How to keep your feet happy

I've been wearing flip flops and loafers with no arch support for almost 6 months straight now. Although my flip flops are Oakleys (casual/work) and Cole Hahn (dress) and do have some element of arch support now that I look at them, but they are still not ideal in the support department. I can't believe I have "dress" flip flops - two pairs - brown and black.

I like the feelings of freedom and relaxation - au naturale you might say. Flip flops and loafers both express my low key attitude. I am definitely a low key guy. I had an interesting conversation with a tennis coach last night at a party - a conversation about how we can't hold a "real" job - and wouldn't want to.

Anyway, back to flip flops. The other day, I listened to a spot on NPR about plantar faciitis and what havoc it can wreak on your feet and lower calves. I've noticed increasing stiffness in my lower calves and I can feel the tightness of my achilles tendons going down to my heels.

Then, the other day, when checking out Joe Grohen's blog for the first time in a long time (I have always liked his blog - he was one of the first I started reading) and he had a post about "high heels and flip flops" that got me to thinking about the NPR bit again, and how I need to make a change and take better care of my feet and calves. I'm doing it for my tango.

Here is the link to the NPR spot - "How to keep your feet happy"

So, at the end of the day, I have two choices now - going back to being the "Birkenstock Cowboy", or wearing cowboy boots with shorts. Oh yeah, I suppose I could just wear nice, comfy, supportive running shoes like everyone else.