I am always amused at how many customers (mostly men) are surprised to find out that we measure feet in our store as a matter of habit. They are often even more surprised to find that their foot size has changed in the years since last measured. Some are shocked to find that one foot is larger than the other or that their narrow foot has morphed into a wide.
There is also confusion when their size in one shoe style is different than another. Shoes, like clothing, vary in size. You may wear a 38 in a Dansko sandal, but a 39 in a Dansko clog. And you may wear an 8 ½ in a Merrell Jungle Moc but a 9 in a Keen hiking boot.
Measuring and proper sizing are critical to healthy feet. Here is an example. I have found that, without proper measurement, people with wide feet tend to always choose a size bigger than they need. Recently a man whose foot we measured at 8 ½ wide told me he had been buying size 10 for years. He thought he had to go bigger to accommodate his wide feet and have room for his toes. But his feet still hurt and he could not figure out why. Well his feet hurt because he was wearing a 10 medium instead of an 8 ½ wide. The arch of the shoe was totally misaligned with the arch of his foot! We fitted him with an 8 ½ extra wide pair of New Balance shoes and the fit was perfect! They hit his arches in the right spot and he had just enough room for his toes. For the first time in years, his feet felt great.
An important factor to remember is that one cannot get hung up on the size of shoe as measured by a number. The difference between each half size is 1/6 inch longer and 1/8 inch wider. So when trying on a shoe and walking around the store make sure that the arch feels like it is in the correct support area and make sure your toes aren’t hitting the very end of the shoe. This is especially important for our terrain. Most stores have a small ramp that you can walk down to make sure that the toes aren’t hitting.
Sometimes the shoe will meet a person’s needs but they may still need some extra support. We offer a wide selection of premade and custom orthotics that can enhance the footwear. We also have an assortment of pads to customize shoes for the individual “personality” of your feet.
After shopping at big boxes for years, many of us have forgotten what good customer service is all about. But the next time you are in The Good Sole or any full service shoe store, ask to have your feet measured. You might be surprised to find out your true size!
Remember that weird aunt or distant relative who gave you a pair of socks for Christmas? Well, the sock world has changed and today everyone wants that goofy relative so they can get socks.
We have expanded our sock selection at The Good Sole. We have all kinds, all brands, colors, weights and sizes. We have ski socks, snowboard socks, hiking socks, hunting socks, running socks, casual socks, and of course – toe and flip flop socks.
One of the most intriguing socks is Columbia’s Omni Heat socks. There is a special reflector shield on this sock that helps our feet conserve heat to keep us warmer.
We carry Smartwool, Fits, Bridgedale, Columbia, Goodhew, Point 6, Dansko, Injinji, Thorlo and New Balance. So stop in and treat someone – or yourself - to some toasty comfortable socks this holiday season!
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving blue posters were left at the storefronts all around Taos Plaza.
The poster read:
TAOS
Don’t Throw it away.
Buy it local. Keep it local.
For every $100 spent in a locally-owned independent store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, wages, donations and other expenditures. Spend that in a national chain, only $43 stay here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
It’s a great poster and a serious reminder how we all need to support each other. Both The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters appreciate the local support we receive. I realize we sometimes don’t have every style or size for everyone, but most of the time we can do special orders and make you happy.
Have a great holiday season and be sure to join us at Taos Mountain Outfitters on Friday, Dec. 9 for our Santa Sleigh Ride from 4 to 6 p.m. There will lots of prizes and guaranteed fun!
And, thank you to whoever is behind the mystery poster on buying local. It is a real wake-up call for all of us!
The fall season is upon us and there have been numerous sightings of bears. And, these aren’t the bears that wear hats or bow ties. I have had friends encounter bears from Williams Lake to the Weimar area.
Bears are preparing for hibernation so don’t leave birdseed, food garbage etc. out for them. And, to protect yourself out hiking or on early morning treks - Taos Mountain Outfitters does sell bear spray and bear bells. Both are used for different purposes. The spray will protect you if you have a face to face encounter and the bells will just make noise so you won’t startle a bear.
