Man sues Waukesha County, jail over amputated toe

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By MIKE JOHNSON
mikejohnson@journalsentinel.com

COMPLETE STORY

Posted: July 3, 2008

Waukesha – A New Berlin man is suing Waukesha County and its work-release jail, contending that his left big toe had to be amputated because jail staff would not let him wear orthopedic shoes prescribed because of his diabetic condition.

Warren J. Krohn, who is in the Huber work-release facility in connection with the theft of natural gas, says in the suit he was required to wear the jail’s standard-issue footwear. As a result, in August he began experiencing leg pain and ultimately developed blisters on his foot, the suit says.

The suit, filed Thursday in Waukesha County Circuit Court, says Krohn immediately told Huber authorities about the problem but staff denied him permission to wear the medically prescribed shoes.

He is seeking unspecified damages from the county, including for his “past, present and future pain and suffering,” the suit says.

Krohn’s toe was amputated Sept. 10, the suit says, and he needs ongoing medical care, including additional surgeries.

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Guiness World Record created with the longest chain of shoes: 10,512 – A high-stepping record

Source:

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Guiness World Record created with the longest chain of shoes: 10,512 to be precis

The National Geographic campus on M Street Northwest was the site of a Guiness World Record on Wednesday with the longest chain of shoes: 10,512 to be precise. The sea of footwear, laid toe to heel on the institution’s circular driveway, was sent in by readers of National Geographic Kids magazine over the course of six months and certified as a bona fide record by Guinness World Records representative Stuart Claxton.

After their record is certified, organizers plan to send the shoes to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program to be made into material for sports field surfaces.

In addition to a certificate, Mr. Claxton delivered a hearty handshake to third-grader Peter Wajda, 8, of Mount Laurel, N.J., for his efforts in collecting more than 500 shoes from his school, Moorestown Friends School. The shoes will be forwarded to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program to be made into material for sports field surfaces.

Eight-year-old Peter Wajda, who helped collect hundreds of shoes from the Moorestown Friends School in New Jersey, lies on some …

Some of the shoes, such as this pair from Florida, came with messages about where they’ve been.

The circular driveway for the National Geographic campus on M Street Northwest is the staging ground Wednesday for the Guinness …

After their record is certified, organizers plan to send the shoes to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program to be made into material …

Stepping into the shoes of a designer

Source:

3 July 2008

The article presents the future of consumer product-making, combining social networking, open-source design and viral marketing. According to report some academics think consumer-driven design will displace corporate research-and-development centers at many corporations because it ultimately outsources both design and marketing in a way that cultivates and retains customers.

“PORTLAND — In a startup’s office overlooking downtown Portland, three creative business owners — a sneaker-shop owner, an event marketer and a watch designer — gather to judge a wall full of shoe designs.

The sketches — 50 of them — had been submitted online by would-be artists on the promise that Ryz would make and sell dozens of pairs of the most attractive shoe.”

read more | digg story | Interesting Article for all Product Managers

Vietnam’s footwear industry likely faces added woes

(Original Source: SGT) – Posted 4 July 08

03 July 2008

The Association of Footwear Producers of Italy as an EC member will likely ask the commission to extend the anti-dumping tariff deadline.

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s footwear industry, yet to relieve from the European Commission (EC) decision to strip it off the preferential tariffs, will likely face the added woes of extended anti-dumping tariff imposed on shoes with leather upper parts, an industry source said. Read further Story

The Association of Footwear Producers of Italy as an EC member will likely ask the commission to extend the anti-dumping tariff deadline, according to the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association, or Lefaso.

Lefaso chairman Nguyen Duc Thuan said that the anti-dumping tariff had been applied since 2006, and would be automatically removed on October 7 in case the EC receives no appeal from any of its 27 members by July 7 this year. He said that the Italian was preparing a formal appeal.

