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How do I know when it’s time to replace my running shoes?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-arnold-178470">John Arnold</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joel-fuller-2210202">Joel Fuller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Any runner will tell you there’s nothing better than slipping on a brand new pair of shoes. But how regularly should runners fork out hundreds of dollars on their next pair? Conventional wisdom tells us the average lifespan of a running shoe is around 500 to 800 kilometres. But where did this advice come from, and is it based on science? Some evidence comes from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546585013004">impact testing</a> with machines designed to simulate the shoe repeatedly contacting the ground during running. Other evidence comes from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2010.519348">monitoring runners who have used shoes in the real world</a> for long periods. This research is often focused on shoe materials and structure. But we think more compelling markers for the runner are shoe comfort, performance benefit and injury risk. Rather than seeking a “one-size-fits-all” answer to how many kilometres your shoes should be limited to, it’s also better to consider individual signs based on your shoe type and its purpose. <h2>The three signs to watch for</h2> Runners tend to replace their shoes for three main reasons: <ol> <li>they believe their performance is being negatively impacted</li> <li>their shoes are leading to some bodily discomfort which may cause (or has already caused) an injury</li> <li>the shoes are no longer comfortable or “feel” as good as they used to.</li> </ol> So what does the evidence say about these factors? <h2>Performance</h2> Some shoe material properties do contribute to enhanced running efficiency. Degrading these materials by racking up the kilometres may hinder peak performance on race day. This is most clearly seen in carbon fibre plate shoes used by modern elite runners to achieve <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01420-7">rapid road race times</a>. The design features <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-1024-z">thought to drive this</a> are the combination of highly compliant and resilient midsole foam and a stiff embedded carbon fibre plate, which support energy storage and return. Runners will typically “save” these shoes for race day and replace them after fewer kilometres, compared to conventional running shoes. The available research does support the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0811-2">performance benefits of these shoes</a>. However, it’s not known how long the benefits last relative to kilometres of wear. To our best knowledge, there’s only one study on running performance and shoe wear, but unfortunately it did not involve carbon fibre plate shoes. A University of Connecticut 2020 <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11134/20002:860659513">master’s thesis</a> investigated eight college-level runners over 400 miles (643km) of Nike Pegasus shoe use. Large reductions in running economy were reported at 240km, and this was statistically significant at 320km. No reduction was observed at 160km. So, if you’re chasing personal best times, the evidence above suggests that for peak performance, shoes should be replaced somewhere between 160 and 240km (although this is not directly based on carbon fibre plate shoe research). It appears that minimising training kilometres for your favourite racing shoes – keeping them “fresh” – could contribute to peak performance on race day, compared to racing in a pair of old shoes. <h2>Injury or discomfort</h2> The link between shoe wear and injury is unclear, and based on <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/37/3/239">minimal and often conflicting evidence</a>. One study did find that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12154">runners who alternate their running shoes</a> have a lower risk of injury than runners who run only in the same pair of shoes over a 22-week period. Runners who alternated shoes throughout the study period would have accumulated less wear in each shoe. This provides some support for the notion that accumulating too many kilometres in your shoes may increase risk of injury. Unfortunately, the exact age of running shoes was not reported in this study. However, based on the running characteristics reported, the single-shoe pair users completed an average of 320km in their shoes (after adjusting for a small fraction who had to replace shoes during the study). This was compared to the multi-shoe pair users who used an average of 3.6 pairs of shoes, ran more total kilometres, but accumulated an average of only 200km per shoe pair. <h2>Comfort</h2> Comfort and fit are the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19424280.2024.2353597#abstract">two most important factors</a> to runners when selecting running shoes. Evidence linking improved shoe comfort to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2001/11000/relationship_between_footwear_comfort_of_shoe.21.aspx">reduced injury rates</a> or <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17461391.2019.1640288">improved running economy</a> is mixed, but reducing harms from poorly fitting and uncomfortable shoes is clearly a priority for runners. Most <a href="https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol35/iss1/293/">runners land on their heel</a>. The repeated compression of the midsole causes the material to harden, possibly after as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5534152/pdf/ijspt-12-616.pdf">little as 160km</a>, according to one study from 2017. However, there was virtually no change in the amount of cushioning runners perceived under their heel after 160km. Even after using the shoes for 640km, they felt little difference – about 3%. While at first this might seem like runners are not very good at judging when shoes lose their cushioning, it also tells us changes in perceived shoe cushioning are very gradual and may not be important for runners until they reach a certain threshold. This amount will differ from person to person, and from shoe to shoe, but research suggests it’s not until perceived cushioning reaches about a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2020.1773613?casa_token=P87vatZhOlgAAAAA%3ACu11TZmGjKc1xYsaUlEVfWvZDvcSnx3qgKL1E2DsRYwf6hMvBiyVAm-M_-4Iauq4lwHna0QMu1IRmw">10% change</a> that runners consider it meaningful. We must be careful when applying these findings to the latest running shoes which use newer materials. But you can use it as a rule of thumb – once you notice a drop in comfort, it’s time to get a new pair. <h2>When to choose new shoes</h2> Ultimately, there’s no one simple answer for when you should get new running shoes. You may also not keep close track of how many kilometres your favourite pair has racked up. Overall, we believe the most practical advice is to keep your racing shoes “fresh” (under 240km), alternate a couple of other pairs during regular training, and replace them when you detect a notable drop in comfort.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238997/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-arnold-178470">John Arnold</a>, Senior lecturer, Sport & Exercise Biomechanics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joel-fuller-2210202">Joel Fuller</a>, Senior Lecturer, Department of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-i-know-when-its-time-to-replace-my-running-shoes-238997">original article</a>.