PLEASE – read the label on bear spray before going on a hike. Do not use the spray near a dog. This is a beautiful time of the year – so enjoy!
Ever look at someone’s foot – or even your own foot—and wonder what that protrusion is pushing out below your big toe? What is that bump? Well, what you are viewing is the third most common foot ailment – a bunion.
It's a bit confusing, but the word bunion actually refers to three different medical conditions: soft tissue enlargement, hallux abducto valgus (HAV) and metatarsus primus varus (MPV). All three of these problems generally occur together and are what most people think of as a typical "bunion."
HAV is a fancy way of saying that your big toe (hallux) is rotated and leaning toward your other toes. Sometimes the deformity becomes really severe and the big toe can either sit on top or underneath your second toe. The other condition, MPV, involves the first metatarsal becoming rotated and leaning too far toward your other foot. The hard bone you feel when you touch the bunion (the side of your big toe joint) is the head of the first metatarsal that has shifted out of position.
Bunions are usually termed mild, moderate or severe. Just because you have a bunion does not necessarily equal pain. There are some people with very severe bunions and no pain and people with mild bunions and a lot of pain.
Bunions are much more common in women than in men, mainly because we women will sacrifice sensibility for sexy – which means poor fitting shoes. Daily at The Good Sole we have ladies calling their bunions “onions” because they are so huge.
In countries where people do not wear shoes there are not as many bunions, but bunions are still found in some non-shoe wearing people. Here in the USA there are a greater number of people who have bunions, however, there are factors other than shoes that contribute to bunions.
Heredity plays a part. You do not inherit the bunions, but you inherit the foot type that may lead to bunions. Certain foot types cause the bones to change position and go out of alignment.
So – next time you are around your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers – take a look.
Possible causes of bunions:
• Shoes (especially high-heeled shoes)
• Flat feet (pes planus) and pronation (foot rolls in)
• Amputation of the second toe
• Neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, poliomyelitis.
• Shortening of the achilles tendon
• Ruptured posterior tibialis tendon
Non-surgical treatment will not make the bunion go away, but it will hopefully decrease the signs and symptoms you have and help you get rid of the pain. There are various bunion regulators and other devices that may help.
At The Good Sole, we have had several patients including ourselves (yes, several of us do have bunions) who use toe socks to help keep the bunion from getting bigger. Lately, more bunion folks have been wearing Vibram Five Fingers ( yes- the funny toe shoes) to help and so far the reports have been good.
Some other solutions to help with bunions are:
• Wider shoes
• Extra depth shoes
• Stretch shoes (Don at The Good Sole is the best bunion buster this side of the Mississippi and can get most shoes to accommodate bunions)
• Ice
• Padding, splints, toe spacers
• NSAIDs (Aleve, Advil, ibuprofen, etc.)
• Arch supports
• Orthotics
Foot exercises and toe stretches can also help to keep the foot mobile, maintain flexibility, and strengthen muscles.
• Toe stretches. Stretching out your toes can help keep them limber and offset foot pain. To stretch your toes, point your toes straight ahead for 5 seconds and then curl them under for 5 seconds. Repeat these stretches 10 times. These exercises can be especially beneficial if you also have hammertoes.
• Toe flexing and contracting. Pressing your toes against a hard surface such as a wall, to flex and stretch them; hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times. Then flex your toes in the opposite direction; hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times.
• Stretching your big toe. Using your fingers to gently pull your big toe over into proper alignment can be helpful as well. Hold your toe in position for 10 seconds and repeat three to four times.
• Ball roll. To massage the bottom of your foot, sit down, place a golf ball or a Foot Rubz on the floor under your foot, and roll it around under your foot for two minutes. This can help relieve foot strain and cramping.
• Towel curls. You can strengthen your toes by spreading out a small towel on the floor, curling your toes around it, and pulling it toward you. Repeat five times. Gripping objects with your toes like this can help keep your foot flexible.
And finally…
• Picking up marbles. Place around 20 marbles on the floor in front of you and use your foot to pick the marbles up one by one and place them in a bowl.
