HOW TO MEASURE SHOE SIZE AND WIDTH THE RIGHT WAY

Shoes are the cornerstone of the outfit we wear. They set the tone of what you will outfit. Different factors play a role in determining the type of shoes we put on. A good footwear will not only give you an elegant look, but will also confer protection to your feet against physical injuries. In this article, our experts at Freaky Shoes will take through some essential information you need to know about shoes. You can also find more details on the shoes of your choice by visiting freakyshoes.com.

How Do You Measure Shoe Size and Width the Right Way?

The following guidelines will help you learn how to find your shoe size and width at home accurately.

• To begin with, place your foot on a piece of paper while sitting upright. Do this while sitting with your back straight against the chair.
• Secondly, take a piece of paper bag enough for your whole fit to fit on. You may or may not do this step with your socks on. This will depend on the type of shoe you intend to purchase. Taking measurements with socks on will allow for extra room in the boot for the said socks.
• Begin tracing your foot with a pen or pencil. Only the outline of your foot should be determined. Keep the pen or pencil as carefully as possible to your foot to ensure you get accurate measurements. 
• Use a tape measure or ruler while measuring the width of each foot. This will ensure you find the correct width measure between the widest point of your foot.
• To ensure a proper measurement, subtract from the measurement 5 millimeters or 1/5 of an inch. This is because the pencil will have created a small amount of space, thus making your measurements slightly larger than your actual foot size.
• Finally, measure your foot length by finding the longest point from top to bottom of the foot. Never forget to subtract 5 millimeters or1/5 of an inch from the resulting length.
• The most accurate measurements are obtained if you have someone else tracing your foot while you remain seated.
• Repeat the procedure using the other foot. Always remember our feet vary in size slightly. Choose the largest of the two measurements to determine your most accurate shoe size (That is why measuring both feet are important).
• To ensure accuracy, take your feet measurements at the end of the day. The size of your feet usually fluctuates throughout the day, after being on your feet most of the day, your feet tend to swell. Measuring your feet at night will thus ensure your shoe will fit throughout the day.

Convert your measurements to shoe sizes.

• Lastly, to identify your shoe size, a simple internet search will be necessary. This will help you find out the general size chart of your foot with the corresponding shoe size. Ensure that you are looking for the correct size based on the specific gender style of shoe.
• The shoe size selected should help you figure out your width. The size chart usually indicates the width based on your shoe size. Always remember to base this on-off your largest foot measurement.
• Specific sizing charts should be used when possible. Every sizing chart is different. For this reason, some company’s may run slightly smaller or significantly than average. Before buying shoes, find out if the manufacturer has a specific sizing chart before assuming your shoe size based on a general chart. This helps in increasing the likelihood shoes will fit properly, especially for online shoe purchases.
• If you are not ordering online, always try your shoes on before purchasing. However, knowing your shoe size and width can help you find shoes with fewer chances of not fitting correctly. Factors such as your feet' shape can affect how the shoe fits even if measurements are correct.

Measuring your feet will ensure that you receive the proper fitting shoe every time you order shoes online.

How Many Shoes Should I own?

Many people have been wondering what the ideal pair of shoes someone should have on their shoe rack. As much as we acknowledge this is a personal decision, our experts from Freaky Shoes will not shy away from taking you through’ how many pairs of shoes you I own’ guideline.

Are Seven Pairs of Shoes the Ideal number?

Although it is now old fashioned, the 7-shoes for 7-days recommendation was based on a particularly good sense, always in style.  Shoes should be allowed to rest between each wear to prolong their lifespan. Thus, it is not good to wear them two days in a row. Always insert shoe trees inside your leather shoes after wearing them. Leather is an organic, and therefore magnetic material, sensitive to its environment, humidity, pollution, to mention but a few. It there has to breathe!

What should determine the collection of shoes in your wardrobe, the season and the occasion today beyond this basic rule? For example, you may have Loafers for the spring, boots for winter, Derbies or Oxfords at the office, etc. A rubber sole should also be considered for all weather. Finally, your style is an essential determining factor in the number of shoes you should own. Freaky Shoes offer you a variety of high-quality shoes. Here are a few models that every elegant, well-shod a person should possess. 