Beauty & Style

Hunt for Cinderella! Mystery shoe left at Prince Christian's party sparks search

A mystery shoe left at Prince Christian's <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/from-child-to-adult-unseen-pics-of-prince-christian-mark-his-18th-birthday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18th birthday party</a> inside Christianborg Palace has sparked a search for a real life Cinderella. In the hours after the ball, which saw royalty from around the world attend, the Danish royal household posted a photo of the gold stiletto that was left behind from one of the high profile party guests. The post read, "Is it Cinderella who forgot her shoe last night?" The caption continued, "When the guests at Her Majesty the Queen's gala dinner yesterday had gone home, this lonely stiletto shoe was left at Christiansborg Castle." "The owner is welcome to contact you to get it back." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydeENrNum2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydeENrNum2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a> </div> </blockquote> The ball was attended by Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik, along with Christian's younger siblings Princess Isabella, 16, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, both 12. His uncle Prince Joachim, who relocated to America in August, was also there with his wife Princess Marie and their three youngest children Count Felix, 21, Count Henrik, 14, and Countess Athena, 12. A number of future monarchs were also present including royals from Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. Thankfully, the owner of the shoe was found, with Anne-Sofie Tørnsø Olesen, from Denmark's Egedal region, coming forward to claim the golden stiletto. And it turns out, she left it at the palace on purpose after being inspired by the story of Cinderella who marries her prince after long search. "I thought it was a bit funny myself, and I talked to my family and friends about it before, and they agreed that I should do it," Tørnsø Olesen, 18, told local Danish publication Se & Hør. "It's such a chance you won't get again." She said she was keen to get the shoe back because it was "a memory from a great evening". The lost shoe, by Danish brand Deichmann's Catwalk collection, sparked an immediate flurry of comments on the royal family's Instagram page. The shoe brand said, "If the princess comes from a long way, we will gladly give her a new pair". Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Wearing shoes in the house is just plain gross, says the verdict from scientists who study indoor contaminants

