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A good friend of ours!

Posted on April 16, 2009

A good friend of our Mickey Bentson, is a cat you need to keep your eye on! He is the wizard of hip-hop from behind the scenes and now expanding his influence into rock. As the manager for the Furious 5 MCs and Ice T, Mickey helped to shape and mold Hip-Hop from it’s early roots and recently entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Furious 5.

Additionally, Mickey is now mentoring and managing new artists 5iveL and entering the rock arena with The Chase!

You can also find Mickey on Sirius (39)  XM (65) Radio, Directv (846) Friday Night 10pm-12am Eastern Time with ZuluBeatz Radio.

The man has A LOT going on! And to top the list off, let’s add live streaming internet television! Check out OVNTV.com with Internet Explorer 6 and above. (They are working on additional browser support). Sign up and log in to have LIVE STREAMING TV right on your computer!

As Mickey keeps moving, we’ll keep you posted. Or you can check him out at www.payuptheblog.com!

And don’t forget to show his page some love, post a few comments, check out his artists on iTunes!

All this talk… What is a shoe tree anyways?

Posted on March 4, 2009

Well, Desiree Stimpert from About.com takes a bit of time to detail it all out. From types of shoe trees to types of shoes to the benefits to the differences between a shoe tree and a shoe stretcher.

Check out the text to learn a thing or two about keeping your dress shoes, casual shoes, and sneakers looking perfect years after purchase.

“What are Shoe Trees?

Shoe trees are inserted into shoes to help maintain the original shoe shape, help prevent creases and cracking, and absorb moisture from the lining of the shoes. Available for men’s and women’s shoes, a shoe tree usually adjusts to cover a wide range of shoe sizes.

Types of Shoe Trees Available

Shoe trees are available in plastic or wood (usually cedar). The main benefits to plastic shoe trees is that they are less expensive, and they are lightweight, making them good for travel.

However, even though they are more expensive, cedar shoe trees have several advantages over plastic. They tend to last longer; add a clean cedar scent to footwear; and work better at keeping the natural shape. Cedar shoe trees also absorb moisture, whereas plastic shoe trees will not.

Shoe Trees Help Maintain Shoe Shape and Size

If used from the start, shoe trees can slow, or even prevent your shoes from developing creases, making them particularly useful for dress shoes.

If shoes are not worn for long periods of time, they actually shrink, using a shoe tree in these shoes will help to prevent shrinkage.

Shoe Trees Help Prevent Moisture Buildup

Feet perspire, and that moisture accumulates in the lining of our shoes. Wooden shoe trees also have the additional benefit of absorbing moisture, making the shoes more comfortable to wear.

Additional Benefits of Shoe Trees

Shoe trees are also useful when polishing or buffing. By inserting a shoe tree into the shoe you’re working on, the shoe will be held in shape, and caring for them will be easier.

Shoe Trees vs. Shoe Stretchers

Shoe trees can marginally stretch shoes, but usually only very slightly. This will work for shoes that are just a touch too tight. If you’re looking to stretch shoes, a better product to use would be a shoe stretcher.”

The one thing Desiree misses is the Wearable Shoe Tree. Our shoe tree is vented to prevent moisture buildup and is molded to be wider than the average toe box so that it stays in place and expands the toe box to smooth out present creasing and create more room for your foot. The real adancement is the fact that our shoe tree can stay in the shoe comfortably while you wear the shoes. We will be expanding our models soon, but for now our current Universal and Protector fit most toe boxes with a similar depth and shape to the Air Force 1.

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SneakerObssesion pops off with the new KangaROOS!

Posted on March 3, 2009

SneakerObsession got their hands on a pair of Trap Hi’s from KangaROOS and posted up a great review on them.

“The Trap Hi is part of the Walter Payton Limited Edition Collection from KangaROOS. This collection of footwear is inspired by the ROOS legendary football player Walter Payton, aka Sweetness, use to wear during the 80s with updated styling and details. During his time Walter Payton was the first NFL athlete to endorse the KangaROOS brand on and off the field.

