You know those celebrities who you envy because they get to wear expensive, high-fashion heels? What you usually don’t see are the weird bumps, busted toe nails and crooked toes that are crammed into those stilettos.

A lot of famous, beautiful women do not have beautiful feet. Taken over by calluses, corns, hammertoes and bunions, their feet become misshapen from heels and every step is painful.

The bunion is a very common and unsightly foot deformity caused by wearing fashionable heels and narrow shoes. Bunions are boney bumps that form at the base of the big toe or little toe. Bunions form when one’s toe is forced at an angle, so the joint becomes swollen and inflamed. If bunions are untreated, they become worse.

Some research shows that bunions may be caused by genetic predisposition. Bunions aren’t inherited but the shape of the foot is, so keep in mind that bunions can be prevented by wearing healthy and comfortable footwear.

Victoria Beckham is infamously known for having bunions. Wearing 7 inch heels with pointy toe boxes will do some nasty stuff to your feet. Surprised?

Iman, Jennifer Gardner, Michelle Yeoh, Oprah, Janice Dickinson, Emmy Rossum, Angela Basset and Paris Hilton all have been spotted with foot deformities.

The equation is simple:

Not only do women put themselves in immense pain to look glamorous, trendy and sexy, but these desired fashion items harm our health. They hurt your feet, which in turn hurts your body, and any shoe will provoke pain, unless it is an orthopedic bunion shoe.

Some women consider getting bunion surgery to fix their misshapen feet and relieve bunion pain, but this surgical fix isn’t cheap or quick. Bunion surgery consists of removing, realigning or fusing the soft tissue and bone near the toe joint and it is the only way to get rid of bunions. Recovery time after bunion surgery can be between 6 weeks to 6 months but there is no guarantee that the surgery will relieve your foot pain.

To prevent your tootsies from looking like the scary feet above, your best bet is to shy away from pointed toe boxes and not buy sky-high heels. Look at your female relatives’ feet. Do they have bunions? If so, do they know when and how they got them? What type of shoes did/do they wear?

If you suffer from bunions and have bunion pain – read through our bunion treatment suggestions, before you consider bunion surgery.

• Wear Foot Alignment socks while sitting around at home to straighten toes
• Wear a bunion cushioning gel sleeve inside a shoe to protect the bunion
• Wear a toe alignment/bunion splint at night to straighten toes
• Take pain reliever cream or pain reliever pills to reduce inflammation and swelling in your feet
• Wear well-fitted, flat shoes with wider toe boxes so your toes have enough wiggle room
• Put arch support insoles in your shoes to give your feet more support

Next time you see a pair of Jimmy Choos or Louboutin – don’t picture what you’d look like wearing them. Picture the damage they could do to your feet.

You’ve been warned.

Check out these photo slideshows of famous celebs’ unhealthy feet:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/milkin-it/2010/07/11-ugly-celebrity-feet.html
http://www.celebritysmackblog.com/2010/04/05/ugly-celebrity-feet/
http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/busted_feet#tab=most_recent&id=17612

Top 10 reasons why you should walk in our shoes:

1. Don’t get unsightly bunions or calluses (yes bunions are mainly hereditary, but these deformities show up when you aggravate your feet with too narrow or pointy of shoes)
2. Set a good, healthy example for your family
3. So you can focus on important things during your day – not how much your feet hurt
4. Prevent sweaty, smelly feet
5. Get the most bang for your buck, since our shoes are very durable and will last longer than cheaply-made shoes
6. You will be able to walk the extra distance with a smile on your face
7. Improve your posture and reduce other bodily pains (back, knees, ankles, etc.)
8. You don’t have to learn how to walk in comfortable shoes, as you do with 5 inch heels
9. Allow you to be pain-free enough to work out as often as you’d like for a healthier, trimmer body
10. People won’t laugh at you when they see you hobble around in pain

Can you think of another reason why people should walk in our shoes? Let us know!

It’s that time of year: Back to School sales flood the malls and online stores.

