Men and Women Comfort Shoes
Post-Polio Syndrome is a condition that occurs in people who contracted polio at an early age. Although recovery took place, after decades, an average of 30 to 40 years, symptoms reoccur. SYMPTOMS progressive muscle, joint weakness and pain general lack of energy while active atrophy …
Plantar faciitis is one of the most common foot issues we deal with. Often, plantar faciitis is caused by footwear that is not supportive. Most people don’t realize that the shoes they are wearing offer little to no support which in time can cause a …
There are many different features that go into making a walking shoe. Everybody’s feet are different, therefore each person will require different elements in a walking shoe to get the most comfort and best fit.
Knowing which features to look for in a walking shoe based off of the structure of your feet will be important in the shoe picking process. An article on mayoclinic.org discusses the various features that can be found in walking shoes. For example if you find that your Achilles is often tight, you might want to look for a walking shoe that has an Achilles notch. The article further explains that an Achilles notch helps reduce stress on the a Achilles tendon.
Click here to read the full article at mayoclinic.org, and to learn more about the different features to look for in a pair of walking shoes.
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Bodell’s Shoes was awarded The Readers Choice Award for the best shoe store in Long Beach in 2018 by the Press Telegram! This adds to an increasingly large list of awards our 59 year old store front has and gives us recognition to our dedication …
Finding walking uncomfortable?
Check the soles of your feet before you veg out on the couch all day to recuperate. Nearly 30 percent of Americans struggle with flat feet, a mild physical deformity of the foot.
Known by the medical name pes planus (or sometimes “fallen arches”) this condition is almost always mild, requiring little to no intervention. But the lowered arch in flat feet can cause muscle fatigue and pain. In advanced cases, osteoarthritis can occur.
Whether you’re walking to work or just getting a bit of fresh air, finding the right support is vital to preventing further. Understanding the anatomy of a flat foot and how specialized support can help is the first step to finding the best shoes for those long evening walks. If you’re feeling a little flat about the whole thing, this short guide should brighten up your day.
Flat Feet: The How’s And Why’s
People who suffer from flat feet (be they man, woman, or child) often complain about fatigued muscles in the foot, ankle, and shin. What causes this is the pressure your foot meets with each time it touches the ground.
Foot physics vary person to person, but nearly everyone shares the same baseline in the absence of medical problems. In the average foot, pressure comes in at the heel, down the side of the foot, and then gets dispersed out around the ball of the foot. Pressure along the side of the foot radiates upward, where (hopefully) a strong ankle and calf provide the necessary support to keep you upright and comfortable.
In flat feet, the sole and arch make immediate contact with the ground, so the pressure isn’t dispersed correctly. The ankle and foot become unstable, causing your muscles to fight one another in an effort to prevent rolling or an unstable gait. They eventually become tired, tight, and achy.
Referred pain into the shin, thigh, hips, and lower back is exceptionally common and almost to be expected later in age.
For someone with flat feet, walking large distances becomes excruciating. After a few hours of walking, suddenly you’re achy-breaky tootsies desperately need a break. This can dissuade you from getting enough exercise; after all, who wants to experience pain on a regular basis?
By far, the best way to address the problem is with proper foot support. Physiotherapy can help, too, but you can significantly reduce your pain levels just by choosing the right shoes.
Birkenstocks
Need a sturdy pair of sandals to take you from downtown to the beach to the trail? Regular sneakers and trainers can feel restrictive on the beach, but going barefoot is one of the worst things you can do for flat feet. Instead, grab a pair of Birkenstock sandals with cork soles. As you wear them, the shoes mold to your foot; after just a few short weeks, you’ll find they match the shape of your arch almost perfectly.
Birkenstock is well-known for nature-inspired shoes with a high level of quality, but they go all-out with style also. Gone are the days when the company offered just one main style. Today, you’ll find everything from dressy shoes to very basic slip-ons in the brand’s line.