1. A pair of Oxfords.

For an elegant wardrobe, oxfords are essential. Recognized by its 'closed' laces, Oxford is the classic shoe per excellence. The facing is part of the vamp, the shoe’s upper portion, and opens only slightly, forming a ‘V’ to allow the foot to slip into the shoe. The tow edges of the facing touch once the boots are laced up. This atypical detail gives the shoe its formal look.

Berluti.

The storied Berluti Alessandro lace-up was first created in 1985 by Alessandro Berluti, the founder. It has undergone an evolution over time. They are made from a single piece of leather without visible stitching and contrasting green or violet lining and soles (and even comparing shoe trees). The Alessandros has clean lines that give the design its elegance and comfortable wear. Its models include Capri, Demesure, and Galet. A pair of Alessandros is compatible with a suit or slight-leg trousers, extending the leg's line.

A Pair of Derbies.

Initially, the Derby was considered to be less formal than Oxford because of its precise lacing. Laces were threaded into quarters sewn over the vamp, which could be lifted to allow the foot to slip into the shoe. Being very elegant, the derby pairs very well with a formal suit. The Gaspard Capri, which has a refined classic shape and great style, is a perfect example. Its straight toe cap is inspired by famed slashed canvases of Italian painter Lucio Fontana and is set off by two-toned patina, giving it great depth.

1. A Pair of Brogues. 

The Brogue shoes were created as an outdoor walking shoe. It was born in North Ireland. Originally made from several pieces of leather, its perforations(brogueing) allowed rain and mud to drain.

The shoe found favor among the English Aristocracy in the 19th Century. Its perforations were thus kept for decorative purposes. Several designs of Brogue shoes were made. For instance, the James Ellipse model, a ‘full brogue’ shoe with its perforated leather wingtip forming a point, recalls the shoe’s origins. This shoe reunites tradition and modernity with its Nero grigio or tobacco patina Venezia leather. There is a robust and wear-resistant model for winter courtesy of its Goodyear construction, its thick sole, and its rubber half-sole.

1. A pair of Boots.

A pair of boots is also a staple of the men’s wardrobe. Suits, jeans, well-tailored trousers, or a pair of chinos also pair well with boots. They can be used for weekend adventures. If you go for rubber soles, the shoe will tolerate all kinds of weather. Moreover, it will be the first choice for all travels, whether they are first-class or terrain. For example, the Heith ankle boots are the atypical boot of the Fall-Winter with its geometric lines, half rubber soles, and its bold, pointed toes set off with decorative stitching. This pair of shoes brings a modern touch to the silhouette. 

The Classic Capri is a reinterpretation of the celebrated Chelsea boot, adopted by the Mods of the 1960s. It is compatible with everything; they can be worn with formal trousers or suit and a pair of jeans for a more casual look.

1. A Pair of Sneakers.

Sneakers are no longer confined to the gym! Since they formally joined the men's wardrobe, they are currently worn with everything. On usual occasions, they go well with a pair of jeans or jeans. However, they can also be worn with a casual suit, cut in a textured fabric, a cardigan or sweater. The width of the trouser should be put into consideration. Avoid wide-leg trousers. The back of your pants should not be allowed to catch your sneakers. A slightly shorter trouser length is the best choice. Otherwise, pin rolls the leg opening to better show off the stitching of your sneakers.

For example, there is the Playfield: inspired by vintage 1960s tennis shoes, with a padded toe vamp, neat-edge stitching at the heel, and reinforcement stitching by hand. For closures, color, and materials, it's up to you. Laced, meteorite or bourbon Venezia leather; or Velcro in white, Boudreaux or grey Venezia leather; or Vitello sports leather with a slightly matte finish in black and white; or ultra-sophisticated version in natural or black alligator or lizard skin. 

A pair of Andy Demesure loafers.

This is a nice pair of shoes for a nightdress.

The list of ‘how many pairs of shoes should I own’ may depend on your desires!

Freaky Shoes is a gender-sensitive organization. Therefore, we want to take you through how many pairs of shoes a woman should own.