Parents are overwhelmed with sales, coupons, specials and advertisements about the coolest trends. Children are in need to get at least one new pair of comfortable shoes to jump, run, kick and play in (aka: destroy) as the year goes on.

But how dare we overlook the single other necessary group of people who complete the Back to School process: teachers. Teachers need comfortable shoes, too!

Just thinking about all the walking, pacing and standing that teachers have to do five days a week make my toes curl. And while they may be sick of lecturing or frustrated with the rebellious kids in class, at least they can count on their feet being cozy. Teachers need shoes that can be as reliable as them – teachers need to be able to react at the drop of a pen if something goes wrong, so they are in need of cushioned, low-to-the-ground, closed-heel footwear.

If you are shopping for teacher shoes, remember that it is important to be comfortable and look professional. Most schools (if not all) have dress codes, most of which recommend closed heel shoes, without being too casual or fancy.

We recommend you do not wear:

• Flip flops
• High heels
• Tennis shoes (unless you are going on a field trip or you are a physical education teacher)

To reduce your chances of injury, we suggest you wear:

• Sensible flats
• Professional oxfords
• Kitten heels
• Small wedges
• Closed heels
• Close-toed

Our online store sells various comfortable shoes for teachers:

Teachers Who Are Aching To Be Comfy

Suffering from sore or sensitive feet? Standing all day with aching feet can increase your pain and worsen the problem. Soothe your feet and slip on a pair of Aetrex shoes, which have wider toe boxes to prevent bunions and are available in multiple widths for a perfect fit. Aetrex wedges are lightweight, and made with breathable leather linings and a heel counter for added support. Want to look professional with a casual edge? The Aetrex Bianca is a feminine wedge that will prevent foot pain and the Aetrex Andrea Wedge’s upper is made of a stretchy fabric to gently hug your sensitive feet. The Aetrex Lucy is a simple Mary Jane style with firm counters, additional cushioning and two removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics.

Teachers Who Are Fashion-forward

If you are an avid heel-wearer, have no fear, Naot combines super cute styles with comfortable attributes to construct flawless shoes that women can wear anywhere. Naot dress shoes have wider heels to enhance balance and comfort, so your foot health isn’t jeopardized while you stay stylish and professional. The Naot Trendy has a metal shank for added stability, an adjustable strap and a 2 inch heel height. The Naot Pleasure has a tied bow accessory with a 2 1/4 inch heel. The Naot Gleam has a soft upper, side zipper and 2 1/2 inch heel. Naot’s footbeds are made of soft cork and have arch support, deep heel indentation and hallux support to promote a healthy weight distribution. If you are looking for comfortable teachers shoes but don’t want to sacrifice style, some closed heel Naot styles could be the shoes you’ve been searching for.

Teachers Who Are Perfectionists

For women who need comfortable teacher shoes, Drew makes a lot of women’s styles that will do the trick, ranging from casual to dressy. Drew women’s shoes are available in multiple widths, have removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics, dual density heels to absorb shock, low heels and tempered steel shanks for added stability. The Drew Kerry has a unique stitched pattern upper and a 7/8 inch heel. The Drew Alicia has a soft leather upper and 1 2/8 inch heel. The Drew Isabel has an adjustable strap and is Medicare coded A5500 as a diabetic shoe. Drew women’s shoes are perfectly professional and will allow a perfect fit.

Teachers With Vibrant Personalities

Youthful and fun, Alegria Palomas are eccentric Mary Janes available in bold colors and patterns. Palomas have an adjustable hook and loop strap with a decorative button, removable footbed, extra depth and an anatomically-correct, cushioned footbed that slowly conforms to the natural shape of your feet. Alegria’s staple, lightweight rocker bottom outsole rolls naturally with every step, which reduces strain, prevents injury and encourages proper posture. Pick out a pattern or color that suits you or buy as many colors as you want to match your mood of the day. Alegria Palomas are available in Plum Patent, Tortoise, Brown Peace & Love, Snow Leopard, Black Napa Leather and more.

