With New Sneaker Line, Houston Beauty-Biz Giant Wants Hairstylists to Put Their Best Foot Forward

With New Sneaker Line, Houston Beauty-Biz Giant Wants Hairstylists to Put Their Best Foot Forward

FAROUK SYSTEMS, A Houston-based beauty-biz and spa-industry giant known for its leading brands Chi and BioSilk, has created Chi Footwear for professional hair stylists, a line of podiatrist-approved line of sneakers. Former hairstylist Farouk Shami, the founder and chairman of the company, collaborated with designer Joan Orozco on the line.


The idea is that, since hairstylists are on their feet all day, they need sneakers that are not only functional and comfortable but also stylish.

With a heavy focus on foot health, Chi Footwear developed a sneaker that is said to protect from bacteria, poor circulation, sweat, odor and foot fatigue. The shoe uses graphene technology, which Chi says is stronger and more flexible than other sneakers, a lightweight material that provides relief for plantar fasciitis, provides stability and balance and reduces muscle fatigue. The graphene foam inserts also address acupuncture points which disperses the weight evenly for pain-free movement and may even relieve lower back pain and pressure.

Available in women's and men's sizes, these lightweight and flexible sneakers feature a signature "horus" eye — a symbol recognized throughout ancient history. The embroidered "horus" eye represents protection, good health and energy. There are 15 pieces in the line, and they sell for $269 each. They come in a variety of colors.

Farouk Systems founder and chairman Shami Farouk wins an industry award earlier this month (photo from @farouksystems on Instagram).

Shami founded his eponymous company in 1986 to provide the professional beauty industry with advanced technology based on "education, environment and ethics," he says. His vast lines include curling irons, blow dryers, brushes, combs, shampoos, waxes, pomades and much more. He ran unsuccessfully for Texas governor in 2009, and is reportedly pals with former president Donald Trump, on whose Apprenticeshows he appeared twice.

Style
Meet Brian Boyter, New High-End Residential Broker with an Unique Background

BRIAN BOYTER IS a Houston native with an interesting background in real estate. After an impressive 16-year tenure managing commercial transactions in a Fortune 500 Real Estate Investment Trust, he recently made the shift to high-end residential brokerage. The experience left him uniquely suited to thrive in the sometimes-emotional world of buying or selling a home.

Keep Reading Show less

Lisa Rich, Jessica Givens, Coco Lu

BETWEEN AN EXCITING raffle and runway show, Homemade Hope's fash bash at Tootsies was a truly tasteful success! More than 160 well heeled attendees also enjoyed browsing the season's most stylish offerings and chatting with Homemade Hope's executive director, Blair Bentley Ozenbaugh, about its mission to support at-risk children via mentoring and culinary lessons.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Symphony Springs to Life with Floral-Fabulous Fete

Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties