The most comfortable shoes for men. What shoes are produced

When the light autumn coolness smoothly turns into a real winter cold, it is very important to change light shoes for warmer shoes in time. This will protect against seasonal colds. For the representatives of the stronger sex, in most cases, high-quality men's shoes are more suitable. Winter types of shoes can be different, but boots or ugg boots are not always appropriate, and if you also have to comply with the office dress code, then the problem is exacerbated. I would like to combine quality, aesthetic appearance, and not overpay for such an acquisition, and for this it is advisable to carefully understand this issue.

Durability of winter boots

The problem with modern shoes is annoying impracticality, and it's very annoying when, in a matter of a couple of months, apparently quite decent men's shoes fall apart. Winter models, which are offered in the markets and in cheap stores, rarely make it to spring, and in especially neglected cases, they begin to let water through after a couple of weeks of wearing even in relatively prosperous urban conditions.

Even cheap boots designed for one season should last in acceptable condition from the onset of cold weather to spring heat, but in practice this is extremely rare. It turns out that it is more profitable to purchase high-quality shoes that will last more than one season, ideally at least two to three years. Since men's shoes are less subject to fashion changes, there is unlikely to be any loss on the aesthetic side.

What boots are needed in a winter city?

The modern metropolis is a rather contradictory environment. On the one hand, there are asphalt roads around, on the other hand, the sidewalk can quickly and unobtrusively turn into impassable mud, and the mixture of sand makes shoes unusable in record time. So what should men's winter boots be like in order to reliably protect their feet from cold and moisture, and at the same time so that their quality matches the declared price?

On average, shoes should be comfortable and warm enough so that the owner can spend several hours outside at a temperature of about 20 degrees below zero without compromising health and well-being. The fitting will be the starting selection criterion, and if the shoes are tight even slightly, then the feet will freeze in them. Therefore, you need to try on winter shoes while you should be able to move your fingers freely.

What are the criteria for quality winter boots?

Everything needs to be evaluated, and first of all it is important to know the classification. Men's winter boots are enough which should reach the beginning of the ankle. The so-called low shoes slightly open the ankle joint and are suitable for relatively dry and not too frosty weather.

High quality genuine leather outperforms all synthetics, calfskin is better than pigskin, and pressed is the lowest grade among natural materials. An insulated lining is also highly desirable - fur or high-tech synthetics, which sometimes costs more. According to this description, brief characteristics can be compiled, according to which high-quality men's winter boots are genuine leather, natural fur. And do not forget about the material and structure of the sole.

The grooved "tractor" sole shows itself best of all in winter, providing reliable grip even with slippery pavement powdered with snow. At the same time, the protrusions of the sole should be large enough, with deep and wide grooves between them. Leather thin sole is only suitable for moving in a car, a maximum of a few steps along the sidewalk from the car to the office door.

You also need to evaluate the strength of the seams, the number of parts, the quality of the sole attachment. There are no trifles in this matter.

and other materials for winter boots

As mentioned above, high-quality men's winter boots are genuine leather, natural fur, plus a semi-rigid tractor sole. Leatherette shoes may look good, but they are not suitable even for greenhouse conditions.

Calfskin is the most expensive, but also one of the most durable options. The winter boots are made of rather thick leather, which is additionally processed for increased water resistance and resistance to surface damage. Pigskin is less practical, but can last an average of three to four seasons, especially with proper care.

A special issue is elegant suede boots. As a rule, they look great, they are pleasant to wear, but in a wet urban winter they quickly lose their decent appearance. Cleaning off salt stains and dirt from suede is much more difficult. However, this is not a reason to refuse a purchase, it is simply advisable to leave suede boots for clear, dry cold days.

Material and structure of the sole

Expensive and elegant shoes may have leather soles, but they are only suitable for offices and well-groomed alleys. Sticking prophylaxis will not solve the problem. Rubber or polyurethane soles are suitable for good wear-resistant shoes, but different manufacturers use very different materials for this. Low-quality polyurethane becomes stiff in the cold and can burst under a certain load. However, serious firms use higher quality raw materials.

The sole is attached by vulcanization. This is one of the best options. ECCO shoes are made in this way. If the usual firmware is used, then you will have to additionally process the boots to increase moisture resistance, but it’s not a fact that the result will suit you.

The best results are shown by the structured outsole from brands such as Vibram. This company produces sports and semi-sports shoes, including those for long walks. The service life of branded shoes can easily exceed ten years.

What lining to choose?