If you have questions about your bunion, you should always consult your podiatrist. But feel free to stop by The Good Sole and we can visit with you about some of the above options to help your bunion not become an onion!
It is hot outside – and of course – our feet get hot.Have you ever had your feet feel so hot that you couldn’t wait to get somewhere and slip off your shoes or sandals – only to pass out from the smell of stinky feet!
The two most common and prime reasons that contribute the most to smelly feet are sweating from the feet and the type of shoes worn. Sweating, as we know, is an essential body process that not only maintains our body temperature but also assists in removing waste products from the body.
And --each foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands - so no wonder our feet smell so bad.
The main reason behind this odor is the bacteria – or more precisely the waste products of the bacteria ingesting the sweat. The bacteria excrete waste in the form of odor that sometimes smells like rotten onions or rotten eggs (let’s face it – neither is a great smell)
If you or a special someone suffers from this, there is hope!
Here are a few suggestions:
*Keep good hygiene by washing your feet daily with lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap for the removal of bacteria.
*Wearing clean and dry socks made of wool, wool cotton mix and special synthetic knits made for athletic wear will move the moisture away from the foot and help the feet to breathe better. We have a great selection of Smartwool, Fits, Goodhew, and Thorlo socks that can help. Avoid wearing nylon socks and stockings as they don't allow the feet to breathe. Socks made of 100% cotton do breathe, but they also retain moisture which can contribute to foot odor.
*Make sure you change your socks daily and wash them after wearing as this will minimize the chances of bacteria to breed.
*Don't wear the same pair of shoes everyday ( of course we are going to say this) and give at least a day for the previous pair of shoes to dry out so that the built up moisture and smell gets removed.
*Don't wear shoes that are tight on your feet, and also purchase removable insoles for your shoes so that you can wash them occasionally. This will not only help you get rid of the odor, but will also help with the wear and tear of the shoes as the insoles absorb the moisture, not the shoe.
Of all the solutions for smelly feet, most experts (yes, there are experts on stinky feet) say that soaking the feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes once in a week is a highly effective. The tannic acid present in the tea destroys the bacteria and closes the pores which keep the feet dry for a longer duration of time.
Another solution is soaking your feet in two quarts of warm water containing two tablespoons of Epsom salt. Similarly, soaking your feet in a bowl filled with warm water and oats for 10 - 15 minutes is another solution.
To save a shoe – there are some different solutions. If the shoe can’t be washed, some people have had success with adding baking soda and swishing it around – but this is messy. Others have put the shoe in the freezer but again – when you go to the ice cube tray you are kinda grossed out. At The Good Sole we have the 10 Seconds Brand of shoe disinfectant and deodorizer which is terrific. It is a staff favorite and has saved many of our shoes.
So So – let’s enjoy the warm weather and feel free to take off your shoes in front of company!
This is the season where we are visited by family and friends and we want to show off our wonderful trails and daily hiking routes. But – we forget that we are use to the altitude here and many times our visitors are coming from lower elevations and can feel the strain of being higher than usual!
You can be in terrific physical condition and still experience altitude sickness. Believe it or not, altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men than old gals like me because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain to show themselves or their buddies that they are indestructible! As a general rule, it is far safer (and more enjoyable) to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimation to altitude as you ascend -- and yes, you can race back down as fast as you like!
The symptoms of Mild AMS include:
• Headache
• Nausea & Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Disturbed sleep
Some symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within two to four days as the body acclimates. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate. When hiking, it is essential that hikers communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to others on trip.
The signs and symptoms of Moderate AMS include:
• Severe headache that is not relieved by medication
• Nausea and vomiting, increasing weakness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased co-ordination (ataxia).
The best test for moderate AMS is to have the person walk a straight line heel to toe just like a sobriety test. A person with ataxia would be unable to walk a straight line. This is a clear indication that an immediate descent is required. It is important to get the person to descend before the ataxia reaches the point where they cannot walk on their own (which would necessitate emergency evacuation).
