YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Healthy Feet Help

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Healthy Feet Help https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 17:18:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Beth Ann on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help/page/2#post-1662930 Tue, 17 May 2016 21:17:25 +0000 Beth Ann 1662930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brie:  Thanks for sharing your DD's story.  So glad she's on the mend. Beth Ann on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help/page/2#post-1662927 Tue, 17 May 2016 21:15:07 +0000 Beth Ann 1662927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On my way to watch my fleet-footed DS run track! Thanks again for chiming in:  J:  The Danskos are a perfect nude for my skin. I'm not sure how they'd take a dye, but the leather is lovely, and pretty natural (not shiny). Blonde:  I think this would be my first step --- I like the fact that they look at whole systems interacting, since I feel this is definitely a biomechanical "chain" issue of some sort -- not that I can diagnose myself. BlondeAmbition on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help/page/2#post-1662778 Tue, 17 May 2016 15:02:23 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1662778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First and foremost I would visit an osteopathic doctor, they are hands down the best at diagnosing muscular skeletal imbalances in the body and by using extremely gentle manipulation (as in can't feel a thing) can right little wrongs.  Whenever you are experiencing pain in a hip this is something to definitely pay attention to because the pelvic area is the center of your body and attached to absolutely everything - back, legs, buttocks, knees, hips, everything!  If there is an issue you must find it and address it directly, your osteopath will know what to do.  For my pelvic issue I was treated with manipulation and PT and if it wasn't for that I wouldn't be walking today. As for shoes, something remarkable happened when I went to the running store to buy running shoes.  They put me on a treadmill and videotaped my feet as I ran.  When I saw it I saw exactly how my foot was falling on the ground and it became quite obvious that I cannot go without considerable arch support.   JAileen on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662766 Tue, 17 May 2016 14:37:45 +0000 JAileen 1662766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, the more I look at your two pairs of Danskos, the more I like them, particularly the Maisie, the closed toe one. They look kind of fun. The only problem is the available colors. Is is crazy to buy new shoes with the thought of dyeing them? I would prefer blue or grey rather than tan or black. BrieN on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662696 Tue, 17 May 2016 12:55:48 +0000 BrieN 1662696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know much but I do know what worked for us: DD was plagued with knee issues so we did insoles, Physical Therapy and exercises and saw little improvement - she was off and on crutches for a long time. Then we went to a knee specialist and his PT created a "temporary" orthotic for DD out of molded plastic that they made while she waited there in the office.  It was about $100 and it immediately fixed her issue. Like someone turned a switch --best $100 I ever spent.  She wore the temporary one for 2.5 years until it cracked, back to the office and got another temporary one last summer.  Beth Ann on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662684 Tue, 17 May 2016 12:40:52 +0000 Beth Ann 1662684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On the run this morning (figuratively), but I wanted to pop on and say thanks again for taking the time to share your stories.  I've got a few more ideas to try. I will say that I think the Danskos work because I have a lovely peasant foot -- slightly wide and hobbity (not hairy, though), with lowish arches and high volume.   Perhaps this is an opportunity to listen to and care for my body.  I'm just determined to get to the bottom of things, hopefully without huge expense! Firecracker (Sharan) on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662522 Tue, 17 May 2016 04:14:57 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1662522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, it sounds like Danskos fit you well. I have wanted to love Danskos over the years and have tried a lot of them, and rarely do they fit my foot quite right. (Coincidentally, I just received a pair today that I ordered, and I'm on the fence about keeping them. They are so darned cute, but not the big wow in comfort that I want them to be.) I wore Ariat clogs instead for several years and found them just amazing for arch support and protection from hard surfaces (walking a lot on cobblestones or uneven pavement, and working long shifts on concrete floors). I do like Naots, but only certain footbeds. The Naot website is a great resource for scouting out which ones are likely to fit your foot; go to <a href="http://www.naot.com/Department/1000#page=1" rel="nofollow">this page</a> and click on "+about the collection" to see the width of the footbed in each line. I've had plantar fasciitis twice, and I haven't gone back to running since my last bout cleared up, so I'm not sure I've broken the code on my own issues. I went to a podiatrist and to an acupuncturist, each of whom gave me fairly opposite prescriptions (podiatrist: wear shoes with firm support, always, even in the house; acupuncturist: wear shoes that allow your foot to bend, move, and do its job in keeping you balanced, go barefoot when possible). I found the acupuncture treatments most helpful, when the icing and supportive shoes that had worked on my first bout weren't working the second time. It sounds like you have something more than PF going on, and if you could visit my acupuncturist, I'm sure she would get to the bottom of the problem. I found her through a personal recommendation and doubt I would have gone otherwise. Suz on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662520 Tue, 17 May 2016 03:53:04 +0000 Suz 1662520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I have also had my first bout of PF this year...it is not quite gone but almost. I had the Strasbourg sock and it helped a great deal; it's not completely gone but I am hopeful it will clear up soon. I've also had sciatica in the past -- that is super painful, yikes. And so frustrating. However, that did resolve in time as well. I think both PF and sciatica do usually go away. So that's the good news.  