CHERISH YOUR TOOTSIES. (Kicker Ladies Classic Boot)

Member Name: thingywhatsit

Product:	Kicker Ladies Classic Boot
Date:	29/12/06 (1500 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Long lasting and extremely comfortable.

Disadvantages: Price may frighten some, although worth looking on Ebay.

Kickers

Ever had feet that hurt ? Ever wondered if you could find that illusive pair of shoes that feel so comfortable that you feel like skipping ? Well I have had both, and I know which one I prefer.

What are Kickers ?

For those that have never heard of Kickers, the original conception of these shoes came about after Daniel Raufast was looking into the designer shop windows in the Champs Elysees and couldn't help noticing that most of them had bare feet. He wanted to create stunning designs that would appeal to all, and the design of the original Kickers was born, way back in the sixties.

Kicker workshops are in Belgium and these have always been expensive shoes, although for good reason. They last and last. I remember my first pair, and in those days the guarantee said that if the upper wears out before the sole, they would replace the shoes, although I notice that this guarantee is no longer in place as it really doesn't need to be. People know now from experience of these shoes that the quality is superb, that the softest of leathers are used, and that what you are offered these days for your 65 Pounds is a pair of shoes that will outlast any other make of shoe that I have ever tried, and believe me in the fifty odd years of my life I have tried many.

Kicker styles are superb to wear with jeans or trousers, and I particularly like the boot style which was always the traditional design, high at the ankle, laced shoes in either a leather finish or a suede finish. My first pair of these shoes were in a beige leather, and looked after well, gave me more than 15 years of use. Now that really is going some for a pair of shoes. They were used. They were abused, but still they lasted, and by goodness were the most comfortable pair of shoes I ever owned, until this year.

Kickers have extended their range, though the boots I am reviewing are the traditional style, and the new thing is that you can go onto their site and personalise your boots, chosing the colours of leather that you want. They have quite a clever little Java based template where you can personalise your boots in Nubuck. I have three pairs now, one in Pale and Dark Blue suede, one in orange and brown suede, and for the days when the weather is at its worst and I don't want my suede shoes to be damaged, I have a pair of leather kickers in a more modern style shoe, again with laces.

The soles of these shoes really are hard wearing, flexible and the experience of wearing Kickers and trying them against other makers Brands really is an eye opening experience, and one that will tell you instantly which are the best quality and which would be more comfortable to wear. The Kickers win hands down.

The new Kicker style have thought of youngsters and have a new system of lacing through the tongue of the shoe, although I prefer to lace mine traditionally, as with Kickers there is no need to lace through the tongue as it never slips down or creates discomfort. Personal preference I guess which way you lace them, though I feel this was added for aesthetics rather than necessity. Also available now are ones with a velcro fastening, although I don't think these are as stylish as the original concept Kickers.

These really are worthy of consideration, although I would be loathe to spend out the amount they cost for growing children as they would most certainly last longer than they would be used. I think that if a child shows interest in Kickers, it would be more sensible to wait until the child was fully grown because I do know of parents having spent money on shoes that kids outgrow. From a personal point of view, the ones that they make for toddlers really are superb, and I must admit I did buy some for a friends child because they were so sweet, and will be used again when she has her next child.

These really are the business. Comfortable from the word 'go', best quality materials, lasting for ages and giving your feet adequate room without making them sweat. To me they are a much better option to trainers and certainly have outlasted any trainers that I have owned.

Care of shoes

I think one of the most important things to remember if you want your Kickers to continue to look like new is to protect them. Polish for leather ones, and here I use neutral since the colours are ones that are difficult to match with polishes, and a spray protection for my suede ones. I never use a suede brush since I really believe it damages the shoes and makes them look worn before their time.

Website information for anyone toying with the idea of designing their own Kickers;

http://www.kickers.be/fr/creefr.htm

Available in High Street shops, though do look around, as colour combinations differ from shop to shop, and you may find ones that suit your requirements by comparison.

Conclusion.

These are the best shoes I have ever owned. I am probably obsessed by them because they give me so much comfort and my feet have to carry me rather a long way and I want the most comfort a shoe can offer me. If you live in a place that is wet, the leather version is probably the best, although I love the suede ones which I keep for good weather. They really are good.

Summary: The best shoes I have ever worn.