ugly and were easily identifiable, but now manufacturers are focusing on style as much as function.Clogs often have adjustable heels that allow for swelling and other changes to
the foot during the day, and are sometimes just as comfortable as your standard
walking shoe.

Now that Memorial Day has passed and we're officially in the summer fashion season sandals are the main footwear choice for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere. This should hardly be surprising because not only are sandals comfortable, their ancient. In fact, many of the earliest shoes we have historical evidence of were made in this style. Sandals have been found as part of ritual burials and were even depicted in prehistoric art. In fact, many of the styles of sandals popular today have endured for thousands of years thanks to their simplicity and grace.

The earliest sandals were all-purpose shoes created by our prehistoric ancestors. By the time of the Greeks and Romans, sandals, while still ubiquitous, were constructed from a variety of materials and available in an array of styles. The "thong" or "flip-flop" seems to have emerged in Egypt, although the style was popular throughout the ancient world. Later the Roman empire gave us everything from the practical sandals of a working man, to dress sandals for women and highly durable sandals for warriors. In Japan, resilient and surprisingly light-weight wooden geta that towered as high as twelve inches elevated pedestrians above the mire of the public streets.

The sandal and its many sub-genres has continued to diversify in the modern era. Where sandals were once a casual-only statement and flip-flops were strictly for the beach, discussion on appropriate sandals for the office can now be found in the pages not just of fashion magazines but also of mainstream newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal.

Today sandals are made out of an ever broader array of natural material such as wood, leather and silk, and increasingly synthetics that allow for more support, cushioning and structure. We have sandals for the beach, boardroom and ballroom as well as the hiking trail, the running track and the gym. And because many sandals are easier to construct than closed shoes, their affordability means most people own multiple pairs.

This year's sandal trend, which started to make its appearance last summer, is a revived gladiator sandal. Some of these shoes have open toes, while others are woven over the toe and merely open on the sides, making them much cleaner for city wear. Heights vary too, with the straps and buckles ending at the ankle or in some cases going as high as the knee; luckily for us modern technology builds a zipper into most of today's sandals in this style, making them much quicker to get on and off.

When it comes to sandals it seems likely that we'll keep doing what we've already been doing for thousands of years -- copying the past and enhancing it with modern improvements in efficiency and comfort. As for style, it looks like the ancients had it covered.

While most women will go to great lengths to support their high-heel wearing habit, few realize the unhealthy impact on their legs and pampered toes. Enjoy life in the high-heeled society with these six tips.

High heels may be a closet staple for many, but any health guru will tell you to steer clear of the stilettos and wedges to prevent damage to leg muscles, save your knees, and reduce the chance of blisters on the feet later in life. Is it really time to give up the 4" pencil-thin heels in favor of good health?

Most shoe addicts will beg to differ, but thankfully, there are ways to protect those legs and feet without compromising on style. Consider these tips and strategies to enjoy life in the high-heeled society, without falling into an unhealthy habit:

1. Change that strut- Walking 'normally' in high heels is an easy way to cause damage to the feet and lower legs. Your steps need to be much shorter than usual, so it's best to skip your model-like strides and stick with the reality runway; plan on taking slower, smaller steps and avoid shifting your weight during the walk. Good posture also helps; keep that spine in alignment to help you balance your weight with ease.

2. Massage away pain- A day in heels may be a day well-lived, but it's still going to take its toll on your ankles, calves and knees. Enjoy some well-deserved TLC with a quick foot soak, or invest in a foot massage treatment at the local spa to manage aches, pain, and inflammation of the joints with ease.

3. Wear the right size- Many women go by the mantra of 'the tighter, the better when it comes to heels and shoes, but this can cause dozens of foot problems - not to mention the outcropping of unsightly blisters. Make sure your feet are comfortably stationed inside the shoe when you walk and sit down, and buy a size larger than usual if you need to.

4. Look for an adjustable strap- Adjustable ankle straps can give you some extra support, and help you balance better in those too-tall heels. Adjust the buckle to fit snugly around your ankles so that your feet are planted firmly and securely in your shoes for maximum comfort.

5. Give those calves a workout- Building up muscles and strength in the calves and thighs can help you balance better on even the skinniest heels. Make sure to stretch and strengthen calves on a regular basis so you can keep up with the demands of your next pair of heels.

6. Don't be a heel digger!- Avoid balancing your weight entirely on the heel while standing, and shift your weight to the ball of your foot instead. Digging your heels may be a good assertiveness strategy, but will damage your shoes - and your ankles.

Walking tall is every woman's right, but knowing how to pull it off without damaging the legs and feet is a top priority! Exercise your right to wear those high heels with these six strategies, and you'll be able to step out in style, without the pain.

From 5" wedge heels to pencil-thin stilettos, women teetering on today's lineup of pumps and high heels are busy trading fashion for comfort - and may be trotting on the edge of disaster.

From 5-inch wedge heels to pencil-thin stilettos, women teetering on today's lineup of pumps and high heels are busy trading fashion for comfort - and may be trotting on the edge of disaster.

Creating an illusion of long, model-like legs is just one reason why many favor the high heel over flats. Shoe manufacturers continue to design women's shoes with this 'need' in mind; still, it's a balancing act that few women really master, and most risk the health of their legs in favor of the latest fashionable pair. While kitten heels are making a comeback on the fashion circuit, the high heel reigns supreme on runways around the globe. Is comfort a factor in the design of these eye-catching shoes? Not likely.

Why the High Heel?

High heels have become the shoe of choice for shoe mavens in the last 60 years, but the stilettos and high heel pumps have become the epitome of shoes for females since the late '80s. It's the shoe that not only makes the legs appear longer but also changes the posture of the wearer, makes the feet look smaller and defines the glute muscles to create a trim, tight and toned look - and all without pantyhose and shapewear. Is it any wonder that women opt for the super high arch?