As you can tell from the above replies, everybody (or every body's body) is a bit different. What works for one may not work for another. In  my case, flat shoes are the worst. I felt better in a small heel while in the throes of the worst pain, and I got some drugstore insoles for PF as well, which also seemed to help. Now I seem able to wear a fuller range of footwear without incident and I can run again (well, when I'm not singing the gingival blues, that is) though I am not going any long distances.  Stretching, etc. and rolling will be helpful; another exercise my physio gave me was laying a towel on the floor and trying to pull it toward me by scrunching my toes on it. But ultimately I think the sock is what helped most. Expensive but good to have on hand for future flareups.  Nebraskim on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662517 Tue, 17 May 2016 03:43:36 +0000 Nebraskim 1662517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had chronic PF for about 20 years. Sometimes it's bad, most times it's just sort of a bother. I love my Danskos and always revert to them; I wear them almost daily. I just got a pair of Hokas to run in and am liking them. I need a shoe with support but also a stiff bottom. A shoe with too much bend does not work for me. I also swear by occasional acupuncture and also electronic stimulation and hard-core massage.  I don't know if there is one "correct answer" for this problem as things that work for some do not work for others. But an integrated approach like icing, stretching, taping, supportive shoes, etc. will help. Good luck. amiable on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662506 Tue, 17 May 2016 03:14:21 +0000 amiable 1662506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You may be my foot twin!   I don't have time now to read the replies but I'll be back later to read them!  And I hope your feet heal quickly! JAileen on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662489 Tue, 17 May 2016 02:15:31 +0000 JAileen 1662489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My mother had PF also, and her podiatrist recommended rolling her feet over a frozen water bottle. Beth Ann on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662479 Tue, 17 May 2016 01:57:55 +0000 Beth Ann 1662479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You guys are amazing!  Thanks for making a discouraging situation a bit brighter! I've made a list of your recommendations to explore.  It's clear that solving these issues requires a bit of experimentation.  I have horrid insurance, so I'm keeping a symptom diary and writing down any self-care I try.  That way, if things don't settle down in a few weeks, I might be able to same some time and money in the diagnostic process.   I've been using rolling (Jill MIller's method), yoga, PT based stretches/releases for the hip, foot and psoas, and strengthening the abductors/adductors.   Angie:  Thanks for the inspiration!  I do at least find the Dansko's fun, and your photos (and yours, too, Krishnidoux) make me a bit excited to give them a whirl.  I'm hoping that, which some healing and attention to stretching/strengthening and biomechanics, I can go back to wearing many of my favorite shoes when I'm not on my feet a lot.  I've been pretty reasonable with heel heights in my recent purchases, so I'm optimistic.  I suspect I'll always have to be vigilant, and, even in the best case scenario, know what shoes to wear when my feet get grouchy. MsMaven on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662474 Tue, 17 May 2016 01:54:27 +0000 MsMaven 1662474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread because my feet are getting worse as I age. PF at bay as long as I stretch and use Superfeet berries in most of my shoes where I can exchange them for the footbed. I need the support of lace ups for serious walking, but I have arthritis on the bones on top of one foot that are irritated by lace ups. And it goes on and on from there.  I have a post in store on my own search for good walking sandals, but haven't had time yet. After reading the replies here, I think maybe I will go back and try some Dansko again. Vix on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662469 Tue, 17 May 2016 01:47:40 +0000 Vix 1662469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ugh, sorry Beth Ann!  I had very minor PF last year but I do have hip issues thanks to pelvic floor and scar tissue issues. Stretching and strengthening the ankles and feet and [another vote for] Superfeet inserts. Also: avoid being barefoot at home -- I found that made my pain worse,but then my arches are very very high. Also -- I tried Earthies and they are great for super-high arches but personally the rigid sole felt really jarring on my joints. #brokendollsyndome   Maybe another brand to explore? Sending healthy happy feet thoughts your way. And echoing thoughts of perhaps an ortho/PT/chiro visit? UmmLila (Lisa) on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662463 Tue, 17 May 2016 01:42:09 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1662463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the hallux rigidus toe problem as well -- basically my whole right leg is weird -- I think it is some combination of sciatica, piriformis syndrome, dropped arches and then the toe, all the way down the leg. Fun fun fun. I got a special orthotic from a podiatrist that I wear when I am wearing athletic shoes. I find foam roller fascial release to be very helpful, along with yoga for the leg and hip pain. krishnidoux on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662375 Mon, 16 May 2016 23:59:21 +0000 krishnidoux 1662375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a bad hallux rigidus on my left foot and I got a pair very similar to the nude Maisies shown above, called Thea, and I LOVE THEM! The fact that they are nude elongates my leg, they go with everything, even - and especially - skirts and dresses. I was surprised because they seemed bulky... yet they are very streamlined and feminine.