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Category: Footwear

New Foot Care Routine

Posted on by Bianca

What better way to start off the new year right than by getting some new self care routines. Here are some tips on new foot routines to get you feeling your best:

Start off with a foot soak

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Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Bath

Foot soaks are known to soothe muscles, hydrate your skin, and relax sore feet. Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Bath has natural herbal extracts such as rosemary, mountain pine, lavender and high levels of urea which helps alleviate a lot of foot problems. This herbal foot soak ensures that calluses will be softened and strong odours will be eliminated.

An alternative but equally effective product is the Gehwol Bath Salts with rosemary extract which thoroughly cleanse your skin, strengthen your skin and improve circulation.

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Gehwol Bath Salts

Exfoliate

After a good 15 minute foot soak, take your favourite pumice stone or foot scrub and exfoliate and polish your feet, especially the heels. Exfoliating your feet keeps them healthy by removing all of the dead skin. Dead skin can form calluses, build up bacteria and can clog pores. When dead skin accumulates along with a lack of proper hydration, you run a higher risk of getting cracks in your skin which create an opening for bacteria and fungus.

Clip your toenails

After you have dried off your feet, it’s time to give your toenails a trim. Always cut your nails straight across and leave the sides a little longer to prevent ingrown toenails. If longer sides irritate your nearby toes, check the width of your shoes or round them with a file. If you have any issues with ingrown toenails or have a hard time reaching your feet, come and visit Feet First to see one of our Chiropodists to get a medical pedicure.

Moisturize

The best way to finish off an at home pedicure is to moisturize with a high end moisturizer. Gehwol products are designed for the well-being of your feet. Each Gehwol product has high levels of urea which is a natural moisture retaining compound found in our skin. Gehwol Fusskraft Hydrolipid cream is excellent for daily use – it absorbs quickly into the skin and keeps your feet hydrated all day. Gehwol salve for cracked heels is an excellent evening cream especially for problematic dry heels. Gehwol soft feet cream milk and honey is perfect after a foot soak because it contains essential oils that quickly absorb into your skin. Daily moisturizing is necessary especially during the winter months when our skin experiences excessive dehydration.

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Gehwol Fusskraft Hydrolipid

Socks

According to the National Sleep Foundation, keeping your feet warm can help widen your blood vessels which helps with circulation and prepares your brain for sleep. The best socks for sleeping are loose in fit and soft in material. Microfiber and Merino wool socks are soft and breathable so they help prevent sweaty feet. Cashmere socks are also excellent for sleeping in because of their high breathability and softness. Be sure to change your socks daily and to keep your feet clean and dry to help prevent bacteria and fungus build up.

Air out your shoes

Before you go to sleep, take out your insoles or orthotics and let them dry. Better yet, spray them with Gehwol shoe and foot deodorizing spray which helps eliminate odour causing bacteria and fungus. Shoes and orthotics can also be cleaned with soap and water without causing any damage. Never place your shoes or orthotics in the washing machine as it can destroy the EVA material.

These new foot routines can be applied on a daily basis or at least 1-2 times a week.

If you are experiencing any issues or concerns with your feet, then come visit us at Feet First Clinic.

Custom Made Orthotics: What to Expect on Your First Appointment

Posted on by Bianca

You have been recommended by your friend, family member, colleague, doctor, or other health care provider to use custom foot orthotics for your ongoing foot pain. What are the next steps? Who do you book an appointment with? What will the appointment entail and what do you have to prepare?

Continue reading this article to find out all you need to know about custom foot orthotics and how to be properly assessed for them.

What is a custom foot orthotic?

Custom running orthoticA custom foot orthotic is a device derived from a three-dimensional representation of a person’s foot and also made of suitable materials with regard to the individual’s condition. It is made specifically to address structural or functional foot conditions that lead to faulty foot mechanics and abnormal gait patterns by providing support, stability, and balance. It is a removable device that can be transferred between shoes.

Who do I see for a custom foot orthotic?

A doctor, chiropodist, or podiatrist

A doctor, chiropodist, or podiatrist can write a prescription for custom foot orthotics.

Once you have a prescription, you must book an appointment with a chiropodist or podiatrist to be assessed for your foot concern. At this appointment, the provider will determine if a custom foot orthotic device would be beneficial to your situation.

What should I expect at an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist?

A chiropodist with patient at a custom orthotic appointment

The appointment will start with a review of your past medical history and the history of your present illness/condition.

The chiropodist will ask a number of different questions including any medications you are currently taking, allergies, symptoms revolving your current issue, occupation, activities, and footwear choices. It is a good idea to bring a list of medications if you cannot remember all of them and a couple of shoes you frequently wear.

You will then be examined. The chiropodist will perform a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to assess the range of motion in the joints of the foot and lower limb as well as the presence of structural and/or functional abnormalities and their compensations. You should expect your chiropodist to be hands on and very observational during this portion of the visit.