Any artificial fur can be immediately considered a decorative application designed to mislead the buyer. It heats up very relatively, quickly falls off, wipes off and “loses weight”. If you already choose synthetic insulation, let it be a special structured material that is used in branded sports shoes. It reliably isolates from moisture, while leaving room for air microcirculation.

Good winter boots with fur are made of leather lined with natural sheepskin. This is a fairly dense and warm fur, over time it slightly falls off the insole, forming something similar to felt, which has taken on the individual characteristics of the foot. But rabbit or hare fur, despite all its naturalness, can be considered a waste of money. Such a heater "balds" in a matter of weeks.

Laces or other types of fasteners?

There can be practically no disagreement here: a zipper on classic men's boots is inappropriate, as well as Velcro or puffs. Options are possible only on the appropriate sports shoe or even then in combination with reliable laces. For example, Adidas men's winter boots are high-quality and comfortable shoes, but they don't match the official suit at all.

Choice of boots by price

In the lower price segment there is a market, cheap shops and, to some extent, chains like "Tsentroobuv". The determining criterion when such budget winter boots are purchased is the price. Men's models for 2000 rubles cannot be worn for a long time, by definition, but with luck, they will last until the middle of winter. Of course, we are talking about daily wear in different conditions, including bad weather.

practicality leaders

Thanks to modern materials and the latest shoe making techniques, visual differences between shoe types can be blurred. For example, they can look quite modest and concise, almost within the office dress code, but at the same time they retain a high degree of practicality. For everyday wear with a semi-formal suit, these shoes fit almost perfectly.

According to customer reviews, of the companies represented on our market, the leadership is held by the top three companies - Columbia, Garmont and Merell. Three to five seasons, such boots can withstand perfectly, it is enough to take care of them regularly. They are followed by the brands Caterpiller, Salomon and Ecco. The products of all listed companies use Vibram, GTX, Gore-tex or Sympatex technologies, already proven by consumers, not only in urban conditions, but also in long transitions of medium severity over rough terrain.

When choosing winter boots, it is better to pay attention to the products of reputable companies that rely on quality and their own reputation, and not on momentary quick profits.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that your health, and sometimes life, depends on whether you know how to choose winter shoes. Frost, slush, ice, reagents that are generously sprinkled on the roads - all these are real tests for boots and boots, and not every pair will cope with them. Therefore, to feel warm and comfortable, choose shoes responsibly. To help you, we have collected basic tips for choosing winter shoes.

Upper materials

The answer to the question of how to choose high-quality shoes for winter lies primarily in the right choice of material from which its upper is sewn. Despite the development of technology, the shelves of most stores are still divided into two parts: more expensive shoes made from natural materials and budget options made from artificial materials. Genuine leather can be smooth and fleecy - this variety includes suede, velor, and nubuck, beloved by many. Consider the pros and cons of each type of shoe.

Smooth natural leather holds heat well, restores its shape after deformation, endures low temperatures, repels moisture, and prevents the foot from sweating. In addition, natural leather is able to adapt to the shape of your foot when worn, so it is more comfortable.

Shaggy types of leather - suede, velor or nubuck - have most of these properties. The only exception is that they allow moisture to pass through and, moreover, under the influence of water and dirt, they can lose their neat appearance. Salvation can be special sprays, but they cannot be called a panacea. Therefore, in bad weather, it is better not to wear such shoes. But it has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for holiday exits.

Modern industry has invented hundreds of synthetic materials for making shoes, but no matter how good they are, they cannot keep up with genuine leather in quality. Leatherette shoes are less durable - as a rule, they last for one season. It is not as warm and less comfortable. The biggest plus of shoes made from non-natural materials is the low price.

Sports shoes should be placed in a separate category. Synthetic materials and heaters like foam rubber are often used for it. As a rule, they do a good job of maintaining heat. But to wear such shoes with business-style clothes, you see, will not work.

How to choose quality shoes

1. To determine whether a shoe is made of genuine or artificial leather, gently touch it with a needle. Genuine leather will bend elastically, and then restore its shape, a puncture mark will remain on the fake one.
2. Examine the pair carefully and find places where you can see the wrong side of the material. If a fabric base is found there, it is leatherette.
3. Evaluate the quality of the seams - the manufacturer of good shoes will not save on its processing.
4. Examine the heel counter adjacent to the heel - it should be firm, but pliable to hold the foot. From the inside, it should be covered with a bike or leather. It is pointless to make the backdrop furry - the pile will be wiped off instantly.
5. The sole should be firmly and neatly fastened - without smudges of glue or knocked down protruding threads if the shoes are stitched.

