Toms Introduce New Ballet Flats..A MUST HAVE!

I am so in love with the new TOMS ballet flats.  Just released on February 1, 2012, there are 14 different styles to choose from.  Not to mention..oh so comfy!  If you buy a pair of TOMS shoes, they will give a pair to a child in Africa that is in need of shoes.  Find these flats at TOMS.com or Nordstroms.

• Gisele Brown Suede Ballet Flats
• Gisele Grey Suede Ballet Flats
• Camila Black Leather Ballet Flats
• Alessandra Burlap Ballet Flats
• Alessandra Black Canvas Ballet Flats
• Alessandra Natural Leather Ballet Flats
• Isabel Burlap Ballet Flats
• Eliana Blue Suede Ballet Flats
• Eliana Pink Suede Ballet Flats
• Natalia Grey Linen Ballet Flats
• Natural Natalia Linen Ballet Flats
• Natalia Rose Linen Ballet Flats
• Katia Chambray Ballet Flats
• Lina Woven Ballet Flats

The TOMS Ballet Flats will be high quality shoes perfect for the woman on the go. Made of sturdy, quality materials, they will be perfect for casual pairings with denim as well as chic ensembles with skirts, dresses and cropped pants. There are a variety of materials used including the classic canvas, suede, leather, burlap and many others. As always, TOMS shoes will stand out in the crowd because of their creativity and individuality. They are classy little shoes and made with real TOMS quality and features:

• Hidden wedge for added height and support
• Padded heel cushion
• Two-layer insert with EVA foam and latex for plush comfort
• One-piece outsole for flexibility and durability

Trend Alert: Studs

From left: Frye, Kate Spade, Loeffler Randall and Enzo Angiolini

Studs are already emerging as a major trend for fall ’12, said Neiman Marcus SVP and fashion director Ken Downing. Frye’s leather flat gets an edgy update with both oversized and micro-mini embellishments, while Kate Spade’s demure suede ballet style is a girly interpretation with blue and gold studs and a patent bow. Loeffler Randall’s offering might convey “less is more,” but Enzo Angiolini’s bootie proves plenty of studs can work on any heel height.

Sazzi Toe Sandles Will Make A Girly Girl Cry

First there were toe shoes. Now there are toe sandals. MAKE IT STOP.
Today WWD profiled Sazzi, an “outdoor sandal brand” that makes really hideous footwear. The company claims its sandals’ articulated footbeds and multiple toe posts increase stability for activities like hiking. While this could be true, don’t the toe posts seem really uncomfortable?
You can own the ugly sandals below for a mere $80 — or you can get yourself a pair with an ankle strap for $100 — in May. (But please don’t).

Via: WWD.com & Stylite.com

Study Proves Heels Really Do Mess Up Your Feet

Heels are totally, officially, scientifically screwing up your feet.
Thanks to Australian researcher Neil J. Cronin, we now have proof that high heels do quite a number on your hooves. After seeing a girl walking uncomfortably in a pair of stilettos, Cronin and his team decided to recruit some women (average age: 25) for a study. Heel wearers were measured against non-heel wearers, and this is what happened:

In results published last week in The Journal of Applied Physiology, the scientists found that heel wearers moved with shorter, more forceful strides than the control group, their feet perpetually in a flexed, toes-pointed position. This movement pattern continued even when the women kicked off their heels and walked barefoot. As a result, the fibers in their calf muscles had shortened and they put much greater mechanical strain on their calf muscles than the control group did.

Basically, heel wearers walk less efficiently — even when they’re not wearing heels — causing their muscles to tire out and increasing the risk of strain injuries. It’s interesting to note that the subjects in the study had been wearing heels regularly for a maximum of a decade. We’d be curious to see what the results would be if women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond were studied. Also, this makes our flat shoe-loving selves feel even more justified.

Via: NYT & Stylite.com