The collection was released towards the end of January exclusively at FinishLine where they stocked 5 different sneaker models and matching apparel. The models currently available at the Trap Hi, Sweetness Hi, Trap Lo, Bleacher Mid and the Bleacher Lo. A portion of all proceeds of sales on Walter Payton Limited Edition Collection from ROOS will be donated to Walter & Connie Payton Foundation… After wearing the sneakers for awhile and taking the time to really get the feel for them the comfort level didnt really change all that much. They felt just as comfortable wearing them for 10minutes as they did for 8hours. I havent had a change to play ball in them or anything of that nature, so as far as support when it comes to that i cant really vouch for yet. However, just doing general stuff and moving around and running here and there the sneakers are very supportive around the ankle, just like the original ROOS were back in the 80s. They will built with support and comfort in mind.”

I absolutely recommend reading the rest of the article, and then coming back to get yourself a pair of shoe trees from the Wearable Shoe Tree to make sure that your new ROOS look perfect in 20 years when the next generation comes out!

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Back to Basics…

Posted on March 2, 2009

AskMen.com posted a guide on the different types of men’s shoes which I found really helpful in educating one’s self about shoe fashion and the different types of footwear out there. There are Oxfords, Loafers, Boots, Casual , and Lifestyle shoes. Do you know the definitions and differences? Check the article out or read the beakdown below from AskMen.com.

Oxfords

• Oxfords are any lace-up men’s shoes that don’t rise above the ankle. Of course, within the Oxford category, there are many varieties, both structural and stylistic.
• Open-laced (Bluchers) oxfords have the sides of the shoe sewn on top of the front part. When laced, the shoe looks like it’s built out in segments. Front, top, side, back, etc.
• Close-laced (Balmorals) oxfords are drawn together by laces sewn under the front part of the shoe and then closed over its tongue. The result is a shoe that looks as if it’s made from one piece of leather.
• Some oxfords have a separate piece of leather on the shoe’s toe (also known as a “cap toe”). This leather may be plain or decorated with brogueing (leather embroidery).
• “Saddle” oxfords have a saddle-shaped piece of leather of a different color, or leather type, over the shoe’s instep.
• “Kilties” are oxfords with a tongue of fringed leather that is draped over the instep to cover the shoe’s laces and eyelets.
• The “wingtip” is arguably the most common of all oxfords. This footwear features toe brogueing that resembles a bird with its wings spread.

Loafers (Slip-On)

• All loafers are marked by a low-cut, a broad, moccasin-type top, and a wide, flat heel.
• As with oxfords, there are several varieties of loafer: penny loafer, moccasin, monk strap (buckle), tassel, etc.
• Unlike oxfords, however, loafers don’t automatically look good on all men.
• Younger men might want to approach brown monk straps with caution, as those are more common among middle-aged guys. That said, a black monk strap looks quite good on the dance floor.
• Tassel loafers are relatively formal and well-suited to business and tailored suits. Suede tassel loafers skew toward a more casual look, and can be worn with linen suits and other informal outfits, even jeans.
• The classic Gucci or Prada moccasin-style loafer has been worn by business professionals for a while now, but it also looks good with jeans for a night out clubbing. Many young fashion mavens consider these shoes a basic necessity.
• Penny loafers are casual, and perfect for khaki-and-blazer outfits. Although originally a favorite among younger demographics, they’re now largely the province of older men.
• Penny loafers and suede moccasins, however, are the only “dress” shoes that can successfully be worn with shorts and a polo shirt.

Sandals

Thongs (flip-flops)

• Thongs can be cheap and easy. They’re beachwear, plain and simple. Don’t wear them with anything other than shorts. And never (ever!) wear them with socks.

Sports sandals

• This footwear is waterproof, with an athletic sole for traction. Sports sandals usually have several wide cross straps that go over the foot for support.
• The airy, yet well-structured, design makes the shoes good for rafting, hiking or golf (on public courses), among other outdoor summer activities. When wearing them casually, match them with jeans, shorts or chinos.
• Sports sandals are available in rubber, polyurethane or vinyl, as well as a range of colors and shades.

“Dress” sandals

• These are a slightly more formal version of the sports sandal, except leather replaces rubber, and metal buckles replace Velcro straps. The increase in formality makes “dress” sandals wearable at spring and summertime outdoor events/functions, and with linen suits.

