Shoes are not Just for your Feet...

...they're for your tree too! This week we thought we'd have a little fun and see what shoe decorations are out there for Christmas time - don't pretend you don't love shoes as much as we do!

Christmas and animal print themed night out decorations, love the black boot with zebra cuff! 

Victorian inspired gold and pearl heel decoration

Victorian inspired shoe collection

Vintage style glamorous part heels 

Angel shoe boots

Shoe show stopping glitzy red statement stiletto 

Gold Cinderella inspired shoe

"Never look back, if Cinderella had gone back for her shoe she would never have become a princess" quote decoration

www.zazzle.co.uk

Naturally the majority of these are from ebay, I imagine there is a lovely selection on etsy too - both perfect websites for something a little bit different! 

Must be off....need to order some of the shoe decorations before its too late!

Footwear Picks by the Staff

Hello lovely readers!

We thought we would share with you today what our staff wear on their feet to work to keep comfortable (and warm in some cases, cough cough, me).

Starting with our lovely manageress who chose these Josef Seibel Tamara boots to wear to work

"I hate wearing socks with boots so in the winter I wanted something with a warm lining to keep my feet toasty. Made with a thick crepe sole and tough leather uppers means wearing them all day at work is not a problem - I'm still just as comfortable at closing time as I am in the morning. I love the biker boot styling to these they go perfectly with my skinny trousers."

Moving onto our Assistant Buyer who loves her Josef Seibel Sandra boots.

" I really suffer with the cold so the plush lining in these immediately

 drew me to them. They have a thick sole with good tread which is important as I walk quite a way to work every day. I love the versatility of these boots, I wear them up for work and folded over at the weekends with skinny jeans and my parka. Having narrow feet the lacing on these boots is perfect; the colour is great-they will easily take me into next season and the burnished toe adds character and interest."

Next our Senior Sales Assistant chose Clarks Orinoco Club Chelsea style boot

"Being on my feet all day I need comfortable footwear, these have Clark's soft cushioned insole with extra padding under the heel and forefoot. I was originally attracted to these because of the style I like the thick chunky non slip sole for winter but they are light enough to wear in the spring too."

Our newest staff member adores these Gabor Brogue Boots

"The detailing on these are gorgeous, I love the brogue trend and the light colour of these really brings out the punching detail. The comfort of Gabor is unlike any brand I've ever tried, they are nice and generous in the foot and padded underneath the foot. They look really smart so I can wear them on an evening out as well as to work and not worry about having painful feet!".



We don't all always wear the shoes we stock to work but we find it really helps to sell the product if people can see it being worn in front of them. We have a great mixture of comfort and fashion shoes and boots so there is something for people of all tastes. 





The Chelsea Boot. Classic in Style, Classic in Reputation.

The Chelsea boot probably evokes memories for some of the sixties and the Beatles however, although incredibly popular as they were then the Chelsea boot actually originates from the Victorians. 

J.Sparkes-Hall was the first to design a boot of this kind using vulcanised rubber and twin elastic panels. In 1851 he filed for a patent claiming that Queen Victoria walks in boots such as these daily "and thus gives the strongest proof of the value she attaches to the invention”. These elastic sided ankle boots eventually came to be called Chelsea boots.(Cited from: The Chelsea Boots Guide — Gentleman's Gazette) 

Since then the Chelsea boot has seen some slight alterations (high heels, brogue detailing to the toe, mixtures in materials) however they remain as popular today as they did then.

Feast your eyes on our Chelsea boot collection and decide which to put on your Christmas list!

Anatomic Gel Cordosa £120 

Waxy leather vintage looking uppers with contrasting coloured elastic panels and trimming. Anatomic Gel's footwear are lined with a gel and sheepskin lining cushioning each step and increasing flexibility of the shoe. Looks great with jeans and a shirt/jumper combo.

Anatomic Gel Gustavo £115

Waxed leather uppers with brogue detailing to the toe and around the elastic panels. Leather tab on rear to help with getting into the book. Made with gel and sheepskin lining for extra comfort and flexibility. Perfect with chinos and a chunky knit.