Some of the world's most fascinating pumps can be found in museums and emporiums of famous Italian shoe designers in Europe. These pumps weren't meant for walking - just admiring from afar. They're designed for maximum eye-appeal with super-sculpted arches, bright patent leather designs and even trimmings such as fur, sequins and rhinestone embellishments. Since the trends take the forefront of design, the comfort factor usually ceases to exist - few women care to admit how comfortable these shoes really are. Today's inspired designers are capturing the essence of the too-tall heels for their own creations.

Designers Who Embrace the High Heel Trend

Take the works of Vince Camuto, for instance; the collection includes a range of booties with stiletto appeal and a peep toe design, a 4-inch heel that's skinny enough to require some practice sessions before trotting out on the pavement.

Giuseppe Zanottikeeps things in line with sexy pumps and wedges with a fresh, modern twist. From cow-print Mary Jane pumps with a super skinny high heel to fur-trimmed boots with extra height, this is one designer that appeals to women of all ages and tastes - as long as they're willing to trot along with a few extra inches.

Alexander McQueen offers plenty of unique styles and designs fresh from the runway, a mix of classy, feminine, eye-catching styles with 4-inch+ heels more often than not. From strappy sandals for special occasions to basic pumps for the office, the styles from this designer are sure to turn a few heads on any given day.

A quick glance at the latest fashionable pumps shows plenty of awe-inspiring designs but few are designed with comfort in mind. As long as women willingly squeeze into a pair of 5-inch+ heels that make them feel great and look 10 pounds slimmer, shoe manufacturers will continue to churn out fresh designs with the latest trends and styles in mind.

Learn how loafers developed from the Native American mocassin shoe design.

Many styles of modern footwear evolved from ancient or primitive footwear designs. The loafer, for example, which has been a popular casual-dress shoe since the 1930s, actually evolved from the Native American shoe called the moccasin. The moccasin was popular with many tribes in the United States because it allowed the wearer to feel the texture of the ground while at the same time protecting their feet from sharp or coarse terrain, as well as from extremely hot or cold ground temperatures. The word "moccasin" was derived from the Algonquian word makasin, which simply means, shoe made from deer skin.

The Birth of the Loafer
While the design of the modern loafer is modeled after the Native American moccasin, the first loafers were actually based on pictures published in 1932 or 1933 in Esquire of a Norwegian slip-on shoe worn by a dairy farmer. These pictures inspired the Spaulding family, who had ties to the leather and lumber industry, to create a slip-on shoe called a "Pony." By 1934 a bootmaker from Maine named John R. Bass modified the slip-on design to include a strap that crossed the vamp and that was capable of holding a coin. This was the birth of the Penny Loafer. However, instead of a penny, a dime was usually carried in the woman's loafer so that she could call home if her date got too fresh.

The Fashion of Loafers

Loafers were such a versatile and comfortable shoe that they were worn by both sexes as both a casual and a dress shoe. Women's loafer styles tended to revolve around the basic penny loafer design, however, tassel-topped loafers also were fashionable for women. When women wore loafers they were usually paired with knee socks, especially during the 1950s and '60s.

Men tended to wear tassel-topped loafers instead of penny loafers. College men during the '60s and '70s tended to wear loafers without socks, especially when tramping on campus, when going out dancing or just wearing them with a pair of jeans. The tassel-top loafer eventually became a fashion symbol for the legal profession when they became a staple for lawyers' wardrobes. In this case, a dark dress sock was paired with the loafer.

One of the hot shoe styles for women today is the ballet flat. But, like most popular shoe styles, it is hardly a new invention. Rather,the modern ballet flat has evolved both out of the dance shoe it is named after, and the women's slippers that have been fashionable periodically throughout history.

The ballet flat takes its name from ballet, of course. The modern shoe can be described either as a more structured version of a traditional ballet shoe or a less structured and more flexible version of the pointe shoe, but constructed without the toe-box that allows dancers to elevate themselves on the very tips of their toes. There are also ballet shoes with heels known as character shoes as well as soft slippers with slight heels worn by dance teachers for comfort. Ballet flats are named as they are to differentiate themselves from these two types of ballet shoes to which they are unrelated.

While today we think of ballet as a performance art, ballet steps were once a part of social dancing. In the Georgian and Regency eras (1795 - 1825) social dancing involved many vigorous ballet steps and everyone well-positioned in society sought out dancing masters to help them perfect their form and technique. At this time, the correct shoe for a formal ball was
not today's high heel (which was also popular in earlier eras), but a beautifully adorned dance slipper, usually made out of leather. This was the precursor to the ballet flat.

These slippers weren't just for women, but men as well, and there are a number of Regency-period illustrations showing a man on his way to a formal event with his dance shoes tucked into his back pocket.

Today's structured ballet flats acknowledge the active lifestyle of women while also preserving the delicacy, dance allusions and comfort of the dance shoe from which it evolved. Synthetic materials, cloth and leather are all common materials used in ballet flats. Today's ballet flats are defined by their almost non-existent heel and rounded toe. The shoes range from studier replications of ballet slippers (right down to a soft pink or peach
color and the tiny bow centered over the base of the toes) to flats that merely invoke dance without actively representing it.

While ballet flats have often been popular in the last 30 years, it is only recently that they have become acceptable for formal occasions. While many have viewed the emergence of the ballet flat at formal events as a casual concession to comfort, this show actually has a proud
history as a part of formal attire and women armed with this history should be confident in their choice of a ballet flat for dressy occasions.