Teachers Who Love Cozy Clogs

Some people just won’t give up their slip-on favorites. Since slip-on shoes do not belong in the classroom, we will improvise: Sanita makes closed back clogs that look and feel like clogs, but offer you the support and secure fit you need. Sanita closed back clogs have roomy toe boxes for wiggle room, padded insteps, protective heel cap, anatomically shaped non-removable insole that will absorb moisture and a stapled construction for enhanced durability. These features will reduce your chances of foot odor, blisters, corns and bunions. Sanita’s shock-absorbing polyurethane sole has added traction and has a special Roll Off rocker bottom design that will ease your strides. Sanita Brigde has a faux crocodile patent leather upper. Sanita Croco Professional Clog has a shiny, high-quality croco leather upper. Sanita Oiled Leather Professional Clog has a smooth, high-quality oiled leather upper.

Teachers Who Prefer It Old School

We also have comfortable teachers shoes for the more conservative dressers. Available in widths from narrow to double wide, PW Minor shoes can fit any sensitive teacher’s feet and bring him or her a new world of relief. PW Minor has removable insoles to accommodate orthotics, and most of their shoes have wide toe boxes to prevent bunions, extra cushioning and are coded as diabetic footwear. PW Minor Women’s Sasha Mary Jane shoe has a moisture-wicking lining, added depth, elastic gore at toe box entry and added traction in the outsole to prevent slipping. PW Minor Tory has long firm inside counters, moisture-wicking lining and an adjustable strap. Softwalk is known for their “eggcrate” construction footbed which is extremely cushy and will sooth sensitive feet. Softwalk Jupiter is a simple Mary Jane style offered in 5 different widths and is sure to keep your feet comfortable.

For the Male Teachers

Men looking for comfortable shoes for teachers need to follow the same rules as women: wear comfortable, professional-looking, closed-heeled shoes, without looking too fancy. Aetrex has a great collection of men’s professional oxfords, made with high-quality leather and removable insoles. Aetrex Classic Oxford has a semi-curved last, slip-resistant sole, soft padded collar, cushioned interior and a removable insole. Finn Comfort offers German-made casual and professional shoes for men, including the Finn Comfort Dijon, which has hand-stitched leather uppers, leather linings, an orthopedic footbed and a shock-absorbing sole. Dunham constructs stylish men’s shoes for hard-working men. The Dunham Burlington Dress Shoe has a waterproof and smooth grain leather upper, waxed laces, padded tongue, leather lining, cushioning at the heel and forefoot, stability shank single-unit sole and is Medicare coded as diabetic footwear.

The origins of Dunham shoes and boots can be traced all the way back to 1885 when George and Charles Dunham set up shop and opened the first Dunham Brothers shoe store in Brattleboro, Vermont.  In those days, pioneers and explorers needed durable footwear to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments and it was this need that was the inspiration for the creation of Dunhman Bootmakers brand.  For more than a century, Dunham Bootmakers designed footwear for the active outdoor lifestyle, committing themselves to only using the highest craftsmanship in their designs and manufacturing.  In 1998 the company was acquired by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.; and since the acquisition, the same ground-breaking technologies that are used in New Balance footwear are used in Dunham shoes and boots, which only improved the footwear.

Even though Dunham is part of the New Balance family, they still produce shoes that are inspired by the outdoors.  There are a variety of styles available for both the business man and the outdoor enthusiast – from handsome looking casual dress shoes with breathable leather uppers to durable made boots with gusseted tongues to keep debris from entering the boots. Not only are Dunham shoes and boots comfortable and lightweight, but also come in a wide range of sizes and widths, from narrow 2A to extra, extra wide 6E.  Dunham is proud to offer footwear that fits properly because they strongly believe that if shoes fit correctly, they’ll perform better.  They believe in this so much that some of their boots come in as many as 87 size/width combinations.  Dunham footwear offers the best of both worlds: durable, orthopedic comfort and stylish designs to fit any casual or outdoor activity.