After the assessment, the chiropodist will explain his or her findings and the treatment options available to you, including whether or not custom foot orthotics will address your specific needs.

If a custom foot orthotic is recommended and you, as the patient, agrees with this treatment plan, you will then be casted.

Casting involves creating a three-dimensional mould of your foot using plaster of paris, an STS slipper sock, or a laser scanner while in non-weight bearing position.

Once casted, this marks the end of your appointment. The moulds of your feet will be used to make the custom foot orthotics from scratch.

Manufacturing time usually takes at least a week, at which point you will be contacted to attend a fitting appointment to pick up the orthotics.

At your fitting appointment, your provider will ensure the orthotics fit properly into your shoes and do not impose any immediate discomfort. You will also be given instructions on how to break in the devices and educated on signs that may suggest the orthotics are not working properly. Your provider should be able to adjust or modify the orthotics should any problems arise.

If you would like to book an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist to be assessed for custom foot orthotics.

Call Feet First Clinic today!

Things to do Before New Year

Posted on by Bianca

With only a few days before the New Year, here are some helpful tips to start off the New Year right. 

Declutter

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The key to decluttering is to start off small and simple!

Label 4 boxes:

  • Donations
  • Keep
  • Re-locate or
  • Garbage

Take 5 minutes a day and pick one room in the house to gather items for each box. By the end of the week, you should have enough items to donate, reorganize or throw out.

Donating clothing and shoes is always a first step for decluttering. If you are unsure how often you wear certain clothing, then start off by hanging all of your clothes in one direction and when you wear them and put them back, hang them in the opposite direction. By the end of the week, keep all of your clothes that you wear often in one part of your closet and sort through the ones that are facing the “unworn” direction. If you give away an item each day then by the end of the year you have given away 365 items.

Donate Shoes

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Organizations such as Soles4Souls are helping underprivileged people with proper footwear. Without shoes, people are exposed to the elements and can be infected with infectious diseases, parasites and are more likely to experience trauma to their lower limb. Also, children are also expected to wear uniforms and have proper footwear for schools.

Finally, wearing footwear restores a lot of dignity for many underprivileged people living in harsh conditions. Soles4Souls accepts new and gently-worn shoes to help individuals start and sustain small businesses so they may feed and support their families.

Feet First Clinic has partnered with Soles4Souls for many years so you can drop off any new or gently used shoes to our clinic.

Two-Ten Foundation is a Non-Profit foundation is dedicated to assisting members of the Canadian footwear industry with shoe drives, fundraisers and special events. This organization assists Canadians in need by helping to fit them with proper footwear for their jobs, lifestyles or education.

Exercise

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Exercise is important for not only overall physical health but also for mental health. After all of those Holiday calories, it is important to get back into your workout routine or start the new year right by exercising right.

Cardiovascular health is important for maintaining your heart strength and circulation. Common cardio exercises are brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, rowing and cross-country skiing. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking a day, you can burn about 150 calories a day. The calorie count is amplified with more rigorous exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet will help prevent or limit foot issues such as

Enjoy the holidays but be sure to get back into a healthy and active lifestyle with the New Year!

Check your old running shoes for any excessive wear pattern or better yet start off the New Year with a new pair of ASICS or Saucony from Feet First Clinic.

Also, if you are experiencing any foot issues which are preventing you from walking or running properly, visit Feet First Clinic and see one of our Chiropodists to get you feeling your best.

Best Gifts for Your Feet

Posted on by Tim

For how reliant we are on our feet, they’re often neglected. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Why not treat yourself, or someone else, with gifts for your feet?

You can treat your feet right with the proper care, whether that’s through investing in quality footwear, preventative measures, or just overall good habits. For Christmas, as well as for any other time of year when you’re gifting, consider these gifts for your feet.

Body Glide

One of the keys to healthy feet is acting on and taking certain preventative measures to reduce problems in the first place. One such example is the use of Body Glide, which can help reduce the chance of blisters. The two core reasons for why you might experience blisters are friction and moisture.

Most blisters on your feet are friction blisters, which result from socks or shoes excessively rubbing against the skin of your feet. The bubbles that form are natural cushions that your body produces in order to create a protective barrier between the irritated area of skin and friction-causing object.

Body Glide repels water and moisture, as well as provides a lubricant for your skin to reduce friction.

By applying Body Glide to your feet, you can keep blisters at bay.

Saucony Ride ISO 2

The Ride ISO 2 is Saucony’s most plush and cushioned running shoe making it ideal for running on asphalt and concrete sidewalks. That’s a reality for us Canadians in the wintertime as softer surfaces are hard to come by.

