Houndstooth is also known as dogstooth, or pied-de-poule, meaning "chicken's feet" in French. This textile pattern is characterized by their abstract four-pointed shapes that resembled broken checks. Its first appearance was on a garment uncovered in a Swedish peat bog back in 100 BC. Today, the traditional pattern is formed by weaving four black and four white threads in a two over/two under pattern.

The pattern can be found on both men and women's clothing and accessories. It can be very fine, to the point where the print simply gives the fabric a speckled appearance; or it can be oversized and more eye-catching. The former has a more modest and neutral look (it can even seem solid from afar), which is more suitable for formal and semi-formal occasions. The latter is bolder and more suitable for casual occasions.

Because the pattern was traditionally only used with menswear, women's shoes that have it on their uppers tend to look more masculine - or handsome rather than elegant, if you will. It gives them a modest (and if the pattern isn't too bold, perhaps even professional) look.

If you're just starting to experiment with the pattern, we recommend you pick a micro-pattern that's not too daring. If you're confident, reach for the more exaggerated pattern. After all, style is whatever you want it to be, so don't be scared to get creative!

Sure, footwear can be worn for fashion. But their most fundamental role is to provide support and protection in your daily life. In the long run, high-quality support will keep the foot in its healthy alignment, preventing fatigue, foot strain, overpronation, and even issues with the knees and back.

The arches are what need the most support. For each mile you walk, it bears up to 300 000 lbs of stress! The majority of the pressure put on our bodies with each step goes straight to the arches, which is why they must be supported and protected.

Different people have different types of arches. Those with relatively flat feet require more stability, and should look for shoes that provide maximum stability as well as an arch support to prevent the arches from collapsing. Those with high arches should seek cushioning, which doesn't prop the arch up too high, and thus keeps the foot flexible and healthy. Either way, some form of arch support should be present in the shoe to ensure comfortable walking and long-term comfort.

If your footwear doesn't fit properly, it doesn't matter how many great features they offer or how stylish they look - you won't feel good in them. The wrong size and fit can cause blisters, squished toes, feet aches, and a whole lot of misery that nobody deserves.

The thing with fit is that some manufacturers make footwear that does not fit true to size, meaning their measurements do not correspond to the exact shoe size they should be. Instead, they might run slightly smaller or bigger. Some shoes also run narrow or wide, which just adds another layer of complication.

On our list, we ranked the items based on fit accuracy according to the percentage of customers who were satisfied with their size. The highest-ranked ones are therefore the most accurate. For those ranked low, consider checking the manufacturer website, where there might be sizing charts to help you find the right fit for you. Or you can skin through customer reviews to see what adjustments you might need to make to your shoe size before placing an order.

Everyone likes convenience. When you're facing a busy day and are having a rushed morning, it's always good to have a pair of shoes you can slip on easily and be out the door. By "ease of use," we refer to how convenient and quick it is to get the shoes on, and the shoes ranked highest are deemed most convenient.

It all comes down to the closure system, meaning how the foot is secured to the foot. The most traditional closure system is laced, which can be tied up and loosened. Though they have a classy look and they render the shoes adjustable in size, they aren't the most convenient and can eat up a lot of your precious morning time. Combined with high top shoes, it can take five minutes to just put on your shoes!

Buckles and velcro straps are also common, and footwear with these are much easier to use. At the same time, they are also adjustable, meaning you get a balance of convenience and adjustability.

Slip-on shoes undoubtedly rank the highest, since they take up almost no time to put on. They are also easy to slip off. The downside is that they are often not at all adjustable. If the opening is too large, your foot may not feel secure, and if it's too small you might find them hard to slip on. In short, ease of use tends to be in negative correlation with size adjustability, and what's best for you will depend on which feature you prioritize.

Walking, standing, running - all these activities require stability. Though more is needed during exercise and on slippery, icy winter days, in everyday life it's also important to ensure comfortable walking and to keep you safe.

Traction is what mainly determines stability. A good, reliable traction pattern should have grooves in geometric or zig-zag patterns, which would prevent slipping. Also, ensure the grooves aren't too shallow, or else they might wear out too quickly. Street shoes don't need as much traction as those for rugged and/or rocky terrain, but anything's better than a smooth outsole.

The heel size is also crucial. The higher the heel, the farther away your foot is from the ground, and the less stable you are. In addition, unless they are wedge heels, then the amount of contact your foot has with the ground is also reduced, which also impacts stability. If you like to have a polished and feminine look and won't be walking out on icy surfaces, then a heel of up to three inches should be perfectly fine. Anything above four inches, however, and you put yourself at a higher risk for slipping, falling, and getting injured.

Some other minor details that can make you feel more stable on your feet is a secure closure system (as we mentioned) and a deep heel cup. Good arch support can also hold the foot more in place inside the shoe, making you feel more stable.