Interior decoration

It is clear that one of the best options for the interior of winter shoes is natural fur. It perfectly maintains heat and does not allow the foot to sweat. In addition, it does not fall off for a long time, which means that an air gap is preserved between its villi, thanks to which the leg does not freeze.

To distinguish natural from artificial insulation, you need to push the villi and examine the base of the lining. If you see a fabric base there, then the insulation is not natural.

Please note that often manufacturers use different linings for the top and bottom of shoes. In hard-to-reach places adjacent to the foot, low-quality material may suddenly appear.

The insoles of winter shoes should be soft enough. Well, if they have a Seitz roller - a special thickening under the forefoot.

Sole

The minimum thickness of the sole for winter shoes is one centimeter. Keep in mind that the thinner it is, the sooner the leg will cool. The best materials are polyurethane, rubber, polyvinyl chloride. A good "grip" to the surface provides a corrugated pattern, but sometimes it is not enough. If the shoes turned out to be slippery, you can ask the workshop to glue special linings on them. However, this will require additional costs.

Heel

Modern doctors are gradually moving away from the idea that comfortable and safe shoes must have a heel. We will not interfere in the discussions of orthopedists and note only one thing: high-heeled winter boots are not an option for every day, and you need to move in them as carefully as possible.

A more or less safe heel height for hiking on snow and ice is up to five centimeters. At the same time, it is better that the heel is wide and stable.

Make sure that under load the heel does not move back, and the toe, even without your weight, does not rise more than one centimeter above the floor. If these requirements are not met, it will be very difficult for you to stay on your feet in ice, and in general it will be uncomfortable.

Lightning

Immediately appreciate how neatly and competently the zipper is sewn. On the inside, a valve should adjoin to it, which will allow you not to tear your socks and tights when fastening and not damage the zipper itself. At the same time, it should not reach the bottom of the shoe, otherwise water will constantly get inside through the fastener.

How to choose the size of winter shoes

1. Come to the shoe store in the afternoon when your feet are already a little swollen.
2. If you plan to wear shoes with a sock, put it on immediately when you try it on.
3. Put on new shoes and measure how far from the edge of the shoe your big toe is. Experts say that it is optimal if it is one centimeter. In any case, make sure that all your fingers are not squeezed inside, and they can crack. In places where shoes constrain the foot, in winter there is a great danger of frostbite.
4. Leather shoes should sit comfortably, but at the same time fit snugly around the foot (recall that leather is able to take the shape of your foot over time).
5. Keep in mind that if leather shoes are broken in, then only in width. If your thumb is not free in it when trying on, even a long sock will not change anything - it will always be so.

1. Shoes made of genuine smooth leather with a heel no more than five centimeters are the most practical and safe.
2. Assessing the material from which the lining is made, examine not only the top, but also the part where the foot is placed directly. Manufacturers often skimp on the inconspicuous parts of their products.
3. Press down on the instep of the boot in the middle - the heel should not move back.
4. Winter shoes should not be tight - in places where they will squeeze the leg, you risk getting frostbite.
5. The sole of high-quality winter shoes cannot be thinner than one centimeter.

The warmth and dryness of the feet is one of the main guarantees of a reliable and comfortable image in the cold season. Winter shoes should not only meet fashion trends and current style, but also have practical and protective qualities. Therefore, designers pay attention to all aspects in new collections - from beautiful design to the quality of materials and fittings.

Women's winter shoes

In modern fashion, the choice of stylish accessories is so large that you can easily choose a model in an individual style, based on personal taste and practical requirements. Warm winter shoes for women are presented in any style direction, which makes it possible to complete with comfort and security not only a bow for every day, but also elegant combinations, business ensembles. It is very important to choose an option that correctly combines the beauty of appearance and the reliability of materials and style. To do this, you also need to understand which model to choose for a particular wardrobe.

Casual winter shoes

The main feature of accessories for every day is their ability to provide comfort during a long stay on the street. Therefore, it is important to take into account such qualities as waterproofness, good insulation and comfortable style. In the latest collections, popular women's winter casual shoes are represented by leather, suede and nubuck boots and boots. Most of the proposed options had a flat base or a low, stable rise. And to make the image interesting and stylish, the design is decorated with bows, lacing, rivets and buckles, fur.

