When it comes to believing women's shoes can be both fashionableand functional, former orthopedic surgeon Taryn Rose stands herground.
Rose established her eponymous shoe design company in 1998,focusing on shoes that are both chic and comfortable.
Her shoe designs are flexible, contain arch supports on occasion(depending on the shoe's design) and a lining made with Poron, a foamwith long-lasting spring. They are also handmade on a round-toed formthat takes into account that there should be more room for the bigtoe than the little one.
"I thought if shoes were just made correctly in the first place, alot of women could avoid feeling the pain from their footwear," shesays. "I want footwear that can be chic and healthy for my feet."
The company has gone international with annual sales of more than$20 million and a list of celebrity fans includes Meg Ryan, OprahWinfrey and Geena Davis.
Rose will be making a personal appearance today from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. in the ladies shoe department of Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan,(312) 642-5900.
Q: What is it about women and shoes?
A: I feel women love shoes because they can immediately change herattitude, how she projects herself, and provide a little clue intoher personality. Shoes are an easy item to change because you don'thave to have a certain figure type to wear most shoes.
Q: What is the biggest mistake women make when buying shoes?
A: The biggest mistake is that if a woman needs a shoe that reallyneeds to function, they let their emotions run and are willing to buyshoes that look and feel great at the moment but after wearing themfor eight hours might not be so.
Q: How do you incorporate your expertise as an orthopedic surgeonin the design of your shoes?
A: I want to create shoes that stand for style plus ease. I don'tmake therapeutic shoes but rather shoes with a high fashion elementand a high comfort component.
Q: Can you tell us if the following thoughts about shoes are factor fiction?
u You shouldn't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
A: Fiction. It is better if you change your shoes out if not everyday then every other day not just for comfort but also to give theshoes a chance to breathe and dry out. This will help to extend thelife of the shoe.
u Your feet get bigger after being pregnant.
A: Fact. Feet tend to get about a half-size larger. It is mostlikely from the weight gain and water retention. Also, toward the endof your pregnancy your body releases hormones that tell yourligaments to relax, which may also cause the foot to spread out.
u You should never wear a completely flat shoe.
A: Fiction. Flat shoes don't flatten feet. No one is born withshoes on. The discomfort of wearing flats usually comes from womenwho are used to wearing high heels and have stretched out their legtendons.
u You should try on shoes at the end of the day.
A: Fact. This is a good time to try on shoes because your feet aremore swollen and this will definitely impact the sizing. A shoe thatis snug at 9 a.m. will be unbearable at 6 p.m.
Q: Is there an ideal heel height you recommend?
A: I don't recommend on a regular basis to go over a 2-inch heel.But I do think you can wear a 3-inch heel for more special occasions.
Q. Do you think women should give up their Manolo Blahnik's andJimmy Choo's?
A. I don't expect women to give them up but to think of them asdessert. You don't eat dessert everyday. You need to make sure youhave shoes that are the meat and potatoes of your shoe diet. I admireManolo Blahnik's designs. He makes beautiful shoes. I even own a fewpairs but I don't wear them very often. I'm not on a mission to tellwomen they can't wear these shoes, I'm just trying to advise women tobe more balanced in choosing their footwear.
Q. Can you share some of your tips for getting the proper heel-to-toe fit?
A. Have your feet measured regularly. Your feet change, both insize and shape, over time. Most of us have one foot larger than theother. Fit your shoes to your larger foot.
u Make sure the entire ball of your foot fits comfortably into thewidest part (ball pocket) of the shoe.
* If the shoe fits, wear it. Don't judge a shoe by the size on itsbox. Sizes vary between brands and styles.
* Stand up when you are trying on shoes. You want to have 3/8 ofan inch to 1/2 inch from the tip of your longest toe to the inside ofthe shoe's toe box. Otherwise, your foot can't move as you walk andwill cause your toe to bang against your shoe with each step.
* Heed your heel. It should fit comfortably in the shoe withoutpinching or slipping.
* Step off the cushy carpet in the shoe salon and look at yourfeet as you walk. The best-fitting shoe for you will conform asnearly as possible to the shape of your foot, without pressing orgapping.
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