And so, having found out what materials shoes should be made of that meet all the requirements of comfort and hygiene, let's determine how to choose high-quality shoes, and also move on to the issues of hidden defects when purchasing.

What are quality shoes made from?

In 90% of cases, good and high-quality shoes are made from the skin of the following three animals: calf (bull), pig and goat. The remaining 10% comes from exclusive and exotic shoes. The most durable calfskin leather is suitable for the harshest weather conditions. Its thickness is 1.8 – 2.5 mm. Possible disadvantages include the presence of many small defects on the skin from insect bites, etc. Pigskin is cheaper than calfskin, has a wider distribution, and is thinner. Disadvantages include high hygroscopicity and loss of shape when frequently wet. You can choose this material for non-essential elements in the product, such as lining, insoles, tops and all kinds of appliqués. The thinnest leather (0.8 - 1.5 mm) - goat skin - is at the same time the most beautiful with a minimum number of defects. It is often used to make high-quality fashion women's shoes. When choosing such shoes, you need to understand that such shoes are not highly durable and reliable, but they are excellent for non-critical elements.

Skin types and their features

Now let's talk about skin types and their features. Genuine leather can be smooth, patent leather, or have a pile (suede, velor, nubuck). Patent leather shoes do not allow air to pass through well, so they are not recommended for use in hot weather and when feet sweat excessively. In addition, it is very susceptible to mechanical damage (scratches, etc.) and cracks at temperatures below -10 degrees C or above 25 degrees C, and becomes covered with small cracks due to dampness. Suede is not afraid of minor impacts and scratches, but dust and dirt are difficult to remove from it even with a special brush. Nubuck is even less protected from dirt and greasy than suede and velor, but is more moisture resistant. In general, shoes made of suede, nubuck and velor are quite capricious and require constant care with water-repellent agents due to their high hygroscopicity.

When buying shoes made of nubuck and velor, be sure to take care of purchasing paint of the appropriate color. Only paint will be able to cover quickly formed and difficult to remove abrasions and traces of dirt.

Possible defects in shoes

Pay attention to the inner surface of the selected pair of shoes. The inner surface of high-quality shoes should be flat and smooth to the touch at the joints, otherwise tights and socks will constantly tear on the sharp edges of the seams, etc.

Take a close look at the heel of your chosen shoe. The heel can be decorated not with the usual straight vertical seam, but with a sewn-on solid piece. Such a part can be either an invoice, and then its cut is clearly visible, or have the edges of the seams turned inward. If you find the heel part in just such designs (turned inward), then in this case the likelihood that the shoes are not made of genuine leather increases significantly. By turning the edges inward, manufacturers of cheap, low-quality shoes may try to hide the true material and avoid questions from overly meticulous buyers. On the other hand, very high-quality shoes from well-known brands are also often produced with folded edges. Therefore, if you are not looking at a world-famous shoe brand, and you are not in a company store, then the selected edges should be alarming. In addition, the presence of an open cut in the product will help determine the thickness of the leather, which is an important factor during intensive wear.

Now let's look at the heel on the selected product. Place your shoes on a flat surface. When viewed from the side, a pair of high-quality shoes should stand firmly on the entire surface of the heels, otherwise they may become loose and the instep supports may break. The heel can be either one-piece made of plastic, rubber, metal or wood, or prefabricated - from 2 or more materials. Plastic is fragile, wood rots from moisture. A metal rod is inserted inside thin plastic heels (studs) to strengthen the structure. The worse the quality of the metal, the softer it is, the greater the likelihood of the heel breaking. The second reason for broken heels on low-quality shoes or boots is that the metal rod is not inserted the entire length of the heel. Heels, like other parts, tend to get scratched. You can tint them in repair shops. At home, you can try to tint with a waterproof marker. Choosing a color for a black heel will not be a problem, but selecting other shades can present certain difficulties even in repair shops. This must be taken into account when purchasing shoes with non-black heels.

It also doesn't hurt to check the back seams on your chosen pair. They should be even, sewn with stitches of 2-3 mm. If the stitch is smaller, then when worn, the perforation effect is triggered and tearing is possible, which, of course, is not a sign of quality.