Notable features that separate Dunham shoes and boots from other footwear:

• Dryworks: a waterproof moisture management membrane system that consists of a waterproof, breathable and seam-sealed leather upper that keeps feet dry and moisture-free
• ROLLBAR: a piece of graphite that is biomechanically placed in the midsole and combined with TPU medial/lateral posts to provide rearfoot stability to minimize pronation and supination
• ABZORB: shock absorbing cushioning at the heel and forefoot to minimize impact in each step
• Stability Web: reduces the weight of the shoe all the while providing exceptional support in the midfoot area
• TRU-TRAK: specially designed rubber outsole that provides maximum traction for better footing
• IMEVA: injection molded EVA foam that is incorporated in the midsole mold to provide durability and flexible cushioning
• Removable Insoles: custom orthotics, arch support inserts and diabetic insoles (only for Dunham A5500 Medicare coded shoes) can replace the removable insoles
• A5500 Medicare Coded: some Dunham shoes are classified as diabetic footwear

HealthyFeetStore.com welcomes a new line of orthopedic sandals to our online store. WeilBeing Integrative Footwear combines the designs of Dr. Phillip Vasyli, the podiatrist who invented the award-winning Orthaheel orthotic insert and technology, and the philosophies of Dr. Andrew Weil, who preaches about using natural, integrative medicines to promote healthy lifestyles.

These two health-conscious doctors have created this footwear line to not only improve foot health, but to reduce ankle pain, heel pain, back pain, extra stress on joints, incorrect posture and to encourage exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

Most sandals found in stores provide your feet with little or no health benefits. But you can trust WeilBeing Integrative Footwear sandals to comfort your feet and keep them healthy with the line’s high-quality, doctor-designed and doctor-approved technology.

Each sandal features:

• Contoured EVA tri-planar motion control comfort footbed (similar to Orthaheel technology): arch support and a deep heel cup and will reduce the amount of incorrect pronation
• Rubber outsole: non-slip, made with recycled materials
• First Ray Compression Zone technology (an excavation in the outsole under the ball of the foot to aid in a more natural propulsion)
• Full grain uppers
• Leather-wrapped toe post for a secure, yet comfortable fit

These fashionable men’s and women’s sandals will be available in thong flip flop styles and adjustable strap slide sandal styles.

Dr. Weil is an avid believer that walking is the best exercise – and what type of shoes you wear has a direct effect on biomechanics to harm or injury your body. WeilBeing Integrative Footwear will promote correct posture, fight foot fatigue and reduce other bodily pains so you can enjoy adding more movement to your life.

So you’re planning to travel somewhere and you need to compile a list of things you’re going to need for the upcoming trip.  Airplane tickets — check!  Hotel accommodations — check!  Rental car — check!  Suitcases — check!  Appropriate wardrobe — check!  Foot products — what?  Why foot products?  Imagine this scenario; you’re on your way to the airport when you notice that the shoes you’re wearing are too tight.  Then after a few hours at the airport, which involves  standing in line to check in your bags and walking to your terminal, your feet become achy.  Finally your plane takes off but you’re stuck on a six hour flight wearing tight fitting shoes and having sore, tired feet.  All of a sudden your feet start itching and you can’t even take them off for relief because the airplane seating is just too constricting.  Oh, and of course once you’ve reached your destination, you’re stuck with the same problem – wearing the same tight shoes and having uncomfortable feet.  At this point you’re probably wondering why you didn’t think about wearing comfortable footwear or using foot care products to enhance your comfort throughout your trip.  To assist you with this, we at HealthyFeetStore.com have put together a list of foot products that we highly recommend adding to your pre-travel list.

Slip On Shoes
The ideal thing about slip on shoes is the fact that they can easily be slipped on and off.  So if you’re on a six-hour airplane flight you can easily slip out of your shoes for added comfort because you don’t have to worry about untying annoying laces or loosening hook and loop straps.  Slip on shoes come in a variety of styles.  Clogs and closed toe sandals are among the most popular.  We recommend wearing slip on shoes that come with orthopedic features as well, which include breathable uppers, anatomical footbeds, cushioning midsoles with proper arch support and durable outsoles.  Notable brands that carry stylish slip on shoes with orthopedic features include Alegria by PG Lite, Klogs, Naot, Sanita, Dunham, Orthaheel and Softwalk.