So –if you have family coming from Naples, Florida, it is best to spend the day and night at a lower elevation such as Taos before taking on Williams Lake. And, most importantly …
STAY HYDRATED – WITH WATER!!! I put this in capital letters because many visitors tend to stay hydrated with margaritas from the Taos Inn – and it makes the next day’s hike a bit challenging! Nothing wrong with a few margs, but don’t forget the water!
Of course I am emphasizing hydration because Taos Mountain Outfitters has the area’s, if not the whole state’s, best selection of hydration systems from water bottles to packs. So – check it out!
There is a huge misunderstanding in the foot world that if you wear orthotics or suffer from various foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia that you cannot wear sandals.
That’s right; many folks – especially women – are told that if they have foot problems they must wear an enclosed shoe at all times. This is neither fun nor comfortable, especially when it is warm outside.
After all, who wants to attend an outdoor event in June in shoes? Not me and I doubt you!
We are not doctors, but at The Good Sole we have the training and expertise to modify many sandals so they are both comfortable and healthy for people with common foot problems.
We start with the highest quality sandals from the best names such as Naot, Wolky, Dansko and Mephisto. Some of these great sandals offer enough support and balance that even problem feet can be comfortable right out of the box. Others come with removable footbeds that allow for custom orthotics or modifications. We can add metatarsal or scaphoid pads (also known as arch cookies) to make the sandal even more supportive.
Don Feinberg, our manager, is a pro at helping to stretch or do bunion busting on sandals or shoes so they can fit around various toes, bumps, sensitive areas, etc. Annie Stewart, our lab technician, is usually available to customize a sandal or shoe to meet the needs of your feet. And Kara (that’s me) is a Certified Pedorthist. You can call any time to schedule a free exam.
We already have a great selection and are getting more new styles every week. So let the sun shine in on your feet and be comfortable this summer!
And, even if you don’t have any foot ailments, it is worth investing in quality sandals built for comfort and support. That is the best way to ensure your feet stay healthy and beautiful for years and decades to come.
So go get a pedicure and let your feet see the light of day this summer!
This Friday is The Good Sole’s 3rd Birthday. That’s right – on April Fool’s Day 2008 we became part of the Taos business community. And three years later, we still work hard to be the place where Taos shops for shoes. In addition to carrying great outdoor brands such as KEEN and Merrell, we added premier comfort lines for people who are on their feet all day such as Dansko, Naot, and Clarks. Many of our best customers are local chefs, school teachers and nurses from Holy Cross Hospital. We are also proud to be the place in Taos to come for Frye boots.
Last year we added the Taos Running Company and we are now the only place in town for custom fit athletic shoes from Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Salomon, Technica, and Montrail. And we are excited to have Nike shoes and apparel due to arrive soon!
It’s been fun and challenging trying to figure out what shoes will work for everyone’s lifestyle –work, fun, and play. The one that’s been the biggest surprise hit is really not even a shoe. It’s the phenomenon that launched the barefoot running and walking craze - Vibram 5 Fingers. Yep, we were the shop that introduced these fun (or funny - depending how you look at it) shoes to Taos and all of New Mexico. Their huge success has created whole new category of footwear called “minimalist” shoes. Everyone from New Balance to Merrell is making them now and The Good Sole is the place to find them all. Soon we will be receiving minimalist styles from Montrail, Jambu and others.
However, the minimal shoe isn’t for everyone and we are still an orthotic facility offering custom and premade orthotics and modifications to provide a custom and comfortable fit for your feet and your shoes. Don Feinberg, our manager, was born into the shoe world and can assist you in finding a special shoe for your specific needs. Annie Stewart is also an old shoe dog and has taken on the role of lab technician to help with various orthotic and shoe modifications. We are also lucky to have Ariana Reyes who helps with sales and gives some great input on what shoes look good and what shoes really do look like old lady shoes! And I continue to work with patients on a daily basis providing custom solutions to whatever ails your feet.
Thank you Taos for welcoming us! It has been a challenging three years for us as it has for most small businesses in the area. But thanks to your support and loyalty, we made it through and plan to be the place where Taos shops for shoes for many years to come!
