Women's Sandal's at REI...

Some excellent sandals on sale at REI this weekend:

DANSKO LOLITA SANDAL

Excellent rigid sole with a slight rocker-bottom shape as well as good forefoot, midfoot and some rearfoot control. Comes in various colors and this is the type of sandal that can be worn casually or dressed up. I have patients who are going to Europe and going on cruises this summer and are concerned about proper shoe-gear that is comfortable and looks good. This is the perfect sandal to wear for those situation. Of course, if you're doing all day walking and more aggressive tourist activities, I would recommend an enclosed walking shoe for more support, protection and biomechanical control. 

  

Cost: $69.93 (36% reduced)

KEEN NEWPORT H2:

This is a great sandal for land or water. Going to Rocky Point? Don't risk swimming with barefeet - this is a excellent sandal for in the water. I've treated many patients with lacerations from stepping on glass or sharp rocks in the surf and have done surgeries pulling sea urchin spines out of people's feet from landing on coral. This sandal has good toe protection, a rigid-sole and good forefoot, midfoot and decent rearfoot control. This is a casual look for the beach and sports-related activities. 

Cost: $69.99 (Usually $95)

CHACO ZX/2 Sandals:

Rugged rubber outsoles and great arch support. It's a little skimpy on the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot control but the fabulous arch is its saving grace. This is a land and water sandal and is for casual/sporty wear. This sandal doesn't work well with people who have moderate to severe bunions because the strapping has a tendency to aggravate the bunion/bump. If you have sweaty feet - there's good news and bad news - bad news is that the rubber sole can make you sweat more, good news is that the rubber sole is easy to clean/wash. For people with sweaty feet, you can purchase over-the-counter CERTAIN-DRI to put on your feet every night before you go to bed to decrease sweating. 

Cost: $69.99 (Usually $95)

TEVA TERRA-Fi 2 SANDAL:

An amphibious sandal with a shock absorbing sole and adjustable nylon webbing/straps. This is the classical "TEVA" look and is great for casual wear. If you get this sandal, check the sole by trying to bend or flex it - make sure it doesn't have a lot of give, which can cause problems. Remember, the more inflexible, the more rigid - the better. Motion means more wear and tear on your foot/joints - make the shoe do the work and take up the damage - not your foot! 

Cost: $49.99 (Regular $80)

**Special mention : If you see the Teva Westwater Shoes and the Chaco Flips - Do your feel, knees, hip and lower back a solid -- keep walking!! 

Once again, sandals are not appropriate for diabetics, patients with neuropathy (nerve damage) and moderate to severe foot deformities. If you're unsure if you fall into any of these groups - make an appointment with your Podiatrist and take in a bag of your shoes. It may sound silly but I prefer when people bring in their shoes. It helps with patient understanding and compliance and it helps me help you get better quicker!!  

Men's Wide Shoes...

I found a great new resource for Men's Wide Shoes - please see my link to tap into their website. I need to do some research on their shoes and my next blog will e about specific recommendations within their website. 

Have a great day!

Clark's Sandals at Macy's Memorial Day Sale...

CLARKS C. SUNBEAT 3-STRAP SANDALS FOR WOMEN...

An excellent women's sandal in three colors are going to be on sale at MACY'S on their MEMORIAL DAY SALE for $49.99, which is an great deal.

The sandal has a thick, rigid sole with good arch support. It has good forefoot control with adjustable straps, which is nice for anyone suffering with mild to moderate swelling in their feet. It also has a rearfoot strap for mild motion control and a soft cushion insole. This is a very popular shoe with my older patients who need support, comfort and want a casual sandal that looks nice. 

This shoe is excellent for:

Patients with mild to moderate foot swelling, an older patient who wants a nice looking and supportive sandal, mild to moderate hammertoes, mild to possibly moderate bunions, Morton's Neuroma's, mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the forefoot and midfoot, mild to moderate plantar fasciitis, mild to moderate flat feet, and mild tendonitis and ankle strain. 

This shoe MAY NOT be appropriate for:

Patients with Neuropathy, Diabetes, dropfoot, and many types of severe foot conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and tendonitis. These patients have special foot needs and need to consult their Podiatrist for special shoes, inserts, and, in some cases, Ankle-Foot Orthosis (braces). 

Where: Macy's on Memorial Day

Cost: $49.99

Have a great day!

Inexpensive version of an MBT!!

Okay, good news! For the cost conscious (all of us!), local K-Mart's are advertising an "knock-off" of the MBT for only $19.99, which is fabulous because a real MBT costs $250.

THERA-SHOE

This shoe looks very similar to an MBT, which means that it looks like a tennis/walking shoe with a "rocker-bottom" sole. It's a great shoe for anyone with back pain, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Osteoarthritis of the forefoot and midfoot, sesmoiditis, some tendonitis conditions, and is an excellent shoe choice for anyone who works retail or is on their feet for long hours and has a limited budget. It is approved by the Academy of Therapeutic Footwear. 

Patients with poor balance should not use this shoe. Also, if you have moderate to severe back pain, you should ease into wearing this shoe by wearing it for one hour the first day, two hours the second day, three hours the third day - ect - until you are up to a full day of wearing the Thera-Shoe. Patients with diabetes or neuropathy should check with their Podiatrist before wearing this type of shoe - typically these patients are better off with an "Extra-Depth Shoe" that is intended for diabetic or neuropathic patients. Also, I would never put an elderly patient into a shoe like this as it may cause imbalance issues. 

Price: $19.99 (at K-Mart)

THERA-SANDAL

Another great option for people who insist on wearing a flip-flop and have a limited budget. Although I don't recommend wearing flip-flops, I do understand that some people are going to wear them so, if you are one of those people, this is one of the better flip-flops available. 

The real-deal is called a Fit-Flop and can be purchased from Victorias Secret, Dillard's, Zappos.com and a variety of other places. K-Mart is offering this "Fit-Flop Knock-off" for $9.99 which is a fabulous price. 

IF you MUST wear a flip-flop (Yes, I'm cringing!), I would suggest using this for around-the-house activities - not for all day activities. 

Also, if you have foot issues, are recovering from an injury or you are "biomechanically-challenged" and have to be extra careful with your shoegear - if at all possible, INVEST, and buy the real deal. Good shoes are an investment and, as I tell my patients, "You can spend your money by investing in a  good pair of shoes or you can spend your money on co-pays to me!" 

A good pair of shoes can potentially save you thousands in medical bills!! 

Have a great day!