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fashionistaover40.com/dansko-the-thea/">http://www.fashionistaover40.com/dansko-the-thea/</a> Transcona Shannon on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662367 Mon, 16 May 2016 23:49:19 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1662367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I can totally relate to this Beth Ann - remember when I had that PF flare up last summer? I see Vionic doesn't work for you - you may want to check out the brand Aetrex. I've had very good success with them. DonnaF on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662363 Mon, 16 May 2016 23:39:22 +0000 DonnaF 1662363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My old primary care physician or maybe it was the podiatrist recommended Brooks Addictions.  These have fairly stiff soles, and I have flat feet (unlike you) and over-pronate.  I think for normal arches the Adrenaline is the one.  They come in a variety of widths, and I found I need to go to an extra wide (D!!!) in order to wear my Thorlo extra thick socks.  New Balance and Nike have never given me a proper fit. Somewhat off topic if your feet can no longer wear Keds:  I just saw a pic of white Keds with red stitching that looked just like a baseball.  Cutest ever!!!  If I remembered where I saw it, I would attach the pic. . . LaPed on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662320 Mon, 16 May 2016 22:04:32 +0000 LaPed 1662320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My mother is a huge believer in both Superfeet insoles and Trigger Point Massage! Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662313 Mon, 16 May 2016 21:34:23 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1662313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had flareups of both PF and sciatica, so I know how uncomfortable it can be. The hip/knee/ankle pain doesn't sound like the typical presentation of PF, so if that doesn't reduce in a week or two with rest, I'd go to the doctor or PT just to rule out that something structural hasn't been damaged. You may have been trying to compensate for the foot pain and accidentally tweaked something else, like your hip flexors or psoas. When my PF was really bad, the only shoes I could wear were supportive running shoes; anything else was agonizing. Vionic flip-flops are great for around the house, although the high arches do take some getting used to and you may want to wait until the pain has subsided somewhat. If you haven't already, check out the blog Barking Dog Shoes. She does a lot of shoe reviews and you can search by condition. I know she has a lot of reviews for clogs and hard/rocker sole shoes. Self myofascial release is all the rage these days in fitness circles, and I just checked out a book from the library called Trigger Point Massage Therapy. Apparently for the feet you can do a lot of good stuff using tennis and/or lacrosse balls. Books on foam rolling should have some info, too, since it's the same sort of thing. K2 on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662304 Mon, 16 May 2016 21:09:07 +0000 K2 1662304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Beth Ann. Been in the same boat and feel for you -it especially unpleasant when you want to wear cute sandals. I have had luck with vionics, but it did take getting used to. I wear them all the time as slippers at home. I don't have experience with Danskos and find Naots hit and miss as sometimes the arch doesn't wsit where it should. I have a pair of Taos sneakers which are great, but again, you need to work up to wearing them longer periods of time, especially if your hurting. I use a variety of insoles, but like the black superfeet best for most shoes (they fit better) and the green ones for sports shoes. I second Laura on the yoga -specifically tho stretching toes, sitting back on toes, resting one arch in other and leaning back. Hurts like heck at first, but through doing it regularly, it has really helped. Had a bout of PF start up in March and it took about 5 painsful weeks, but now I can do the foot stretches without pain and no PF. Important to keep up other stretches too. Good luck. Angie on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662299 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:52:08 +0000 Angie 1662299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sending healing thoughts to those feet and hips.  Beth Ann, I have clients in both these pairs of Danskos and they look fabulous. Here's some inspiration.  JAileen on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662292 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:38:43 +0000 JAileen 1662292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had plantar fasciitis and had to get shots (steroids, I think) in my feet to be able to go on a trip to Scotland. That was years ago and I still use my hard plastic insoles in any lace up shoe they fit, especially my hiking shoes. I also have Dansko clogs which are especially nice if I'll be doing a lot of standing. I saw a sports podiatrist to find out what was going on. I've been pain free for ten years now. rebekahphoto on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662291 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:38:41 +0000 rebekahphoto 1662291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also have a tigertail massage roller which you might want to try. Its very helpful for rolling out your foot, calf and back thigh muscles! <a href="http://www.tigertailusa.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.tigertailusa.com/</a> Style Fan on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662289 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:33:45 +0000 Style Fan 1662289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had foot problems for about 20 years.  I have Planter Faciticis in both feet right now and I have custom made orthotics.  