You probably clean your shoes if you step in something muddy or disgusting (please pick up after your dog!). But when you get home, do you always de-shoe at the door? Plenty of Australians don’t. For many, what you <a href="https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jam.13250">drag in on the bottom of your shoes</a> is the last thing on the mind as one gets home. We are environmental chemists who have spent a decade examining the indoor environment and the contaminants people are exposed to in their own homes. Although our examination of the indoor environment, via our <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/">DustSafe program</a>, is far from complete, on the question of whether to shoe or de-shoe in the home, the science leans toward the latter. It is best to leave your filth outside the door. <h2>What contaminants are in your home, and how did they get there?</h2> People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, so the question of whether or not to wear shoes in the house is not a trivial one. The policy focus is typically on the outdoor environment for soil, air quality and environmental public health risks. However, there is growing regulatory interest in the question of <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2021/Handbook-Indoor-Air-Quality.pdf">indoor</a> <a href="https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2021/new-who-global-air-quality-guidelines-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives-from-air-pollution">air quality</a>. The matter <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09603123.2018.1457141?journalCode=cije2">building up</a> inside your home includes not just dust and dirt from people and pets shedding hair and skin. About a third of it is <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es9003735">from outside</a>, either blown in or <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/how-the-dust-in-your-home-may-affect-your-health/2019/07/19/9f716068-a351-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html">tramped</a> in on those offensive shoe bottoms. Some of the microorganisms present on shoes and floors are <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/mechanisms-for-floor-surfaces-or-environmental-ground-contamination-to-cause-human-infection-a-systematic-review/37BF6318BD1473C4918A23C843B25D05">drug-resistant pathogens</a>, including hospital-associated infectious agents (germs) that are very difficult to treat. Add in cancer-causing toxins from <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408444.2018.1528208">asphalt road residue</a> and endocrine-disrupting <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23273747.2016.1148803">lawn chemicals</a>, and you might view the filth on your shoes in a new light. <h2>A roll-call of indoor nasties</h2> Our work has involved the measurement and assessment of exposure to a range of harmful substances found inside homes including: <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231210-antibiotic-resistance-genes-can-be-passed-around-by-bacteria-in-dust/">antibiotic-resistant genes</a> (genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics) </li> <li> <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00587">disinfectant chemicals in the home environment</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117064">microplastics</a> </li> <li> the <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/5/e044833.citation-tools">perfluorinated chemicals</a> (also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to remain in the body and not break down) used ubiquitously in a multitude of industrial, domestic and food packaging products </li> <li> <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1276977">radioactive elements</a>. </li> </ul> A strong focus of our work has involved assessing levels of <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">potentially toxic metals (such as arsenic, cadmium and lead)</a> inside homes across <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494">35 nations (including Australia)</a>. These contaminants – and most importantly the dangerous neurotoxin lead – are odourless and colourless. So there is no way of knowing whether the dangers of lead exposure are only in your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106582">soils</a> or your <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2020/Lead_in_Plumbing_Products_and_Materials.pdf">water pipes</a>, or if they are also on your <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">living room floor</a>. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">science</a> suggests a very strong connection between the lead inside your <a href="https://www.mapmyenvironment.com/">home and that in your yard soil</a>. The most likely reason for this connection is dirt blown in from your yard or trodden in on your shoes, and on the furry paws of your adorable pets. This connection speaks to the priority of making sure matter from your outdoor environment stays exactly there (we have tips <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/pages/interpreting-your-results">here</a>). A recent Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/heres-why-ill-be-keeping-my-shoes-on-in-your-shoeless-home-11644503227">article</a> argued shoes in the home aren’t so bad. The author made the point that E. coli – dangerous bacteria that develop in the intestines of many mammals, including humans – is so widely distributed that it’s pretty much everywhere. So it should be no surprise it can be swabbed on shoe bottoms (96% of shoe bottoms, as the article pointed out). But let’s be clear. Although it’s nice to be scientific and stick with the term E. coli, this stuff is, put more simply, the bacteria associated with poo. Whether it is ours or Fido’s, it has the potential to make us very sick if we are exposed at high levels. And let’s face it – it is just plain gross. Why walk it around inside your house if you have a very simple alternative – to take your shoes off at the door? <h2>On balance, shoeless wins</h2> So are there disadvantages to having a shoe-free household? Beyond the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/feet-toes-broken-pain-covid/2021/01/11/470d2efa-4a05-11eb-a9f4-0e668b9772ba_story.html">occasional stubbed toe</a>, from an environmental health standpoint there aren’t many downsides to having a shoe-free house. Leaving your shoes at the entry mat also leaves potentially harmful pathogens there as well. We all know prevention is far better than treatment and taking shoes off at the door is a basic and easy prevention activity for many of us. Need shoes for foot support? Easy – just have some “indoor shoes” that never get worn outside. There remains the issue of the “sterile house syndrome,” which refers to increased rates of allergies among children. Some argue it’s related to overly sterile households. Indeed, some dirt is probably beneficial as <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(10)00907-3/fulltext">studies</a> have indicated it helps develop your immune system and reduce allergy risk. But there are better and less gross ways to do that than walking around inside with your filthy shoes on. Get outside, go for a bushwalk, enjoy the great outdoors. Just don’t bring the muckier parts of it inside to build up and contaminate our homes. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/wearing-shoes-in-the-house-is-just-plain-gross-the-verdict-from-scientists-who-study-indoor-contaminants-177542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