The recent gas outage certainly came at one of the worst times. Not only did it happen when we were experiencing what I felt was the only cold snap of winter but it also happened during what is one of the most challenging months for retail businesses.
The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters were able to remain open – TGS benefits from the sun that beams through our south side windows and TMO uses electric heat.
I lived in Los Angeles so I have been through State of Emergencies before – but this one did seem somewhat more unnerving – probably because it was so cold and it just seemed so strange. I never would think that an area would lose natural gas support.
And while we didn’t get answers from New Mexcio Gas -- – we did have local entities and folks who offered great communication and leadership during those days- and Taos got through it!
Cathy Connelly of the City of Taos did an excellent job of passing on information from the various agencies to keep residents updated.
Steve Fuhlendorf of Taos County Chamber of Commerce was terrific in passing on this information, as well as business information, to its members.
And, a special salute goes to Paddy Mac and KTAO for passing on outage updates, plus keeping listeners updated on what businesses and restaurants were open, what to do to stay warm, how to care for frozen pipes, etc.
Good job Taos! Everyone did a good job on checking on their neighbors, offering shelter, warm food...What a great place to live!
It’s January – and although we haven’t had a ton of snow in Taos, we still have ice. And just walking around town requires special attention. At The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters we can fit you with YakTrax which attach to the bottom of your shoe or boot and will help -- but here are some friendly reminders for getting around on ice:
*Assume that all dark areas on pavement are ice and slippery
*Avoid shoes or boots with smooth soles. Instead, wear footwear that can provide traction such as non-slip rubber soles.
*Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles – use the vehicle for support
*Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in the pockets decrease your center of gravity and balance. Plus, if you do slip, you want your hands free to break the fall. A friend up in Colorado actually broke his nose in a fall because his hands were stuck in his pockets. And no he had not had a drink yet!
*If you do slip, try avoiding landing on your knees or spine. It is better to relax and try to land on your side or your butt which is usually fleshier and provides a little more cushion.
*Most importantly - what living creature handles ice better than anyone? The penguin. So, walk like a penguin. Point your feet out slightly on ice – this increases your center of gravity. It won’t be your best look, but when it comes to ice, it’s better to be safe than sexy! Plus, you can hum the “March of the Penguins” to help you move.
So take it easy during ice season so you don’t have to spend mud season with any broken bones!
When I was growing up I remember we didn’t wear suede shoes or boots until the weather got colder. And, that was always the time that the terrain became harder on footwear with more moisture and snow – which can leave stains on suede.
Many will either receive – or treat themselves – to a pair of suede boots, slippers, or shoes this season. And while we rip open the box and put on our new footwear – there are some basic care tips that will keep the suede looking as nice as the day it is received.
Be sure to spray your footwear with a stain and rain repellent before you step out the door. Check underneath your sink; you may have some and extra can from previous purchases. Be sure to spray the suede and let it dry for at least 15 minutes before you wear it outside.
The spray is inexpensive; at The Good Sole we offer Cadillac Stain and Rain Repellent that sells for $5.
I suggest repeating every 6 to 8 weeks depending on how much you wear your shoes.
However, if in between time you do get mud – or spill something on your shoe – I also have suggestions to help save the suede.
For mud, wait until it dries and with a damp cloth gentle remove the mud. And, if you spill something on your suede (coffee, wine, etc.) try to BLOT (note blot, not rub) it off with a damp cloth. Some folks use club soda to blot it off. If the item stains your suede – you can get a suede/nubuck stick and brush and try to get most of the stain removed. The stick reminds me of a typewriter eraser (that I remember my grandparents using- - not me!) and you simply try to erase the stain and then brush of the remnants.
I have a friend in Boulder who works at the Pedestrian Shops. She has a pair of pink suede Danskos that are probably 10 years old and look great thanks to the care she applies to the suede. Her rules for suede care are simple:
Every 6 weeks go rent the latest DVD with your favorite actor – I think she is on a Dennis Quaid kick at the moment. Place the DVD in the player, pour a glass of wine, and grab your suede shoes. Gently erase/ brush and protect the suede while enjoying your evening.
