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Sole Mates
The Globe Gazette, Apr 10, 2005
Today, more than ever, there are shoes to fit everyone’s sense of individual style and budget.
Men have more options in styles, with sandals, loafers, sneakers and dress shoes while women have choices in colors from pastel to neon in wedges, flats, heels, sandals and sneakers.
According to Steve Ruzeck, owner and manager of Brown’s Shoe Fit Company in Mason City, the common denominator across the board in men’s and women’s shoes is one word – comfort.
“If it’s a great new style but doesn’t feel good from the first step, people will keep looking,” he stated.
Ruzeck, who has been in the shoe business for more than 14 years, estimates that men will have about five pairs of shoes at one time: a dress shoe, a pair of yard or garage shoes, a pair of san-dals and a couple of pair of either work boots or tennis shoes.
“Men will come in to replace a pair that has just been completely worn out,” he said. “It’s not like women who will have a pair for every outfit.”
Women, Ruzeck said, often have between 10 and 30 pairs of shoes, with the styles matching the season trends.
This summer the trend is for a lot of color, with neon pinks and greens topping the list along with open-back shoes.
“The shoe industry as a whole is more casual than dress,” Ruzeck said. “Very practical and com-fortable shoes.”
Walking sandals, canvas sneakers and tennis shoes are getting lighter. Brands like Wolky offer a “self-forming” foot bed, and most shoes are offering a wider, deeper toe box for comfort.
Of the hundreds of styles that Ruzeck carries at the store, the surprise hit for the summer are the very unique “Crocs.”
A lightweight unisex clog, “Crocs” were initially designed as a gardening shoe but were quickly picked up by people looking for a bright, colorful, comfortable shoe.
“They come in about 10 different colors,” Ruzeck said. “I think they wouldn’t be so popular if they only came in black.”
Wearing a bright pink pair of “Crocs,” Sally Bernard was talking with Ruzeck, trying to decide on the color for her second pair.
“I would like red, but either the pale blue or royal blue would work,” Bernard said. “I bought my first pair a couple of weeks ago after a friend recommended them. I love bright colors and these shoes are like walking on air.”
“People are still looking for the next big item in shoes,” Ruzeck said. “The “Crocs” are gaining in popularity.”
Mindy Baker
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