Amazing audio of Cleo's rescue, plus Premier owes her a new pair of shoes

WA Police have released audio of the moment 4-year-old Cleo Smith was rescued. One officer can be heard reassuring Cleo as they pick her up, saying “I’ve got you bubby”, while another asks Cleo, “What’s your name, sweetheart?” To this, she responds, “My name is Cleo”, to which the officer responds, “Your name is Cleo”, while another says “Hello Cleo”. It’s a heartwarming moment, as is the moment Cleo is carried outside the house she was found in, which police released video footage of on Wednesday soon after announcing she had been safely located and returned to her family. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "My name is Cleo." <a href="https://t.co/xiy59x4kjP">pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP</a> — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1456102974502047744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The moment Cleo was rescued 👏 <a href="https://t.co/arusYi9kCa">pic.twitter.com/arusYi9kCa</a> — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1455784205548359682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> In a press conference earlier today, Detective Senior Sergeant Blaine said that Cleo was found awake in a room with the lights on, playing with toys. The home was in Carnarvon, the Western Australian town where the Smith family lives. She had been missing for 18 days when she was finally found around midnight on Wednesday. Blaine said that Cleo appeared to be in good spirits, "From our point of view, I'm amazed she seems to be so well-adjusted and happy, it was really, heart-warming to see. “She is playing in the backyard, exactly how you would expect, like how my daughter did when she was four-years-old." Premier Mark McGowan had the opportunity to meet her on Thursday, bringing with him two teddies – one for Cleo, and one for her younger sister Isla. They named the teddies Cameron and Rod, after the detective who rescued her and the lead investigator on the case, but he wasn’t sure if those names would stick, joking to reporters that “Cleo didn’t seem too enamoured with those names.” McGowan also revealed an embarrassing moment that transpired during the meeting. “I unfortunately trod on her new Barbie shoes and broke one of them, so I owe her a pair of shoes,” he said. Despite that unfortunate incident, the Premier said she was a “very bright, upbeat, sweet little girl” and described the Smith family as “very humble” and “very well adjusted” considering their ordeal. “It was a lovely experience to meet her. She was, I thought, very well adjusted considering and the family were very appreciative of everything that has been done for them. They’re ... fundamentally decent, honest human beings ... they’re really lovely people and it’s great to meet them and acknowledge what they’ve been through. “Obviously, there’ll be a way to go from here but they’re certainly on the right pathway.” Image: WA Police

News

Queen allegedly throws shoes and a racket at Prince Philip

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Despite the stoic front that is put on by members of the Royal Family, it appears that the Queen herself has a bit of a temper. In a newly released biography called Prince Philip Revealed, author Ingrid Seward shares an argument between the Queen and husband Prince Philip while they were touring Australia in 1954. According to the book, a camera operator was horrified to see Philip charging out of the couple’s chalet, “followed by a flying pair of tennis shoes and a racket and a very angry Queen shouting for him to come back. Then the indignant Queen grabbed hold of her husband and dragged him back inside.” The pair were awarded a weekend off, but were still being followed by a camera crew who were filming a documentary about their tour. The book continues, saying there was a "stunned silence" before the royal press secretary said that the crew was to shut off their cameras or they would be arrested. The offending film was reportedly handed over and given to the monarch. The Queen reportedly came out to meet the crew and thanked them for the film. “I am sorry for that little interlude,” she said, according to the book. “But as you know it happens in every marriage. Now, what would you like me to do?”. The incident was also shown in an episode of the Netflix series The Crown. Author Seward writes that the couple has had their squabbles over the years despite being married for a shocking 73 years. Philip could be “very tough” on the Queen and frequently called her a “bloody fool and accused her of talking rubbish,” Seward claims. The Queen, perhaps used to being diplomatic, “seldom answered back but would change the subject and started talking in riddles that would divert him as he tried to figure out what she was talking about,” the book says. </div> </div> </div>

News

Fashion conspiracy: Does Prince Harry only own one pair of shoes?