It's hard to resist leather boots, no matter whether you're a man or a woman. Genuine leather is durable, stylish, comfortable and usually expensive, but is worth the price because a well-made pair of leather boots can be worn by a person for many years. Shoes made from Bonty genuine leather can be purchased in the online store.

Leather is sold in three forms: whole leather, reclaimed leather, and dry reclaimed residue. Full grain leather is full grain leather made from the finest raw materials, in which case only the hair has been removed from the surface and the hide is left clean and natural. There are various forms of leather, including vegetable tanned leather, alum tanned leather (alum is aluminum), rawhide, boiled leather, and chrome tanned leather.

For men, boots mean leather boots, and that means oxfords. Men's Oxfords come in a variety of styles, and include open lace-up oxfords (or Blüchers), close-laced oxfords (balmorals), saddle oxfords, kiltie oxfords, and wing oxfords.

Oxfords are men's shoes that fasten and do not go above the ankle. Blucher oxfords are open-toed sandals with leather trim where the sides of the shoe are stitched at the front. Balmoral leather oxfords are tight lace shoes in which the laces are stitched in a unique way under the front of the oxford and then the laces are closed over the tongue. The end result is a sleek, streamlined boot that has the appearance of being made from just one piece of leather.

An Oxford "saddle", as the name suggests, has a piece of leather on the shoe that is shaped like a saddle, the saddle being a different color or type of leather from the rest of the shoe.

Another type of Oxford boot is called a "kilties" and is a fancy-looking boot with a fringed leather tongue that runs up the instep of the shoe and covers the eyelets and laces.

By far the most popular type of Oxford shoe is the wing. This pair of fashionable men's shoes gets its name because the toes (or leather embroidery) closely resemble the spread of a bird's wings. The online shoe store made of genuine leather will offer large sizes in Bonti and a huge selection of brands and colors.

The variety of styles of men's leather Oxford shoes gives men plenty of options when purchasing business shoes. Some of these include a separate piece of leather that can be found on the toe of the shoe (or "toe coat"). Sometimes this piece of leather is plain, and other times it is decorated with leather embroidery (also refined as brogueing).

Genuine leather shoes are the only way to look stylish if you are in the store to buy a pair of oxfords. And black is the color to buy because all black leather oxford shoes are style shoes, regardless of the style of leather trim or structural design that will complement a business outfit. The most formal of all men's shoes are the black leather lace-up Oxfords (Balmorals). To avoid looking stiff, open leather oxfords with brown or cowhide leather upholstery look great paired with lightweight suits and sport coats and even more relaxed casual outfits like jeans and khakis.

Instructions

You can spend quite a lot of time in stores searching for quality shoes. There are several signs to distinguish shoes from genuine leather from fakes stylized as it.

Pay attention to the sole, there should be several icons indicating the composition of the material of the sole and upper part of the shoe. How exactly are the materials from which it is made indicated? shoes, you can check with any repair shop. Some manufacturers even place a symbol indicating the leather material on the garment.

Genuine leather has a rather specific aroma, which makes it easy to identify. But we must remember that it is already widespread in stores shoes made from a leather substitute that is deliberately sprayed with a leather-scented deodorant. If the smell of the shoes is pungent and unpleasant to your sense of smell, then most likely this is a fake.

Carefully consider the seams on your potential purchase. Genuine leather on the back should have a surface similar to suede. If shoes made of leatherette, it will delaminate when cut, and you may find small fragments of fabric in its composition.

Put your hand on shoes and wait a few seconds. If you have high-quality material in front of you, it will gradually heat up. The leather substitute will remain cool. In some cases, sellers may even set fire to a fragment of any product made from leather in front of you. It does not burn, so if possible, you can check the quality of the shoes or boots you like.

Try to gently scrunch the top of the shoe and observe whether any wrinkles or cracks remain on this part of the product. If shoes or boots are only stylized shoes made of genuine leather, its surface will remain unchanged after your manipulations. High-quality shoes will show minor damage.

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Shoes are an essential element of a modern woman's wardrobe. Casual shoes with a small stable heel, open light-colored shoes for summer weather or festive shoes with high heels - the variety of choices makes it much more difficult to make a rational purchase.

