Shoe Rationing Ends Today

On this day in 1945, the US government lifted the ration on footwear enacted during World War II. 

Early in February, 1943 a ration was placed on footwear made of leather.  Some exceptions were made shortly after ratoining began and exempted items such as huaraches, skate shoes and bathing slippers. 

According to Donald Kolkman in "US Rationing during WWII",

"The shoe rationing program was a uniform coupon program. By the use of stamps having no
termination date, every individual was given the right to purchase a pair of shoes with each valid shoe
stamp contained in his Ration Book #3. Shoe stamps were validated periodically. War ration shoe
stamps were transferable between members of a family living together in the same household.

In cases of exceptional need, which if not satisfied would lead to hardship, Boards granted extra rations to consumers by giving them special shoe stamps. Members of the armed forces who applied to Local Boards for a shoe ration were referred to the nearest Army or Navy installation. The Board was not authorized to issue them a shoe ration except under circumstances of the most extreme hardship as specified in the instructions".

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Tsubo - yup, that's a silent "T"

A fresh hit of Men's and Women's Tsubo have arrived.  Tsubo's current riffing on iconic silhouetes reigns supreme; from the classic men's cap-toe brogue, the Wexler, or the refined, cinematic classiness of the women's pump, the Dufay, to the 1940s Parisian fashion nod in the Cusus.  A date night out in any of these is sure to give you a tatse of red carpet cool.   Take a peek...

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The Wexler, available in Brown and Black.

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The Duffay, available in Claret, Slate, and Black.

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The Cusus, available in Chocolate and Black.

Exceptional Men's Shoes Land in Ballard!

A nice looking set of rugged, classic and sporty men's footwear arrived at the store recently.  Here, a respectable array from Clarks, Timberland and Camper, to whet your appetite.  

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Three from Clarks, the Hilliard, and the Maguire two ways.

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From Timberland, the Earth Keepers City 6" side zip, two ways.

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And from Spain, Camper hits us with a couple of fresh, Euro sneakers, the Pelotas and the Beetle.

Ooh, la, la

New Pikolinos and a Sunday trip to the Market, both of which are a pleasure to enjoy.

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Ballard Art Walk featuring Mark Banaag

Join us this Saturday, October 8th, from 6-9 PM, as we host the canvas and photographic work of Mark Banaag .  Of his work Mark says,

"In my opinion, the biggest influence anyone can have in life comes from their surroundings.
Influences of nature, city life, and urban culture are what I take and transfer in two ways: canvas
work and photography.

A city, skyline, and urban environment can radiate its own vibrance, atmosphere, and aesthetic.
Using spray paint and acrylic, I like to celebrate and transfer these sometimes overlooked
characteristics and emotions onto canvas. Whether it be a city of darkness, energy, chaos, or
uniformity, these are the characteristics that I feel define an urban environment and need to be
expressed.

A city is not just define by what it looks from the outside, but through feelings, emotions, and
occurrences from within. Through photography, I strive to take pictures of moments that can
leave an impression. Whether it is a simple elderly couple walking by showing the endurance of
life, the sun beaming through the cracks of urban sprawl, the unique and persistent methods to
everyday living, the beautiful architecture with nature, or simply the way someone can look at
you, they are simple things that define life. I try to spotlight on something that one might pass
everyday in their life without realizing its impact.

Emotions should be expressed and shared. They help give us a definition to our surroundings."

Well said, Mark.  We look forward to hosting Mark's work, and we look forward to seeing you at the show.

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Market Street Shoes 

2232 NW Market St

Seattle, WA 98107

206-783-1670

New Editions - Cool it now

Fresh additions to our Fall boot selection...

Timberland, Tsubo, Dansko and Born all had recent deliveries; take a peek below.

The Rudston - waterproof, oiled leather in a rich, rusty brown with a gorgeous, straight shaft on a stacked heel and all day Timebrland comfort.

