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Office Shoes, Wedding Shoes, Heels or Running Shoes: Essentials for Your Feet

From the moment those first shaky steps are taken as a child, shoes become a wardrobe essential. Men, women and children all need shoes for everyday wear, for indoor and outdoor use, for sports and for special occasions - and that's just a few examples. Footwear is versatile and vital, with different styles and materials having accordingly developed over the centuries.

The oldest known shoes were discovered in the US state of Oregon in 1938 and these basic sandals are thought to date from around 7,000 to 8,000 BCE. Man's advance into fashion footwear was fairly rapid and by 3,500 BC shoes were being fashioned from one piece of leather. By the time of the Ancient Egyptians, colours like red and yellow were right on trend, but only for the upper classes.

Comfort is one of the biggest factors when it comes to shopping for shoes that you will wear every day. However, it wasn't until 1818, when shoe manufacturers began producing shoes for both right and left feet, that comfort became a real issue. Before that point, all shoes were basically the same and there was no distinction between right and left.

Choosing the Right Comfortable Shoes

Before you delve into the world of shoe shopping, there are some basic points to think about. For example, will you be wearing the shoe for work or is it for a special occasion? Do you spend long periods on your feet or walk long distances? Do you know your size and, just as importantly, the width of your foot?

There is more to selecting comfortable footwear than simply checking that the box contains a right and left. Thanks to advances in design and manufacturing, today's shopper can find comfortable shoes for any occasion. Shoes available in both wide- and narrow-fitting varieties ensure a snug and comfortable fit, so it’s worth thinking about whether or not they would be best for you. Padded insoles and breathable materials all add to an enhanced level of comfort. Shoes of this type are often chosen by busy professionals like nurses or doctors.

However, most buyers are searching for a specific shoe. Let's take a closer look at some of today's most popular shoe styles.

Women's Shoes

Men often joke about women and their love of shoes, but who can blame them when there are so many desirable styles available?

• Flats – When we talk about flat shoes we could be referring to ballerinas or brogues, slides or slippers, lace-up shoes or slip-on loafers, and moccasins. Flat shoes can be almost completely flat, but the term often simply means shoes that have a very small, barely perceptible heel.

• Ballerinas –A simple, slip-on shoe is inspired by the classic footwear worn by ballerinas. The name is kind of a giveaway. These elegant shoes are both fashionable and comfortable and can be worn in any setting. Equally at home in the office or in the park, these simple flats are versatile. Choose casual styles in fabric or man-made materials for off-duty wear or invest in glamorous designer styles for special evening events. Many leading designers have their own version of the ballerina flat, and top brands like Barratt's, Carvela and Hunter also feature ballerinas in each collection. These simple slippers are perfect for any age group and character-themed ballerinas are very popular with younger fashion fans.

• Lace-up flats – Lace-up styles like brogues or oxfords make the perfect partner for trousers, jeans or maxi dresses. Oxfords have plain uppers while brogues tend to have a punched design. Both styles are based on men's shoes, but women's lace-ups come in a vast range of colours and finishes. Leopard print, hot pink, metallic or shiny black patent – the choices are endless. The laces give a firm fit that is a real advantage if you're on your feet for extended periods.

• Loafers and slip-ons –From the classic penny loafer to pretty pastel coloured boat shoes, there are loafers and slip-ons to suit all tastes. These stylish shoes go with everything and they can be easily adapted to your individual style. Team them with wide-legged palazzo pants for a sophisticated evening look or wear them with cigarette pants for the office.

• Heels –Every woman loves heels, whether they are chunky platform shoes or skyscraper stilettos. During the 16th century, high-heeled shoes become something of a fashion statement among the aristocracy and trendsetters of the day. Often, heels were so high that these early fashion victims needed a helping hand from a servant to walk. In Venice, they evolved into stiltlike creations and the trend got so out of hand that a law was passed to regulate heel height. Today's heels range from low (less than 2.5 inches) to mid-height (between 2.5 and 3.5 inches). That’s not to mention high, which is anything above, although shoes that crack the mark of 6 inches are no longer considered as apparel, but some kind of jewellery for the feet.

• Court shoes and pumps –This classic style is one of the most popular and versatile and is the mainstay of designers like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Saint Laurent and Valentino. Each has their own trademark look and these include the fabulous Louboutin Pigalle with its obligatory red sole and Valentino's stud and strap embellished courts. The court shoe is defined by a narrow heel, a pointed or rounded toe and closed back. Variations include the stiletto and the peep-toe court. These elegant shoes are perfect for the office, though you should choose a height that you're comfortable with.