Foot Odor Products
Now that you’ve decided to wear a pair of slip on shoes, wouldn’t it be nice to take them off without causing other travelers to look in your direction wondering where the smell is coming from.  Since our feet perspire a lot, it’s inevitable that we’re going to have foot odor – but that doesn’t give us the excuse to just let it happen.  There are various foot odor products that can reduce or eliminate the smell, such as On Your Toes Foot Powder and Tineacide Antifungal Shoe Spray.  I can personally vouch for both of these items – they absolutely eliminate odor.  Both products kill bacteria and fungus before the infection takes place and you don’t necessarily have to add them to your shoes everyday.  On Your Toes Foot Powder can be used once every six months and the Tineacide Antifungal Shoe Spray can be used about two to three times a week.

Compression Stockings
Sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause legs and feet to swell.  This can be a very bad thing since travelers that fall into this category are more likely to suffer from varicosities or venous disorders if they don’t take the proper precautions. If you’re such a traveler, we highly recommend wearing compression stockings.  Proven by medical research, compression therapy can reduce venous disorders from occurring by improving valve functioning.  There are various compression ranges available.  Light compression ranges can be worn by anyone, but if you do suffer from edema or have symptoms of venous disorders, we recommend you speak to a health professional to determine which compression stockings are best suited for you to wear.  Compression stockings also come in fashionable styles so that your legs can look good and feel great at the same time.

Foot Creams
Traveling with dry cracked heels can be an uncomfortable experience, especially for those who plan to wear sandals.  Unfortunately, dry cracked heels can be a bit unattractive, and if not treated correctly could cause pain, irritation and in some case, bleeding. But there is something you can do about it.  You can rub foot cream on your feet.  Kerasul ultra20 Extra Strength Foot Cream and Tripod Labs Hydrostat Foot Cream can do the trick.  Both creams will rejuvenate your skin and leave your feet feeling smooth and refreshed.  They will also help soften calluses and restore your skin’s healthy appearance.

Support Shoes/Insoles
Once you reach your destination, make sure you wear footwear that offers support and stability so that you don’t experience foot pain or foot fatigue.  Tired achy feet can really put a damper on your trip so we highly recommend wearing orthopedic shoes or insoles that provide proper arch support and heel stabilization.  By having proper support along the arches and stability at the heel, lower limbs will be aligned correctly.  This reduces stress on muscles and joints and can help prevent pronation.  Athletic walking shoes and arch support insoles are perfect for travelers that will be on their feet a lot, especially for those who are vacationing and plan to do a lot of walking and sightseeing.  If you’re on a business trip, there are also orthopedic dress shoes for women and men that can offer the same arch support and stability as athletic shoes.

Feel like you may be missing a must-have Summer product? Below are HealthyFeetStore.com‘s 5 best selling items this Summer – and they are definitely best-sellers for a reason.
 

Dr.’s Remedy Non-Toxic Nail Polishes: They aren’t just nail polish – they are little bottles of nail strengthener and nail fungus treatment that just so happen to be in a variety of cute colors. These nail polishes are non-toxic and enriched with vitamins to help improve the health of your nails while simultaneously keep you looking stylish.

Pedag Gel Forefoot Toe Post Cushion: These gel post cushions are hidden gems. Don’t let your thong sandals hurt your feet again. Slip these gel post cushions on your flip flop’s toe post and feel nothing but comfort and relief. Truly a Summer-must-have!

Orthaheel Women’s Arch Support Flip Flop Tide: This has been the most popular women’s sandal for 3 months! This flip flop is water-resistant, podiatrist-designed, has a footbed with arch support that will provide biomechanical correction for pronation, will decrease back, heel and ball of foot pains and is available in 6 fun colors. What isn’t there to love about the Orthaheel Tide?