Winter work boots

If your professional activity is related to work in the fresh air, then special attention should be paid to comfort and protection from the cold of the feet. Such winter shoes for women are represented by a model range that excludes all kinds of rises and blocks. A straight sole is the main feature of work accessories. Designers offer a tractor-based option or non-slip ice pads in the kit. Timberland-style boots are a stylish all-round choice for the entire winter period. In the season of dry frosty weather, they will be an excellent solution.

Waterproof winter boots

During the snowmelt period, many models of winter leg accessories lose their practicality. Often for wet weather, designers offer to purchase a separate option. Popular women's winter waterproof shoes are. Lightweight polyurethane base and raincoat top will not only keep your feet dry, but also keep them warm in any weather. Especially for snowmelt, fashion designers present rubber boots with insulation. The warm element of the shoe can be removed, which makes the accessory versatile, or be a one-piece product.

Winter sports shoes

The most convenient option for active and energetic fashionistas will be the sports style option. Insulated sneakers, sneakers and slip-ons are represented by a wide selection of not only models, but also types of design. The actual solution is high women's winter sports shoes. Insulated hi-tops will more reliably protect the legs from getting wet and freezing than understated accessories. In the snowmelt season, platform sports models become relevant. And so that moisture does not get through the lacing, pay attention to the presence of an additional fastener with a wide Velcro.

Winter shoes for outdoor activities

The choice of a leg wardrobe for fashionistas who prefer energetic hikes, ski resorts and winter sports should rely on design versatility. An important feature is the lightness of accessories, especially if you are looking for running shoes in winter. The best solution was boots and boots made of synthetic material, supplemented with a thermoregulating membrane. A well-known manufacturer of such models is the popular American brand Columbia. The company's designers stylishly combine the practicality and reliability of materials in a design that meets fashion trends.

Fashionable women's winter shoes

The latest leg wardrobe fashion collections have presented a wide variety of styles with an emphasis on some innovations. Firstly, the designers paid special attention to the color scheme. Bright style remained at the peak of popularity. And when choosing a universal color, fashion designers insist on neutral tones of the natural range, moving away from the classic black and white. Secondly, if earlier the fashionable novelties of the seasons corresponded to any style, then at the last shows the best winter shoes are distinguished by moderate models - high ankle boots and boots.

Winter platform shoes

Thick high soles are a passing trend. Women's winter platform shoes will help to complete any style of clothing. After all, a high base complements comfortable sneakers and sneakers, classic boots and ankle boots, casual boots, dutiks, ugg boots. Both a flat design and a variant with a curved block are in fashion. Combinations of the platform with other types of bases are also popular - tractor soles, heels, wedges. The versatility of such shoes also does not remain in the shade. Designers offer a laconic and monochromatic design or a stylish decor with fur, rhinestones, stripes, appliqués and more.

Winter wedge shoes

The sophisticated triangle last remains a stylish alternative to high insteps for fashionistas who spend a lot of time on their feet. Women's winter wedge shoes are popular for their elegance and restraint at the same time. Therefore, the most common models in this design are classic styles - high boots, over the knee boots, ankle boots. If your style is more liberated, then a hidden wedge heel will be an actual choice for you, which can also decorate casual accessories - sneakers, sneakers.

Winter shoes with heels

The choice of shoes with heels in the winter season is the perfect solution to emphasize the grace and femininity that a bulky wardrobe diligently hides. This type of pad has become the most versatile in women's fashion. After all, the heel complements not only elegant classics, but also sports style, original romantic, images of grunge, informal and gothic, and so on. Today, any design and shape is popular:

The warmest winter shoes for women

Not in all regions, winter pleases us with comfortable frosty days with sunny weather. Often the choice of accessories is based on increased security features. Common boots and boots with eurofur or moderate insulation are suitable for ensembles up to a certain low air temperature. Standard mode - from 0 to -10 degrees. But what if you have to stay in conditions of more severe frosts? In this case, the warmest shoes for the winter for women will be relevant.

With the approach of winter, especially during the first frosts, it becomes quite cool to walk down the street in our summer shoes. Cold rain or snow can easily ruin a good pair of shoes and get your feet wet when you're out of the office or home for a couple of minutes. Obviously, this should not be the case and it is necessary to take measures to protect against bad weather.

In this article, we'll discuss some guidelines to follow during the winter, as well as how to choose winter shoes to match your outfit. Whether it's a formal dress code or a casual style, you should have your own pair of shoes that will protect you from moisture, cold and will not let you catch a cold.