True “Walking Shoes”
Flat feet, high arches, or very average feet with no special features; nothing keeps your feet as comfortable as a good pair of walking shoes. As an individual style, the walking shoe focuses on providing support for the foot as you walk. It evens out your gait and provides excellent comfort, even when you’re out for hours. High-quality walking shoes are a must-have for tourists, urban adventurers, and anyone else who spends a great deal of time on their feet.
For flat feet, choose walking shoes that feature a snug and supportive roll bar at the Achilles tendon, motion stabilizing materials, and a low-arched design. Straight lasted soles are ideal; they’ll keep your foot aligned, and thus, spread pressure evenly.
Design-wise, the sky’s the limit. Walking shoes come in a broad range of styles, and may mimic hiking boots, trainers, dress shoes, and business-appropriate oxfords. Others, like the Finn Comfort walking shoe, have a distinctly urbanized style.
Trainers
Trainers, sometimes referred to as athletic shoes, support flat feet in a few different ways. The primary benefit lies in the fact that trainers are excellent at absorbing shock, regardless of the surface you’re walking on. For someone with flat feet, who probably experiences pressure along all areas of the foot rather than just the ball or heel, that can ward off pain and joint problems later on.
But no two trainers are alike; just as it is with every other shoe, the style you purchase can and does matter. When buying, look for shoes with an extended mid-sole and straight lashing. Supportive memory foam or gel insoles with a slightly curved arch work well for some; the mild rise in the center of the foot slightly corrects the deformity in mild cases.
To avoid: high-arch trainers with a deep rising curve in the mid-sole. Your flat feet won’t sit in them correctly, inducing pain.
Brand-wise, look to New Balance for flat-footed relief. Any of these five trainers – especially the W1540 – should suit most women just fine. Men have their own version, the M1540, with the same features in a more masculine design.
Orthopedic Shoes
Around 50 years ago, people looked at wearing orthopedic shoes as undesirable. Mid-century orthopedics focused entirely on support, sacrificing style to ensure an even and comfortable gait. Any sense of fashion went out in the window, and was then immediately replaced by a higher degree of cushioning and a bigger, bulky design.
Unfortunately, the idea that orthopedic shoes must be ugly to fit right is pervasive – not to mention entirely untrue! At first glance, you’d never even know that most of today’s orthopedics even contained special supportive technology. It’s easy to find stylish orthopedic shoes for women and men in a broad range of fashion genres.
Orthotics aren’t like your standard sneaker; many insurance plans consider them a form of medical device, even if they do look as good as they feel. The designation isn’t just an accident; orthotics often contain high-end support technology and an anatomically-correct design that hugs all areas of the foot evenly.
If you have flat feet, a shoe like the Wrangler by Deer Tracks may help; the removable footbed slides out to make way for therapeutic insoles if needed. Others, like the Fit – AreniOne by the same brand, have a built-in fiberglass shank that aligns the arch of the foot.
Regardless of the style you choose, orthotics can help to alleviate flat foot symptoms. Even if you don’t wear them all day, wearing them around the house or when relaxing will still provide you with measurable results.
Staying stylish while supporting flat feet doesn’t have to be a distant dream. From orthopedic shoes to stylish, gel-lined dress shoes for work, modern footwear brands want to support your desire to meld fashion and comfort together. Kick up your feet, let those tender toes relax, and find a comfortable new pair of shoes to fall in love with today.
“My kingdom for a comfortable shoe.” Words likely spoken by great shoe-lovers in the world. Be it the notorious Imelda Marcos or just your shoe-addicted best friend, everyone seems to appreciate high-quality, comfortable footwear that’s stylish and functional all at once. Much as with …
You want to look your best, whether you’re lounging around the house or stepping out into the shopping district to find a brand-new outfit for work. You also want to feel comfortable, relaxed, and able to move around freely while you do it – that’s …
Today’s modern woman doesn’t settle for a sub-par job.