Orthaheel Unisex Flip Flop Wave: The Wave is the most popular men’s sandal this Summer. (It can also be worn by women.) It’s very similar to the Orthaheel Tide – it has arch support, heel cup and will prevent unwanted pronation. It’s lightweight, fully waterproof and has an extra-grip durable rubber outsole, so you can wear in at the beach, water park or wherever your Summer fun takes you.

On Your Toes Foot Powder: Don’t suffer from smelly feet this Summer. Every customer who buys On Your Toes tells us that this is the best foot odor product they’ve ever tried. Sprinkle this non-toxic powder on your feet and/or your footwear to kill the bacteria that causes smelly feet. One small bottle of this powerful powder is enough to treat three pairs of shoes for six months.

Summer is sandal-wearing season, which puts everyone’s feet out in the open. As we inadvertently glance at acquaintances’ hands or feet, you can’t help but judge a person when they have gross nails. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out who doesn’t take care of their feet.

About 6% to 8% of the U.S. population get foot-related infections or fungi problems each year. That’s a lot of people walking around with yucky nails. Yellow, fungus-ridden nails don’t have to be part of your daily look. It’s not attractive and it’s not healthy, so get rid of it!

If you have nail fungus, the best thing you can do is inform yourself about how to prevent it and how to properly treat it. I’ll lay out the facts, plain and simple.

DEFINITION:
Nail fungus is the most common nail disease. It is an infection that grows under the bed of toenails (mostly) or fingernails. Nail fungus feeds off keratin, which is a protein found in dead tissue.

SYMPTOMS:
Yellow nails, white nails, thickening nails and crumbling nails are all signs of nail fungus. The more yellow the nail, the more severe the nail fungus. It is also a sign of nail fungus if the nail plate separates from the nail bed (the skin under the nail).

3 CAUSES:
Nail fungus is caused by molds, yeasts or dermatophytes (fungus that grows on the skin, hair and nails) that can find their way to nails or nail beds through small cuts or openings around your nail and skin. Nail fungus usually returns if you are susceptible to it and if you don’t take necessary changes to prevent it. It is contagious and very difficult to get rid of once you have it.

HOW IT’S TRANSMITTED:
About 90% of nail fungus is caused by Dermatophytes. They can cause Athlete’s Foot (about 70% of people get Athlete’s Foot at least once in their lifetime), which can then cause nail fungus. Public floors, humid areas and other people’s clothes, shoes, manicure and pedicure objects all can have Dermatophytes that can infect you. Be cautious and wear sandals in wet, public places such as pools, locker rooms and spas.

Yeasts that can cause nail fungus can grow (and therefore spread to your nails) when you are sick, using an antibiotic, using birth control pills or having immune system problems.

Most molds grow in soil, and then can be transmitted to nails or skin, but usually ca not be passed from person to person.

YOU INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING NAIL FUNGUS IF YOU:

• Have Athlete’s Foot
• Have Diabetes
• Have a weak immune system
• Have a hangnail, ingrown toenail or other nail injury
• Have onycholysis (condition that causes separation of nails from the skin)
• Are over 60 years old
• Poor blood circulation
• Live in a warm, humid climate
• Walk barefoot in public showers, locker rooms or public pools
• Share towels, nail clippers, nail files, socks or shoes with another person
• Cut your nails frequently
• Wear tight shoes
• Wear shoes that make your feet sweat
• Wear moist shoes that don’t have the time to dry out
• Wear artificial nails
• Work in a position where your hands or feet are wet a lot of the time

TREATMENT:
Oral medications are easy, but they’re expensive and can have dangerous side effects. Topical medicines allow you to control the treatment, aren’t pricey and aren’t dangerous. Keep your feet clean with Pedifix Antifungal Foot Soap. Reduce moisture by keeping your feet and shoes dry with On Your Toes powder. Use Tineacide antifungal products to kill the fungus, such as Tineacide Cream and Tineacide Shoe Spray. If you want to cover up your yellow nails, use Dr.’s Remedy Enriched, Antifungal, Non-Toxic Nail Polish, which has vitamins and proteins that actually will fight the nail fungus, strengthen the nail and increase shine. Use Dr.’s Remedy Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover, which won’t strip your nails of their health, and treat your brittle nails to Dr.’s Remedy Hydration Treatment clear polish.