If the appeal is submitted, it is possible that the EC will reinvestigate Vietnam’s leather footwear products for 15 more months. And if this unwanted case occurs, it means that the country’s leather and footwear industry will continue facing the anti-dumping tariff for at least 15, more months, Thuan told the Daily.

On June 13, the country’s leather and footwear enterprises received unwanted news when the EC decided to remove Vietnamese-made footwear from its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) which will probably be implemented since early next year.

The removal of GSP for Vietnam is said to cause difficulty and negative impacts on domestic leather and footwear enterprises as their products win have to compete harsher with items from other exporting countries.

However, Thuan expressed his optimism, saying that the anti-dumping tariff might not be extended and recommended enterprises to keep calm. He added that Lefaso and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Trade have been in talks with EC officials to have the anti-dumping tariff removed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, local makers are also seeking the Government’s approval for slashing import tariffs on shoe materials and accessories to as to bolster local enterprises’ competitiveness.

Diep Thanh Kiet, vice chairman of HCMC Shoes and Leather Association, told the Daily that the association last week had sent a petition to the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ask for a reduction of the import tariff on finished leather materials to 5% from 10%.

If the petition to halve the tariff is approved, it will help the city’s leather and shoes enterprises to overcome the hardship, especially when the GSP is removed early next year and in case the anti-dumping tariff is extended, according to Kiet.

“The reduction of import tariff on leather materials will make the country’s footwear and leather industry more competitive with the rivals in the region as well as in the world in the future,” Kiet said.

At the moment, Vietnam’s footwear industry is heavily reliant on outside materials, as some 75% of its demand for material is imported from other countries.

Last year, the industry obtained total export revenue of some US$3.9 billion, with the European market along contributing some 54%.

The country expected to reach total export turnover of US$4.5 billion in 2008, an increase of 17% compared to last year, and also expected to attain an export turnover of some US$6.2 billion by 2010.

Fashion flip-flop

Source: http://www.lowellsun.com/lifestyles/ci_9751185

Whether it’s crystal-encrusted or an old-school beach sandal, it’s summer’s must footwear

By Ashley Morris, Sun Correspondent

Article Last Updated: 01/07/2008

Back in the ’60s when flip-flops were called thongs, they were a simple summer accessory worn and sold only at the beach. Only within the last decade could they be found dressy and bedazzled for formal attire.Many consider the original shoes or sandals that people wore in the Egyptian period the original flip-flops.

Nowadays, the technological world has left its mark on this ancient summer footwear. The flip-flop has been upgraded to fit the expectation of a generation chock full of high-tech gadgets.

“I have a mild flip-flop obsession but that’s mostly because I hate heels and hate real shoes, other than sneakers” says Beth Stack, a 30-year-old teacher and mom from Lowell.

“I own over 25 pairs, mostly Teva and Reefs. Most of mine are casual or athletic ones. My favorite flops are my green Reefs with the bottle opener in the bottom-they’re my favorite color.”

The Reef’s fanning flip-flop has a built-in bottle opener just in case your beverage is not a screw-top. The Reef Stash flip-flop also has a style with a built-in compartment in the sole where one can store money or a credit card. This is perfect for men or women who hate taking pocketbooks to the beach and is available at Reef.com.

For those of you who did not lose that 20 pounds you promised yourself and realized summer was here last Friday, here’s something to ease your bikini-baring anxieties. The Bath and Body Works’ fit flop claims to improve muscle tone, increase circulation, improve balance and posture as well as burn calories.

“I’m burning calories and starting to see more definition in my calves,” says Dagny Runyan, a 28-year-old swim coach from Lowell.

Even Swarovski Crystal has jumped on the flip-flop bandwagon. Designer Stewart Weitzman is selling “Indiana Jelly” flip-flops with crystal detail for $155. They come in clear and gold and can be purchased at Bloomingdales.com.

