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

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

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.

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.

At HealthyFeetStore.com, we promote healthy foot care and comfortable footwear. So of course we practice what we preach! We each have our own set of foot care routines and rituals that we practice to make sure our feet stay healthy and pain-free.

About 19% of the US population has an average of 1.4 foot problems every year and 62% of people consider it “normal” for their feet to hurt. Wow! Your body is a temple, and your feet are the foundation. Find a daily – or even weekly – routine to pamper and love your feet to ensure optimum foot health.

Below are our routines and rituals for how we take care of our feet. Feel free to steal our tips or improve your own foot health routines based on what we do day-to-day.

Rich, CEO – The best things I do for my feet include walking at least 2 to 3 miles every day and wearing orthotics in all my walking shoes, being sure to replace the orthotics every 6 months. I also wash my feet daily.

Marty, CFO -   Every morning I support my feet and arches by wearing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 Walking Shoe and Powerstep Arch Supports. While showering, I give the callus on my heels an extra boost by using a shower foot file or Personal Pumi Bar. After showering, I use a good lotion to protect them during the day. As I prepare for the day, I support my feet by wearing a supportive Sandal or Flip Flop, such as a Naot or Softwalk Sandal so the bunions I have are not irritated and the slight pronation does not affect my knees or arches. Upon retiring at night, I use a good foot cream such as Dead Sea Foot Cream or Foot Miracle Cream. I get a professional pedicure every month with Dr.’s Remedy Nail polish.

Melissa, VP and Web Manager – I use a foot cream almost every night but often try different brands for R & D. I also have recently been trying out the Happy Feet Foot Alignment Socks while I read or watch tv before bed. In the morning, I use a soft nail brush and wash my feet and toes with the Funga Soap Foot Soap. If my heels feel rough, I exfoliate them with the Personal Pumi Bar. I will get a professional pedicure about once a month or every other month during the winter months. After running and working out, I always stretch my calves, hamstrings and feet for at least 10 minutes to help prevent tightness or injury.

Barbara, Pedorthist and Customer Service – I use a callus pad if necessary, brush the fascia to stimulate the nerve endings and put lotion my feet. I massage each toe and down the center of the foot toward the heel (in the direction of blood flow)  each morning. I will re-apply lotion at night if I’ve worn open heeled shoes or sandals.

John, Content Writer and SEO Specialist – I shower twice a day and make sure to clean my feet thoroughly.  I wear Aetrex socks because they wick moisture away and remove 99% of bacteria, fungi and odor.  When I’m home, I make sure to moisturize my feet with Foot Miracle Cream and I wear my comfortable New Balance 3001 N-Pact slide sandals to allow my feet to breath.

Tara, Accounting - I wash my feet with Fungasoap Foot Soap twice a week and get a I pedicure with a 10 minute massage once a month to keep my feet healthy and happy.

Amanda, Content Writer and Social Media – I lather my feet in foot cream about once a week and cover them with socks so that my feet are soft when I wake up. I get a pedicure at a trusted spa every month, I work out in my supportive Brooks Glycerin 8 Women’s Athletic Shoes and I stretch my toes before and after wearing heels.

Cale, Purchasing Agent and Customer Service -  I cut my toe nails when they get long and shave away any calluses.

Fathers live extraordinary lives and if there’s one day out of the year they really look forward to it’s Father’s Day.  Fathers have a tough job – as parents, they literally have to work 24/7 365 days a year because although they clock out when business hours are over, they’re still on the clock when they come home.  Father’s Day is the one day they get to completely take off.  It’s the one day that wives actually say, “Yes dear, you can eat that.” And, “No dear, don’t think about doing lawn work today.”  In some cases Father’s Day equates to spending the entire day in front of the boob tube with a cold beer in one hand, a remote control in the other and hot plate of Buffalo wings on the coffee table.  But what’s even better is the fact that fathers also get presents, which makes this day even more enjoyable – almost as if it was their own personal Christmas or a second birthday.

HealthyFeetStore.com has put together a list of recommended Father’s Day gifts below.  As we all know, not all fathers are the same, but if they all share one thing in common, it’s to have pain-free, comfortable feet on Father’s Day.