If you often walk, for example, from home to work and back, then in winter you will have a whole road with obstacles in the form of snowdrifts and puddles. If you intend to wear your favorite thin-soled brogues or moccasins, I'm afraid you will come to work very cold and wet. Thin soles and low heels (men's shoes) do not allow water protection. Moisture gets into the joint between the sole and the base of the shoe, as soon as you step into wet snow or a puddle.

To solve the problem, I recommend purchasing a pair of thick-soled shoes. It does not look as stylish, but it will certainly protect against shallow puddles that are found on the sidewalk. In addition, a thick layer of rubber retains heat longer. Obviously, the ground you walk on is cold, so the sole should be thicker.

Do not walk on reagents that are sprinkled in winter

Men's shoes made of smooth leather are the best solution if you wear a classic men's suit. Suede and soft leather will quickly absorb all possible reagents, as soon as you go to work in them. Salt stains can no longer be removed and the shoes can be thrown away.

However, leather shoes also need protection from chemicals. Before heading outside, be sure to smear them with shoe polish and polish them to a shine. It's even better if you use shoe wax, which will definitely prevent the salt from soaking into the leather. For more information on how to clean shoes, you can read in the article.

What to do if salt gets on your shoes and salt stains form

No panic. The main thing on time, without waiting for free time and weekends, is to wipe the shoes with a solution of water and vinegar. Pour a glass (250 ml.) of warm water and add a tablespoon of vinegar (vinegar - concentrate 70%, not diluted 6%). Wet a cotton rag with the vinegar solution and apply it to the salt stains before cleaning your shoes well. Go through all the seams and joints on the shoes to be sure to remove all the salt.

100% snow and moisture protection

If you're buying expensive shoes that you love to wear, but are afraid to even imagine what salt will do to them on the winter streets, then there is a great solution for you. On sale, many famous brands have special galoshes (or galoshes) that are worn on top of classic shoes and completely cover them from reagents. Although in the store there are also universal galoshes that can be matched to your shoes. Yes, it's not so stylish when you are wearing rubber galoshes, but you can take them off at the office and not worry about the condition of your expensive shoes. If you are a practical person, then this is the best solution for you.

What to do if the shoes are already wet?

There are times when no matter how we go around the puddles and step into the slush, we still manage to get our shoes wet. Here is a list of tips on how to dry your shoes:

• Remove any moisture from the shoes with a dry cotton rag. Both inside and outside.
• If the shoes get very wet, stuff more paper napkins or newspapers inside so that all the moisture is absorbed there. Leave shoes to dry completely.
• Do not place shoes close to radiators or heaters. Everything should dry at room temperature, otherwise you risk ruining shoes, especially leather ones.
• After the shoes have dried, be sure to smear them with shoe polish or wax and polish to a shine. How to do it is written here.

How to choose winter shoes

In our northern regions, where sometimes the thermometer shows -30 Celsius and below, it is simply vital to have shoes with fur. There are not so many shoe companies that focus on the production of shoes for countries with a harsh climate, and the models of shoes for the Russian winter are an order of magnitude (10 times exactly) lower. Things are even worse with business shoes with fur, which can be matched with a classic suit.

Having searched for shoes in the expanses of hypermarkets and shops, we still managed to find a number of shoes that can be purchased for both formal and formal clothing. Please note that I do not advertise the brand of shoes, I only show, in my opinion, interesting models for purchase.

Shoes with fur

This is perhaps more exotic than shoes for everyone. I managed to find several models that are suitable for a classic suit and business dress code and will not allow you to freeze on the street.

Classic boots

The best choice for a business dress code in winter are classic boots with fur made of genuine leather. If you wear them under trousers, then they will look almost like ordinary classic shoes, except that they look a little more massive.

Work boots

In all the variety of winter shoes for men, there are models for smart casual style. Interesting models are offered by Red Wing, Timberland, Wolverine, CAT. Here are some suitable options:

Duck boots

This shoe is perfect for walking in very wet weather. Duck boots are boots with a rubber toe that resembles duck feet. It is unlikely that you dare to wear such boots under a classic suit, but you can safely wear them under jeans.

As part of the rolling study of Roskachestvo, men's shoes of the 30 most popular brands on the Russian market were studied. Shoes and low shoes are checked for 40 quality and safety indicators. Five samples are Russian-made, the rest are imported. Among the shoes made abroad, 11 pairs are made in China, 4 in Italy, 3 in Germany, 2 in India, 2 in Portugal and one each in Cambodia, Romania and Turkey. According to the results of laboratory tests, footwear samples of four brands were recognized as high quality goods. The leaders were men's low shoes of the Paris Commune (Russia), Zenden (China), Hugo Boss (Germany), Clarks Tilden Plain (India) brands. They meet the requirements of the current quality and safety standards, as well as the requirements of the advanced Roskachestvo standard. Of all high-quality samples, only domestically produced goods can qualify for the Russian Quality Mark. About how the tests were conducted and what conclusions the experts made, read on.

