Sunday, June 29, 2008

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.

5 comments:

n a n c y said...

I have suffered from both plantar fascitis and metatarsalgia - extremely painful and debilitating conditions. After acupuncture and cortisone injections I am convinced this Florida gal will have to give up not only flip-flops but also Birkenstocks and go for totally supportive 'ugly' shoes if I want to be able to strap on the Comme il Fauts again. There is a reason nurses wear those clod-hoppers. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

Honey, no matter what you wear, you'll be cute.

studio wellspring said...

regular epsom salts foot soaks, an excellent massuese and an accurate acupuncturist can work wonders.... the proof: i'm 6mo's pregnant and still wearing my stiletto come il faut's several nights a week for tango & dancing jazz/modern fusion 2 nights a week with surprisingly little discomfort.

Elizabeth Brinton said...

No matter what you do, Please Please post the picture when you start wearing the shorts with the cowboy boot.
thanks,
E

Anonymous said...

I second Elizabeth's comment!