Most women fancy shoes. Most of them have an obsession with shoes and can't go a month without buying a new pair. This gives them stress when selecting the kind of shoes in the morning. However, if you are keen to know how many you should pair of shoes, you should own to keep looking sharp and never under-dressed without loads of clutter, here is a simple guide for you. 

At least two pairs of Sneakers.

In recent times, training to keep feet has become part of everyone’s routine. Hence, trainers have become part of most women's wardrobe-and, not just working out. White sneakers can be worn with skirts, dresses, and even suits for smart-casual style. Include an extra pair of sneakers for training in your wardrobe as well.

• Two pairs of comfortable heels.

Women's love for shoes has not waned so much so that they would get rid of them. Their passion for sky-crapped stilettos has, however, diminished. For this reason, women should try to block heels in a bold color. This will give them the height, but they will also be able to walk more comfortably in them.

• A pair of Fashion Heels.

Do you know those shoes that make everyone stare then ask you where you got them from? That is the kind of footwear that I am talking about here. It may be a pair of super high-heels in a bright hue or just incredible establishments. Although they may be optional, don’t be afraid to keep them in your wardrobe.

• A Pair of Ankle Boots.

Who doesn't own a pair of ankle boots? There is plenty of colors to choose from black, brown, or other bolder colors. Ankle boots have evolved into a staple shoe for every woman's wardrobe. Want more? Check out on the Freaky Shoes website.

A Pair of Loafers.

Since Alessandro Michele took over at Gucci, the loafers trend has skyrocketed. The footwear is ideal for the office when you don’t want to wear heels.

A pair of Fancy Flat Shoes.

Fancy flats are the right shoe for the office. Invest in them. This will help you rotate your footwear from loafers, sneakers, and comfy heels. Flat shoes are also ideal for going outs at night.

• A Pair of Flat Sandals.

A pair of sandals has proven to be useful for summer. Make sure you have some you come back to every season. Most of the flat sandals are usually durable.

• A Pair of Heeled Sandals.

For summer parties and wedding ceremonies heels, you can go as high as you want or as low as you want. Metallics or their sandals will suffice.

• A pair of Boots.

For bad sure, make sure you stock at least a pair of comfy boots. This will ensure your feet are kept warm.

There is no absolute number of shoes you should own. The amount you own will depend on your taste and preferences and your financial muscle.

How Many Shoes is Too Many?

When is enough enough when it comes to women and shoes? Sometimes women may drive themselves into debt to satisfy their cravings for shoes. Our experts at Freaky Shoes will help you answer the question, 'how many shoes are too many?’ Below are some of the indicators that show you may be someone who owns too many:

• When you shop for shoes to cheer yourself up, buying shoes can make you happy. This is the reason it is called 'retail therapy.' Some people buy shoes any time they have a dopamine kick. From studies, one in five women goes for shoe shopping to get out of a bad mood. As a result, shoes quickly pile up in your closet.
• When you start hiding shoe purchases from your better half, starting to protect new shoe purchases from your significant other is sufficient evidence to prove you have more than enough shoes. This is usually done to avoid your partner's disapproval.
• When you become obsessed with online shopping, the internet has made it easier than ever to access pretty shoes. On the flip side, it has made it harder to resist the urge to buy shoes online.
• When you think shoes are an essential part of your outfit. Thinking that shoes form an integral part of your gear isn't wrong.  The majority of people share this feeling. However, if you were overthinking about shoes, you have more than enough.
• When you buy beautiful shoes, even if they hurt your feet, you should know you have more than enough shoes when you are willing to tolerate pain for fashion. Women with more than enough shoes tend to buy classy shoes, wearing them once and throwing them at the back of the closet.
• When you carry around a change of shoes, keeping a change of shoes with you is an indicator that you have more than what is necessary. You may keep the extra pump in your car, closet, or purse.

Can shoes be recycled?

Have you ever had worn-out shoes and wondered what to do with them? Your soles may perhaps look like Swiss cheese, or the high heels are so chewed up you are telling people the dog got hold of them. Maybe you want to retire your worn out footwear in a responsible, sustainable manner. So what is the best way of disposing of your worn-out shoes? Can shoes be recycled? You have options, but none of them is perfect. Experts say that majority of the boots manufactured globally end up in a landfill or incinerator because there are too many shoes with limited recycling options.

