HealthyFeetBlog.com

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.

If you are a first time online shopper or if you are new to our site, we’ve compiled a list of important information you should know in order to make your HealthyFeetStore.com experience smooth and simple:

• Know your shoe size: We recommend that you make sure your feet have been professionally measured within the past month. Faxing or e-mailing us a tracing of your foot isn’t really helpful: It’s still a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional fit.
• Make a note of the shoe brands and shoe sizes have worked and which ones haven’t worked.
• Know what foot conditions your doctor has diagnosed you with and/or what specific type of shoes your doctor has suggested you buy
• Please don’t refrain from including your e-mail address when ordering: We send you a confirmation e-mail and another e-mail with tracking information, so if you don’t give us your e-mail address, you won’t get that important information (we promise we don’t sell our lists of e-mail addresses)
• Credit card information is not kept on file
• If you’re contacted by us, get back to us asap: We contact you if there is a problem with billing information, shipping information or if the ordered item is on back order. This may cause a delay with the shipment of your order.
• We are a small company so please understand that if we don’t pick up the phone, it’s because all of our customer service representatives are assisting other customers. We don’t outsource our customer service to call centers, therefore you will be helped by highly trained specialists who will take all the time needed to assist you. If you call us and don’t leave a message with your phone number, we have no way to call you back.
• At this time we do not have a catalog – our web site IS our catalog.
• Do not return the shoes to the manufacturer: If you bought the shoes from HealthyFeetStore.com, always return the shoes to HealthyFeetStore.com.
• We do not bill insurance companies.
• PST means Pacific Standard Time and it is three hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
• We do not ship shoes to PO Boxes – we ship shoes via UPS and foot care products via USPS.
• European sizes in general do not come in widths.

If you are comparing prices or browsing at different sites, be sure to check the accuracy and trustworthiness of other sites. Here are a few features to look for to ensure online stores are legitimate:

• Copyright date and company name at bottom of page.
• The date last modified at the bottom of the page – if it says anything other than the month and year that it is, then definitely do not shop there.
• BBB (Better Business Bureau online) image (or look them up on the BBB’s web site) – these are companies that you can trust, and if they do something unprofessional, you can report them to the BBB.
• A phone number and e-mail address – every legit online business will have a customer service phone number and e-mail address that customers or potential customers can contact for assistance.
• The security lock on the ordering page means that the page is secure.

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

Bone Spurs?  What are Bone Spurs?
A bone spur is an abnormal protruding bone growth that occurs on the surface of a bone – primarily on bones located in the spine, feet, hips, knees or shoulders.

How Does a Bone Spur Occur?
Bone spurs grow in areas of the body where an injury or inflammation takes place – usually to help the body repair itself.  Joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons are places more likely where bone spurs will grow because they’re areas where bones connect to other bones; and they’re areas that tend to experience a lot of pressure, stress and constant rubbing.  Age can also play a role in the formation of a bone spur.  The older we get, the more likely cartilage located between our bones will gradually diminish; plus bone spurs can also form due to inflammatory arthritis.  Heel spurs (bone spurs that grow on the heel bone) are often times the result of plantar fasciitis: the sudden increase in strain and tension to the plantar fascia (the long ligament at the bottom of the foot).  As the heel bone repairs itself, a bone spur can grow.  Also, one could experience pump bump, a bone spur that forms at the back of the heel due to constant rubbing, which typically happens to women who wear tight shoes or high heels.

The Symptoms of a Bone Spur and Heel Spur
A bone spur can only be determined by an X-ray or other type of radiologic testing.  A heel spur is often pain-free and can go unnoticed.  But unfortunately, when heel pain is experienced, people tend to misdiagnose it thinking it’s a bone spur when in fact it’s plantar fasciitis.    Pain is not the only symptom of a bone spur.  Usually numbness and tenderness can also be associated with it since the bone spur can irritate the tissues, skin, nerves, tendons and fat pads that are near it.  Corns and calluses can also form due to having a bone spur in the foot – tissue builds up to provide extra padding over the bone spur.

How to Treat a Bone Spur

• Bone spurs that don’t cause any pain or harm to other tissues or parts of the body do not need treatment
• Weight loss can alleviate pressure off of joints
• Heel Spurs:
  • Wear athletic shoes with shock absorbing features to offload the pressure away from heel spurs
  • Wear various orthotics or shoe inserts with cushioning heel cups to help reduce pain
  • Wear cushioning socks such as Thorlos Socks for added comfort (optional)
  • Do not wear standard dress shoes since they lack shock absorbing features
  • Do not walk barefoot on flat, hard surfaces

Next time you’re in a busy restaurant, at a park or a crowded mall, sit back and watch how people walk. (Try not to be creepy when you do this.) I guarantee you will notice that some people walk differently than the rest.

Do you see anyone whose feet roll outward, so the people are walking on the outer sides of their feet? Do you see anyone whose feet roll inward, so their feet are bent and ankles almost to the floor? Do your feet make either of these movements? Where and how one’s feet hit the ground (pronation) can help pinpoint potential injuries, the type of foot arch and which shoes will be the most comfortable.

