August 2nd, 2007
New winter gear more breathable, racier
And if new shoes this fall aren’t lighter, warmer and more comfortable, don’t put the blame on the shoemakers. There was wall after wall of the footwear at this year’s show, which featured 625 exhibitors, each with claims of offering absolute comfort no matter the event at hand.
There were thousands of different shoes presented at this year’s preview of coming winter wear, which ended its four-day stay on Monday.
Birkenstock, for example, offered more than 400 different styles and had one of each displayed individually on its wall of sandals.
Not surprising is the fact that its oldest-model sandal, the Arizona, celebrating its 30th year in production, remains on the top of its sales charts. The Arizona, which sells for $89, still has the original cork footbed and double adjustable straps over the bridge of the foot.
This year, said Jennifer Mirmelstein, publicity specialist with the company, it comes in 20 material options, from tumbled leather to handcrafted denim.