RUSSIAN QUALITY SYSTEM STANDARD

The Roskachestvo standard for men's shoes with leather uppers is identical in its main parameters to the current GOST and has tougher requirements for tailoring and toxicity. The required level of production localization is 56%

More about the requirements for shoes: GOST, TR TS, Roskachestvo

Requirements for footwear are legally established by GOST ( GOST 26167-2005 “Casual footwear. General technical conditions») and technical regulations of the Customs Union ( TR TS 017/2011 "On the safety of light industry products", Art. 4, 6, 9, etc. 5, 8).

Roskachestvo has established improved parameters (STO) for shoes in three positions.

1. Requirements for tailoring.

The following defects are not allowed:

• poorly stretched, torn and poorly stitched lining, folds on the lining;
• lagging of the lining from the heels;
• fallen line;
• poorly riveted or asymmetrically spaced blocks and hooks;
• weakly or obliquely stitched tongues; two excessively closely spaced lines;
• poorly tightened line and stitch skipping; unequal distance between parallel lines and lines and edges of parts;
• wrinkling of details along the line of lines, etc.;
• different lengths of socks, vamps, ankle boots, toe caps, heel wings in a pair;
• different height of berets, backs in a pair;
• poor shaping of the edges of tightened shoes;
• bumps, wrinkles and folds of the top of the shoe along the edge of the insoles, deformation of the top;
• shortened welt, deformation of the welt;
• burrs in shoe parts formed during vulcanization or casting, adhesive film;
• lag of the decorative welt from the side surface;
• lagging of the side of the sole from the side surface.

2. The content of water-washable chromium (VI) in the finished product.
3. Mass fraction of free formaldehyde in the finished product.

Leather or leatherette?

Genuine leather shoes are expensive. But the buyer hopes that in such shoes or boots he will be more comfortable than in leatherette shoes. In addition, there is an opinion that artificial leather products quickly lose their appearance and become unusable. The main fear of the consumer is what if expensive leather shoes are made of leatherette?

To make sure the manufacturers are honest, Roskachestvo used two methods. First, experts dripped lye onto the leather of the shoe upper. Natural leather dissolves in an aggressive environment, but artificial leather remains intact.

However, if the manufacturer impregnates genuine leather with special preparations so that the shoes can withstand the pressure of street reagents and look like new for longer, the alkali may not work.

This happened with the Zara sample. The fact that the material is natural leather, just very durable, treated with dressings *, experts have established by examining a section of the material under a microscope.

* Liquid dressings (dressings) for the skin are colored saponified aqueous solutions of various resins that are applied to the skin with a sponge or brush and, after drying, give a good gloss.

All samples that took part in the study are made of genuine leather!

Chromium, formaldehyde and bad odors

An important topic is the toxicity of shoes. Poisonous substances such as formaldehyde and chromium (VI) can be sources of health hazard. It is to the content of these two substances in the finished product that Roskachestvo has established requirements.

For reference

Where do toxic substances in shoes come from and why do the current GOST and TR TS do not regulate their content? The fact is that, according to the current legislation, only raw materials are checked for formaldehyde content: this is leather, which is later used to make the upper part of the product or lining. It usually contains no formaldehyde. But when the manufacturer connects this skin to the lining, it uses glue. If the glue is aldehyde, then a priori it is a source of formaldehyde.

As for chromium, it is used for tanning leather. At the same time, shoes made of leather treated with hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen, are quite rare. Now almost all leather for shoes is treated with trivalent chromium salts. They, contacting the collagen of the skin, become safe.

Our expert Alexandra Andrunakievich, Director General of the Russian Union of Leather and Shoemakers, notes that there is no hexavalent chromium in Russian leather:

– Our skin is being tested in Russian and European laboratories. And there is no free hexavalent chromium in shoes made of such leather and cannot be.

But as for imported shoes from China and other Asian countries, I cannot give a guarantee. Chinese manufacturers often use "dirty" chromium tanning agents, which may contain hexavalent chromium. This is a really dangerous chemical material, which should be buried using the technologies of radioactive substances. According to our standards, this material should not be present in the skin.