Pronation is our foot’s natural movement to absorb the impact of hitting the ground when walking or running. Note that Pronation has nothing to do with being pigeon toed or having duck feet. There are three types of Pronation: Normal Pronation, Overpronation and Underpronation (Supination). Normal Pronation is – you guessed it – ideal.

When a person with Normal Pronation walks, his or her heel hits the ground first, then the foot slightly rolls inward and then pushes off evenly at the toe area. The impact is distributed throughout the foot and the entire foot supports the body. This makes walking easy and pain-free. These normal pronators have a healthy gait cycle and a normal arch.

If a person has Overpronation, the outside of the heel hits the ground first, then the foot rolls in too much and the two biggest toes are mainly responsible for pushing off the ground. The impact isn’t absorbed evenly, so the foot and ankle can’t stabilize and support the body properly. Overpronation is common in people with low arches, flat feet or who are overweight. They are more susceptible to feet and ankle injuries. Walking and running can be painful for overpronators.

The least common type of pronation is called Underpronation, which occurs when the outside of the heel makes the first contact with the ground, but there isn’t enough inward movement of the foot, so the foot rolls along its narrow, outside edge and the smallest toes push off. The weight is not distributed efficiently throughout the foot and the smaller parts of the foot has to take the impact. Supinators (underpronators) are more vulnerable to getting knee and back injuries than others, because the shock from hitting the ground on such small and weak areas of the foot travels up through the legs.

You can tell what type of pronator someone is by observing them walk or run. If their feet tend to roll and bend inward, then they are an overpronator, but if their feet tend to roll and bend outward, then they are an underpronator. Those with normal arches or those wearing footwear with biomechanical correction will move with normal pronation.

See What Type of Arch You Have With This Easy Test:

1. Get a grocery store-type paper bag
2. Get the bottom of your left foot wet
3. Step on the paper bag with your left foot and put your weight on it as if you were walking
4. Look at your footprint
5. If your footprint is in the shape of a C, with half your arch showing, then you have a normal arch
6. If you see most of your footprint, then you have flat feet (low arches)
7. If you only see your toes, top of your foot and your heel (with a space in between the top and bottom of your foot), then you have high arches

If you are an overpronator, you should seriously consider buying an arch support insole or supportive footwear to help keep your body balanced and pain-free. Our Orthaheel sandals were designed by a podiatrist to reduce pronation, therefore increasing arch support, stability and improving posture. Orthaheel sandals can relieve heel, ankle and back pain, as well.

If you’re a Normal Pronator, you want shoes, sandals or insoles designed with:

• Moderate arch support
• Neutral-cushioned shoes

If you’re an Overpronator, you want shoes, sandals or insoles designed with:

• Contoured and firm arch support
• Deep heel cup
• Dual-density midsoles
• Motion control
• Stability Shoes

If you’re an Underpronator, you want shoes, sandals or insoles designed with:

• Neutral-cushioned shoes
• Soft midsole
• No stability or motion-control shoes

Walking is arguably the best form of exercise for people of all ages. It is something we all know how to do, it’s easy to do, it can be done almost anywhere, and it is the activity with the least chance of injury.

It’s an excellent physical activity for seniors, but it’s also a great calorie-burner for everyone else, whether you’re 20, 30 or 40. If you don’t already have a routine workout plan, then you should walk for daily exercise. Walk around the block, walk to and from the grocery store, walk around a shopping mall – it’s so easy and convenient for those healthy enough to be walking, I dare you to come up with an excuse to not walk.

If you are interested in adding walking as part of your regular exercise schedule, then consider your health, energy level, hydration level, planned location and the climate first. Then, make sure you have at least one pair of high-quality athletic shoes that are supportive, comfortable and allow ventilation. Wearing breathable, high-quality socks can make a positive difference, too.

For all of you regular walkers, bravo! But remember that as the weather changes, we must change with it. Below are walking tips for safe and healthy Summer walking:

• Let someone know where you plan to go before you leave (even if you just leave a note)
• Walk early in the day or later in the evening, when the temperature isn’t the hottest
• Carry a form of ID
• Start walking slowly and if you feel up to it, gradually increase your speed
• Wear well-fitted, supportive and moisture-wicking shoes and socks to keep your feet dry, cool and pain-free
• Bring a water bottle or canteen and stay hydrated
• Always wear sunscreen and a hat (remember, even if it’s cloudy outside, you can still get sunburned)
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Walk with good posture (straight back, head facing forward, arms swinging)
• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing to repel the heat
• Know the signs of being over-heated or dehydrated
• Walk with a friend or family member
• Stretch before and after walk
• If you are feeling too hot or tired, slow down or stop to rest

Walking is a great form of exercise, but you must take the changing weather into account if you plan to walk outside. If you don’t consider some of the before-mentioned walking tips, you risk dehydration, heat stroke, injury or other unwanted outcomes. Please always put your health and safety first, and if you are not sure if walking is the right activity for you, ask your doctor.

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, Moszkito, Sole, Alegria, Aravon, Finn Comfort, and Orthaheel.

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, and Spira.

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, you may want to try wearing a pair of fitness shoes.  Wearing these types of 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.