The Duke of Sussex has had a busy few months in the spotlight since the birth of his first son, Archie. However, it seems not even a swarm of cameras could pick up this odd fashion choice by Prince Harry that has seemed to be a constant for the royal for the last few months. Royal fans noticed something strange about the Duke of Sussex when a beautiful photograph of him and his family at the christening of first son Archie’s baptism was shared. It wasn’t just the adorable photo of Archie that kept fans on their toes, or the beautiful smile that graced Harry's wife Duchess Meghan that got people talking – it was a pair of suede brown brogues that was spotted on the Duke’s feet. On Twitter, fans pointed out Prince Harry had been wearing the same particular pair of shoes for the past few months. “Prince Harry’s offhand manner of dressing for his son and heir’s first official outing. Is this the exact same suit and suede shoes he wore when he showed the world his son?” one eagle-eyed fan wrote. Another tweet read: “Prince Harry is wearing exactly the same suit, brown desert boots, white shirt as he wore to present Archie.” “On an unrelated note, could the Duchess of Sussex do something about how sloppy her husband Prince Harry looks?” a snarky comment read. “Start with burning those ugly a** worn out brown shoes.” It appears Prince Harry has been wearing the same brown pair of shoes for a while now – dating back to October 2018 when he visited Sussex with his wife. The Duke was also spotted in the shoes when he and Duchess Meghan touched down in Casablanca airport in February. A few days later, the royal member was sporting the brogues again while the couple visited Rabat in Morocco. The royal has proven a pair of shoes can take you a long way. Scroll through the gallery above to see the number of times Prince Harry has been spotted sporting his favourite brown pair of shoes.

News

Obsessed much? Celine Dion stores 10,000 pairs of shoes in Las Vegas warehouse

Most people usually have a few pairs of shoes. Some for going out and some for everyday wear. But if you’re Celine Dion then you’re most likely going to need an entire warehouse to store all of your footwear. The singer, who has a residency at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace, let James Corden in on her obsession with shoes during a Carpool Karaoke segment last week. When originally asked the question, Celine admitted to owning 3000-5000 pairs of shoes, but after a bit more heckling, she finally gave away the correct number. Corden went on to say that he had heard a rumour of the performer owning up to 10,000 pairs of shoes, to which Celine said was possible. “Maybe. I didn’t want to say it,” she admitted. But the question on everyone’s minds was: Where does someone with that many pairs of shoes possibly keep them? “I have a place in Las Vegas … let’s call it a warehouse,” revealed the 51-year-old. And while having a separate property just for shoes seems extravagant, Dion went on to explain that her former home in Florida had an entirely computerised system to help categorise her shoes. “I had a system, it was computerised, and I would press, and the door would open,” she revealed. “I would press another button and they would turn.” She said that the shoes were colour coordinated to make it easier for her to pick and choose between them. The chosen pair of shoes would then be presented on a thick glass counter, filled with crushed diamonds – but while it seems over-the-top, it isn’t as lavish as you may think. “Not real diamonds, just to make sure that you don’t think that I’m loco,” Dion said. In 2017, the My Heart Will Go On singer spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://wwd.com/" target="_blank">WWD</a> about her hoarding habits, saying she finds it difficult to throw things away as they hold sentimental value. “They’re part of every step that I take, and I have an attachment to it,” she told the publication. But during the hilarious Carpool Karaoke segment, Dion didn’t seem to have a choice as she was forced to part ways with her favourite pairs of shoes by giving them away to strangers along the Las Vegas strip. Despite being reluctant, Dion managed to give a few pairs away to lucky walkers-by. But while it seemed to be in good fun, it doesn’t look like the performer will be downsizing her collection anytime soon.

Music

Why the royals never change their shoes

Due to their influence and mass following, the members of the royal family have become fashion icons. And although Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan have extensive designer wardrobes, there is one accessory they always seem to play down: their shoes. All the senior members of the royal family, both male and female, stick to the same style of footwear for every major engagement they attend. The Queen, who is said to own more than 200 Launer handbags, is leading the trend, wearing the same style of shoes for the past 50 years. Even fashionista Meghan is sticking to only a few key styles of shoes, rather than mixing it up to match her latest designer outfits. The Duchess of Sussex has made Italian brand Aquazzura her go-to shoe choice, wearing either her Deneuve bow heels or the Matilde Crisscross style in both black and nude. <img style="width: 500px; height: 499.99999999999994px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822383/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/be6437ad33764dcaa19c53ae6eec5f09" /> Fashion expert commentator Karine Laudort told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/">Femail</a> the purpose of the shoe trend is all about practicality and giving a subtle hint of thriftiness. “It is easier to stick to a style that is practical and neutral such as the nude court shoes which Kate always wears,” she said. “It is well known that the Royal Family observe strict fashion rules which no-one can bend especially when it comes to footwear. “Only closed-toe shoes are permitted, and open-toe shoes considered as unformal wear and inappropriate for wedding occasions.” In order to wear their shoes for all different types of occasions, it is important for the royal family to choose neutral colours, such as nude or black. “It is always easier to match outfits with very neutral footwear, especially when several outfits are required during public functions, and that applies to men and women in the Royal Family, even the Queen.” She said that it also allows the royals to avoid appearing too extravagant, rather than debuting a new pair of stylish shoes for every engagement they attend. “In order to maintain a more humble public image, irrespective of whether Royals wear designer outfits at times, neutral footwear will always be the way to go,” she said. For the past 50 years, the Queen has worn her Anello & Davide of Kensington shoes, which are handmade for her from the finest calf leather. Reportedly, she has 10 pairs at any one time and has made her way through hundreds of identical pairs over the years. The Duchess of Cambridge has also become an ambassador for her nude court shoe trademark look. <img style="width: 242.71472392638037px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822382/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5b10b0f765eb425ab15149a942228853" /> It is believed she buys several Gianvito Rossi blush, light grey and nude courts for her engagements. Did you know about the royals' shoe rule? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Duchess Kate’s brilliant $27 shoe hack

