May 5th, 2011 9:02am - Posted By: Kara
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!
August 16th, 2010 1:32pm - Posted By: Kara
Flip Off Those Flops
I spent four days in Las Vegas last week at the WSA (World Shoe & Accessories) show. This is where about 20,000 shoe store owners like me go every August to look at the latest and greatest shoes to bring into our stores for next spring. After this trip I have some advice:
First of all, do NOT go to Vegas in August if you can avoid it! It got above 100 degrees every day I was there. Ouch! And unlike Taos, Vegas does not get nice cool nights. Walking down the strip at midnight, it was still 95 degrees!
But you don’t read my blog for weather tips. My real advice concerns your feet. At least half the people I saw slogging up and down the baking concrete of the Vegas strip were wearing flip flops. This is crazy! Most flip flops are made for wearing to the pool or the beach. They are NOT designed for serious walking. And exploring the strip involves miles of serious walking. Flip flops do not have the cushioning, stability or arch support you need for putting in long distances on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. I could see that many of the tourists I saw were suffering from more than heat – their feet were killing them!
Of course you’re thinking if it’s that damn hot, the flip floppers were just trying to stay cool. I agree; but there are ways to keep your feet cool AND give them the support they need. At the Good Sole, we have walking sandals from Ecco, Mephisto, Merrell, KEEN, Finn Comfort and others that will keep your feet cushioned, supported and cool through miles of walking. And at the end of the day, your feet, knees and back will not ache from pounding the concrete all day with no support.
I mentioned my flip flop dismay at dinner one evening in Paris (the hotel, not the city) with some other shoe folks. One of them quipped that all those flip flops would be good for business in the years to come. He reasoned the people wearing them would be needing orthotics and comfort footwear to alleviate their future foot pain.
Well that may be true, but I would still rather not see folks ruining their feet, knees and hips when it is so EASY to keep them healthy. Next time you’re headed on vacation, remember that flip flops are NOT made for walking. Unless you’re going to be hanging out at the pool or laying on a beach, don’t even pack them.
If your trip will involve walking, bring some quality sandals and athletic shoes. Your feet will thank you for years to come!
