I would like to introduce our fabulous new intern Jillian Heiner! She’s a fashion merchandising major and will be taking over the daily five from the University of Delaware. We’re so excited to have her on board. Welcome to Shoe Bizness Jillian!

Mary

Brown Shoe company’s  (and friends of Shoe Bizness),  Naya has launched their eco-friendly fall line. The line features designs of “origami roses, beautiful bows, super soft suedes, kimono knots, tailored temptations, and rugged resources”. Naya prides themselves on being stylish, comfortable, and sustainable. What more could a girl ask for? Shoes can be purchased at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, shoes.com, zappos.com, or piperlime just to name a few places. Check it out at the Sacramento Bee.

It’s now five years after Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and the area still needs help getting back on it’s feet (no pun intended). Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity, is collecting and distributing new and gently used shoes. Since the company started five years ago, it has distributed to 125 countries including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal, and the United States. In addition to the 1.3 million pairs of shoes already distributed to the area, they recently announced in a press release on PR Newswire“it will provide shoes and clothing to the residents of the newly opened Oregon Place apartments in Biloxi, Mississippi.” So, instead of selling you “sole” why not donate to a great cause. For more information on how to get involved visit www.giveshoes.org

Remember the days of buying one pair of sneakers and hiking, running, walking, and playing sports in them? Now, there is everything from Wii balance shoes to toning shoes to cross trainers and more. While weightlifting, Dr. Phil Wagner suggests on Mercury News.com yet another different type of sneaker to maximize results. A harder heel made of rubber or wood allows the trainer to transfer greater force to the floor more efficiently. Personally, I’m not changing my sneakers in between the elliptical and weight training but this is another technological advance in the footwear industry that enhances the gym experience for all of you gym rats out there.

There is a growing trend for big name designers to sell affordable outfits at lower-end retailers. For evidence, just look at Vera Wang at Kohl’s and Alexander McQueen at Target. For those of us who want to dress like royalty but can only afford Walmart this is a great thing. According to The Star Press, Isabel Toledo, who you may know as the designer of First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural ensemble, is launching her line of seven shoe styles and three handbags at Payless. “This is heaven-sent because all of a sudden I am going to create work that is going to get out there on a mass level,” Toledo said. “As a designer that is your goal, to communicate to the public and having someone wear my work, to see my work on someone else is very exciting. It’s what you work for.” Well, this is about as close as I’m ever going to get to dressing like Michelle Obama.

The United States Army placed a $8.6 million order with LaCrosse footwear for the new Danner Combat Hiker boot. Needless to say, Josepht P. Schneider, President and CEO of Lacross Footwear is thrilled. On Market Watch they said, “We remain focused on combining our deep understanding of what soldiers need with our expertise in innovative product engineering, unique manufacturing capabilities and a passion for our craft. We are proud to support the men and women who serve our country.” The Vibram® outsole and breathable Gore Tex® lining provide structure and comfort. Now only if someone could manage to provide structure and comfort to my heels…