There are four excellent climate-friendly ways of recycling your old shoes:

1. Resell
2. Donate
3. Recycle
4. Upcycle

Here is how to do it irrespective of where you are.

Reselling Old Shoes.

If you have a pair of shoes at the back of your closet that you don't wear, give them a better life. It does not matter whether you bought them on impulse then later realized they are not your style, or if they do not fit you right, someone else might love them to the extent of buying them.

There are numerous stores and consignment shops that assess clothes and shoes brought in for resale, offering the seller a price to take the items off their hands. To get started, you may contact Google for such shops. Some sellers may even offer trades. For example, one pair of used footwear for another. If you love digital barter trade, you may consider this option. 

Donating Old Shoes.

When you find yourself in doubt, always donate your old footwear. Worn out to you does not necessarily mean worn out to someone else. Statistics from the American Apparel and Footwear Association show that we buy more than seven pairs of shoes per year. This is an equivalent of one new pair per seven weeks. Purchasing at this rate means that most of our shoes are never truly worn out. Under such circumstances, reusing is better than recycling. National charities like Goodwill have outposts throughout the country that accept donations.

If your footwear is not in good shape for reselling, donate them to your nearest charity store. Most of the donated shoes end up in emerging nations. Charities export more than 70 percent of the donations they receive. As a result, the thriving market for worn and refurbished footwear is boosted. Since good shoes are expensive, most people who can’t afford them opt for secondhand.

There is one major drawback to donating: Not all footwear will find a new home largely because most of the developing countries are flooded with our old stuff.

Sneakers, soccer shoes, and men's dress shoes are good candidates for donations. They have the most significant demand in the international secondhand trade. On the other hand, fashionable women's shoes, such as high heels, do not meet this threshold. Thus, the best option is to repair and resell at home.

Do you want to get your community involved? Soles 4 Souls is an international organization that accepts new or gently used shoes. After collecting them, they redistribute the shoes to people in need around the globe. Contact them to get your community involved.

Recycling Old Shoes.

Can shoes be recycled? Apart from selling shoes to be worn or donating, there are specific programs that recover shoes for you. Shoes can leach plasticizers, heavy metals, and other toxic metals. Furthermore, they are not easily degraded since most of them contain plastic-based components that last longer. PVC and EVA constitute around 35% of shoes-they take as long as 1000 years to decompose.

If your shoes are so beat that you cannot imagine another person wearing them- a good rule of thumb is tossing them into a recycling bin. Do not trash them. Due to the complexity of the process, footwear recycling is rare. There are; however, a few programs attempting it.

Sports giants like Nike run a sneakers recycling program called the Nike grind. Nike's Reuse a Shoe program was established in 1993. It recycles sneakers by any brand. The shoes are separated into leather, foam, plastic, and rubber. The pieces are then ground down and reused as surfacing for playgrounds, carpet padding, track tops, and making new Nike gear such as soles. Whenever necessary, drop your shoes at any Nike and Converse factory stores around you.

Upcycling Old Shoes.

This involves using durable shoe material like leather to make new products such as wallets. Upcycling is not necessarily labor-intensive. Old shoes can also be used to make iPad stands and planting pots.

Sometimes giving your shoe a new life involves doing small repairs. New shoelaces, a quick stitch, or a new sole, maybe the only thing your footwear needs to keep on kicking'.

Can shoes cause knee pain?

As much as your style says a lot about you, it is your shoes that often pull the whole look together. Shoes are designed for different purposes-to look good for support. Can shoes cause knee pain? Yes! Supportive, comfortable shoes will help you by taking pressure off the knee joint because they promote proper alignment of the leg and balance.

For this reason, it should not surprise you that putting on high heels result in knee pain. Shoes may give you an elegant look. But there’s nothing stylish about living in pain. It is said that “pain is beauty," but not when it comes to chronic pain, which complicates your life.

Choosing the wrong shoes can damage your knees and lead to chronic pain over time. We are there to highlight common knee problems induced by wrong footwear choice and the boots associated with it.