This is an exciting time for The Good Sole – as I told you in the last blog we are expanding and will re-open Taos Mountain Outfitters on December 10 (tomorrow—YIKES!)
We are excited to be part of the Taos Plaza community. The Plaza area – with its unique architecture and history – has continued to attract visitors from all over. But we are also excited to continue to serve our local community which has been very supportive of us.
I have been asked what will be the same – and what will be different – when you enter TMO tomorrow. Well, the beer cans ( do you know how many there are?) are still there – but we have increased our apparel and accessories and offer many items in a variety of categories from travel items to hats to scarves to socks, etc. from vendors such as The North Face, Columbia, Marmot, Horny Toad, Royal Robbins, Smartwool, etc. We want to be THE place in Taos for outdoor items.
Vicki Mageria – who I wrote about in my last blog – has been busy getting the shop ready with the help of Greta Burke, John Ivers, Ariana Reyes, and Nanette Valle.
So be sure to stop in and say hi – and let us know what you think. We really want your input! And make sure you register to win some great prizes that have been donated by our vendors and by some of our gracious community businesses – El Monte Sagrado, Substance, and The Gorge Grill
Many of you may have heard that we are expanding and …yes, its true!
We are in the process of taking over 114 S. Plaza and re-opening the store as the new Taos Mountain Outfitters. Our focus will be on outdoor/lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories.
Vicki Mageria, who joined us this summer as our outdoor/running specialist, will be the manager. Joining Vicki will be current employees Annie Stewart, Ariana Reyes, and John Ivers.
Good Sole fans do not fear! The Good Sole will remain at is current location at Martinez Plaza and will continue to be the headquarters for comfortable feet in Taos. Don Feinberg will continue on as manager and Annie, Ariana, John and myself will be here to assist in your footwear needs.
This is an exciting time for us and for Taos. We look forward to seeing you at both locations and getting your feedback on what we need to offer our local community.
We will be opening the new store next month. Stay tuned for more details!
The weather has been terrific in Taos but let’s face it – it is November and soon we will see snow. And having the right winter boot is essential for this area.
When shopping for a winter boot keep in mind what you will be doing in the boot. Will this be a boot to get you from home, to work, to doing errands? Or, do you engage in outdoor activities that require you to shovel snow, etc.? Or, do you just need a boot to get you from your car to indoor places?
Warmth is a huge factor in a winter boot but you also need to consider other components; Is it water resistant? Does it offer a tread that will make it easy to walk? Can I use Yaktrax or other ice protection clamp-ons with it? Or do I just want a fashion statement?
Considering all this will make your choice easier when shopping.
And, one of the key things to remember is to make sure the boot fits properly. Most winter boots only come in whole sizes. If you are in-between sizes, for example 7 ½, it is generally best to go to the higher number. Winter boots are not like ski boots; they don’t need to be tight but rather offer some room so air can circulate and make your foot warmer. And heel slippage will occur until the boots are broken in and become familiar with your feet.
Many boots such as Sorel and Columbia have made their name by being tested to keep a person’s foot warm to 30 degrees below zero; however, that won’t be true if you have poor circulation or the boot doesn’t fit properly.
At The Good Sole we work to help you find the right size boot. We are more than happy to measure your foot if you wish and we believe if in doubt the person needs to try on several sizes and styles. Winter boots are an investment – but investing in keeping your feet and toes warm and comfortable is important.
eet. Here is an example. I have found that, without proper measurement, people with wide feet tend to always choose a size bigger than they need. Recently a man whose foot we measured at 8 ½ wide told me he had been buying size 10 for years. He thought he had to go bigger to accommodate his wide feet and have room for his toes. But his feet still hurt and he could not figure out why. Well his feet hurt because he was wearing a 10 medium instead of an 8 ½ wide. The arch of the shoe was totally misaligned with the arch of his foot! We fitted him with an 8 ½ extra wide pair of New Balance shoes and the fit was perfect! They hit his arches in the right spot and he had just enough room for his toes. For the first time in years, his feet felt great.
emember that weird aunt or distant relative who gave you a pair of socks for Christmas? Well, the sock world has changed and today everyone wants that goofy relative so they can get socks.