Ready-made shoes literally turn into a time bomb ... The health of the buyer remains on the conscience of the manufacturer. Why are the necessary changes not being made to the laws?

Alexandra Andrunakievich explains:

- At present, technical regulations governing the safety of light industry goods and goods for children are supranational documents, approved by the EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission. - Ed.).

Making changes to the regulations takes years, it is difficult to make changes to the TR CU, but if there is a problem, it must be solved.

Formaldehyde and hexavalent chromium were not found in the studied samples. In addition, there are no other toxic elements in the studied shoes that can affect the toxicity index. However, there is a risk of buying toxic shoes. And most importantly, in connection with the current legislation, such manufacturers cannot be called violators.

Another indicator that everyone who has ever bought shoes, boots, boots is probably familiar with is the unpleasant smell of brand new shoes. Most likely, dressings, resins for impregnating leather, smell like this. Indirectly, smell can signal toxicity.

Alexandra Andrunakievich comments:

- A strong smell in shoes can be caused by "dirty" chemical materials that are harmful to health. It is advisable to refrain from buying such shoes.

There are no "fragrant" violators among the studied samples. Experts noted the most pronounced smell in low shoes Zara And Pierre Cardin however, it is within the normal range.

Strong, durable and true to size?

It is unlikely that the buyer will like it if shoes made from the finest leather are sewn somehow.

Firstly, these are signs of marriage: bad lines, irregularities, burrs indicate poor quality control of tailoring.

Secondly, if there are creases in the heel or the lining wrinkles, such shoes can rub the foot.

According to the tailoring requirements established by Roskachestvo, deviations were found in shoe samples of 13 brands:

• Freccia by Tervolin a - glue burrs on the heel.
• Eco- fallen lines, asymmetrically spaced blocks, obliquely stitched tongues, unequal distance between parallel lines.
• Mascotte– folds on the lining (heel).
• Aldo And mango man- folds on the lining, unequal distance between the lines.
• Thomas Munz- Wrinkled lining.
• Tommy Hilfiger- wrinkled lining and unevenly attached insole.
• Zara- dents on the insole.
• Marks & Spencer- poorly stretched lining.
• Bata- poorly stitched lining, folds on the lining, lagging of the lining from the heel.
• T.J. Collection- wrinkles on the lining, wrinkles and bumps on the insole, lagging of the insole from the inside of the side surface.
• Rieker- unequal distance between parallel lines, different heights of backs in a pair.
• "Unichel"– folds on the lining, lagging of the lining from the heel, uneven stitching.

The experts also focused on the strength of the seams of the upper parts, the quality of the fastening of the sole and heels.

• The soles of pairs of shoes are not well attached and Calypso.
• Less strong than required fastening of heels at boots Baldinini, Aldo.
• The most durable seams of the upper parts were found in the samples under the trademarks.
• The most fragile seams that "creeped" under load, y.

As for the shoe size, all samples correspond to the declared size 42, there are no violations in this indicator.

Flexibility and deformation

If you regularly step on your feet, for example, in the subway or bus, the toes of shoes (more precisely, they are called toe caps) quickly lose their appearance. The same with the back. When putting on shoes, you can crush it. Shoes with a worn back and a damaged toe cap look unpresentable.

The experts tested how much the toe and heel of the shoes regain their shape after being crushed. According to SRT, the residual deformation after 50 loading cycles should be no more than 1 mm.

Inconsistencies found in samples Calypso And Salamander

• 5 times worse than necessary, the ability to recover from branded shoes Calypso(residual deformation of the toe cap was not 1, but 5 mm).
• Sample Salamander heel counter deformation was 1.5 mm instead of 1 mm.

Another point is flexibility. It was also tested for each half-pair of samples. If the shoes are hard, too fixing the leg, then a person can get injured or suffer. Samples were not flexible enough.

For reference

To bend shoes with foam rubber soles, a force of up to 63 N (Newtons) must be applied; for non-porous rubber, it will take a little more effort - up to 91 N. The adhesive sole bends the hardest - the applied forces should be up to 127 N. If the sole is denser, such a boot may simply break. For other materials - no more than 45 N.

Why is the lining painted?

Does a man wear light colored socks with black shoes? The color of the latter may suffer from ... shoe lining. Apparently, it was not by chance that fashion used to dictate to men to pick up socks in the same color scheme as shoes. Black to black, blue to blue. This is because the lining, which is usually resistant to dry abrasion, can stain your socks (and along with your feet) if you get wet or sweaty.

