Friday Findings and Feet
I finally saw a physical therapist about my shin pain and it turns out I don’t have what is technically referred to as shin splints. I have Tibialis anterior tendinopathy which is an inflammation of the anterior tibialis tendon. It’s from overuse in lousy shoes, just like shin splints would be but I don’t have the microscopic bone injury that shin splints have. I guess this is preferable but it still hurts a lot so shoes are top of mind for me.
Shoes and sandals that require me to grip my toes while walking are out of the question, for now, so I hobbled down to Nordstrom and bought these sandals. They have a cushioned insole and since they buckle on, are much better than any other sandal I brought. I have lots of comfortable, supportive sandals…just not with me. These aren’t something I’ll wear with a knee-length dress or skirt, but probably under a maxi dress.
I’m sort of crazy about how comfy my new Tulip shoes are. I’ve eyed them for years but always thought they were sort of goofy looking. Well, in the hunt for comfy shoes, goofy takes on a whole new meaning and I now choose to see these as creative. I love the colors this Flex style comes in and think the raspberry or fuschia will be perfect for fall. They come in 6 colors. I was told to size up, then warned they stretch so I bought ones that fit but are not loose. How fun are these leopard print ones?
MORE TULIPS
On the hunt for comfy shoes, I came across this company which has amazing reviews! Their shoes are light and airy, machine washable, and made with Eucalyptus Tree which is a renewable resource. This is the Tree Runner style which comes in 12 color combinations and is their everyday sneaker. They also make a boat shoe style here.
I will be hunting down more comfortable shoes going forward. This injury isn’t permanent, but it reminds me that my body isn’t nearly as resilient as it once was.
What sneakers do you like?
If you are still in Vancouver BC there are a couple of very popular women’s sports stores with some expertise in helping to source appropriate shoes. I am planning to visit them in the near future. I have learned that walking in shoes that are not suited to my gait and walking style contribute to lots of leg and foot issues. Age may be a contributing factor too:-)
I am still here. Which stores do you recommend?
I just purchased a pair of Munro slip on sandals. I had purchased a pair of strappy sandals from Munros years ago and I was able to wear them all day without any discomfort! These new ones I feel will be the same. We are going to Hawaii and will do a lot of walking so I think these will be great. I have had shin splints before and was told it was from not stretching before speed walking. Rested up a couple weeks and they were gone. I’ve also had two great toe joint replacements (just like knee replacements except for big toes) and because of those surgeries I ended up with ruptured plantar plates. So my feet aren’t in the best shape. These Munros are worth it. They may be a little expensive but your feet are worth it!
I love my Munro booties and I have one pair of sandals. They are sooo comfy. I totally agree, our feet are worth it.
I am a huge fan of FitFlop, and have been wearing their sandals, sneakers and loafers for years. They use biomechanics in the engineering of their footwear, and so comfort is first and foremost. I have hip and knee issues and I can walk all day in their shoes with no pain. My husband and sister-in-law both have plantar fasciitis and have become converts to this brand.
I will try them. Thanks, Roberta. I wonder if I could get my husband to wear them too. He has knee issues.
Love my airbirds.
I have narrow feet and in my area of Canada next to no stores carry narrow sizes. I have found for sandals they must have adjustable buckles of strong elastic straps. For running or hiking shoes the lacing has to start very close to the toes. I look for these features before even trying on a pair of shoes. Along with brands mentioned I have found some cute, comfortable sandals with these features in the Remonte and earth brands, less clunky than most buckle sandals.
Narrow feet can be a problem as can wide ones. I haven’t heard of Remonte…thanks for the recommendation
What I have found extremely helpful with my feet issues are custom orthotics for my tennis shoes. They really have been a game changer for me. Unfortunately they can’t be used in sandals so I have become pretty selective about the brands and styles of shoes I wear now. I have had success with Birkenstocks and Taos. I also have a couple of pair of Vionic shoes that I like. We have tile floors in our house and my podiatrist has told me not to walk barefoot in our house anymore. He recommended Oofos. I had never heard of them, but I thought I’d give them a try and that’s all I wear in the house now. My husband is even wearing them! I’m always on the lookout for comfortable shoe brands. Will definitely check out some of the ones mentioned in this post.
Hope you have a speedy recovery Jennifer! Always enjoy reading your posts.
I’m going to need better things to wear at home now too. I’ve never heard of Oofos either. I’ll google them. Thanks so much
Thanks for covering this important topic. I have had surgery on one foot for arthritis, but still love walking for exercise and travel. Highly recommend Naot casual and dressy sandals. Have been wearing them for years. Very comfortable.
For serious walking I recommend Oboz or Salewa. I switched from New Balance to these brands for walking shoes after surgery and they have worked wonderfully!
Best wishes for your recovery!