It’s a great poster and a serious reminder how we all need to support each other. Both The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters appreciate the local support we receive. I realize we sometimes don’t have every style or size for everyone, but most of the time we can do special orders and make you happy.
It's a bit confusing, but the word bunion actually refers to three different medical conditions: soft tissue enlargement, hallux abducto valgus (HAV) and metatarsus primus varus (MPV). All three of these problems generally occur together and are what most people think of as a typical "bunion."
The two most common and prime reasons that contribute the most to smelly feet are sweating from the feet and the type of shoes worn. Sweating, as we know, is an essential body process that not only maintains our body temperature but also assists in removing waste products from the body.
Of all the solutions for smelly feet, most experts (yes, there are experts on stinky feet) say that soaking the feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes once in a week is a highly effective. The tannic acid present in the tea destroys the bacteria and closes the pores which keep the feet dry for a longer duration of time.
You can be in terrific physical condition and still experience altitude sickness. Believe it or not, altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men than old gals like me because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain to show themselves or their buddies that they are indestructible! As a general rule, it is far safer (and more enjoyable) to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimation to altitude as you ascend -- and yes, you can race back down as fast as you like!
The best test for moderate AMS is to have the person walk a straight line heel to toe just like a sobriety test. A person with ataxia would be unable to walk a straight line. This is a clear indication that an immediate descent is required. It is important to get the person to descend before the ataxia reaches the point where they cannot walk on their own (which would necessitate emergency evacuation).
We start with the highest quality sandals from the best names such as Naot, Wolky, Dansko and Mephisto. Some of these great sandals offer enough support and balance that even problem feet can be comfortable right out of the box. Others come with removable footbeds that allow for custom orthotics or modifications. We can add metatarsal or scaphoid pads (also known as arch cookies) to make the sandal even more supportive.
This Friday is The Good Sole’s 3rd Birthday. That’s right – on April Fool’s Day 2008 we became part of the Taos business community. And three years later, we still work hard to be the place where Taos shops for shoes. In addition to carrying great outdoor brands such as KEEN and Merrell, we added premier comfort lines for people who are on their feet all day such as Dansko, Naot, and Clarks. Many of our best customers are local chefs, school teachers and nurses from Holy Cross Hospital. We are also proud to be the place in Taos to come for Frye boots.
It’s been fun and challenging trying to figure out what shoes will work for everyone’s lifestyle –work, fun, and play. The one that’s been the biggest surprise hit is really not even a shoe. It’s the phenomenon that launched the barefoot running and walking craze - Vibram 5 Fingers. Yep, we were the shop that introduced these fun (or funny - depending how you look at it) shoes to Taos and all of New Mexico. Their huge success has created whole new category of footwear called “minimalist” shoes. Everyone from New Balance to Merrell is making them now and The Good Sole is the place to find them all. Soon we will be receiving minimalist styles from Montrail, Jambu and others.
The recent gas outage certainly came at one of the worst times. Not only did it happen when we were experiencing what I felt was the only cold snap of winter but it also happened during what is one of the most challenging months for retail businesses.
Police Department
It’s January – and although we haven’t had a ton of snow in Taos, we still have ice. And just walking around town requires special attention. At The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters we can fit you with YakTrax which attach to the bottom of your shoe or boot and will help -- but here are some friendly reminders for getting around on ice:
*If you do slip, try avoiding landing on your knees or spine. It is better to relax and try to land on your side or your butt which is usually fleshier and provides a little more cushion.
are excited to be part of the Taos Plaza community. The Plaza area – with its unique architecture and history – has continued to attract visitors from all over. But we are also excited to continue to serve our local community which has been very supportive of us.
Will this be a boot to get you from home, to work, to doing errands? Or, do you engage in outdoor activities that require you to shovel snow, etc.? Or, do you just need a boot to get you from your car to indoor places?