PREVENTION TIPS:

• Keep feet cool and dry
• Don’t wear shoes that are too tight or that have no ventilation
• Wear waterproof sandals when you’re in a public locker room, shower or pool
• Don’t share shoes or nail-care tools
• Go to a trusted spa when getting nails done and bring your own nail care products
• Don’t cut your nails more than once a week

What do Top Thrill Dragster, The Riddler’s Revenge, ice cream stands, corn dogs, Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter and endless walkways through exciting themed attractions have in common?  They’re all things that make amusement parks fun!  Each year millions of visitors trek through various amusement parks seeking unimaginable thrill rides and once in a lifetime experiences.  As modern theme parks have grown in size, so has the amount of walking visitors have to do just to get from one end of the park to the other.  For many, spending an entire day at an amusement park is the equivalent to exercising and if visitors don’t pay attention to the type of shoes they wear during these fun-filled outings, they could be in a world of pain when the day’s over.

I recently went to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, and noticed that many visitors were wearing unhealthy footwear.  I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES!  I saw kids walking around barefoot, mothers walking in high heels and fathers wearing dress shoes that would look good on them if they were wearing business suites.

We’ll explain.

Orthopedic Sandals and Flip Flops
Most sandals that people wear are cheaply made and only bought based on style, and not necessarily on support or quality. When it comes to sandals you do get what you pay for; so if you bought a $5 pair of sandals that have a poor design and are made with cheap materials your feet are most likely going to suffer at the end of the day.

But we understand that people are creatures of habit and that wearing comfortable sandals at amusement parks is inevitable, so we recommend wearing quality made orthopedic arch support sandals.  Wearing healthy arch support sandals or flip flops will keep your feet from experiencing foot fatigue or stress caused by misaligned joints.  Orthopedic sandals at HealthyFeetStore.com provide support along the arches for pronation control, come with a heel cup designs for added stability, have anatomical shapes for optimal comfort and come with durable footbeds to withstand longer wear.  There are also various types of sandals to wear.  Slingback sandals or sandals with ankle straps are great choices because there will be fewer chances of loosing them when riding roller coasters.  One of the first memories I have of my first amusement park outing is waiting in line to go on a roller coaster ride and seeing flip flops falling from the sky – since then, I only wear sandals with ankle straps at amusement parks and I’m happy to say that I haven’t lost a pair yet.  If you insist on wearing flip flops, you might want to make sure you take them off before riding certain coasters.  Also, another choice worth thinking about is wearing water resistant sandals, especially if you enjoy water rides.  Nobody wants to walk around wearing water-soaked sandals.

Noted brands that offer excellent orthopedic sandals include Dunham, Softwalk, Birkenstock, Naot, Keens, Moszkito and Chaco.

Orthopedic Running and Walking Shoes
If you’re like me before I started writing for HealthyFeetStore.com, you probably think that all athletic shoes are healthy to wear.  WRONG!  Yeah I was way wrong about that – I used to buy really cheap athletic shoes thinking that I was the smartest man in the world because I was saving a few dollars – boy was I misinformed.  My feet suffered the consequences because the cheap athletic shoes that I wore offered no support or healthy benefits.  So when going to any amusement park, we highly recommend wearing a pair of well made orthopedic running and walking shoes.  Features of well made orthopedic athletic shoes include breathable uppers made with synthetic/leather or mesh materials, cushioning midsoles to help absorb shock, removable anatomical footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics, padded collars to help cushion the ankle and long-lasting firm supportive outsoles.  These features are intended for wearers who are active walkers or exercise, so it only makes sense that orthopedic athletic shoes make excellent amusement park footwear.

Noted brands that offer well made comfortable orthopedic running and walking shoes include Brooks, New Balance, Aetrex, Earth and Cogent.