• Platforms and wedges –These are excellent solution if you want the height without the wobble. The platform or wedge allows you to wear a higher shoe while keeping the sole of your foot relatively flat. Platform shoes are normally a basic, two-part design with separate heel and sole, while wedges are defined by their solid, unified sole. The style first became popular in the 1940s and enjoyed a renaissance during the 70s glam rock era. Today, platforms and wedges are true classics and can be worn with vintage-inspired looks, jeans or party dresses.

• Mules –Mules are simply shoes without a back, though the description generally refers to wedges or heels. These shoes are perfect for summer wear and the style has been adapted into mule slippers for indoor wear. Today's mules come in a vast range of styles, colours and textures. From suede and patent leather to denim or satin these shoes can be worn with Capri pants or shorts, or with glamorous evening gowns. High street leaders like John Lewis and Debenhams often feature mules and less common shoe styles.

• Sandals –Strappy heeled sandals are one of the most popular shoe styles. Explore a vast range of colours, designs, finishes and materials from high street brands and leading designers. Team high-heeled sandals with a chic jersey dress to create a summer office outfit or wear them with jeans on holiday. Sandals are favoured by all ages and there are heel heights to suit everyone. They're the perfect choice for brides who choose designers like Jenny Packham, Emma Hope and Ted Baker, as well as glamorous party girls who opt for Louboutins or Saint Laurent Tribute sandals.

• Athletic and sports-inspired shoes – Trainers, or sneakers as they are known in the US, are shoes based on running or sports designs. Women of all ages choose them as a casual shoe and they're easily teamed with dresses and skirts, shorts, sports clothing or jeans. Athletic shoes are designed for a purpose such as running, cross-training or outdoor use, and feature special materials or soles to enhance performance.

• Boots – Ankle boots, knee length and thigh length boots can be worn as a fashionable finish to outfits at any time of year. However, they are ideal for winter wear and you should bear outdoor conditions in mind when choosing – high stiletto heels don't work well on icy streets but they're fantastic for clubbing and parties.

Men's Shoes

Men's shoes don't come in quite as many styles but it is still important to be aware of what you are buying. For example, work boots for a construction site are very different to formal shoes. Knowing what to look for can make shoe buying a pleasure, even for men.

• Oxfords or Brogues –Whether you choose oxfords or brogues is a matter of personal preference. As a rule, brogues should be worn with more casual apparel but work just as well with suits while oxfords are a must for formal occasions like society weddings or Ascot. However, not many of us have that type of social calendar. Choose brogues if you like shoes with punched details on the uppers, or oxfords if you prefer your classic lace-ups plain. Up the fashion stakes by selecting bright colours and designer brands or go for classic elegance in black or tan.

• Loafers and casual shoes –Loafers and slip-on styles are becoming increasingly popular and might include boat shoes, espadrilles, moccasins and penny loafers. These easy-to-wear styles are the perfect casual choice and can be teamed with jeans and chinos, shorts or cargo pants –socks are optional.

• Work shoes – People choose shoes with extra features like metal toe-caps or soles that are resistant to corrosive materials when working in certain conditions. However, shoes of this type are a smart investment if you do lots of DIY, gardening or motor repairs at home.

• Sports shoes –Sports shoes are available from the world's leading performance labels like Nike, Adidas and Reebok. Made from high-tech materials, often in neon colours and with highly recognisable design features, sports shoes are a must for active men. There are numerous types available including running shoes and football boots, and they can be worn with appropriate clothing on the pitch or in the gym. Exactly the same as women's and children's training shoes or sneakers, men's trainers are inspired by sports shoe designs. As well as sports brands, training shoes for men are featured in the collections of international designers like Marc Jacobs, Ted Baker and Gucci.

• Boots –Boots are extremely practical and keep male feet also warm – especially in the winter and autumn. Classic boots for men include chukkas, chelseas or ankle boots.

What to Look out for When Purchasing Your Shoes

Now that we've explored the various categories, there are still a few useful details to cover when buying shoes. Choosing occasion-appropriate shoes is one of the most important factors. While it can be tempting to wear glamorous, jewel-embellished sandals to the office, it won't give off the right impression. Instead, choose sophisticated court shoes or ballerinas and up the glamour stakes by selecting colours like peach, navy or red instead of classic black.