There is a wide variety of price ranges when it comes to flip-flops. Old Navy still sells your basic summer flop for under $4. Wal-Mart sells its own brands, Faded Glory and Sand Sun, for around $5. Reebok, Nike and Adidas can usually be found on sale from $15 to $25. These sports brands come in a variety of styles and colors. Adidas makes Ayuna 2, a flip-flop with a fitFOAM cushion that molds to your foot. It’s lightweight comfort that comes in a variety of eye-catching colors.

After surveying a group of people on their stance on flip-flops and what brands or styles they prefer, the results are split. half really like their inexpensive, simple flip-flops. “I buy my flip-flops at Wal-Mart,” says 19-year-old Megan McLellan of Lowell.

Whether you love them or hate them, favor the expensive brands or a simple pair of Old Navy’s flip-flops, the super-casual footwear isn’t going anywhere, at least until September. Millions are sold annually and with new features to catch the eye of buyers, it’s more likely that flip-flops will be an ongoing success rather then a super flop.

Vi-Ga Footwear bags Best SME Award 2007

Source:

July 01, 2008 (India)

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Vi-Ga, one of the fastest growing footwear company has won the Best SME Award 2007 organized by the Indian Chamber of Small and Medium Business Limited. This Award, which is the highest honour in the SME Chamber, has been conferred on Mr. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO, Vi-Ga for his tremendous contribution to the SMEs.

Vi-Ga was awarded the trophy of the National level SMS Excellence Award 2007, by the Small & Medium Business Development Chamber of India on the occasion of 6th international conference on SME Financing, Better Banking Regulation and Integration of SMEs.

Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister while handing over the award said, “Vi-Ga has firmly established itself as a leading player in the retail footwear category in the country. Vi-Ga has built an incredibly successful business from scratch, one which has had a truly transformational impact on our industry, on the customers it serves and on India’s economy.

Mr. Mahtani’s brave and ambitious strategies will continue to resonate across the country, our industry and the business community globally, becoming a benchmark for emerging footwear markets worldwide. We congratulate Vinayak Mahtani, on what has been an immense personal contribution to the vitality of the Footwear world.”

On the receiving the award Mr. Vinayak Mahtani said, “This is a tremendous honour and I would like to thank the Chamber of India for considering us worthy of this award. This award is a tribute to the SME integration in India, Vi-Ga’s vision and the emergence of Retail boom on the Indian horizon. It has been a privilege for me personally and Vi-Ga to have been a part of this revolution that has delivered affordable services for all and has contributed to the lives of millions across India.”

“We are delighted and honored to receive this prestigious award from Government of India. We would like to thank our customers for their strong support in a short span of three years and we will continue to focus on bringing high fashion, quality products throughout the region with the vision to provide international fashion at pocket friendly prices.” Added Mr Mahtani

In the quest for the unique and unusual Vi-Ga describes itself the finest for the fashion footwear at affordable prices for the entire family. All the buying for Vi-Ga happens internationally as well as nationally with designing teams in Dubai, Düsseldorf, Delhi & Singapore. A strong growing retail presence in North of India, Vi-Ga aims to provide “fashion footwear at affordable prices” to the fashion conscious patrons.

Vi-ga, ‘good shoes better prices’ is famous and enjoyed for its variety available in accessories like bags, wallets and footwear. Vi-Ga, has categorized its extensive range into sub-brands like Maharani, Page 3, Logo, Easy step, Fifth Avenue, Victory for ladies; Logo, Wall Street, Victory, Easy Step, Wanted for Men whereas Junior, Ms. Attitude, Mini,Victory for kids each catering to exclusive categories & designs.

Mr. Chandrakant Salunkhe, Chairman, SME Chamber of India said “ He is now extending his business plans to Indian retail on the pan India basis by opening 100 more stores in India by 2010. I just know he will do for this sector what he has done for the Indian Retail – and Indian consumers will be the big winners.”

MBT shoes: do they actually work?