The Lounger and Pit Master
If your father enjoys relaxing outside on the deck or lounging around poolside, then arch support flip flops and sandals make perfect gift ideas since summer is on the horizon.   Typically, summer is a popular time for backyard get-togethers, and some fathers are avid barbeque junkies who like nothing better to do than to grill to their heart’s content while spending time with friends outdoors.  So why not get your father a pair of healthy arch support sandals so that they can walk from the kitchen to the barbeque pit in comfort.  All the sandals we carry come with anatomically shaped footbeds that offer arch support and heel stabilization.  This provides pronation control and allows lower limbs to be properly aligned.  By having proper arch support and body alignment, fathers will experience less pain caused by stressed ligaments and muscles. Arch support sandals can reduce heel pain, ankle pain, knee pain and back pain.

The Athlete and Weekend Warrior
Athletic running and walking shoes are always great gift ideas for fathers who are active in sports or who are exercise freaks.  At some point, I’m sure we’ve all met fathers like this; you know the ones who wake up super early in the morning to go for a run, or the ones who join community sports leagues for middle-aged men.  Sports are in their blood and when they’re not at home watching sporting events, they’re outside playing ball with their kids or doing some other type exercise to get in their cardio.  Our athletic running and walking shoes have all the features to keep their active feet healthy. Breathable uppers, cushioning midsoles with arch support, anatomically shaped footbeds that are removable and durable EVA outsoles for longer wear are just some of the features provided by our athletic shoes.  Also, one other notable product for the athletic dad would be The Stick.  This unique device will help him treat muscle pain and trigger points (bumps or knots in the muscles).  As we all know, the older fathers get, the more likely they may experience sore tight muscles.  Not only does The Stick treat sore muscles, but also accelerates muscle recovery.

The Homebody and Couch Potato
Slippers and house shoes are a definite must for fathers who like nothing better to do than to sprawl out on the couch or lean back on the recliner while watching TV.  These types of fathers usually clad themselves in robes and spend half the day sporting bed hair.  But really, to give the benefit of the doubt here, as mentioned above, fathers work 24/7 365 days a year (minus Father’s Day of course) so sometimes they let themselves go and succumb to a vegetated state in the early morning.  Comfortable house shoes and orthopedic slippers are wonderful gifts to enhance this experience.  Our slippers are more than just comfy – they’re healthy to wear because they come with orthopedic features such as arch support, removable footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics, memory foam midsoles and durable rubber outsoles.  Some of our slippers are even made with sheepskin, which will keep feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The Businessman and Workaholic
If you happen to have one of these types of fathers, please try to convince them to not work on Father’s Day. This could be a hard thing to do, so you might want to hide their laptops and car keys on this special day.  If that doesn’t work, then your best bet is to shop for men’s orthopedic dress shoes.  Our dress shoes are made with top quality materials and come with healthy features such as breathable leather uppers, firm heel counters, soft padded collars, removable insoles, cushioning midsoles and long-lasting outsoles.  If you father can’t relax at home, at least his feet will feel good at work.

Socks for Dad
Besides shoes, healthy socks are great gift ideas because they come with so many features to maintain healthy feet.  Unlike the cheap socks you’ll find at department stores, we carry socks that wick moisture away and combat bacteria and fungi.  Healthy socks can keep feet dry, odor free and safe from athlete’s foot.  We also carry extra wide socks for fathers with wider feet and socks for those suffering with medical conditions such as diabetes and edema.

Dads need Father’s Day.  Let’s face it; fatherhood can take its toll.  Before dads know it, they’re wondering why the hairs on their heads are disappearing and reappearing on their backs, or why they can’t seem to understand the new technologies that teenagers are so easily mastering nowadays.  Fathers deserve a day to re-boot and relax, so why not help them enjoy their special day by giving them the gift of foot comfort.  Fathers deserve it, and so do their feet!

Did you know that more than a million workers experience a slip, trip or fall in the U.S. each year, and that about 17,000 of them die due to a slip or fall related accident?  In most cases, this could be due to not wearing the appropriate slip resistant footwear.  Unfortunately, some work environments such as in restaurants and hospitals can be home to a variety of slippery surfaces and if you’re not wearing the right type of shoes you could slip and injure yourself.  Slip and fall injuries are serious and often times can cause fractures, broken bones, head trauma, back complications, incapacitation and death.  Whether you’re a waiter working part time while in college or an executive chef working at a 5 star restaurant, or even a medical nurse working in the emergency room, you shouldn’t ignore the risks of not wearing slip resistant work shoes.