This applies to men just as much as it does to women - while brogues are perfect for the office, trainers are not. Likewise, when picking shoes for school for children, don't give into their craving for pink Barbie shoes or Scooby Doo trainers, but select sturdy leather shoes with a tough sole and room for growth in tan, white or navy. Both boys and girls are allowed to wear trainers in some schools, but try to steer clear of shoes with flashing lights, hidden wheels or sound effects.

Fit – Shoe Size and Width

Knowing your size and width is vital. Shoe sizes can vary quite dramatically from country to country and online shoppers will benefit from knowing what their size is in other parts of the world. For example, a women's size 6 is one of the sizes most commonly purchased in the UK. Many women will know that a size 6 is the same as a size 39 in Europe, but not all will realise that if they're purchasing shoes made in Australia they need to select size 6.5. That’s not to mention it's an 8.5 in the US and a 24.5 in Japan. Bear in mind that men's shoe sizes don't follow the same pattern.

Many store websites have their own handy size guide or conversion chart. For example, Amazon has a good basic shoe size conversion guide that gives UK, European and US sizes for women and men as well as the foot measurement in centimetres.

If you have wide feet, it's well worth picking wide-fitting shoes. The same applies if your feet are narrow – often the description gives some hints according to the fit of the shoes. there is no point getting the size right if you can't walk in your shoes. Higher heels can be tricky so be sure to select a height that you can walk in comfortably and confidently or try wedges or platforms instead.

More Hints to Measure the Shoe Size

Look After Your Shoes: A Mini-FAQ on Shoe Care

It really is worth lavishing a little care and attention on your shoes. There are several ways to keep shoes looking good for longer and most of them are simple but effective.

How Do I Care for My Leather Shoes?

Use a good quality leather shoe cream, or polish weekly to keep shoes looking their best. Clean the shoe with a brush or damp cloth to remove dirt and debris before applying the polish. This prevents it from being rubbed into the leather with the cleanser. Buff with a soft cloth and allow to dry naturally.

How Do I Care for My Suede Shoes?

Suede is more difficult to care for than leather and if you don't look after your shoes they can become marked and discoloured. Most suede shoes don't have a protective coating so, rain, spills and general wear can all take their toll.

Prevention is better than cure. Often retailers will suggest adding a suede cleaner and protector to your order when you come to pay. It can be tempting to decline but it really is a good investment.

If you do get dirt or mud on suede shoes, remove it with the blunt edge of a knife when it's dry. Gently press a damp cloth against any remaining dirt to lift it from the suede. Don't be tempted to use soap or detergent as they can discolour your shoe. Allow the shoe to dry at room temperature before using a soft brush to remove any leftover particles.

4 Other Useful Tips

1. New shoes should be worn in dry conditions for the first few times.

2. Try not to wear the same shoes every day. Alternating shoes with another pair helps to extend their life and keeps them looking good.

3. Invest in shoe trees if you want to store shoes for an extended period. Otherwise, stuff them with newspaper and store them in their original box if possible.

4. Get the best deals on your favourite shoes. Look out for the sales! When you don't need to wear the latest sneaker, you can also save money on high price models in the next season.

Shoe Deals Online and Offline: The Lowest Possible Price

Black Friday is one of the year's most eagerly-anticipated events. It takes place on the last Friday in November but there are great deals to be had over the entire weekend until the event concludes on Cyber Monday. Grab the latest bargains from high street giants like Debenhams, or look for massive reductions on designer footwear. Leading shoe brands like Barratt's, Schuh, Clarks, Office, Dune, Russell & Bromley and ALDO often have their own in-house promotions for Black Friday.

The January Sales bring a massive number of promotions over the entire range of shoe styles. It's the perfect time to pick up sandals for your summer holidays. Designers and leading brands offer discounts on last season's most sought after styles and end of line shoes and sandals during January. It's also a great excuse for you to update your wardrobe for the approaching spring season with stylish shoes at some of the year's lowest prices.

The summer sales are a great time to pick up the last shoes from top spring and summer collections at hugely discounted prices. This is also the best time to get a sneak preview of the latest autumn and winter looks and many popular brands offer certain styles at lower prices, drumming up interest for the coming season.

Throughout the year, leading brands like Barratt's, Clarks and Kurt Geiger unroll flash sales and discount weekends, where prices are sometimes slashed by 20% or more.

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