In order to choose the right shoes for yourself, you must follow the following rules:

Understand for what occasion these shoes will be worn;
- take into account your natural characteristics, age and social status;
- decide on the price.

Deciding on the occasion

Of course, the ideal option would be to choose a pair of shoes for all occasions - both for the feast and for the world. However, the active rhythm and lifestyle of a modern woman does not allow this. Today you must have several pairs of shoes. As a rule, these are casual shoes, party shoes and light-colored open shoes for the summer. Depending on which of these pairs you choose at the moment, your search circle narrows.

So, everyday shoes should first of all be comfortable when walking. High heels and uncomfortable lasts are not suitable for her. It must also be minimalistic: plain and without additional applications. The versatility of everyday shoes allows you to combine them with various “complex” bags, colorful dresses and other wardrobe elements.

It is not at all necessary to buy black heels “for going out” - both the color and model of shoes can vary depending on your natural characteristics, age and social status.

Party shoes are typically worn for several hours, so they may be more cute than comfortable. Bright blondes can choose beige high-heeled shoes with a hidden platform, brunettes will suit either a stiletto heel, and redheads will make “delicious” sets with emerald or burgundy suede shoes.

Emphasizing natural beauty

Natural data that must be taken into account are color type, contrast level and figure type. For example, shoes of the wrong color can age you by several years, and the wrong heel can disfigure even the most beautiful legs.

will not suit low and medium contrast levels. These girls should opt for matte and suede shoes.

Regarding social status, some shoe models will only be appropriate at a certain age. For example, a respectable lady of sixty cannot afford to buy scarlet patent leather shoes with 13 centimeter heels, even if they perfectly adorn her slender legs.

Deciding on the price

The average price of one pair of shoes made of genuine leather is 3,000 rubles. This is how much shoes cost in most Russian stores. If you want to choose a cheaper option, then it makes sense to order shoes from foreign online stores. So, at American sales you can “grab” a worthwhile pair of high-quality shoes for less than 1000 rubles. It should be remembered that there is a risk of not guessing with the size or receiving a product different from that presented on the site.

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How often do we happily try on inexpensive, stylish shoes, while forgetting the golden rule: don’t save money and don’t buy beautiful but uncomfortable shoes. Disappointment comes later when the shoes turn out to be tight or you have to break them in, wearing your feet down to calluses. Choosing shoes is quite easy if you take into account the basic requirements for the product.

1. The best time to buy new shoes is in the middle of the day. Trying on in the morning can be deceiving; it does not guarantee that the shoes will fit, because by the evening your feet usually swell.


2. The product should fit the foot comfortably without squeezing it. Tight shoes can cause deformation of the toes, they impair blood circulation and promote ingrown toenails. Even if you really like the chosen pair of shoes, you shouldn’t suffer for a long time trying to break in uncomfortable shoes, this can lead to the appearance of calluses, muscle pain and tired feet.


3. You need to try on both shoes correctly. You need to walk around in them for at least some time in the fitting area to feel the toe of the shoe with your fingers. The toes should not rest against the toe or stick out.


4. The sole deserves special attention. A sole that is too thin is impractical and inconvenient - your foot will feel every pebble on it. The sole should be soft and elastic. To check its quality, you need to bend the shoes in your hands. It is ideal if the sole bends easily without severe deformation of the upper.


5. In order for the foot to breathe in the shoes and ensure normal heat exchange, you should choose shoes made from natural materials - leather, suede, nubuck.


6. For demi-season shoes, it is important to pay attention to the zipper. It should not be sewn too low, otherwise the legs will get wet.


7. For winter shoes, an important point is that the sole is thick enough and has a special tread on it to prevent slipping.

Only correctly selected shoes will provide the feet with the necessary comfort, eliminate possible diseases and will serve their owner for many years.

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Tip 4: How to wear shoes correctly so that they don’t tear

Troubles such as faded paint on shoes, cracks in the leather, or torn soles can happen at any time of the year. And this happens not only from poor quality of the product, but also from non-compliance with the rules for using shoes.