• Tendon strain. Knee strain may extend to the tendons around the area. As a result, prolonged tendon strain leads to chronic pain and other secondary knee problems. The problem is commonly caused by shoes that force your foot into an unusual position.
• Collapsed arches. Your arches may collapse in case your feet have insufficient support. Persistent foot pain will thus result from arch problems, contributing to incorrect gait. Knees will end up being strained since your walking style favors your aching feet. Flats with no internal support and flip flops are common shoe culprits.
• Instability. Lack of enough support can make your knees bend improperly hence becoming unstable. This occurs when neither your shoes nor your ankle or knees have enough support. During physical activities, enough support is critical. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear athletic footwear with enough internal support, side posts that support the ankle or heel cups when running, standing for long hours, or playing sports. 
• Overpronation. It occurs when the knee and the leg turn inward each time you take a step. As a result, the knees are strained to lead to aches, ligament tearing, and other serious injuries. Choosing shoes with strong midsoles will keep your foot facing forward as it should. Talk to a podiatrist or knee expert for treatment whenever you notice uneven wearing on your shoe soles.
• Misalignment. Your knees must stay in proper alignment with your hips and feet to function well. Change of body alignment by shoes forces your body to work harder. For instance, wearing high heels changes the angle of the feet, forcing your body forward. The misalignment keeps your knees tensed, resulting in persistent pressure on the knee cap. 
• Shortened gait. A natural gait is essential for all your joints, including knees. Thinking about each step you have to make because of your shoes shortens your gait. Shortened gait contributes to body fatigue. Wearing sandals frequently contributes to a shortened gait. Clenching your toes to keep your sandals on or stepping in a certain way to prevent them from slipping is sufficient evidence to confirm that you are wearing the wrong shoe. 
• High impact. Your most formal footwear may turn out to be your worst enemy. For example, Stiletto heels throw your body out of alignment forcing the knees to experience a much higher impact than usual. Therefore, you should wear heeled shoes occasionally. This is because even low heeled pumps have the ability to increase knee impact.
• Lower Body Fatigue. Wearing the wrong shoe can negatively impact your feet. As a result, you will be forced to change your walking style once your feet start experiencing fatigue. The alterations can tire out your knees, thus making them more prone to acute knee injuries. Although it is common with flip flops, lower body fatigue can be caused by ill-fitting shoes.

If you are the kind of person who leads an active lifestyle or spends long hours on your feet, consider your shoes first when you experience knee pains.

How Do You Find Shoes That Ease Knee Pain?

Choosing the right shoe is essential for people with knee pains. To them, selecting footwear goes beyond the appropriate color and size. That's because footwear affects their knee health. The kind of shoes you wear has a direct impact on the load put on your knee joints, worsening, or easing the knee pains. The following tips should be considered while shopping for shoes to reduce knee pain.

• Type of sole. Checking for the type of sole is important while shopping for your shoes. For example, firm midsoles will help to reduce overpronation (common in people with low arches). Overpronation causes the lower leg and knee to rotate inward each time your foot hits the ground resulting in knee strain and pain. Having old shoes with excessive wear on the inner side of the heels have tilted inward is an indicator that you overpronate. 
• Prioritize wearing athletic shoes. Footwear designed for running and fitness has motion control and stability features to control the inward rotation of the foot, lower leg, and knee. In addition, they have extra cushioning. Such features include side posts for lateral support, firm heel cups, and midsoles designed to keep the foot in its correct position while walking.
• Choose well-cushioned footwear. Cushioning will help prevent shock to the knees. This is analogous to walking on a pillow. Good cushioning absorbs the impact of your feet hitting the ground, thus preventing much shock from reaching your knees. The impact of walking on hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks can also be reduced by putting on well-padded shoes.

Good supportive shoes allow your feet to in a more natural manner as you walk. This will help you maintain balance. Moreover, choosing the right shoes is critical for achieving proper foot and knee alignment. It also ensures that stress is evenly distributed throughout the knee joints while performing physical activities. Finally, each one of us has a unique foot. Therefore, the choice of correct footwear should consider the individual feet variation.

Can Shoes Go in the washer?