Source: July 1, 2008

MBT trainers seem like an unlikely item of footwear to catch the imagination of the young and trendy. With their thick, curved sole and sensible wide straps, they look like the sort of thing you need to wear if one of your legs is shorter than the other. Despite their distinct un-beauty, MBT trainers have, for the last eight years, been cited as the answer to modern-day solution for anything from back problems to cellulite on your bum.

A Sheffield Hallam University study concluded that wearing MBTs was better for the knees, hips and ankles than wearing conventional shoes.

However, recently there has been speculation that MBTs may not be for everyone. The claims as to assisting posture, back, hip and knee problems are not supported by evidence or any good rational explanation.

Article in The Independent discusses the issue

Read more . . .

Complete Article  mbt-shoes-do-they-actually-work.pdf

CHINA: 100-store target for China Shoe

30 June 2008 | Source: just-style.com

Footwear maker China Shoe Holdings has provided more details of its retail expansion in China, where it hopes to open up to 100 stores in the Shanghai region this year followed by a nationwide roll-out programme next year.

As of today the company has opened nine stores under its CCR brand with six more underway, and two stores under the company’s Kanggies brand. Read more…

Flip flops: the footwear that hurts so good

Beware before u wear

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Nike Unveils Team USA’s Most Innovative, Lightest Footwear and Apparel Designs Ever

July 01, 2008

Source:  NikeBiz

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EUGENE, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nike athletes, including Lauryn Williams, premiered Nike’s USA Track and Field (USATF) uniforms, which will be worn by members of the 2008 Olympic Team for Track & Field, before a sold-out crowd of 20,000 fans at the University of Oregon’s historic Hayward Field during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials.

Nike was born in Eugene, Ore. and first introduced its iconic Swoosh on Hayward Field at the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials. Over 30 years and hundreds of medals later, Nike continues to innovate for the world’s top athletes.

Nike’s USATF uniforms feature new Nike Swift materials, reducing weight to achieve less drag and faster times, and also include Nike Aerographics and the “We the People” graphic. With seven percent less drag than the Athens version, wearing the new Nike Swift Suit translates to a benefit of about .02 of a second in the 100m.

Nike Swift System of Dress

The Nike Swift System of Dress lets athletes customize what they’re wearing while increasing aerodynamic advantages on key parts of the body. Socks, gloves and arm coverings — an entire system of dress — were developed by Nike so sprinters could run faster. For example, the Nike Swift gloves and arm coverings have dimpled fabrics like a golf ball to cut wind resistance and allow arms to slice through the air faster. In testing, the design team found that compared with bare skin, the gloves and arm coverings reduce drag by 19 percent and the socks by 12.5 percent.

“Our new innovations are truly game changing and industry defining. It is the lightest footwear and apparel we’ve ever created,” said Sean McDowell, Nike’s Footwear Design Director. “The world’s top Nike athletes are wearing Flywire technology at the trials because they want gold.”

“The difference between making the team and not making the team comes down to mere hundredths of a second,” said U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. “Nike’s ability to deliver ground-breaking apparel and footwear with cutting-edge technology has been incredible. We are proud to have worked so closely with Nike to develop this amazing, innovative and eye-catching Olympic collection.”

Nike Track and Field Footwear

The uniform also features footwear with Nike’s industry-leading new Flywire technology. Nike athletes Kara Goucher and Bernard Lagat will perform in the Zoom Matumbo, Nike’s lightest distance track spike. Lagat will also wear the Zoom Victory Spike, currently Nike’s lightest middle distance track spike. Both shoes are lighter than Michael Johnson’s famed gold spikes from the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

For the first time, Nike is making more athlete innovations available to consumers with footwear such as: The LunaRacer+, LunarTrainer+, Zoom Victory+, Zoom Matumbo and Zoom Victory Spike. Now, every runner can benefit from Nike’s Flywire and Lunarlite technology. This footwear is available to consumers beginning in July and rolling out through October, 2008.