Word: footwear
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Until a few years ago, athletic-shoe companies designed their women's lines to mimic their men's lines, only in smaller sizes and pastel colors. Today virtually every athletic-footwear company, from Nike to Reebok to New Balance, is competing to offer women shoes designed expressly for them. Not only are the heels tailored for the narrower female foot, but the shoes may come backless or toeless; they may be styled to resemble Mary Janes or bowling shoes; they may be made of woven or mesh fabrics; and they come in a panoply of colors. They are sturdy enough...
...athletic-footwear manufacturers started experimenting with sneaker design more than a decade ago, but initially for the men's market and then primarily with gadgetry purported to offer technological advantages on the court or field. (Remember the Reebok air pumps?) Despite such marketing, surveys showed that in almost 75% of sneaker purchases the decision to buy was based on how the shoes looked or who endorsed them rather than on their intended purpose...
...about the same time, Skechers, a Southern California-based footwear company that launched in 1992, started making great strides with teen and female consumers by keying in on trends and marketing itself as a "lifestyle" company. The flat, well-cushioned Skechers boasted comfort and the latest sneaker technology, but the company's advertising emphasized the shoes' stylish look...
...particularly considering his two podium finishes on this season's World Cup circuit and his strong showing in Saturday's ski-jump leg of the two-sport event. After breaking his boot during a training jump on Thursday, Lodwick decided he'd still prefer to compete with his familiar footwear. It was a good choice. Even in difficult wind conditions, he leaped into seventh place. Bill Demong, 21, of Vermontville, NY, took eighth...
Even if you don't give a hoot about antibacterial soaps and surfaces, here's one good reason you might consider buying a pair of antibacterial shoes or boots: odor control. That's right--the fewer microbes taking root in your footwear, the better your shoes and feet are likely to smell. Teva's entire 2002 line of sandals will be coated with AgION's silver-based antimicrobial compound. Many hunting boots from Rocky Boots (shown below), Georgia Boot, LaCrosse Footwear and Thorogood Footwear already incorporate...