Aching feet

[mars28]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for shoes?  I find it more comfortable to do massage in my bare feet, but I've been noticing lately that my feet are very sore at the end of the day.  I've tried putting Arnica on my feet and ankles, but that doesn't do much now.  Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Z-Man]

Birkenstocks.....for me are the most comfortable, I've worn them for years and years. they  might be a little expensive but worth it.

 

[zonk]

Well, I have owned a couple pair of Birkenstocks, and they're fine for a couple hours, but even they get to me after awhile. I work in a salon, so I do not dare to go barefoot. I have a couple pairs of New Balance white tennis shoes (Cross Trainers) which I alternate, and replace if I notice any signs of wearing on one side more than the other. I was told Cross Trainers would be better than Walking Shoes for me when I explained the stance I use for doing massage, they fit closer to the ankle, giving me a little more stability where my ankles are weak.I actually got the recommendation to switch to New Balance shoes from a client, as we were discussing orthotics. He said he'd always worn Reeboks before (so did I) and that his foot doctor had recommended the switch to New Balance shoes, and it had made a world of difference.  I'm totally a New Balance person myself now too.Amazingly enough, I have also found relief from adding the Dr. Scholl's arch support inserts ($6 at Walmart) after I sprained my ankle badly last fall, my other arch fell. (Figures, doesn't it? LOL A couple weeks with the arch supports though and that foot is back to normal.)If I have a really tough day at work, I soak my feet after in a footbath with handful of Epsom Salts, it takes the sting right out of them for me. And sometimes if swelling seems to be a problem I will apply some essential oils to my feet and ankles as well.Hope that helps, I'm open to suggestions too, as even 10 mo. later I am still getting a lot of swelling in that sprained ankle. ;D

 

[help me!]

I am a faithful user of New Balance for my workouts and have several pairs.  I too own a pair of the white ones!  Do you know what "model" or number yours are?  I'll definetely be wearing mine later!  I'm doing a chair massage event at the founders festival here in town.

 

[Purdey EP]

Aching feet

So funny. I only wear New balance too.Just wanted to add that you could get anti-fatigue mats. They help alot, all the way up the back. There are inexpensive 'link system' mats available at automotive stores like Checker Auto Parts, etc. They are a definite eye sore, but you could cover them with a nice area rug.I just happen to be 9 mos pregnant, and I'm really feeling sore feet and swollen ankles after work. I use my Biofreeze (kept in the fridge) after I feel a session has been hard on me, including on my ankles, calves & feet. It does an awesome pain relief job, and if you can put your feet up for 10-15 after applying it, it's even better!Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[karla]

I love my white New Balance 606's.  New Balance is the only athletic shoe that comes in wide.  I wear a 9 EEEE.  I tried Birkenstocks but took them back because they only come in medium and narrow (or did a few years ago), and I had to wear the equivalent of a size 10 - it just didn't work, and probably never would have fit me.  Long Live New Balance!

 

[*w0wZ* [mALiSSa]

Aching feet

rtamm,Well, my 2 newest pairs are the Cross Trainers (model 609), and my previous ones were model 608 and model 352 (these were Walking shoes).I demonstrated the "archer stance" that I often assume at the side of the table during massage and sales woman felt that the Cross Trainers would be more appropriate for those type of movements. BTW, BasicKneads, I wear a 9D in these New Balance shoes myself. I like my Birkenstock's they're plenty wide enough for me, as technically I wear a 9C, however, I have only owned 2 pairs of these shoes. I have found I can only wear my Birkies or other Non - New Balance shoes to do an hour or so of massage, or I pay the price... As I did yesterday.Sometimes those "walk-ins" add up, and I over did it.Today, back to the New Balance shoes and my stirrup ankle brace again!Fashion or function, fashion or function? Will I never learn? LOL

 

[Pompal 09.]

Aching feet

Looks like New Balance is the winner!

 

[Marthinus]

Aching feet

yes new balance are great BUT if your a woman you have to try Ryka. They are sold at lady foot locker. I have had problems with my feet my whole life. These shoes are the best The style I like is Bravo make sure you get the E.T.S. the cushing goes all the way to the toe. Ryka is made for women so sorry guys.Try a pair there the BEST. ;D ;D

 

[Pompal 09.]

