When Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in February–the first to do so in 600 years–everyone wanted to know the answer to one burning question: What would replace his infamous red Prada loafers? And since a Vatican spokesperson revealed that the retiring pope would be holy rolling in pair of handmade brown loafers gifted to him in Mexico, business below the border has shot up.
More than 500 guests are expected Saturday, June 1, at the grand opening of Pediped’s first boutique location at Town Square Las Vegas. The family-friendly afternoon will include a fashion show and attendees will receive gift bags and certificates. All three of the brand’s lines will be showcased througout the 700-square-foot space, with 140 styles on offer for boys and girls ages newborn to 8. And for parents on the go, Apple iPads equipped with card readers offer quick and easy checkout.
Former Gore-Tex employees Brad and Sheena Van Orden hit the open road in 2011 in a customized 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon named Nacho to discover cultures, food, recreation and friendly faces–and to do some good along the way, too. Now the duo has teamed up with eco-conscious footwear brand Freewaters on a sustainable community water project.
Jackson, TN-based company Fums, which provides free shoes for American children in need, is introducing a line of men’s and women’s leather flip-flops. Featuring leather uppers, cushioning midsoles and durable rubber outsoles, each slide (retailing at $39.50) is part of Fums’ Pair for Pair program. To date in 2013 the company has worked with The Greer Campaign and Samaritan’s Feet to distribute new shoes to 150 children in New Orleans and 160 in West Tennessee.
Spanish brand Animas Code docks on U.S. shores for Spring/Summer 2014. A combination of design, quality materials and craftsmanship is used on a range of footwear for men, women and children featuring everything from French box calf leather to natural jute soles.
Last night, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) held its 35th Annual American Image Awards aboard the Intrepid, Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City. The location was fitting, as this year’s awards helped benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans’ recovery when they return home. Many military members were in attendance, members of the West Point Alumni Glee Club serenaded guests several times throughout the ceremony, ending the event with the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Adidas Outdoor continues to expand its offering and target the next generation of outdoor athletes for Fall ’13. “Our big style specific push for [the season] is the Terrex Fast X GTX for both men and women. Having just won the prestigious Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award for the best hiking boot for 2013, this style should be on every one of our dealers’ shelves,” says Managing Director Greg Thomsen.
New Balance is the official apparel and footwear sponsor for this year’s Brooklyn Half-Marathon, part of its multi-year agreement with New York Road Runners. Taking place this Saturday, May 18, the race will take runners from Prospect Park, through Grand Army Plaza and end in Coney Island.
Working with children might seem like fun, but it’s not always peaches and cream. In fact, it can be downright difficult–and icky–at times. Tamsin Carlson, owner of Wee Soles in Silver Lake, CA, reveals just how challenging it can be and how, sometimes, childish parents are half the battle. Sound familiar?
Naughty not nice: “Discipline is my biggest issue with parenting right now,” Carlson says, revealing that a child once slapped her in the face and the mother didn’t even apologize.
From the streets of Pa’ia to the trails of Haleakala, Hawaii is rich in local culture and natural history–something that OluKai Founder Bill Worthington has always celebrated and supported. This past weekend, the Irvine, CA-based brand did both, hosting its fifth annual Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival in Maui. More than 2,000 locals and festival goers, as well as athletes and representatives from REI, Zappos and Sports Chalet, descended on the island for two days of canoe sailing, surfing, luau, hula and live music.
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