Whatever you do, don’t wear dress shoes – that’s a big NO-NO!  High heels and narrow tight fitting dress shoes are probably the worst shoes you can wear at an amusement park.  This isn’t rocket science; just remember you’ll be on your feet all day walking here and there, and standing in line for long periods of time.  Just think of it as this way: would you go for a jog in high heel shoes or dress shoes?  We really hope you answer NO to this question.

Please note:  since walking in amusement parks can be a workout, we included Earth and Cogent shoes for those who are fitness shoe lovers.  Wearing these types of fitness shoes can enhance you physical activity wherever you walk.

The labyrinth of various walkways and passages at amusement parks may offer the fastest way to get from one attraction to the next; but as the day wears on, your feet will definitely feel the mileage.  Don’t let uncomfortable footwear ruin your amusement park experience.  If you follow our advice, your feet could feel just as comfortable at the end of the day as they did at the beginning.  There’s no point in going to an amusement park if you’re going to suffer the next day from foot pain caused by wearing unhealthy shoes.

Summer is finally here! As the weather gets warmer, we get sweatier. I know that’s not the most pleasant image, but it’s true. You probably wear shorts and short sleeved shirts for ventilation when in hot weather, but do you make sure that your feet have ventilation, as well?

Our feet sweat on a daily basis – each foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands, producing more than a pint of sweat per day. When that sweat is trapped inside non-breathable socks and/or shoes, bacteria that live on the skin eat the sweat and produce isovaleric acid, which causes foot odor. Smelly feet could also be caused by certain diseases, medications, extreme environments or poor hygiene.

If you have smelly feet or if you know someone with smelly feet, these are the things to look at:

• Do the feet smell after wearing every pair of shoes or only certain ones?
• Are the shoes breathable?
• Are the socks made of breathable fibers?
• Are the shoes and socks suitable for the location and temperature?
• Are the feet washed every day?
• Could the foot odor be a result of a medical condition or medication?
• Do the feet smell only after being in an extremely hot environment?

If you sweat excessively in the hands, feet, armpits and/or groin areas, then you could have hyperhidrosis and should consult your doctor.

Most of the time, smelly and sweaty feet can be treated and prevented by just a few changes.

1. Wear well-made shoes with breathable features, which can be leather uppers, mesh or moisture-wicking linings
2. Wear socks made with copper, wool, cool max or other ventilating fibers that will reduce perspiration
3. Wear insoles that have anti-bacterial or odor-eating top covers, as well as perspiration liners, such as Summer Soles that will collect perspiration and reduce foot odor
4. Wash your body every day, and clean your feet with an anti-bacterial soap if you have a history of foot odor
5. Wear sandals if the weather calls for them
6. After you wear a pair of shoes, give them about 24 hours of breathing time before you wear them again. When you get home, take off your shoes and let them breathe. Have a pair of moisture-wicking slippers or comfy sandals that you can relax in while you’re home
7. Always keep in mind that your feet should be dry

Everyone wants fast and easy treatment for smelly feet, but remember that what you really need is an effective treatment. Don’t put your feet in crazy concoctions that you read about online. There are so many “Home Remedy Recipes” out there to treat smelly feet, from soaking your feet in tea or vinegar to using baking soda to coating your feet in Neosporin. You can find lots of weird “treatments” for smelly feet on the Internet, but we sell products that are healthy, doctor-recommended and known to work.

Our Pedifix Tea Tree Oil Antifungal Foot Soap can be used in the shower to prevent and treat Athlete’s Foot, jock itch, ring worm, foot odor, sweaty feet and acne. On Your Toes Foot Powder will kill the bacteria on your feet and inside your shoes that cause foot odor. Buy Shoe Saver Inserts to eat up moisture and odor inside your shoes while you’re not wearing them, such as Woodlore Inserts or Stuffitts Shoe Savers. The preventative measures, such as wearing breathable shoes, socks and washing your feet, are also effective suggestions for foot odor treatment.