Anatomic Gel Natal £120

Classic leather styling with twin elastic panels and matching leather tabs. Made with Anatomic Gel's supremely comfortable gel and sheepskin lining making traipsing round the shops for the perfect Christmas present much for comfortable! A universally suitable boot perfect for smart or casual wear. 

Steptronic Bassett £120

Also available in black this rich leather Chelsea boot matches style with fashion nicely in this smart looking ensemble. Made with Steptronic's unique gel and sheepskin lining ensuring dinner with friends after a long day at work is always a yes! Brogue detailing takes this boot to another level. Simply divine with trousers, a shirt and trench coat.

Timberland 5033A £120

Finishing off with a rugged oiled leather pull on by Timberland made with a removable anti-fatigue sole unit for increased comfort. Thick rugged soles make this perfect for weekend walking while the styling embodies Timberland to the letter. Casual with lashings of personality. 

What do you think of Chelsea boots? How do you style yours?

Pedro Miralles - Beautifully Crafted Spanish Footwear

Pedro Miralles began as a small family run company in the 1950's gradually expanding to foreign markets from the 70's on-wards. Pedro Miralles remains a family run company to this day; constantly striving to reach new customers all over the world and discover better manufacturing methods to enable them to increase their collections yearly. 

We began stocking Pedro Miralles three years ago and have now created a relationship with the brand and a firm position within our store. Below is our current Autumn Winter 2013 Pedro Miralles fashion collection.

(Please note: Pedro Miralles products tend to come up slightly narrower on the foot.)

Pedro Miralles 5425 - available in navy or berry both key colours this season and both colours that work well with any existing colour palette. 

Built with a crepe effect wedge and contrasting laces to really make the colour stand of the suede pop. 

Great for every day or an evening out - the red looks stunning with grey and the blue simply perfect with jeans and a blouse. 

Mix the berry wedges with a bit of orange to really spice things up or keep it cool and tonal with khaki's and jewel green. 

Wear the navy with your baby pink coat (if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one!) or a traditional style parka for an every day look. 

Pedro Miralles 7181 - a buttery soft leather knee high boot with a full inside zip and chunky heel is a must in all wardrobes. 

Burgundy is the new black due to its versatility and constant autumnal feel - the colour matches so well with everything and the rich deep tone lifts dull wintry spirits. 

If black is your thing or you just need to replace your old faithfuls look no further - the slim fit on this boot adds shape and elegance to every outfit. 

These boots style themselves; simple yet classic - add these to your footwear collection and you won't be sorry! 

Pedro Miralles 7429 - this simple yet classic shoe is the epitome of Pedro Miralles; classic styling, rich colours, beautiful materials with a twist. 

This fantastic take on an every day loafer adds comfort and fun to any wardrobe. 

Tassel and gold eyelet detail hint at the well loved moccasin styling with the bib front, elongated shape and patent block heel make it a high contender in the fashion stakes. 

Looks perfect with just about any outfit. 

Pedro Miralles 7305 - a stunning version of the popular riding boot style with gold buckle embellishment and gold detailing to the heel.

Made with rich, beautifully supple leather uppers and a durable rubber sole unit with Pedro Miralles emblem.

These stylish boots work just as well with daytime dresses, cardigans and scarfs as they do with skinnies and sequined top for the evening. 

The gold detailing brings another element to the boot allowing for a perfect match with statement jewellery or a simple classic watch. 

Comfort, style and glamour all in one riding boot - who would've thought?!  

Here is our metal toe cap story (more about this here). At Hoads we love having a family of shoes that we can merchandise together in-store for maximum impact. 

The Pedro Miralles 7440 ankle boot, navy and black 7426 pumps and 7451 black court shoe once again take classic styling and add a splash of interest here in the case of gold toe cap with Pedro Miralles family shield engraved into it. 

Toe caps are hugely on trend at the moment especially metallic ones - they add interest opulence without becoming garish or looking too overdone.

 Here is just some of our beautiful Pedro Miralles collection, the rest can be viewed in-store or on our website here. 

Have you fallen in love with Pedro like we have? Stay tuned for their Spring/Summer collection (if you can think that far ahead, its too cold to even contemplate toes being on show!). 

Dry Feet = Happy Feet

Now its that time of year again (well actually it happens quite frequently throughout the year!) where the temperatures drop, the wind picks up and the rain/sleet/snow begins to fall. With most of you walking to work or to the station, bus stop or school in this horrible weather its the busiest time in store for wellingtons and waterproof footwear.