Rules for using shoes

Buy shoes that are the right size. If you wear small shoes, they become deformed, the seams stretch, and the leather tears. In addition, wearing such shoes has a negative impact on your feet. To determine the correct size, put the shoes on both feet and walk around. If you clearly feel pressure and discomfort, then these shoes are too small for you. If you feel like you have a lot of space left, these shoes are too big for you. You will also experience discomfort when wearing it. Shoes that are too big often cause scuffs and corns. And this is very painful. These shoes sag when you walk, which looks rather unsightly.

When putting on leather shoes, use a special heel spatula. This will prevent the backdrop from becoming deformed. Thanks to the spatula, the back seam will also be intact. Take off and put on shoes only when the laces are completely untied, the strap is undone, the zipper is fully open, and so on. To prevent shoes from tearing, wear them according to the season. So, if you wear sneakers in winter, don’t be surprised later that they are cracked from the frost.

And of course, wear shoes according to the purpose for which they are intended. If your shoes are thin and have leather soles, do not wear them in rain or mud. Do not walk in such shoes on uneven or rough surfaces. At temperatures below -5° C it is prohibited to wear patent leather shoes. If the method of fastening the shoes is glue-stitching, do not wear them in wet weather. If you wear high heels or stilettos, avoid walking in areas with narrow or deep crevices. Try not to let your shoes come into contact with rough or sharp objects or chemicals. Avoid catches, impacts and heavy physical overload.

How to care for shoes so that they last longer?

Leather shoes with natural dyes. Therefore, the interior trim may stain your socks or feet. Use special care products that reduce staining. Use them to treat the inside of your shoes. If you have synthetic interior trim, it usually won't stain.

If your shoes get wet, let them dry. You should not use your boots when they are wet, even if it is just sweat. Dry your shoes at room temperature. If you place it near a stove or radiator, the dried material will become hard and brittle. Therefore, such drying is not recommended. It is better to use a special shoe dryer or stuff it tightly with paper.

Before going outside, treat your shoes with a moisture-protecting agent. Also regularly use cream and wax that are designed for a specific type of shoe. Clean your shoes from dirt at least once a day. Pay special attention to seams, joints and other hard-to-reach places. If your shoes have decorative elements, handle them with care when cleaning. Restore paint on shoes and replace insoles in a timely manner. If you find any defect, do not continue to wear such shoes, but have them repaired by a specialist.

When purchasing shoes, we focus not only on fashion trends, but also on functionality. A new pair of shoes should not only look beautiful on your feet, but also bring pleasure to its owner. How to choose the right shoes? What factors are decisive when buying a dream couple?

1. Be sure to wear shoes when trying on. Before purchasing your favorite pair, walk around the store for a few minutes. If you experience the slightest discomfort, this is not your dream couple to spend the whole day with.

2. Don't forget that your leg naturally expands in the afternoon. This is due to physiological characteristics. Consider this fact when purchasing.

3. Come to the fitting wearing the same socks that you plan to wear with these shoes. If this is not possible, provide additional space for them.

4. Feet change their size and shape with age. It also sometimes happens that one leg is larger than the other. In this case, choose a pair for larger feet and in no case neglect comfort.

5. When trying on, make sure you have some space between your big toe and the shoe. Having one will allow you to feel confident in movement.

6. Do not pay attention to the dimensions indicated on the package. Shoe tailoring standards, as well as size ranges, may differ in different manufacturing countries. Trust your own feelings.

7. Check not only the appearance of the pair (sole, coating), but also the interior decoration. It is important that nothing irritates your foot.

Regardless of the season, you should go looking for a new pair of shoes in the afternoon. By this time, your feet will swell a little, it is more likely that you will not purchase a product that will “press.” Natural materials (leather, suede) stretch a little when worn and become “fit,” but you shouldn’t rely on this too much. Shoes, especially for winter, spring and autumn, should be purchased a little looser in order to put on a warm sock.

If you wear a heel, make sure it is exactly in the middle of the heel. It’s more comfortable to walk this way, and the arch support won’t break because the heel moves back.

If the shoes have zippers, be sure to ask the seller to fasten them for the first time to check for quality.

Be sure to check all seams. The sole must be checked for flexibility.