Lifestyle/Casual shoes

• They’re not quite dress shoes. But they can be quite a bit classier than simple tennis shoes. So, just what is the deal with the non-sneaker casual shoe?

Lifestyle shoes

• These resemble open-laced oxfords, only with an athletic (rubber) sole and a slightly higher top. Lifestyle shoes are extremely flexible, as far as accompanying clothing goes. You can wear them with corduroy, cargo pants, khakis, wool slacks, or jeans. Nevertheless, they’re best-suited for the campus, parties or simply for everyday, non-athletic events.
• You can’t go wrong picking lifestyle shoes in blues, grays, browns, and blacks. Bolder colors require that you match them well with your belt and other garments. The best lifestyle shoes are found in suede and leather.

Deck shoes or boat shoes

• These are slip-on canvas loafers that can be worn without socks. They usually have white, non-slip soles. As a warm-weather shoe, boat shoes are best worn with linen pants or shorts, and in a variety of bright colors.

Boots

Ankle boots

• These are the standard, stylish low boot, with a leather body, rubber sole and rounded toe. Zipper-front ankle boots are more pointed and formal, but both zipper-front and lace-up ankle boots can be worn under suits in business settings, on dates or for special events.

Hiking

• These boots provide support above the ankle with a suede or leather upper, a padded collar, and a soft leather lining. A lace-up front is usually accompanied by a cushioned insole and padded tongue. A thick rubber sole completes the boot.

Cowboy/Biker boots (motorcycle-type boots)

• Three key differences set the cowboy boot aside from its cousins: pointed toes, prominent — even high — heels, and a length that stops just short of the knee.

Rediculous right? They don’t teach this stuff in school, and quite honestly they should. Every man needs to know the basics of their shoes, because wearing the nicest suit in the world is not going to matter if he is not wearing the best pair of dress shoes with that suit. And dress shoes can be expensive, which is why it is very important to store your shoes with a nice shoe tree in the toe box to protect them. Check out our Wearable Shoe Tree to go one step further and keep your dress shoes looking on point, even if they just collect dust. That special occasion is coming, and when it does our shoe tree will keep your wingtips on point because you can keep it in the shoes right up to when the night is over and you’re putting them back in the closet. No other shoe tree can claim that.

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Forbes touches on the history of Men’s Dress Shoes

Posted on March 1, 2009

I found the article in Forbes under the connoisseur guide titled  ‘The Best Men’s Shoes’ to be an excellent in depth look at how dress shoes have been viewed through out history. From prior to the French Revolution to the golden age of the Silver Screen, men’s dress shoes have played a key role in societal status and outwardly showing your financial and business prowess. I excepted some of the key points below, but click the link in the first line to read the entire article!

“.. most men don’t sit around fantasizing about shoes all day. For another, most men’s shoes are rather prosaic, not to mention strongly similar in design and function.

While shoe shopping may not mean the same for a man as for a woman, it would behoove many men to spend a little more time weighing their options the next time they need to stock up on footwear. Contrary to what many people might think, there is a considerable difference between makes and styles, even if it is not always apparent to the untutored eye. The result, too often, is that men end up buying cheap, uncomfortable or overly trendy shoes when, with a little bit of extra thought, they could have spent their money on a shoe that would have lasted them happily for years. In other words, a wingtip is not a wingtip is not a wingtip.

“Men let themselves down on their shoes,” says Lynne Marks, an Atlanta-based image consultant and president of the London Image Institute, whose corporate clientele includes executives at Coca-Cola (nyse: K”O - news - people ), American Express (nyse: AXP - news - people ), AT&T (nyse: T - news - people ) and the Weather Channel. “They either don’t think that shoes are important, or they seem to think that shoes can’t be seen. Either way, it’s a big mistake.” … The question, of course, is why a man should choose to wear anything other than Rockports or sneakers. For one thing, a well-made shoe can, and should be, extremely comfortable. For another, a well-made shoe sends the rest of the world a signal about the wearer. More than any other article of clothing, shoes can influence how others view us, not to mention how we view ourselves. There’s a reason, after all, why mothers traditionally advise their daughters to first look at a man’s shoes.