As well as raising three gorgeous children, the Duchess of Cambridge also balances a jam-packed schedule of royal engagements. When Duchess Kate is mingling with royal fans or conversing with various international dignitaries, we very rarely ever see her without her heels on. After wearing heels for a few hours, they can be very uncomfortable and pain-inducing, but Kate manages to wear them throughout long royal engagements with a smile fixed on her face all because of a little-known hack. It turns out the 36-year-old utilises Alice Bow insoles to comfort her feet while wearing high heels. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBVerTHeCT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBVerTHeCT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jul 9, 2018 at 11:24am PDT </div> </blockquote> According to a <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/">Vanity Fair</a> article that has recently resurfaced, Kate slips the insoles into her heels, which are “designed to cushion the ball of your foot and heels, while being thin enough to fit unnoticed into any shoes”. The insoles are shaped in such a way that they can even be worn with open-toe shoes without being spotted. A royal insider told the publication: “Kate has ordered a couple of packets, she thinks they are great. “The insoles are all handmade in Britain from fine Italian leather and promise ‘long-lasting comfort and confidence’.” A spokesman for Alice Bow said: “There has been talk of the Duchess wearing the insoles, but we cannot comment either way.” “We have seen a massive surge in site visits, however.” There are a number of different insoles available on the Alice Bow website, including coloured and personalised options. The insoles start at $27, making the product a clever hack that even non-royals can enjoy. What are your tricks for making heels more comfortable? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Four-year-old fighting for her life after trying on new shoes

A four-year-old girl from Wales in the UK is suffering from a life-threatening condition after contracting deadly sepsis from trying on new shoes. A day after trying on different sized shoes on bare feet, Sienna Rasul fell seriously ill. She was later diagnosed with sepsis – a life-threatening disease that can develop due to an infection. As reported by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/7125547/girl-fighting-sepsis-infection-new-school-shoes-shop/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>, doctors believe the infection was present on the shoes that she tried on, and that there is a possibility that Sienna had a cut or graze on her foot that allowed the bacteria to enter her body. As a result, Sienna spent five days in hospital with a drip attached to her at all times. Her mother, Jodie Thomas, was by her side during the ordeal. “I was really shocked when the doctors said it was from trying on new shoes,” she said. “I’ve been worried sick. They’ve had to drain all the poison from her leg. “Normally she would have socks on but it’s the summertime, so she was wearing sandals. “The shoes she liked had been tried on by other little girls and that’s how Sienna picked up the infection.” Jodie knew something was wrong with her daughter when Sienna was constantly crying in pain after the shopping trip. When doctors noticed the infection, they used a pen to outline exactly where it had spread. “By the next day it had spread up her leg and her temperature was raging,” said Jodie. “I drove her straight to the hospital. She was shaking and twitching – it was horrible to see my little girl like that. “They said it was sepsis and thought they would have to operate. “But the doctors have managed to drain all the pus from her leg and say the antibiotic drip will do the job.” Sienna has been released from the children’s ward at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, but is still being closely monitored. After going through the horrifying ordeal, Jodie is now reminding parents of the importance of children wearing socks when trying on shoes. “I knew you risk getting things like athlete’s foot from trying on shoes, but blood poisoning is far more serious,” she said. “You don’t know whose feet have been in the shoes before you. “Sienna has been really ill. The infection was moving up her leg and spreading to the rest of her body. “I’m so glad I got her to the hospital quickly." When shopping for new children's shoes, Jodie advised mums and dads "to take a spare pair of socks with them". Chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust Dr Ron Daniels said that: “This frightening case shows us that sepsis strikes indiscriminately and can affect anyone at any time. “Whenever there are signs of infection, it’s crucial that members of the public seek medical attention urgently and just ask: ‘Could it be sepsis?’” he added. “Better awareness could save thousands of lives every year.”