Thanks for sharing those brands with us, Colleen. I’ll check them out. I did buy a pair of Naot today and am excited to see how they work for me
Clarks, some Skechers that aren’t too wide, Birkenstocks in the narrow width and my trusty athletic shoes that I used to wear to the gym are my favorite shoes for walking around. Some of the hiking shoes that look like sneakers are also good and much cuter than what used to be available. They all wear out eventually, even if they still look good on the outside. This usually happens on vacation. 😉
I love my Ilse Jacobsen shoes. I don’t even have to wear my arch supports with them. Hope your feet and calves feel better soon. We never realize how much we rely on “healthy” and painless feet.
So true!! I took my feet for granted
I am sorry about your health issues. I wear and orthotic and also like Hoka recovery tennis shoes and ABEO from the walking company. But heels are no longer an option. I will be eager to see you future fashion choices since so much is driven by foot fashion.
Indeed. My fashion choices are driven by footwear, too. I can no longer wear heels (back issues) need wide width (bunions) and a supportive footbed (most ballet flats and loafers don’t) And then a couple of years ago I had pain in the balls of my feet. Couldn’t wear my Birkenstocks or Dansko’s, Hoka sneakers were my salvation. And eventually I found ABEO – they have specific insoles for specific foot issues. I get so frustrated with my limited choices. I’ve learned some new brands that I will check in to.
I think we have all learned some new brands here and I am so very grateful for my readers sharing here
I wear Brooks athletic shoes and Naots for casual wear.
I also like my Brooks for athletic endeavors! Great arch support and can walk miles in them without discomfort or after pains. Naot has cute styling and are comfy but most are either too wide or too narrow for my feet 🙁
I have very wide feet and as I’ve gotten older I realize how important good -fitting shoes are. Anything too tight or narrow is out of the question. Also, I have to spend the extra money for quality — which to me is worth every penny.
I’ve had luck with Aravon, Clarks, Cobb Hill, and Skechers. I discovered Spenco Orthotic sandals this summer and am very pleased with them as well. I’m shopping for new walking shoes and I’m going to spend the extra dollars to get a proper sizing.
Comfortable shoes are worth the price
Taos hands down are my favorite sneakers! They have several styles and colors. I can wear them all day and my feet feel great. I also have a couple pairs of their sandals and a bootie they no longer make. My feet are beat up from running long distance races so I can’t compromise on shoes. I can wear a couple of pairs of cute sandals if I’m going to dinner and home.
I wish you a healthy recovery!
Thank you so much
Wow, great post , I appreciate all the comments and will check some out. My daughter just moved from NYC, and I found Eneslows shoe store to be the biggest store of comfortable shoes. They have the serious orthpedic brands, but had tons of European brands that are actually made for walking .. a wonderful selection. Many brands I have never heard of, and nice to be able to try on so many types. If you are in NYC, I would recommend checking out. I bought shoes that I could wear all day walking in NYC. Which is my highest level of comfort rating 😉
The other big thing that helped was to stop walking barefoot in my house..
I appreciate the “real” posting. I get frustrated by “mature ” fashion bloggers who post only themselves in shoes that have no support. I wonder, do they really walk around all day in those shoes/sandals? How do they still have fat pads on their feet? Do they take the shot and then put on comfy shoes to do their real life?
I am now on the hunt for supportive, cushioned slippers or house shoes. I spend so much time at home, I need the right shoes. I wonder about other bloggers’ shoe choices too. It makes the outfit look fab but their feet must be in much better shape than mine.
Hotters out of England have very comfortable shoes that hold up well. They also have excellent sales and prompt delivery. They are my go to brand and I love their boots.
I agree 100%!
After foot surgeries these are the real deal!
Correction on my spelling of plantar instead of planter. Oops!
I have several pairs and styles of Allbirds. They are the most wonderful shoes for travel and walking. I don’t wear them with dresses or skirts but they’re perfect with jeans, shorts or casual pants and come in many colors. I highly recommend!
I have several pairs of Allbirds also and have been very pleased. With the removable insoles they accommodate my custom orthotics, a blessing!
I have a narrow foot. The shoes that fit the best for me are Skechers, Clark’s, B.O.C., and New Balance. I however, like Grasshoppers. These work well for my feet and provide a good arch for my planters fasciitis flare ups.
Good luck with you injury now that you have some very cute, new shoes. Hope you will be well soon.
My Clarks are very comfy and I love New Balance too! Thanks Lin
I have rheumatoid arthritis and have had surgery on both feet. I’ve tried most every brand and wear many, but, by far, Naot (for both casual and dressy sandals), is my favorite, plus they are cute and fashionable.
For casual only Ecco Yucatán’s offer terrific comfort and support. I even have a pair I use only for indoors since I can’t walk barefoot on floors anymore.
For exercise walking tennis shoes, New Balance 840 were the ones recommended by my podiatrist and rheumatologist.
Good luck healing your injury.
Thanks for these recommendations, Jan
I wear Alegria shoes. They have a lot of support and their TRAQ sneakers are the most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. Also Clark’s are great as well.