Does this indicate the use of low-quality dyes? Alexandra Andrunakievich believes that this is not the case:

- Color fastness of the lining is a sore point. This is a big problem in the production and wearing of shoes, even the most expensive ones. If the shoe lining paints socks, legs, this does not mean that the manufacturer used cheap, low-quality paint. The fact is that the sweat emitted by the feet destroys the dyes. The problem of perspiration-resistant coloring has been dealt with by shoemakers for a long time, but so far it has not been solved.

The study showed that the lining of 8 pairs of shoes is dyed: Baldinini, Pazolini, Chester, Salamander, Calipso, Ralf Ringer, Ionessi and Pierre Cardin.

- It is better for shoemakers to put a lining in a natural color, - recommends Alexandra Andrunakievich

Weight matters

Some people like shoes light and weightless, others prefer to feel the heaviness of the boot on their feet.

But experts have their own requirements for the weight of shoes: in a pair, the weight of each shoe should be approximately equal to the weight of the other.

• Perfect weight match Calypso, Aldo.
• From 2 to 14 g, the discrepancy in the mass of half-pairs in 27 samples.
• The largest discrepancy in Chester: one boot is 54 grams heavier than the other!

Which shoes are the lightest and which are the heaviest?

The heaviest shoes Thomas Munz(total weight of a pair of shoes - 1.88 kg).

How much the rest of the contestants pull - see the table.

Place in the ranking for ease	Trademark	Weight of the left and right half-pair, g	Total weight of a pair of shoes, g
1	Ralf Ringer	282 / 278	560
2	T.J. Collection	314 / 302	616
3	"Unichel"	335 / 327	662
4	Pazolini	327 / 337	664
5	Pierre Cardin	330 / 335	665
6	"Ionessi"	345 / 357	702
7	Chester	382 / 328	710
8	Bata	363 / 351	724
9	Eco	374 / 362	736
10	Francesco Donnie	373 / 368	741
11	Geox	370 / 373	743
12	Calypso	381 / 381	762
13	Mascotte	390 / 388	778
14	Freccia by Tervolina	400 / 397	797
15	Clarks Tilden Plain	398 / 402	800
16	Fabi	412 / 415	827
17	Baldinini	415 / 418	833
18	Rieker	423 / 421	844
19	Alessio Nesca	425 / 423	848
20	s.Oliver	429 / 420	849
21	"Paris Commune"	421 / 435	856
22	Salamander	437 / 420	857
23	Hugo Boss	431 / 428	859
24	Tommy Hilfiger	430 / 435	865
25	Marks & Spencer	437 / 436	873
26	Aldo	452 / 452	904
27	Zenden	463 / 469	932
28	mango man	494 / 503	997
29	Zara	532 / 522	1054
30	Thomas Munz	541 / 547	1088

The men's shoes of 30 well-known brands sent for examination are mostly safe and of high quality.

• The upper material of each pair is genuine leather.
• All samples correspond to the declared size 42.
• Products are non-toxic, are not sources of formaldehyde and hexavalent chromium.
• The lightest shoes Ralf Ringer, the heaviest Thomas Munz.
• The strongest seams of the upper parts are at Freccia by Tervolina, Pazolini, Chester, Paris Commune, Zara.

The comments of the experts are mostly related to the quality of tailoring, fastening of the sole and heel, color fastness of the lining and flexibility.

• The soles of the shoes are not well attached "Ionessi", Francesco Donni, Alessio Nesca, Chester And Calypso.Less strong than required, fastening of heels at Baldinini, Aldo.
• The most fragile seams Francesco Donni, Ralf Ringer, s.Oliver, Pierre Cardin, TJ Collection.
• Shoes not flexible enough Salamander, Pierre Cardin, Marks & Spencer, Alessio Nesca.
• The lining of 8 samples is unstable to wet friction. She sheds, paints at brand shoes Baldinini, Pazolini, Chester, Salamander, Calipso, Ralf Ringer, "Ionessi" And Pierre Cardin.

Does the quality depend on the country of origin?

Let's compare. There are no complaints about shoes from Germany (3 products), India (2 products), Portugal, Cambodia, Romania and Turkey (1 product each).

Comments received:

• 6 out of 11 products made in China;
• 3 out of 5 Russian-made goods;
• 2 out of 4 Italian products.

Does quality depend on price?

And the cheapest item Zenden), and the most expensive ( Hugo Boss) - high quality shoes. And goods with violations are found both among cheap and among expensive ones. We can conclude that, unfortunately, the quality does not depend on the price.