Where to buy

In the store, all shoes are guaranteed for 30 days from the date of purchase or from the start of the season, which means you need to keep your receipt.

You can also find good shoes in the markets. There you can buy not only Chinese goods, but also good examples of Russian factories. Speaking about Chinese shoes, it should be noted that the inscription “Made in China” also does not mean anything - they could have been stamped in Russian basements. But if there is information about the manufacturer (province, factory), the quality will be at the same level.

Let's talk about materials

For the winter, it is better to take shoes made from natural materials, the best of which is leather. There is no doubt, suede looks more beautiful and richer, it is warmer than leather, but it is not worth buying as the only option for winter shoes. This material requires careful care: water-repellent spray, paint, eraser, brush to remove dirt, brush to smooth the pile.

Substitute shoes do not allow air to pass through; they are too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

It is advisable that the sole of a winter pair be made of rubber or caoutchouc, plastic cracks quickly.

Rules of care

Shoes, however, like other things, require proper care:

After use, put things in proper condition; dirt is removed not when you need to go outside, but after you come home;

It is the alternation of getting wet and drying that ages a thing the most, you should not put shoes on a radiator or stove, quick drying can deform the shoes, dry them at room temperature (it is better to have several pairs, alternate them and dry them well);

When putting it on, use a special spoon, do not crush the heel;

When removing, do not step on the back, you can tear off the sole.

By taking good care of your shoes, you will be less likely to need to visit a shoe store.

The choice of leather shoes should be approached with the utmost seriousness, especially if your budget is limited: the purchased pair should be comfortable and practical, the material should not be too capricious to weather conditions, and the style of the shoes should match the desired style of clothing. We'll talk more about how to choose shoes later.

Types of men's shoes

First, let's figure out what types of men's shoes exist and how to choose men's shoes based on the purpose of wearing them.

Oxfords

These are classic men's shoes, which are characterized by closed lacing and a seamless transition from the ankle boots to the vamp. As a rule, they are made in black or dark brown colors. Oxford shoes look very elegant and complement the image of a business person well, but they will look out of place in an informal style of clothing. You shouldn't choose men's Oxford shoes to wear with jeans, but they will go very well with a suit.

Derby

Unlike Oxfords, the lacing of the Derby is open, the boots are sewn on top of the vamp, and the lace strips can diverge to the sides when unlaced. These classic men's shoes look less formal than Oxford shoes, so they are not tied to one style of clothing.

Brogues

Many classify brogue shoes as a separate type of men's shoes, but find similarities in them with both derbies and oxfords, which causes confusion. The fact is that brogues characterize men's shoes from the point of view of the presence of decorative perforations in them - patterns of holes in the leather. Perforation can be on both Oxfords and Derbys, which fundamentally differ from each other not in perforation, but in lacing. It is worth noting that although brogue shoes are now worn in business style, they should be chosen with caution for official events - the same brogue oxfords look less restrained due to perforation.

Moccasins

If you need comfortable shoes for everyday wear, then you can choose moccasins. They are especially good to wear in hot weather. Moccasins do not have a separate sole, and in front you can often see laces that serve a decorative function. You should choose moccasins for relaxation and walking, as these are not sports or business shoes.

Loafers

Externally, loafers are very similar to moccasins. They also do not have lacing, but they differ from moccasins in having a more pronounced sole and heel. A widely known decorative element of loafers is the tassel on the front of the ankle boots. Once upon a time, loafers were a sign of a business person, but now they can be worn everywhere - both to work and for a walk.

Monkey

You will get a versatile pair of shoes if you decide to choose men's monk shoes. A characteristic feature of such shoes is the complete absence of lacing and decorative straps sewn onto the top of the ankle boots. If you want to choose monks for work in an office with a strict dress code, choose a dark-colored model with one strap, made of smooth leather without perforations.

Leather shoes: choosing material

Calfskin boasts the highest quality, so it is valued above all and is most often used for making shoes. It is good because it has high strength, softness and smoothness. Goatskin has similar properties.

Leather shoes made from pigskin are much cheaper, but they do not look very presentable, so pigskin is being used less and less as the main material for shoes. The elasticity of such skin leaves much to be desired, and it also gets wet very quickly.