First of all, slip resistant doesn’t mean slip proof, it just means there’s less likely a chance to slip on wet surfaces; and in order for a shoe to be considered slip resistant it has to pass certain tests.  At HealthyFeetStore.com, we offer slip resistant shoes that have passed all the necessary ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements.  Also, there are a lot of slip resistant shoes that are poorly made.  Just because a shoe is slip resistant, it doesn’t mean that it’s durable and made with quality materials.  The last thing you want is for your shoes to fall apart after a wearing them a few times; and if they’re not well made they probably don’t provide good support or comfort as well.  This could be very bad for sensitive feet, especially for those who are constantly standing or are on the go throughout the day.

At HealthyFeetStore.com, not only will you find slip resistant shoes that have passed the ANSI requirements, but also find quality made slip resistant work shoes with healthy features such as leather breathable uppers, removable footbeds to accommodate custom orthotics, exceptional arch support to minimize pronation, heel stabilization for extra stability, roomy toe boxes for wiggling toes and durable outsoles for longer wear.  In addition, we have slip resistant work shoes in wide, extra-wide and extra-depth sizes.  Our slip resistant work shoes will provide better footing and keep your feet healthy and comfortable – a combination not found in most retail slip resistant shoes.

PG Lite Slip Resistant Work Shoes are a great example of footwear that has all the orthopedic features to keep your feet healthy.  They also have outsoles that are slip resistant and non-marking so floors won’t get scuffed.

Other shoe brands offered at HealthyFeetStore.com with slip resistant features include PG Lite, Alegria by PG Lite, Klogs, New Balance, Spring Step, Propet and Sanita.

A few things to keep in mind about slip resistant work shoes:

1. Before shopping for a new pair, make sure you research to find the right slip resistant shoe for the job.
2. Make sure the shoe is actually certified as slip resistant – the bottom of the sole will most likely have the words “Slip Resistant” and depending where you purchase your shoes, a responsible merchant will always include that information somewhere on the descriptor.
3. Look at the outsole tread pattern.  You should see a unique tread design made up of different patterns from circles to triangles to square-like shapes.
4. Keep an eye on the depth of the tread – in other words, check the tread on your shoes as if you would check the tread on your tires.  They will wear out eventually. The types of surfaces you work on usually determine the lifespan of the outsole.
5. Be sure to purchase new slip resistant work shoes when they wear out.  Even though most slip resistant work shoes are durable, they won’t last forever.

Remember, safety doesn’t take a break.  If you’re an employee working in an environment with slippery surfaces, make sure that your safety comes first and do the proper research to find the best pair of slip resistant work shoes that will provide you with proper footing.  It’s definitely worth your health.

Melissa, VP/Web Site Manager
Sole Flip – This is my #1 flip flop choice right now. I wear these to work, weekends and any other time. The footbed is built like an orthotic with solid arch support and supportive heel cup to prevent any side to side rolling. My neighbor tried on my Sole Flip the other day, fell in love with them and had to have a pair. They must be working great for her too because every time I see her she is wearing them!
Aetrex Zoom Runner – This is my current workout and running shoe. I prefer a running shoe that has moderate support and moderate control and this shoe provides both. The removable footbed allows me to wear my custom orthotic, the mesh upper is breathable and, personally, I love the pink and silver colors. My 6-year-old also says that it makes me run super fast!

Marty, CFO
Softwalk Clog Manteca in Mocha – This clog has a great brown color that goes well with all my beige and brown clothes and even jeans.  It is extremely comfortable with a 2″ wedge heel which provides a little height as I am only 5’4”.  I have worn the clog on all day shopping trips with no foot pain and get compliments from stylish girlfriends all the time.  One of my best friends decided to buy the Manteca in black after seeing mine.  The shoe seems to run a little narrow, which was great for me but one should consider that when ordering.
Naot Ashley & Naot Marissa – For summer I purchased these Naot sandals.  I like a little “bling” but didn’t want to compromise comfort for style so I was thrilled when I found the Ashley and the Marissa.  I bought the Ashley in “Metal Leather” to wear with blacks and the Marissa in “Burnt Copper Leather” to wear with browns.  Compliments abound and my feet are happy throughout the day.

