Night runners everywhere rejoice! No longer shall you drape yourselves in reflective jackets and vests. And for those of us who use the pending sundown as an excuse to get out of jogging with friends (you know you are) the end is nigh. Vibram has debuted a concept sneaker with built-in LEDs that project light on the ground and can be switched between three brightness settings. A flashing red tail light provides added visibility.
In an effort to inpsire more people to join the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) fight to promote breast cancer awareness, Hush Puppies is launching a limited edition version of its Chaste Ballet flat in pink. The shoe will hit key retail partners in October and only 3,000 pairs will be made. In addition, the heritage shoe company will donate $10,000 to NBCF as a Bronze Sponsor.
The Journal of Alternative Medicine recently published a study that found earthing–the belief that going barefoot puts you in direct physical contact with the Earth’s magnetic field–can reduce blood viscosity and clumping. Researchers concluded that the practise appears to be one of the simplest interventions to help reduce cardiovascular risk. Another small study from the same journal in 2004 found a link between grounding and significantly lower cortisol levels during sleep, particularly in women.
American swimmer Ryan Lochte gave his doubters a mouthful to swallow when he won two gold medals at last week’s FINA World Championships, but his increasingly questionable footwear choices did little to quell style critics. Before the races, Lochte posted a photo to Instagram of the sneakers he planned to rock that day–a pair of Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott hi-tops featuring fuzzy baseball cap-wearing teddy bears. Oh, Ryan.
Just in time for the 40th anniverary of Timberland’s iconic wheat boot, superstar Beyonce shared a photo via Instagram of her family’s matching shoes–and the brand was overjoyed to see Blue Ivy’s mini-work boot surrounded by Jay-Z’s pair and the singer’s custom heeled style. “We’re so fortunate to have such loyal celebrity fans who appreciate our outdoor heritage and the combination of style and function Timberland offers,” says Vice President Lisa Demarkis.
When John Rich first began hawking fabric, socks, coverlets and yarn from his mule cart in 1830, he couldn’t have imagined he was paving the path for the legacy now known as Woolrich. For Fall/Winter 2013 the Pennsylvania-based brand, one of the oldest working woolen mills in the United States, has partnered with another golden oldie, Clarks Originals, to bow a style that’s part British icon, part archive Americana. Woolrich’s distinctive plaid, woolen fabric adds a touch of textural interest to a beeswax leather desert boot for men and women.
In bizarre news, Sibling, a collective based in Melbourne, Sydney and Amsterdam, has designed a human shelter stored within a pair of sneakers. No, this isn’t a joke.
Dutch footwear designer Anna Korshun is on a mission to make the manufacturing process more simple and sustainable. Inspired by Israeli furniture designer Gil Sheffi, Korshun’s leather shoes don’t require any glue or stitches. Instead, the upper and outer soles are clicked together and then wrapped by a rubber layer that ensures a solid connection. Not only can the streamlined process be produced locally and on a small scale, the shoes are super-cute, too. Visit www.annakorshun.com.
London-based designer Charlotte Olympia has created a line of shoes and accessories inpsired by classic comic strip Archie. Set to launch Nov. 1, the capsule collection includes a comic-printed Carmen wedge ($1,295), a playful Archie clutch ($1,595) and suede peep toe pumps ($1,095) with Betty and Veronica details. The limited-edition line will be available exclusively at Charlotte Olympia stores in Mayfair, Manhattan and Beverly Hills, as well as online at www.charlotteolympia.com. Nordstrom and luxury accessories boutique On Pedder will also carry the pieces.
You’ve heard of brides putting pennies in their shoes for good luck, and travelers stuffing money in socks, but would you ever consider storing your smartphone down there? A 3-D printing house in Amsterdam has created a platform sandal that doubles as an iPhone case. Designed by Alan Nguyen of Freedom of Creation, it was commissioned by accessories site Fresh Fiber and debuted at last year’s Milan Design Week. It’s a tad unpractical, but as an example of the level of creativity that can be achieved with a 3-D printer, it’s kind of awesome.
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