The leather also differs in the type of finishing.

• The most convenient and easiest to use is the so-called smooth skin. If you want to choose practical leather shoes that won’t cause much trouble when caring for them, then choose models made from smooth leather.

• Polished leather requires special care - smooth, shiny, but hard, which can get scratched very quickly. The prices for products made from it and from smooth leather are not fundamentally different, so think about whether it’s worth overpaying for the additional hassle.

• Products made from polished leather look interesting, but are characterized by low wear resistance, since sanding removes the top layer from the leather. Not very practical to use and maintain.

• Patent leather is a beautiful, but very capricious option. Too low or high temperatures, temperature changes, or humid weather are not suitable for wearing such shoes. Patent leather shoes are not particularly durable, as they can crack quite quickly.

• And finally, should you choose suede shoes? Suede is not the most practical type of leather finish, as it requires special care. It is very susceptible to dirt, but at the same time it is comfortable and your feet “breathe”. If you wear such shoes only in dry weather and follow all the rules for caring for them, they will last a very long time.

• To choose a pair exactly in your size, go to the fitting in the late afternoon, with the expectation that by this time your legs will be tired and slightly swollen. If you buy shoes in the morning, you will feel cramped in them in the evening.

• In the store, put on a pair and walk at least a short distance. Listen to the sensations in your legs. You should feel comfortable, there should be no constraint anywhere, nothing should press. Don’t reassure yourself with the thought that later the pair will separate - if the pressure starts already in the store, you can be sure that you won’t be able to avoid blisters later.

We also suggest you look at how to choose men's shoes for the winter:

Take it for yourself and tell your friends!

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Walking barefoot is beneficial, but it is always comfortable! Take advantage of tips on how to choose good, comfortable and durable shoes!

Good and comfortable shoes make your figure look better. A confident walk adds decisiveness in everyday life. Your favorite shoes improve your mood when you think that you look perfect in these shoes. Today on the market there is quite a wide selection of footwear products of domestic and foreign production, for every taste and budget, but few people know how to choose the right shoes so that they are not only beautiful, but also practical.

Difficult but pleasant choice

Leather or leatherette: which is better?

Manufacturers have achieved some success. Thanks to new technologies, they have learned to produce high-quality leatherette and very successfully use it instead of genuine leather.

The leather sole must have the manufacturer's brand stamped on it, and there must also be a special mark - stylized lamb leather with an inscription in the manufacturer's language. Leather soles are elastic, light, durable, although they have one drawback: they wear out faster than synthetic ones. In shoes with porous rubber soles, the foot will feel comfortable, but moisture penetrates through the sole. In addition, during icy conditions you will feel like you are on ice skates.

Fitting and inspection: an important process

When buying shoes, make sure that the pair are the same in size and fullness, structure and color of the material, and do not have stains or wrinkles. Test it for flexibility. The toe of the shoe should not ride up more than 5 mm.

Never buy tight shoes. During movement, the length of the foot increases by 5-11, and the width - up to 14 mm. Also pay attention to the stability of the heel. Don't trust the seller when he assures you that a slanted heel is fashionable. Women who like to wear high-heeled shoes can be advised: if wearing such shoes makes you feel like you are on the deck of a ship during a storm, give them up. If the shoes are of poor quality, even our advice on how to wear shoes will not help you.

Stitched shoes are a guarantee of their long-term use. Take a closer look at the seams: are there any broken threads, are there any gaps or “slopes”, as well as the connection of the parts - are there any distortions, gaps between the sole and the top. Real seams differ from imitated ones in that it is easy to find the end of the thread.

Safe shopping rules

Don’t forget to take a receipt from the seller with the date of purchase and the store’s stamp, and at the market be sure to take a receipt with the name of the seller, the number of the retail location and the warranty period. These are documents according to which you can later make claims if they arise. In addition, ask whether the seller has a quality certificate for the product, and also a safety certificate for children’s shoes.

Remember that you have the opportunity to return the item to the store within 14 days, but this only applies to new shoes!

When choosing shoes in online stores, give preference to those sellers who provide the opportunity for free fitting, quick return of goods, etc.