Are your dogs barking?

I have previously commented that I constantly see women on the street wearing shoes that are too big. Even harder to see are the larger percentage who are actually wearing shoes that are too small. And even if we do get the right size, foot pain is constantly an issue that most women have dealt with, at least at some point in their life, if not on the regular.

One study revealed that it only takes 1 hour 6 minutes and 48 seconds for women’s feet to start hurting. Additionally, 20% of women’s feet start hurting in 10 minutes.

Problem? Sure sounds like one. What is going on?

Well basically a heel moves your weight from being evenly distributed throughout your foot, to all your weight pushed to the ball of the foot. Additionally, the ball of the foot cushions can get worn down causing further pain and issues.

Worth noting is that different women have different inclines in the arch, so one-size heel does not fit all. Women will be comfortable in differing heel heights. Also of note, sometimes flats can become painful too, making a slight heel a better option.

So what can be done?

1) STRETCH OUT YOUR SHOES with shoe trees if they feel a little tight. No shoe trees? Wear socks around the house with your shoes before wearing them out. Or stretch them by putting a bag of water inside your shoes and them place them in the freezer to expand.

2) Too late, FEET HURT. When you come home, plunge them in a bath of ice water to reduce the swelling

3) PREVENT PAIN or RESCUE FROM THE PAIN - tape your 3rd and 4th toes together. There is a nerve that sits in between them. This will take the pressure off the nerve.

Kelly Samuels

Here are 3 easily buy-able remedies.

1) Got shoes that give you blisters? Rub deodorant, soap or blister blockers on the area that is rubbing. It will create a barrier and glide smoothly.

2) Vivian Lou inserts are cushions that will help distribute the weight.

3) Still standing foot spay. Use before and carry in your bag. It will prevent inflammation.

Now for some brands that are talking to these issues

1) Cole Haan just created a line with extra cushioning to address this. Check out Grand Ambitions

2) Ally Shoes “heels minus the pain”

3) Check out Margaux shoes in a variety of sizes, widths designed for comfort and style

Please note that I have not tried these brands, I am merely collecting information that I thought would be useful to my readers. With that, I would love to hear from you. If you try these brands or remedies, please tell me what you think so that I can report back to my readers and customers with additional info.

Strut on comfortably!