We believe dry feet are happy feet so here is our best of the best to keep you and your toes smiling!

(Disclaimer, all of the below information is sourced from the corresponding websites.)

Women's Romika Nadja 35115 £75 

Warm fleece lining with inside zip and lacing up the front for a more comfortable fit, rubber sole unit with plenty of grip and treated with Top Dry Tex making this boot 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable. Also machine washable at 30 degrees!

Women's Romika Spike 54515 £95

The leather uppers of this boot are treated with Top Dry Tex making them 100% waterproof, breathable and windproof. The leather makes this boot extremely hard wearing while the lacing up the front allows for a more tailored and comfortable fit. A wool lining provides extra cushioning underfoot and extra warmth; made with reversible snow spikes making this boot suitable for all wintery occasions. 

Unisex Romika Alaska 01/Yukon 01 £79.99/£89.99

This Romika boot has Top Dry Tex Waterproof, Windproof and breathable uppers, a micro fiber plush warm lining with removable foot bed and a PU direct injected Romika grip sole making it flexible and hardwearing.

Women's Romika Alaska 02 £85

This Romika boot has a Top Dry Tex membrane to guarantee a 100% waterproof boot whilst also being machine washable at 30 degrees. The plush lining provides extra warmth without creating extra moisture. Toggle system at the front allows for a comfortable and tailored fit.

Women's Romika Alaska 118 £69.99

This Romika winter boot is made with a Top Dry Tex membrane which guarantees the boot to be 100% waterproof while also being machine washable at 30 degrees. The plush lining provides extra warmth and the removable footbed allows the boot to breathe when not in use. A front zip and lacing system allows for easy access into the boot and the sole is lightweight and flexible making it easy to wear and carry.

Men's Romika Yukon 02 £89.99

This Romika boot has been treated with Top Dry Tex making it 100% waterproof and breathable. Made with a warm insole and zip on the side for easy access into the boot.

The above boots are suitable for wind, rain, snow and basic every day use. The boots below are your heavy duty, facing freezing temperatures kinda footwear - and David Beckham has a pair...just saying. 

Men's Sorel Caribou £155

The Sorel Caribou boot has nubuck leather uppers and a handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell that are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides sure footing. Rated to minus 40 degrees.

Women's Sorel Caribou £125

This Sorel boot has nubuck leather uppers and handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell are seam-sealed for complete waterproofness and lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides sure footing. Rated to minus 40 degrees.

Women's Sorel Tofino £160

The Sorel Tofino boot has a lightweight quilted upper that is made of waterproof waxed canvas with a durable leather shell topped with a fab faux fur collar. Inside, a Sherpa Pile lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable and a molded rubber outsole for excellent traction.

Women's Sorel Tofino Nylon £160

This Sorel boot has a tough, nylon upper and PU coated leather shell that features a waterproof breathable membrane construction so feet stay dry and comfortable; inside, 100 grams of insulation join forces with a cozy fleece lining to create a cocoon of warmth. Made with a removable, molded EVA footbed and molded rubber outsole.

So there you have it, our warm and waterproof collection for men and women. We might not all look as cool as some in our winter boots, but at least our feet are dry and warm!

Happy shopping! 

A Toe Cap Story

(Image sourced from google images)

The toe cap style has been around for quite some time now - originating from Chanel with their gorgeous quilted balled pumps with contrasting toe cap. This season has seen them being revived with metallics and new toe shapes. Whether you go for sky scraper heels with a pointed toe, flat pumps or an ankle boot there is a way to work the trend for all ages and wardrobes. 

Here is our toe cap story....

Pedro Miralles 7426 Black £95

Pedro Miralles 7426 Navy £95

Pedro Miralles 7440 Black £110

Pedro Miralles 7451 Black £95

Cefalu Modern Black, Wine and Grey £69

Cefalu Mollyn Taupe £69

Cefalu Zaput Navy, Purple and Black £79

Gabor 74.106 Black & Grey £85

Gabor 75.353 Black £79.99 

Gabor 76.471 Black £65

What do you think of the toe cap trend? Have you given it a try?