I'm definitely in the minority here but I wear clogs.  Chefs who are on their feet all day long and stand in place for long periods of time always wear them.  I find them really comfortable and a little more dressy than running shoes.  They are a great alternative if you work in a spa where they don't want you to wear running shoes either.  Joe E.  

 

[Johner]

Aching feet

My vote goes for clogs too. I don't like the looks of tenny shoes. Nurses are ALWAYS on their feet and I've noticed a lot of them in clogs. I like to take my shoes off still but I have found that spending a little extra money on shoes makes a huge difference! I used to buy the cheapies at Payless and would pay the price later with sore little toes. I don't have a particular favorite at this point but would like to hear more non-tennis shoe options.

 

[ecky x]

Aching feet

Hi, I wear clogs for work and my favorites are a brand called Clarks. I get them at a DSW shoestore in WI andI've seen them in Coldwater Creek catalogs. They fit my feet well, and I get lots of comments on the nice style. ;D

 

[Emily W]

I have had problems with my feet (especially my arches!) all my life, so I have to be very careful about the fit and comfort of my shoes.  I started wearing Birkenstocks about a year and a half ago and have only rarely had aching feet.  I like the clog style for work - they look more professional than the sandals, and they have some that don't look like "nurse shoes"  At $100+ per pair retail, they're quite expensive... but they last a long time.  I usually find mine for less than $50 (brand new!) on ebay or at Sam's Club.I tried working barefoot a couple times and definitely felt the difference... my legs were very sore the next day.I saw some water-filled insoles from Aquastep at a trade show recently, I really liked them!  The sensations when walking on them are similar to walking on the beach.  I may order some for me, for when I wear "normal" shoes... and some for my clients.  (Their website is http://www.aquastep.com )

 

[Ramon]

I too wear Clarks, they are really comfortable and fit like a glove.  Not to mention they look good too.

 

[jhseekings]

Nike Shox is highly recommended.  I also wear socks with arch support.

 

[His.Dirty.Little.Secret]

I have 2 recommendations, aside from bare feet which I find comfortable!  Merrell has a great sandal, Treviso II which is so comfortable, I wera them when I'm in a session, even walked through the streets of Chicago and my feet didn't bother me once!!!  I will definetely be purchasing another pair!  Also, Dansko clogs are great, wonderful arch support, a bit pricey (100 and up) but well worth it.  My friend is a teacher and swears by them.

 

[ASHLEY T]

My favourite massage shoes are some really soft, flexible leather Camper pumps, but new this year, and catching up fast in my estimation are Puma Sapatas.   They come in three colours, and are the softest, most comfortable, thing I've ever put on my feet.  They feel like a second skin, and instead of a sole, they have 5 separate pieces of sole, so they totally flex with your feet. http://store.puma.com/pumaUSStore/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=PumaUS&category%5Fname=MensAlwaysFootwear&product%5Fid=34080802&productType=Footwear&mainCategory=Men&shopBy=style

 

[Pompal 09.]

Aching feet

I tried working barefoot a couple times and definitely felt the difference... my legs were very sore the next day.

Wow, a year later and I'm kicking my shoes off 15 minutes into every massage and actually preferring to work in just my socks a lot of the time.  I just feel more grounded.  (And my feet don't get hot and sweaty.)

 

[? G??? ? ????s ?]

I have a few pairs of dress shoes with softer soles that I wear.  After 22 years in combat boots anything is an adjustment.  Looked at Birkenstocks but a bit too spendy at the moment.  Was told the key to them is to wear them for no more than a couple hours at time until your feet adjust.  Trying to wear them for a full day right away will hurt your feet.  The clerk kept emphasizing the importance of taking a week to two weeks for adjusting.  Now they have softer insoles that I was told are huge sellers for them.

 

[ayee]

I'm 6'4", I've got flat, size 15 feet and had  broken ankles, a broken tibia/fibula, and torn meniscus.  Two Junes ago I broke 3 metatarsals.  I will not stop backpacking.  Partly, it was all the physical therapy that got me interested in massage.I like New Balance and Ecco shoes and, regardless of the shoe, I wear Lynco sport inserts.  They can be had with a metatarsal support bump thingey which takes getting used to, but I love it.  Also with pronation if desired.  A good running store might have a machine you stand on that measures pressure and how it is distributed by your feet.I used to wear crappy sneakers as a kid and am paying for it now.  That's why I'm CaptainPF (as in PF Flyer).