Caring

This genius shoe hack will make your old sneakers like new again

It is always unfortunate when white shoes are ruined by dirt and grime. However, one Twitter user has gone viral after sharing her method of restoring old shoes. Twitter user @sarahtraceyy is the woman behind this clever hack that was responsible for making her regularly worn sneakers look brand new again. The good news is the hack is super easy and only requires two ingredients that are most likely already in your house. Sarah shared the method saying, “Ok rinse shoes, mix 1:1.5 of baking soda & detergent, scrub w toothbrush, let it sit for a while, rinse, put in washer, baby powder/dry.” She then added, "I am a miracle worker." A shoe hack like this can save precious dollars you can spend elsewhere instead of making a visit to the shoe store. What is your best shoe cleaning hack? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Why you should never wear shoes without socks

Next time you are about to slip on a pair of loafers without socks, you might want to rethink your decision, as research suggests that wearing shoes without socks can prove dangerous. The College of Podiatry has found that there has been an increase in the number of fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot because people are wearing shoes without socks. Emma Stevenson, from the College of Podiatry, told The Telegraph of the risks involved with going without socks due to sweat levels. “Depending on the level of sweatiness of the foot, there may be issues with too much moisture in the feet, which can leave you vulnerable to fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot," said Emma. “On average your feet will sweat half a pint a day [236ml]; that’s a lot to be pouring out straight into your shoe without it being absorbed by a sock.” How to prevent Athlete’s Foot Emma suggests leaving your shoes to dry for 48 hours after you wear them to prevent bacteria breeding. She also recommends placing tea bags in the bottom of your shoes to absorb excess moisture. No matter how much you love your favourite pair of shoes, it is best to not wear the same pair every day. How often do you wear closed-in-shoes without socks? Let us know in the comments below.

Body

10 ways to deodorise smelly shoes

Do you, or someone in your household, remove a pair of shoes at the end of the day only to be almost knocked out by the dreadful smell? There’s nothing more embarrassing. Thankfully, you’ll never have to suffer through pungent odours from sneakers and sandals ever again – all you need to do is try these simple, cost-effective solutions. <ol> <li>Toothpaste – Yes, your humble toothpaste has uses outside the realm of oral hygiene. Simply grab an old toothbrush and use some toothpaste to clean small, dirty crevices.</li> <li>Freezer – You might think smelly shoes + freezer = cold, smelly shoes, but placing your shoes in a zip-lock bag in the freezer for 24 hours will drastically reduce any unpleasant smells.</li> <li>Newspaper – Done reading the paper? Stuff some sheets into your shoes as soon as you take them off and leave overnight. You’ll be surprised how much sweat they soak up.</li> <li>Used tea bags – Once you’ve made you and your partner a fresh brew, let the used tea bags dry, then place them inside each shoe towards the toes. Add a citrus peel to make them smell even better.</li> <li>Stink and stain remover – Perfect for white shoes, a cleaning mixture of 1 tbsp. baking soda, ½ tbsp. water and ½ tbsp. hydrogen peroxide will not only remove smells but also stains.</li> <li>Baking soda – If stains aren’t an issue, simply sprinkle at least 1 tbsp. baking soda in each shoe, shaking so it distributes evenly, leave overnight then get rid of the baking soda. Voila!</li> <li>Rubbing alcohol – Mix some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle with some water then apply to the inside of your shoes. This will kill the stench-producing bacteria.</li> <li>Wash and dry – After using one of the methods above, throw your shoes into the washing machine then let them dry. They’ll end up smelling just like freshly-laundered clothes.</li> <li>New insoles – For an easily-replaceable solution, invest in some insoles. When they get dirty, you can simply swap them for a fresh set.</li> <li>Socks – As they say, prevention is better than cure. The same can be said when it comes to keeping your shoes fresh as a daisy. Socks won’t entirely stop bacteria production (therefore stench production), but they’ll reduce it massively.</li> </ol> Have you tried any of these tricks? How did they work for you? Let us know in the comment section below.