Can shoes go in the washer? Yes! There are many different types of shoes that can be washed using a washing machine, helping you to save time and resources. This will, however, depend on the type of material your shoes are made of. Check the label to determine if your shoes can be washed using a machine. The rule of thumb is that you should never wash shoes made from animal-based fabric such as leather or suede using a washing machine. The washer can easily damage such materials. For animal-based fabrics made shoes, it is important to wash them with cleaning products that have been specifically designed for them. Alternatively, such shoes should be taken to a professional cleaner.

In the same spirit, shoes made from delicate materials such as silk or satin should be cleaned with specialist care. The same should apply to those that are embellished.

However, there exist numerous shoes that can be cleaned by a washer. Shoes made from materials like cotton, nylon, and polyester can withstand a machine wash. Some PVC or PU made shoes are also machine washable.

If the care label is written “hand wash only” always remember you can wash them in a machine but on the hand wash setting. Do the washing with absolute caution.

Below is a stepwise guide on how to clean your shoes using a washing machine:

1. Read the care label. To begin with, always read the care label on your shoe to ascertain whether or not they are machine washable. The label will help you understand the best way of washing your shoes based on the type of material they were made from. Use an old toothbrush to remove surface dirt if the shoes cannot be washed fully either by machine or by hand. Alternatively, a piece of cloth can also be used to remove surface dirt.
2. Prepare the shoes. Remove the laces and scrub any loose dirt from the shoes' surface to prepare them for the washing machine. An old toothbrush can be used to access small areas like eyelets while a larger, stiff-bristled brush can be used for the shoe surface. In case your shoes contain stubborn dirt, hold it beneath a running tap to remove excess stains and debris. Preparing your shoes before inserting them in the washing machine increases the efficacy of the process. 
3. Protect your shoes. To protect them from being snagged on the inside of the drum, ensure you pop your shoes and shoelaces inside a mesh laundry bag. An empty pillowcase is a good alternative in case you do not have a laundry bag. To minimize the noise generated during washing, make up the rest of the washing load with towels. Acting as a buffer, it will help stop your shoes banging against the drum during the wash.
4. Prepare the washing machine. To prevent the colors of your shoes from running or fading, keep the water temperature at a cooler 30 degrees. This will give you better results than a warm wash. Use this procedure when washing PVC or PU to protect its coating from damage. A good color detergent should be used. One cap should be popped into the drum before adding towels then later your shoes.
5. Air dry your shoes. It is recommended that you air dry your shoes instead of tumble drying them. Tumble drying has a very high heat that can make the glue on your shoe melt, making them vulnerable to breaking. Put the shoes in a warm place. Moreover, pop some scrunched up newspaper inside. This will not only help to absorb excess moisture but will also ensure your shoes dry in the correct shape.

Where Are Shoes Made?

The United States comprises of many iconic shoe manufacturing companies such as Nike Inc. So, where are shoes made? Like in the mobile phone industry, many of the leading shoe companies in the United States have their manufacturing plants located abroad. They are not only located anywhere; almost all of them are located in developing counties. What could be the motive behind this? The answer is obvious, and these manufacturing plants are located in third world countries because of the availability of cheap labor costs. In developing countries, electricity costs, labor costs, transportation costs, and rent are cheaper than those in North America or other developed nations. In such states, labor laws and minimum wage do not exist or are never seriously implemented if they exist. This is why most manufacturing plants, not only in the shoe industry, are located in third-world countries. The cheap operation costs, such as cheap labor and electricity, contribute to the enormous profits recorded by those industries. 

In the third world countries, the majority of the citizens live below the poverty line. They have thus become desperate to find a job to support their families. This is the major reason why many footwear plants are located in such places. The workers often work for long hours for meager wages. The conflict has thus erupted in first world countries as a certain quota of individuals are opposed to this kind of oppression.

Besides, the workers of such firms usually work in very inhuman working conditions. On a daily basis, many of the workers typically handle chemicals that are potentially harmful or carcinogenic. They also work for long hours without breaks, as earlier indicated.  Factory workers are thus prone to diseases such as dermatitis, lung cancer, liver damage, leptospirosis, tetanus, etc. The disease is usually caused by chemicals that are used in making shoes. Neuropathy is also among shoe factory workers caused by persistent inhalation of some chemicals and adhesives used during the shoe manufacturing process. Chemicals are the most significant health threat to factory workers. Unfortunately, most of them do not even know the potential health threats posed by such chemicals. 