I tried Super feet and New Balance shoes (I did a lot of googling to find a good recommendation).  I can barely walk at times so I needed serious help. The podiatrist also gave me a stratsburg sock and compression sock.  I do exercises, use ice and sometimes take advil.  It all helps. I wear Birks, El Naturlista and Merrills.  I think it depends on your feet which shoes work best for you. jill58 on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662287 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:31:09 +0000 jill58 1662287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I run daily with fairly high weekly mileage and have had occasional problems in the past with plantar fasciitis. That particular injury was caused when I was doing kick-boxing but in any case, the shoes that I absolutely swear by and wear just about exclusively at home are from Dansko. The Ingrid model. They are not exactly the most beautiful shoe around but for me, they are the most comfortable and seem to keep my feet free from injury. It's been about ten years since I've had any problems at all. On a side not, my running shoes for the past several years have been the Saucony Ride. I am very careful about replacing them every 400 miles as recommended (for me that means about 5 times a year) otherwise my feet start to feel it. Plantar fasciitis is terrible! Maybe some of these ideas will help you find the perfect shoes to avoid it! Diana on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662274 Mon, 16 May 2016 20:00:48 +0000 Diana 1662274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use superfeet insoles in most of my closed toe shoes.  You need to experiment a bit to find the one that works best for you.  For me, my feet are flat but my arches are also naturally very low, so the lowest-arched superfeet (the black ones) work best for me.  The half ones (find below) fit in almost all of my shoes and work very well.  (The higher-arched superfeet, and things like running shoes with very high arches, do relieve the PF pain but cause the arches themselves to ache because they don't want to be pushed up that high.)  A slight heel (like 0.5-1") helps for me as well, and the superfeet inserts tend to lift your heel up maybe about a cm or so as well. Very, very flat soles like on Converse are the absolute worst for me; even superfeet can't really fix that. For sandals, I like Naots best but I have narrow, low volume feet.  I have a pair of dansko sandals with a similar footbed to the ones you've shown, and they are good as well.  I have to be careful with Danskos and other shoes with firm rocker soles because my left ankle is prone to rolling outward (due to a number of old sprains) and the rocker sole means that it's easier to roll your ankle and fall.  Danskos tend to be higher volume (a little too much so for me much of the time).  The styles with ankle straps are better IMO because the strap gives some ankle support that prevents the rolling and keep the shoe in place. For workout/athletic shoes, I like New Balances best, but that may be because they tend to run lower in volume.  They do come in multiple widths but you should know that they run small and slightly narrow.  I sometimes replace the included insole with a full-length black superfeet for working out, but not always.  DonnaF on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662272 Mon, 16 May 2016 19:48:04 +0000 DonnaF 1662272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My friend with severe PF has to wear Hoka running shoes which are darn pricey.  I would check the Barking Dog site for recommendations on the best shoes for PF. Other than my gear shoes, my most supportive shoes are a particular pair of Dansko Pros.  I have two other pairs of Dansko Pros that don't have quite that perfect fit.  Other Danskos in other styles are okay for awhile but again, not quite up to the support of my Pros.  Not what you wanted to hear, right? I need a stiff sole, if not a platform, so those squishy soles are out for me, too.  Lace-ups tend to give my low volume feet the most support, but I generally need to add a heel cup. rebekahphoto on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662270 Mon, 16 May 2016 19:43:40 +0000 rebekahphoto 1662270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had PF on and off for a couple of years-no fun.  The "HTP" inserts worked quite well,  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/HTP-Heel-Inserts-Blue-Large/dp/B000KPHHPG" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/HTP-Heel.....B000KPHHPG</a> I also used the black superfeet, both full and half inserts. For shoes, Its a challenge. A slight heel helps a lot. Supportive sneakers, Nike Pegasus have worked well. Not the minimalist versions (Nike free) I tried them first and it was the opposite of what my podiatrist recommended. Over the winter I have been wearing ankle boots from Sebago. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sebago-Womens-Saranac-Strap-Leather/dp/B00IK3RQWY/ref=sr_1_11?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1463427652&sr=1-11&nodeID=7147440011&keywords=sebago+boots+womens" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Sebago-W.....el&ie</a> Naot has also been good, but the versions that have the wider footbed, not the narrower ones. and Birkenstock sandals in the summer Ecco has good arch support for me, the Soft 7 sneaker is very comfortable-many have been raving about it for good reason! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Footwear-Womens-Soft-Sneaker-Sulphur/dp/B00VS570W2/ref=sr_1_sc_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1463427534&sr=8-4-spell&keywords=ecoo+sneaker+7" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Footwear.....c&ie=</a> Carla on "Healthy Feet Help" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-feet-help#post-1662261 Mon, 16 May 2016 19:16:48 +0000 Carla 1662261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firm arch support is what worked for me.  I use an over the counter insert in all my running shoes, and any other shoe that will accept them. The insert that worked for me is by "Superfeet".  I use the green version.  They can set you back about $35.00 a pop, but my PF went away and has never come back.