Beauty & Style

Banana peel great to polish shoes

If you’re looking for a more natural way to polish your shoes than the traditional shoe polish, look in the fruit bowl. While it might sound crazy, you can polish your leather shoes quite well with the humble banana. All you need to do is wipe off any dirt and grime from your shoes first, then rub them all over with the inside of the peel. Then grab a clean cloth, rub the shoes all over and give them a bit of a buff and shine. It’s the potassium that bananas are well known for that actually has the shoe polishing capabilities. So as well as being delicious and nutritious, they are super handy to have around the house. Plus you can still use the fruit itself to top your cereal or bake a cake. Fruit bowl empty? You can also rub in a few drops of olive oil or a smear of petroleum jelly, then buff with a clean cloth. Do you know of any other foods that can double-up as a household cleaner? Share your tips in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/dirtiest-items-in-your-home-and-how-to-clean-them/">Dirtiest items in your home (and how to clean them)</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/6-kitchen-tips-and-tricks/">6 essential tips and tricks for your kitchen</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/mistakes-to-avoid-when-washing-sheets/%20">5 common mistakes to avoid when washing your sheets</a>

Home & Garden

Grandpa’s reaction to light-up shoes is heartwarming

As we get older, birthday and Christmas gifts seem to get less and less exciting – some people even flat out refuse to accept any! However, a sweet grandpa in the US has proven that when the right gift comes along, it’s all too easy to revert back to that childlike state of wonder and whimsy. Sarah Thorne’s father always wanted a pair of light-up running shoes, but never thought he’d have them himself as he believed they only came in children’s sizes. So, when Sarah surprised him with a pair of his very own adult-sized sneakers, he was absolutely thrilled. Just wait till you see his joyous reaction above, it will undoubtedly put a smile on your face! Tell us in the comments, what’s the most exciting gift you ever received? Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/09/family-surprise-grandpa-with-the-car-of-his-dreams/">Family surprise grandpa with the car of his dreams</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/husband-buys-wife-the-bus-they-met-on/">Husband buys wife the bus they met on 60 years ago</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/couple-wait-nine-years-to-open-wedding-present/">Married couple wait 9 years to open wedding present</a>

News

12 time and money-saving clothing and shoe tricks

Maintaining your wardrobe items comes with many challenges, especially when you’re dealing with stains, wrinkles, tight shoes and difficult fabrics. Save time and money with these nifty tricks that will help you cut corners, yet always look your best. <ol> <li>Jeans aren’t meant to be washed too often, so unless they are stained, put them in the freezer to rid odours.</li> <li>Need to wear your stained clothes quick? Wash them by had then dry them with a salad spinner.</li> <li>If you get an oil stain your clothes, leave baby powder on it overnight.</li> <li>Do you find that you iron clothes, only to have them wrinkle up immediately when you put them on? Wait five minutes before putting on clothes you’ve just ironed so you can let the press set.</li> <li>Runs in tights can be avoided by spraying hairspray on them.</li> <li>Use stale bread crust to remove dirt from suede material.</li> <li>There are many ways to stretch out tight shoes, but this is a great one for summer. Place a bag of water in each and leave them in the freezer overnight.</li> <li>Manage to stain your leather jacket, or even the couch? Use a mixture of vinegar and cold water to scrub water stains off.</li> <li>Clean patent leather with Windex.</li> <li>If you stain your clothes with red wine, you can use white wine to remove it.</li> <li>Spray shirts that tend to get sweat stains with lemon juice before you wash them.</li> <li>Use shaving cream to remove make-up (foundation in particular) from shirt collars.</li> </ol> Do you have an ingenious clothing or shoe trick that you use at home, that you would like to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/09/tips-for-spring-cleaning-your-wardrobe/">5 tips for spring-cleaning your wardrobe</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/09/wardrobe-essentials-for-spring/">5 wardrobe essentials for spring</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/beauty-tricks-that-do-not-cost-a-penny/">10 beauty tricks that don't cost a penny</a><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/beauty-tricks-that-do-not-cost-a-penny/"></a>

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Four-year-old fighting for her life after trying on new shoes

This genius shoe hack will make your old sneakers like new again

Why you should never wear shoes without socks

10 ways to deodorise smelly shoes

Banana peel great to polish shoes

Grandpa’s reaction to light-up shoes is heartwarming

12 time and money-saving clothing and shoe tricks