In conclusion, most shoe manufacturing plants are located in developing countries because they are cheaper in terms of labor, electricity, transport, and rent costs. This makes the whole manufacturing process more economical. The shoe companies are looking for ways of maximizing their profits by lowering production costs.

However, there are a few shoe companies that still manufacture their products domestically. Our experts will take you through some shoes that are produced locally in the United States.

1. Wolverine. Founded by G.A Krause, who opened a small leather tannery 135 years ago in Michigan. Currently, the company produces its footwear locally in addition to outsourcing shoes offshore. Its latest launch is a work boot under the name Ramparts. However, its products are also produced locally. 
2. Allen Edmonds. Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds is a popular classic men's shoe that is made in Wisconsin. Until 1978, the company was run by the Allen family. Its Goodyear-welted styles, a series of sturdy shoes made nail-less and shankless, caught clients' attention. At some point, the company made shoes for officers to wear during World War II. At the moment, the company is under the umbrella of Caleres.
3. Red Wing Shoe Co. It was founded in 1905 by Charles Beckman. The company manufactured a collection of workboots that met the needs of occupation, such as oil field professionals. In the 1920s, the company started producing workboots for women. To date, the company continues to create men and women's work footwear, and lifestyle looks inspired by original designs. 
4. New Balance. The company assembles more than 4 million athletic shoes annually in the United States. At least 70% of the domestic shoe value is produced in the countryside. It operates five manufacturing plants in Massachusetts and Maine and tends to purchase its materials from local suppliers. 
5. San Antonio Shoemakers. The SAS was founded by Terry Armstrong and Lew Hayden in 1976 in an unused aircraft hangar in San Antonio, Texas. A  new plant was opened in 1985 in Del Rio to allow the management to keep an open eye on expansion. Over the years, the company has continued to produce its products locally with several retail outlets globally. 
6. Lucchese. Founded in 1883 by Salvatore Lucchese, an Italian immigrant. Together with his brother Joseph, the two moved to San Antonio, Texas, to set up a not making shop. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Bing Crosby are among the company's celebrity clients. The former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was also the company's client. Currently, the company select styles are continued to be made in the United States. 
7. Esquivel. The shoes were founded in 1994. George Esquivel designed the line of high-end shoes. They are made exclusively in his California workshop by a group of artisans. Esquivel's travel to places such as Italy, Paris, and Mexico is behind the shoe design. The company produces classic men's oxfords and women's ankle boots. 
8. Alden. The shoe was founded in Middlebury, Massachusetts by Charles Alden. It initially took one craftsman a whole day to make one pair of shoes. Later, a series of inventions led to mechanized stitching and permanent operation. This gave birth to the New England shoe industry. To date, Aden continues to produce classic high-end shoes for men. It is the only remaining industry in the area.
9. Okabashi. Is a family-run business based in Buford. The company makes its entire shoe collection in the stateside. The series of flip flops and sandals is focused on health and wellness.

Where are shoes made? To continue elaborating on the question, our experts from Freaky Shoes will take you through countries that are leading manufacturers of shoes. Factors such as workers, costs, investments, and demand are attributed to determining whether or not a country becomes a top shoe manufacturer.

China is the biggest shoe manufacturer in the world. It produces a total of 12.6 billion pairs of shoes annually. Its large domestic market, minimum wage increases, and overtime allowances, and a stronger currency has given it an edge in the industry. 

Other places where shoes are made in large scale include India (2.1 billion pairs annually), Brazil (895 million pairs per year), Vietnam (760 million pairs per year), Indonesia (660 million per year), and Mexico (245 million per year) to name but a few.

The bottom line

As simple as they may appear, there is a lot to learn about shoes that will help you make the right choices. Herein Is a full guide on your footwear choices. For instance, how may pairs of shoes should you own? Does it really matter? If one pair can do it, well enough. If a thousand does well for you, whose business is it right? But one is too little!