But shoes can also make you look sharper too. “If men paid attention to shoes, it would be easier for them to put their outfits together more successfully,” says Lauren Solomon, a New York-based image consultant who spent four years as the in-house image specialist at Chase Manhattan, now J.P. Morgan Chase (nyse: JPM - news - people ). “Men should look at shoes the way women do: as a great way to take what’s in their closet and spice it up.” Indeed, as ties become less and less requisite in the workplace, Solomon posits, the tag team of sharp shoes and matching belts could become the most distinctive element of the male regalia…”

Hail to the Chief… of Sneakers!!!

Posted on February 27, 2009

According to the Huffington Post President Obama has received an autographed sneaker from the one and only NBA Super Man Shaquille Oneal. The President was in Phoenix, where Shaq is now the star Center for the Suns, and just after stepping off the plane, Mayor Phil Gordon’s son Jake was on hand with his father to make the presentation to the President who couldn’t resist setting the shoe on the ground next to his own to see the size difference. Personally, I would not fault the President if he confused the shoe for Air Force 1, given it’s a size 23. LOL we only make shoe trees to size 14 right now. I can’t imaging a Wearable Shoe Tree at size 23, it would look like someone cut the front off a canoe!

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Def Kicks!

Posted on February 18, 2009

Vanessa and Angela Simmons are two very exceptional sneaker designers, period. Even in their youth, they are hit the shelves hard with some of the hottest female sneakers out there. If we weren’t in the economy we’re in right now, I would line my wife’s closet with these, but never let her wear them! Lol. Just can’t afford to let Crinkle Toe Syndrome kick in with the above Candy Glam Chukkas. I would rock the protectors with these, because the toe box has ample room. Dropping $60-$70 per pair; an extra $10 to protect the investment is definitely worth it.

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The NBA is where its at

Posted on February 16, 2009

In this years NBA Dunk contest Nate Robinson leaped over 7 foot monster Dwight Howard AKA Superman to win.  The West won the NBA all-star game in blow out fashion but the weekend was full of entertaining moments.  From the skills challenge  to the three point shoot out the NBA knows whats up and all-star weekend is a great time to enjoy one of America’s long lasting sports and traditions.  How many people involved with all-star weekend had creased up kicks??? Ask yourself that question where ever you go and you will realize the need in the market for the Wearable Shoe Tree. With demonstration videos being put up on youtube almost daily some really do understand.  This was a great weekend. With our new president and presidents weekend to Valentine’s Day and then watching superstars from the NBA light up the television screen with acrobatic madness.  If the Eagles only won the bowl -MIKED

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW

Posted on February 12, 2009

This is what comes in a traditional shoe care kit. Oil, leather conditioner, wooden shoe trees, polish, a brush etc. I guess this stuff is good if we are all wearing old man shoes but the way we do things are a little different. But in the grand scheme of things if the elderly are keeping their kicks fresh we have to respect that. Our Wearable Shoe Trees would be an excellent addition to a kit like this. The Protector being the stiffer model is an incredible tool to clean/shine shoes. The Universal at some point will be a household name and product. IMAGINE TRYING TO WEAR THOSE WOODEN SHOE TREES IN YOUR SHOES!! NOT HAPPENING. With the change in times and the sneaker game going bananas I feel like their should be a new shoe care kit. Obviously Wearable Shoe Trees are the best product to prevent creases in your shoes while you wear them so they would have to be in the kit.  At some point  WST’s will be in every TRUE sneakerheads closet which is enough for us. All we care about is keeping everyones kicks fresh.

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This place was INCREDIBLE!!

Posted on February 10, 2009

So I was in NYC this weekend and I checked out the NBA store on 5th and 52nd. WOW!! I was in the NBA store for literally two hours. They have any and everything you can think of when it comes to the NBA and its players. Jersey’s, shoes, basketballs, head bands, wrist bands, books, man I can’t even remember everything that was in there. What I do know is that the NBA did it right when it comes to their store.With the 2009 All-Star game coming up this weekend they are running some serious promos so if you are in the city I would hit the NBA store up for sure. Now if we could just get these guys to support a Crinkle Free America we’d be all set! Seems like a far fetched task though. I was very impressed with everything that was in the store along with the staff and merchandise. If you have never been to the city its a must see if your into kicks and the culture of the NBA.

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