She doesn’t sacrifice her career for her family or vice versa, and she most certainly won’t choose between having a fulfilling social life with her friends or a loving relationship with her family. 21st century fashion mirrors today’s go-getter, do-it-all woman, and comfortable, versatile and practical shoes are a reflection of that all-deserving lifestyle.
Below are our picks for this season’s most stylish winter shoes fit for every type of today’s modern, fashionable woman.
The BeautiFeel brand was born out of creativity, love, femininity and commitment, along with wishes to share those attributes with every woman in the world. It holds the power to originate, innovate, captivate and excite each woman who wears a BeautiFeel brand shoe.
To say these darling, city-chic shoes are on point for this Fall/Winter season is an understatement. The Broadway is elegant and casual with a trendy finishing touch. Made from premium Italian suede and accented with handcrafted luxurious welt, this extremely comfortable walking shoe is ideal for your commute, (sans snow and slush) looks amazing with denim and even pairs well with your holiday dresses. Thank you, Manolo Blahnik for making low heels the new high heels.
Similar to the Broadway, the Blues shoe is an adorable, updated loafer for the fashionable girl wanting to stay as comfortable as possible without sacrificing her style. Equipped with small, cutout polka dots on the sides and a leather lining and insole, the Blues is a showstopper from the inside out. Its patent leather sheen gives this walking shoe a formal touch great for the office, girls’ night outs and holiday get-togethers.
At Birkenstock, tradition and heritage are the leading hallmarks of the brand. Birkenstock is deeply rooted in the fine art of crafting premium quality shoes, dating back to 1774. Passing the commitment of quality, comfort and support, the Birkenstock brand ensures the highest standards in shoe making.
Ah, the classic Birkenstock shoe. The Boston is an excellent addition to your wardrobe for those last minute errands that need run and those long, lazy days of winter. Hand sewn and made of 100 percent natural leather, this open back clog is the shoe you simply cannot live without during the winter season. The Boston’s suede upper is exceptionally soft and comfortable and has a deep heel cup which aligns your foot naturally for even weight distribution and proper support. You feet will be in heaven no matter where you take them.
Bringing style and comfort to every moment, the ECCO brand isn’t afraid to stand out from the rest, and is known for “slipping on attitude.” Ensuring a highly comfortable, hardwearing, light and flexible shoe, it is important to the ECCO brand that the details are never looked over, but always looked out for.
Clean and simple with a contemporary twist is the name of this shoe’s game. Every stylish gal needs a good pair of “grab and go” shoes, and the Aimee is that pair. The Aimee Sport shoe is a fun and fashionable sneaker similar to the street style fashion sneakers that have been so popular the past few seasons on and off the runway. The classic black and white color combination brings this walking shoe to new style heights, while the front to back platform adds just enough interest. The ECCO Comfort Fibre System is installed in this shoe, which helps to keep feet fresh, dry and cozy.
The all-time winter favorite is the moccasin shoe. The Cozy Moc by ECCO is the ultimate cold weather slipper for lounging in the house and cozying up at the log cabin-like corner bar. Complete with glued-in leather footbed and full-grain leather upper, this slip-on shoe increases air circulation for a desirable inner climate. Available in camel, nude and maroon colors, these moccasins are all light and flexible with a slimming profile and modern detailing. Fireplace or no fireplace, the Cozy Moc is sure to warm you up.
Say hello to Cozy Moc’s trendier cousin, Cozy Moc Bootie. If you’re on the hunt for a snug, cuddle-worthy moccasin, you’re in luck, for the Cozy Moc Bootie slipper surrounds your feet with the utmost comfort and warmth, giving your entire foot a sweet hug. These highly breathable and moisture absorbent shoes are made from premium leathers and a 100 percent shearling lining. The dainty bow gives this casual slipper a nice feminine touch, while the foldable ankle wraparound makes for an edgier appearance.
