Sport Shoes Shouldn’t Be Gender Benders
Question: Please find a size 12 wide running shoe for women. I guess it could be a man’s running shoe, but if there is a difference in appearance and the women’s shoe looks more feminine, I would prefer the latter. I want a really good shoe and am willing to pay up to $60.--L.D.
Answer: Lynda Anderson of the Nine to Twelve Shoe Salon in Culver City, where the running shoes illustrated here are available, says there is indeed a difference between male feet and female feet. The Footsaver style in our sketch is called Fun Shoes, and it is specially designed for female feet, which are generally more delicate than male feet. These running shoes have an unusual feature--removable insoles to absorb heat and perspiration. The insoles are removable so they can be washed without having to wash the entire shoe. The uppers are all leather, and there’s a padded collar for added comfort. These shoes, priced at $50, are available in sizes 9 narrow to 12 wide in navy, gray and white. As the name of the shoe salon implies, it specializes in sizes 9 to 12.
Q: I have a vintage alligator purse complete with an entire stuffed alligator on the front. I think it will look great with this summer’s safari look. The purse is in perfect condition, but the shoulder strap has totally disintegrated. How can this be repaired? Is there a way to match the body of the purse? Or perhaps a simulated alligator pattern in leather? Can you recommend a source?--M.F.
A: The only real alligator shoulder straps I can find are in dark brown. They’re at Kurt Chambre, 8406 West 3rd St., Los Angeles 90048. Chambre says if they are not the right color to match your bag, he can match it in a leather strap. If you have to make a choice, it’s better to match the color and have two different textures than to match the alligator in two different colors. Strap prices for both alligator and leather range from $20 to $25, depending on labor costs. Allow two weeks for delivery.
Q: I have a toenail fungus and have been told to wear cotton panty hose. Does anyone make such an item? I have been unable to locate them.--D.B.
A: All-cotton panty hose do not exist, primarily because they require the stretch properties of synthetic fibers. There are, however, all-cotton stockings. One source is a shop called Roxanne, 105-17 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375. This shop offers cotton lisle stockings, beige only, for $3.50 plus postage and handling. Sizes include 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2--on up to 12.