Amanda, Content Writer/Social Media
Naot Cymbal – This sandal is one of my favorites. The first time I put it on my feet, I could tell that it was made with high-quality materials. This gladiator sandal has a soft cork latex footbed that provides arch support and my feet are securely held in place with the adjustable strap. It’s such a chic sandal that I can wear it to work or I can wear it out and know that I’ll be comfortable while looking good.
Brooks Glycerin 8 – I just got this athletic shoe, and I am so impressed. The technology within the construction of every part of the shoe is suburb. The removable insole is supportive and the outsole surprisingly cushions my every step while providing traction for when I run outside. I hope these athletic shoes last me a while, but I know when I need a new pair, I’m going to buy from Brooks.

Tara, Accounting
Naot Flirt Wedge – These are very comfortable and stylish. They go with everything from jeans to dresses. I love the feel and the support that these shoes give me.
Alegria Portos Sandal – A very stylish sandal, the Portos goes great with jeans, shorts and dresses. These sandals are perfect for a day at the beach, walking the mall, park or zoo.

Trust a shoe store’s employees to know more about shoes than you’d ever want to know. Here at HealthyFeetStore.com, we look, read and hear about shoes all day long. We’ve become submersed in the culture of healthy shoe options and of course we practice what we preach. After studying every item we sell, we buy products from our site just like you do. Here is Part 1 of our favorite shoes that we’ve bought from our favorite store.

Rich, CEO:
The Sole Sports Flip flip-flips are one of my favorites. Not only do they look good, but they are extremely comfortable with their not-too-high arch support and cushioned heel support.
Finn Comfort men’s Dijon is the most comfortable casual walking shoe I have ever owned. With their soft footbeds and ample room I can wear them all day, even on hard floors at conventions.

Barbara, Pedorthist/Customer Service:
The Cogent Roxie’s double rockers equate to double comfort in my book.  Differing from other shoes offered and they lack the arch support I so dearly love, the Cogent rocker offers another approach to cutting back on foot fatigue. Instead of relying on just the arch support in other shoes, these rockers help spread the body weight effectively from heel strike to toe off, offering a bit of welcome propulsion.
The Naot Folk Mary Jane appeals to my Granola side, while offering me the luxury of a very well made shoe I wouldn’t hesitate to wear to any function.

John, Content Writer/SEO Specialist:
I purchased my first pair of Aetrex socks after I wrote about them on our website.  In a way I wanted to see if what I read about them was true – Are these socks really the healthiest socks I’ll ever wear?  Well, that would be a big fat YES!  Aetrex socks are definitely the healthiest socks I’ve ever worn.  They feature Copper Sole Technology™, which removes 99% of the fungi, bacteria and odor in the socks.  After the first time I wore my low cut Aetrex athletic copper socks I noticed I had no foot odor whatsoever.  My feet were dry too because they also come with Moisture Guard™ – a feature that wicks moisture away.  And since these socks are manufactured with CUPRON™ yarn, my feet look and feel healthier than they ever have before.  I LOVE AETREX SOCKS!!!
Cloud Nine men’s sheepskin moccasin slippers are the real deal.  They are SUPER comfortable.  I swear I feel like taking a nap soon after I slip them on because the sheepskin lining is so soft and pillow-like.   I bought the chocolate colored pair because when I have company over it’s nice to wear comfortable slippers that are somewhat stylish.  To enhance my comfortable experience even more I decided to add arch support insoles, and now they’re even more comfortable to wear.  Another thing that’s nice is the fact that because my Cloud Nine slippers are made with sheepskin, they’re thermostatic, which means feet stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer – I got my slippers a few months ago when it was winter and now it’s spring and I swear that’s completely true!  You can’t go wrong with Cloud Nine sheepskin slippers.  Every time I put them on I literally feel like I’m walking on cloud nine!

Chris, Warehouse Manager:
The Orthaheel Kiwi is a great slide.  The mesh lining keeps my feet cool and the foot bed is very supportive.  I can wear them all day and my feet don’t get sore or tired.