Similar to the Aimee Sport Slip-On, only with a higher platform and a sleeker finish, we give you the (somewhat) fancy Fara shoe. Designed for comfort and style, this relaxed slip-on takes on a more modern form of the original slip-on sneaker with its ridged bottom and high ankle. Also black and white like the Aimee, the Fara can be worn on many occasions, from everyday wear and quick lunches to long commutes and casual Fridays. Appareled with the new fashion classic design, the outsole of this shoe is incredibly flexible and durable, assuring happy, healthy feet.
Sophisticated and simple, the Shape Textured Ballerina flat can be worn for just about any occasion. The pointed toe and tiny heel make this updated ballerina flat the winter season’s new staple shoe. Made from premium leather throughout, this contemporary, minimalist slipper is great for women of all ages. The barely there embroidered floral design gives this specialty shoe the right amount of elegance, while the shape contours your foot for enhanced support and fit.
Haflinger is a family-owned business that has been creating premium comfort shoes and slippers for over 50 years. The brand is known for its boiled wool slippers and wool felt clogs, offering a selection of both classics and new styles with on-trend designs.
For the homebodies, the stay-at-home-moms, the work-at-home professionals and the like, the Haflinger brand invites you into a whole new paradigm of comfort and style. From wonderfully colorful patterns and crazy designs to animal prints and classic looks, there is a slipper for any gal in need of an ultra cozy shoe.
If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, the Calypso will put you into a good, no, great mood. Featuring a multi-patterned, multi-colored design, the Calypso’s contoured, wool footbed molds perfectly to your foot for customized comfort and style. The slipper’s upper is made of 100 percent boiled wool, with the insole made of wool felt offering traction to dance about happily all over the kitchen floor. You’ll be your foot’s best friend in these super fun, super cozy Haflinger slippers.
How cute are these coffee slippers? If you haven’t had your cup (or cups) of coffee already, these slippers will get your day started a little bit earlier while you brew. Featuring a coffee wool applique, Haflinger’s Coffee Slippers are made from boiled wool, are naturally soft and sturdy, and are machine washable. The latex arch support of these too-cute-for-words slippers massages your foot with every step, while the double-felt outsole adds the perfect blend of cushion and traction, allowing you to dance to Christmas tunes on every surface in your home.
Did you think the cuteness factor ended at the Coffee Slippers? Well, the Haflinger brand has added another level of adorable with its Doggy Slippers. The Doggy Slippers are soft and cuddly well-suited for those cold winter nights, yet sturdy and durable for multiple winter seasons to come. The wool upper on these shoes is lightweight and breathable, and molds to your feet like a second skin. In addition to the perfect temperature wool material, the arch support prevents many foot problems, including Plantar Fasciitis. These awe-worthy slippers are sure to fit a variety of personalities, and are guaranteed to make anyone wearing them smile.
Mephisto shoes are investments in the health, happiness and comfort of your feet, back and legs. The materials, construction techniques and quality components used to make Mephisto shoes are never compromised. The designers and engineers of the Mephisto brand are on a continuous search to improve the comfort features of their footwear, “making the finest even finer.”
This shoe may not look like it from the outside, but it was designed to be slipped on and off as easily as a house slipper. The Sabatina by Mephisto is an exquisite patent leather fashion loafer that means serious business. The oversize, chunky design of this highly modern and incredibly stylish shoe was made for the girl boss in every woman. In addition to the shoe’s breathable soft leather upper and strong rubber outsole, it features a removable leather air-jet insole for an added comfortable feel. Pairing well with denim, slacks, skirts and dresses, the Sabatina is one hot commodity you don’t want to pass up on.
A much more understated, but nonetheless stylish shoe of the Mephisto family is the Valentina. Made for casual wear, this slip-on, seriously fashionable sneaker could be the coolest shoe on the market. This walking shoe features a soft-air midsole for extra comfort, as well as strong rubber outsole that is built to last. While the actual model of the shoe itself is classic, the deep oxblood color and laceless bridge are unexpected, making the Valentina the “it” shoe this winter season.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous connective tissue that attaches to the heel bone, runs across the bottom of the foot and fans out to connect at the base of …