Sunday, April 12, 2015

Is this the future of shoes? New e-ink technology



Imagine being able change the color or pattern of your shoes with the simple tap on an app. That's what the creators behind Volvorii Timeless, a new technologically advanced shoe, are trying to make reality for everyday consumers.

Lithuania-based start-up iShüu Technologies created the peep-toed shoe using e-ink, a type of digital paper that can display different colors and patterns. E-ink is most known for being used in e-reader displays.

The Volvorrii Timeless currently has a prototype which features panels that can be black, white, or a variety of black and white patterns. According to CNET, the shoes feature a Bluetooth sensor, allowing them to be programmed with a phone.

In addition to being able to customize the patterns, buyers will be able to add their own personalization. There are anchors to add accessories, such as bows, on the toe and heel.

If you're worried about charging your shoes, you're in luck. CNET says they only need to be charged once every few weeks because e-ink uses small amounts of energy.

To bring the Volvorii Timeless to fruition, iShüu Technologies has started an Indiegogo campaign, where for a donation, you can one of the first to get your hands on the shoes. Some of the options are already sold out. So far, they've raised over $40,000.



Monday, March 16, 2015

The quest for new sneakers


I recently read in the New York Times that after years of sneaker manufacturers trying to create shoes that imitate running barefoot the pendulum had swung the other way, and the new trend in running shoes was maximum cushioning, so-called maximalist shoes.  These sneakers are designed with extra cushioningthat some believe helps to prevent injuries. However, the scientific jury is still undecided.

Given the new trend, I thought I would be in good shape looking for sneakers. I deal with heal pain and tend to be hard on shoes, so I prefer cushioning and support in my sneakers.

My current sneakers are 3 years old and after being in them all day, my feet hurt. They were perfect, unfortunately, I just wore them out.

My old sneakers, the Nike Zoom Vomero +5 which after over 3 years were worn out

Five stores and dozens of pairs later, I was stumped. I had tried 3 different brands and various styles but couldn't find the right amount of cushioning and the right fit.

Despite the growing trend towards more cushioning, many brands were still focused on light weight barefoot type sneakers.

Finally, I tried a new shoe store for me, Rack Room Shoes. They had a large selection of various brand, most at a discount, and were even having a buy one get one half off (bogo) sale.

Dozens more pairs later, I had two winners.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3



I originally didn't want to try on Mizuno cause I was unfamiliar with the Japanese sporting good company and honestly, they did not look so nice. However, I was intrigued by the cutouts on the bottom and decided to give them a spin. I'm glad I did. From the front to the heel, they were ultra cushioned making me feel as if I was walking on pillows.


This shoe is designed for heel to toe cushioning that does not weigh you down. According to Mizuno, it is for high mileage runners with a neutral gait.

The Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3 is unfortunately discontinued but still available from many stores. It lists for $209.99, which I know is quite pricey, but you get ultra cushioning. The good news is you can also get them at a discount, like I did. Rack Room Shoes was $109 plus the bogo.

If you are having trouble finding them, the latest version, the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 4 is also now available.


Sunday, March 1, 2015

Whether #thedress is white and gold or blue and black here are the shoes to wear



By now, you have probably seen this dress and the debate over whether it is white and gold or blue and black. 

But with a dress that has the whole Internet blowing up about what color it is, I couldn't help but think, what shoes should you wear?

It is now decided that the dress is blue and black, but depending on the lighting, it can be seen as white and gold, Thus, you need shoes that go with both.




Here are the shoes I would wear with the dress:

Nude shoes:



Nude shoes, like my Nine West pair go with any outfit, regardless of color. They bring attention to a dress and lengthen our legs.

Metallic shoes:




Metallic shoes work with any color, just like nude shoes, but add more interest. These work with both blue and black and white and gold.



A shoe like the one above matches the bandage look of the dress.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Update: Killer Heels Coming to a Museum Near You

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on

Yesterday, I wrote about Killer Heels, an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum on the art and history of high-heels. However, I realize many of my readers are not in the New York City area.

Good news! The exhibit is hitting the road.

Here are the tour dates and locations (according to the Brooklyn Museum):

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Killer Heels: Art and Shoes Collide at the Brooklyn Museum


The perfect shoes are a pair of art and today and I got to see Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe at the Brooklyn Museum,

Here is the museum's take on the exhibit:



When you first get into the area of the exhibit, the first thing you notice is a large sign saying Killer Heels. Perhaps it is because the exhibit ends March 1, but I also noticed a large crowd today.


When entering, you are greeted by a short film. Unfortunately, given the large crowd it was hard to watch as the security guard kept telling people not to block the entrance.

The next hallway of the exhibit traces trends and inspiration from the being of heels hundreds of years ago to today. It is amazing how Rococo style and Louis the IV heels have gone in and out of fashion many times.

From there, the exhibit goes into many architectural shoes, which may be hard to walk in, but are gorgeous to view. Some shoes even challenge traditional thinking of what a shoe is.  Here are a few of my favorites:


From afar, these look like classic t-straps, but the front of the t is actually a woman in an evening gown.