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Osuga - Tsubo's take on a short boot, gathered just below the calf, with a leather wrapped heel, and beautiful stitch lines referencing classic pump silhouettes, available in brown, black and red.

The Mallory - with a nod toward Victorian era styling in a  more modern, sophisticated package, Born spices it up with a beautiful brown, mottled leather and a riding style top band.

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The Knowl - Born's riff on English and Western riding styles with double pulls, classic, simple lines and a low heel, available in grey and brown.

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Rylan - from Dansko's Rio family, a wooden bottom and a touch of western detailing make this gorgeous, full-grain leather boot pair well with skirts and jeans, available in brown and black.

 

New Sorel, just to get you thinking...

I know it's not quite the weather for these yet, especially since it seems summer just started, but I did wear a jacket out of the house this morning, so maybe we're not too far away afterall. 

When we first brought in Sorel the beginning of this year we talked a little about their history and origins as a brand under the umbrella of the Kaufman Rubber Company in Kitchener, Ontario .  We figure our neighbors up north know a little something about weather and how to protect us from it, eh, so it's nice to look to Sorel for our cold and wet weather footwear needs.  Their are some classic pieces in the store now with more to follow as we head into the season.  Take a peek...

 

First up, the Sorelia Earhart.  She is available in Braken/Cappuccinno and Black/Pewter and is inspired by and named in reference to famed adventurer, Amelia Earhart.  The boot is a riff on classic avaitor "flightman" with full lace for fit and adjustability and a side zip for easy entry and exit.  The Sorelia Earhart is fully waterproof and insulated and ready for an adventure of your own.

 

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Next, we have the Tofino.  She is available in Chili Pepper/Black and Black/Oyster and has a waterproof, waxed canvas upper, leather shell and classic pac styling from the herringbone rubber outsole and the faux fur collar.  A classic pac with a little more sophistication.

And lastly, Cate the Great!  Fully waterproof and seam-sealed, insulated to 25 below, faux fur collar, and a grippy rubber outsole, Cate is ready for whatever your throw at her.  Named for the Russian Empress and taking its design cues from Cree winter moccasins, Cate the Great will keep you warm, dry, and in style, in a snow storm or at the coffee shop.

Thanks for looking!  Until next time...

New from Timberland

Timberland needs little in the way of an introduction, so let's get to it!

Hot off the griddle...

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the Maeslin T-strap in Burgundy,

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the Bethel Buckle in brown and Black,

and the Stratham Heights in Black. 

Now, the Stratham Heights does need a little introduction, as aside from being a beautiful boot it is full of innovative features.  Some are to be expected coming from Timberland - full-grain, waterproof, leather upper (tanned in a Silver rated tannery), double-gored up the back for amazing calf fit, 42% recycled rubber outsole, and an anti-fatigue, comfort footbed.  The most innovative feature however, is the patent-pending Suspension Heel technology which utilizes a shock absorber in the heel, absorbing impact and providing comfort that lasts the whole day.  The Suspension Heel look is subtle but the affect is penomenal, but you'll have to try them on to see for yourself.

Next up... Sorel!

September Art Walk

Please join us Saturday, September 10th, from 6-9 PM as we feature the mixed media work of local artist Paul Knutzen. 

Of his work Paul says,

"I look at my art as: It is what it is, or what you want it to be, never black and white. I draw and paint because I enjoy it, so I usually just put down what I’m feeling at that particular moment.

When I was a kid I was captivated with the Surrealists and how differently people could perceive the world. Now days I’m floored by the creativity and new perspectives I see from Street Artists around the globe. When I can’t come up with something to work on I’ll grab a camera and wander into various areas of the city, checking out colorful buildings, signage, and graffiti; looking for something to inspire me. 

When working on a particular piece, I find playing with various new mediums and surfaces often more interesting than the subject matter itself. Sometimes I’ll be a long way into a piece and decide to try something new. Luckily this usually works out well."

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