For this purpose, we will define effectiveness as being part of the style, the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and longevity. The style is easy in a sense. If we are examining a pair of stilettos, then we are only examining how the almond toe translates to another design. The same is true with a pair of ankle booties, and so on. If the original style becomes enhanced because of the almond toe, then the number goes up. If, however, the style becomes burdened by the toe shape, then the number decreases.

The aesthetic appeal is directly reflected by the previous number. In addition to this, the overall appearance of the upper, also, comes into play. Are there accessories attached to hide a gaudy-looking shoe, or are they in place to enhance an already beautiful work of art?

Functionality is how the footwear will perform as designed. That is, we are not comparing a formal shoe to a running shoe; but instead, we are comparing a shoe to how it behaves while heading out for the evening to a nice restaurant, so to speak. If you cannot wear it for more than an hour before you are bleeding, then it isn't very functional. And if you find your ankles are twisting because of a terrible offset in the location of the heel, then again, it isn't very functional.

Longevity is, also, in relation to the type and style of the shoe, itself. But for the most part, we do expect footwear to last longer than a few wearings before breaking down. If a few hours causes the seams to fray or a heel to split, then the longevity score is going to take a major hit. And with all of these combined elements considered, we are able to better determine what constitutes effectiveness in our footwear.

Materials vary greatly among varying companies and styles. We expect leather uppers when purchasing from a leather company, more or less. And if we see that something is being sold as leather, when it is, indeed, faux leather, the score will lower. But for the most part, companies are pretty good about announcing the material make-up of the upper.

Since the almond toe is part of the upper, the material makeup becomes part of the evaluation. We are not, however, comparing a leather upper versus a velvet upper, per se. What we are doing is to compare the overall longevity of the materials when under the duress of natural, expected environments. That is, a running shoe is expected to be running, whereas a heel is not.

If the upper fails during its expected natural environment, then the number is going to fail along with it. Likewise, if it excels, so does the number. Along with our evaluations, we discovered that some materials fail because of improper preparation among the buyers. Unfortunately, not all shoe companies care about whether or not we have an understanding of proper care, but they are quick to refuse a return if we lose our footwear from an oversight. Because of this, we thought it pertinent to give a pointer or two.

Many leather uppers are not pre-treated to handle rain. When exposed, these uppers can begin to rot. There are, however, water-resistant treatments that we can add to our footwear to prevent this. Just be mindful that some will darken the leather. Velvet is another area of concern. Velvet snags and stains easily. There are pre-treatments that can minimize the potential damage. And as with the leather treatments, some of these solutions may darken the end result.

At the end of the day, a little research can go a long way in preventing undesirable damage to our footwear.

The model number is a little trickier. On one hand, we have the model in its relation to other models of the same type. This isn't so bad to evaluate. On the other hand, however, we have the model in its relation to how well the almond toe enhances or decreases the overall appearance of the model itself.

For example, the classic, Mary Jane style is gorgeous with the almond toe. We can exaggerate the shaping or make it as subtle as possible. Either way, this model goes well with the almond shape. When we compare the shape to the model as a single unit, the score is going to rise. On the same side of this coin, we, also, need to evaluate the particular model of the classic, Mary Jane to other Mary Jane styles. When we exaggerate the shape, does it look better on the other models versus this one? If so, why? If it is a design flaw (aesthetic or otherwise), then the number decreases.

Another thing we consider is whether or not the model in question is fashionable. A classic style is a classic for a reason. It has been on top, left the scene, and is on the return. This is because the style works so well, it never really left in the first place; albeit, we may believe it did. The Mary Jane style is then one of those styles that will score high because of its potential to hang around. And, obviously, current fashion models will score high because they are the ones currently on top.

The almond toe can be found in many areas of the footwear industry. But the more frequent of areas will be in casual and dress. So, if a casual model does work in a casual setting, then the number goes up. And if this same casual wear can be applied, also, to a dress setting, then the number goes up further, and so on.

Although the scoring system is a bit tricker than some of the others, it is not overly complicated. The main thing to remember is that the model comparison is in relation to its practicality, in a manner of speaking.

We touched on uppers rather extensively in the materials section, so we will not touch on those particular aspects. In addition to those elements of interest, we, also, consider performance.

Performance is key when determining the overall functionality of the footwear, and whether or not that footwear will be practical in the environment in which it is intended. For instance, if we are to wear a new pair of red shoes out on the asphalt after it is freshly laid, we can expect some possible running of paint or peeling, thereof. After all, these are not intended to be worn in such conditions.

But if we are to place them on our feet, head out for a much-needed break and night out on the town, and upon our arrival to our destination, we notice there is peeling at the toe area, then our night becomes ruined. At least, it might seem that way. And in some regards, it has. This is because the upper has failed miserably in the condition for which it was designed.

The next consideration (within this same scenario) is how many times we can go out before the upper begins to fail. This number is more centrally placed within us as individuals, but, in a general sense, there is a minimum number in which most of us will agree should be met. For our purpose, any upper that begins to fall apart prior to 3 months of recommended usage receives a lower score. Those that exceed 6 months of usage gets a higher score.

Okay, let's face it. Many of us are guilty of spotting a gorgeous pair of shoes at an unbelievable price, and we lose our heads and hit the buy button. Come on, you can be honest. Most of us have done it, at least once. We may even skim over a few reviews (the ones with best ratings) to solidify and justify our momentary lapse or reasoning with a touch of compulsive tendency. Unfortunately, however, we may end up with a terrible buy and feel like our heads are crashing in from the unbelievable waste of money.

The price of any item, no matter how budget-friendly it may seem, is only part of what it means for that product to have real value. Value has many elements with the monetary property as being one of those. Some of the other elements, we may want to consider, is the longevity and quality of the item in relation to that price. If both the quality and longevity exceed the asking price, then the value becomes high.

What about fashion footwear, such as ankle booties? In addition to the aforementioned elements, we, also, have the 'wow' factor. That is, do we receive compliments when we sport this new purchase? If we do, then the value becomes higher. If we, however, receive nothing but insults by way of verbal or rolling eyes, as it were, then the value becomes lower.

So, although a pair may be the most expensive on the list, it may receive the highest value, but only if it excels in every area of what we consider to be a value for that particular model. On the flip side of the same coin, it could very well hit the bottom of the ranks if it were to fall short in these areas.