There are many types of different materials from which you can create footwear, and they all have different qualities and flaws. Leather is one of the most popular choices for creating shoes. It comes in varying qualities, like regular and premium full-grain leather.

Full-grain leather has much better water-resistance properties and is much more durable and flexible because it is taken from the top layer of the skin which has a protective role. Cow leather is the most common, but there are plenty of other kinds. But, leather can be very heavy. So, it might not be such a good choice for lightweight shoes, but a few leather details surely won't add to the weight of the shoe!

Textile - Textile is a manmade material that comes in various forms, shapes, colors, and sizes, and most importantly denier. Textile, besides being very light, has a lot of other good properties. It is very breathable, and promotes good airflow, due to the way it is weaved and knitted. It takes on colors very well, so you will have an infinite amount of choices. Lastly, it's stretchable so you always have a good fit!

Synthetics - also known as PU. This material is the most common in sport's shoes. Just like textile, it takes colors very well, so a lot of colorful patterns and vibrant designs can be found. It is usually made out of two layers, the top is lighter and not so tightly packed, while the bottom one offers more protection and breathability. Because it is usually made for running footwear, it is, as you may have already guessed, very light. Otherwise, it would impact the quality of the run.

So, these are some of the more basic materials you can find today. If you worry your big shoes might end up being heavy, always search for materials which you know will end up being light. Although sometimes, it doesn't hurt to sacrifice yourself for heavier materials, like leather!

The comfort of the shoe depends on two factors- the upper and the soles. The upper affects comfort because the materials used in creating all have a different level of comfort. Leather is one of the most comfortable materials out there, but it's very stiff in the beginning, and you'll have to be careful not to get blisters when breaking it in. Textile and other synthetic materials are super comfortable because they are soft and stretch very easily, accommodating to the shape of your feet. Rubber is bendy but can end up being pretty stiff, so you should be careful about that one!

The soles can have various different things added to them to make it feel like you are waling on literal clouds. Footbeds are usually padded or are specially molded to fit your feet perfectly. Pads usually reside on the heel and toe area, where most of the pressure builds up while you walk. EVA midsoles are a common choice too because they are light and have good bounceback, meaning you won't feel anything underneath you and you'll feel like you are walking around barefoot!

Footwear that comes in big sizes is expensive, and that is usually because a lot of material is used to create them. So, it's better to invest in a durable shoe that will last you for a lot of years, maybe even decades to come, instead of buying cheaper shoes that fall apart quickly. The lack of durability in footwear is a major issue because nobody likes it when their shoes start sprouting new holes after only a few months of using them!

So, how long will your shoes last? There are a lot of variables that come into play - the surface you walk on, your weight, your lifestyle, the weather conditions, and anything else in-between. So it is almost impossible to predict how long a certain pair will last. Furthermore, not all shoes were created equally. Footwear that has a Goodyear welt will, without doubt, last the longest of any other kind, because they have soles that can be replaced whenever you desire to do so.

Leather shoes have a much longer life than, for an example, textile sneakers that are prone to tearing and are not so water resistant. Then, the way the material is processed is also important. Handcrafted items will last a much longer time, because they go through better quality checks, and go through a lot of hands, compared to factory made which only go through several machines.

But, when properly cared for, any type of footwear could last you for a very long time. Buy creams and sprays that take care of their water-resistance, their flexibility, and their looks!

So, if you already do struggle to find a good shoe, do buy one that will last you a very long time - it will make your life easier because you won't waste a lot of time searching for the right pair, and you will be much happier knowing that you have a good pair supporting your feet.

Lightweight footwear is very popular, and for a good reason. It relieves your feet from stress, helps you relax, and makes it easier for you to walk because it doesn't feel like you have stones on your legs. But, what materials are best for creating lightweight shoes?

Textile is a great choice for lightweight shoes, because the material itself is super light, and usually the whole upper is made out of it, so you will end up with very light footwear. The weight of textile is determined by denier. Denier is how the weight of thread is measured. Typical weight is 110D, for very lightweight fabric. For regular, well-known shoes, 420D and 600D are the most common and reasonable choices.

Leather would not be a good choice for creating lightweight shoes, because it's very heavy. Suede, however, is leather stripped down of one layer, so the overall weight is halved, and you get all the same qualities with less weight!

The midsoles play a role as well, and choosing foam midsoles, like PU or EVA, are the most common ways to reduce the overall weight of the shoe. Those materials are light, super dense, last for a long time and provide you with comfort. So you'll get a super comfy pair with minimum weight added!

The best way to ensure a good fit when it comes to big shoes is to have them handcrafted. Usually, finding shoes that come in a big size on the free market is a very tough job. Not a lot of brands create big shoes, and that is because not a lot of people are born with exceptionally large feet. So, you are left with a few options - ordering big sizes from well-known brands, or opting out for a custom, handcrafted shoe.

To best customize your size, it's best to specify it in two ways. The first is the length and width measurements. All you have to do to measure yours is to grab a piece of paper, a pen, a measuring tape and maybe a friend or a family member. Step on the piece of paper, and have your friend carefully outline your foot, or do it by yourself. Make sure to hold it upright, if you tilt it the results may not be correct. After doing that, take the measuring tape (or a ruler), and measure the widest and the longest points of your drawing. Or, you can scan that image and send it to your chosen manufacturer and have them look over it.

The next thing you are supposed to do is let your shoemaker know which size you usually find the most comfortable. The sizes vary between brands, so find the average size you usually buy and give that information to your producer. Then, if you have any foot problems, like bunions, callouses, a wider fit, or anything else in between - all of that should be mentioned when order custom sizes, s this can further increase the comfort of your new shoe.

So, sometimes it truly is better to have someone make your shoe, instead of buying it. You get to know the person making it, give your personal note to the item, and maybe even make new friends while doing so!