“Pulverized tannin sprinkled inside the boots or shoes in three days prevents tender feet from perspiring and blistering. Tanning thus applied, rapidly strengthens and hardens the skin, softened by the simultaneous action of moisture and heat; perspiration being thus reduced to the proper degree, without its healthy action being in the slightest interfered with, the exhalations as a matter of course cease to be offensive. The cessation of disagreeable odours is explained by the fact that the products of the ammoniacal decomposition of the skin are immediately combined with the tannin and so carried off.”
Rubber-soled shoes for ladies, with leather or other material for the uppers, have been manufactured to a slight extent; and, as far as we know, are a success. The objection on account of health does not apply to them seriously, because the rubber is at the bottom. Possibly, however, an uncomfortable effect may be produced upon the sole of the foot.
Water-proof serge or lasting, also, is among the late inventions. It is claimed to be sufficiently porous to allow the escape of perspiration, yet water-proof under all ordinary exposure. The two qualities are incompatible and if really water-proof it is only fit, like rubber, to be worn occasionally.
Cloth materials of different kinds have been much worn. They permit a partial saving of leather, and are equally handsome. They are light, soft, may be made sufficiently warm, and are far more favourable to health. They answer nearly every requirement for a good shoe, except the defence against dampness; and their wearing ought to be encouraged. The defect named must be supplied by rubbers.
Nearly all the coarser and cheaper kinds of men’s shoe goods have the bad quality of general stiffness. Their wearing makes, in a very decided and proper sense, stiff feet. They are all the worse for having pegged soles. Whether the soles are curved or straight makes not much difference, for the stiffness prevents the use of either the upper or lower set of the foot’s muscles. As these goods can not be generally manufactured at the present time without being made stiff by pegs, in addition to the firmness of the leather, there is but little chance for improvement. Those obliged to wear them are advised to do so only so far as they are compelled, and to keep the upper parts in as pliable a condition as possible by frequent applications of oil. It is to be hoped that something softer will some time take their place.
The value of all these various styles, and of any other that may come up hereafter, may be tested by the presence or absence of the following general qualities: sufficient porosity of the upper to admit the passage of the insensible perspiration; softness and pliability sufficient to allow of ease and comfort to the foot in all its movements; flexibility and elasticity that will yield to accommodate the action of the muscles at the ankle and top of the foot, yet draw the upper tight enough to fit smoothly; general good shape and proportion; flexibility of sole; strength for protection and service. The more of these there can be combined into any species of foot-clothing the better will the foot be protected and preserved, and at the least expense of money and trouble in proportion to the benefit gained.
THE END.
BILLING, PRINTER, GUILDFORD, SURREY.