To protect your feet from common injuries, it’s vital to choose a running shoe that’s right for your body and gait. The Ride ISO 2 is great for runners who underpronate (known as supination). This is because the brunt of the impact is borne by the outer edge of your shoe. So, the Ride ISO 2 has lots of foam underfoot to reduce impact. In turn, that means less soreness in your knees, shins, and feet.

Asics Gel-Kayano 26

The Asics Gel-Kayano 26 is the brand’s most supportive and responsive. The Gel-Kayano 26 is a stability shoe so it’s best for overpronators and those who require significant support.

With adjusted heel geometry and cushioning sculpted at an incline, the Gel-Kayano 26 puts less stress on your feet when you pronate. Asics says that its midsole technology combines two different density materials to reduce the risk of flat feet and bunions.

For a complete lineup of Asics and Saucony running shoes, come visit the clinic to get your shoes properly fitted.

Blister Medical Kit

For those in your circle who consistently get blisters, consider gifting them a kit to combat the problem. Most blister medical kits contain moleskins, alcohol pads and antiseptic wipes to treat the area and provide protection from further chafing while the blister heals.

To avoid additional friction that may further aggravate the inflamed area, use an adhesive bandage or blister pad, which is available at our Toronto foot clinic. Read more about how to properly treat blisters.

Sorel Men’s Caribou Men’s Boot

Winter is upon us and conditions in Canada can be brutal between December-February. With snow accumulating, temperatures dropping, and conditions being volatile, it’s essential to have footwear fit for the season, and for your feet. The Sorel Men’s Caribou Boot is best for heavy snow and features a waterproof upper, keeping moisture away from your feet and reducing the risk of foot problems.

The boot also features a removable liner so you can wash and reduce the build-up of sweat and bacteria over time. The Caribou Boot is rated to a bone-chilling -40 C.

In order to pick the correct footwear this winter, read our tips on how to find the pair that’s right for you.

Sorel Joan of Arctic NEXT Women’s Boot

While men have the Sorel Caribou Boot, women can turn to the Sorel Joan of Arctic Next Women’s Boot. The Joan of Arctic Next Boot is great for heavy rain, light snow, and heavy snow as it’s made for the harsh Canadian winters.

One of the worst feelings is having water-logged boots, especially when your feet get wet and temperatures drop. Fortunately, with a microfleece lining and sealed waterproof seams, your feet will stay dry and healthy this winter with these boots.

Visit our clinic for a full lineup of Sorel products and ensure you choose boots with the proper fit by trying them on in-person with the help of one of our professionals.

Darn Tough Vertex 1/4 Ultra-Light socks

Socks are absolutely crucial for the health of your feet. It’s important to find the right pair to reduce the risk of blisters, odour, and other foot problems.

Darn Tough are some of the longest-lasting and most durable socks on the market. The ¼ Ultra-Light socks are an ideal length to cover any exposed areas during the winter between your shoes and your pants if you exercise outdoors. Best of all, these socks are tough enough for winters and because of its mix of merino wool, nylon and lycra, they’re cool enough to wear in the summer too.

For more on socks that won’t break the bank, check out a complete rundown of some options from an earlier blog post.

Roll Recovery R8 Roller

The Roll Recovery R8 Roller puts what you thought of traditional massage rollers to the side with its unique design.

The deep tissue massage tool is a handheld device that you can use to roll out your muscles. Best of all, there’s no having to get onto the ground like with a traditional foam roller. Traditionally, people have had to use their own force – using bodyweight – to foam roll their muscles. With the Roll Recovery R8 Roller, the force is built into the product itself. With the R8 Roller, you roll out your muscles by placing the devices onto your legs (the pressure will automatically be applied) and moving back and forth over hot spots or trouble areas. This can be done while lying down, sitting, or even standing.

Foam rolling is particularly vital in reducing foot problems. You can address soreness and tightness in areas that may ultimately lead to lower leg problems. Generally, foam rolling can be beneficial because it improves blood flow, reduces inflammation and breaks up muscle adhesions.

For more information, and for a selection of these products and other gifts for your feet, book an appointment at Feet First Clinic or stop by in-person.

We’re open six days a week and you do not need a referral to visit the clinic.

Memorable Evenings at DJ Skate Nights

Posted on by Bianca

Toronto’s number one outdoor skating party started last December 14th and will last until February 15th at the Harbourfront Centre. They will also be hosting a special New Years Eve edition on Tuesday December 31st. Don’t forget to sharpen your skates and bundle up!

Staying warm and comfortable while skating outdoors can be a challenge so here are some useful tips for beating the brisk cold:

Wear Layers

The most important advice about staying warm is to wear several layers and to be mindful about the materials you choose for each layers.

Base Layer: This is your first layer which stays in contact with your skin – choose materials like polyester, polypropylene or other quick dry/ moisture wicking materials over cotton. Cotton will absorb the moisture but it will not evaporate. Merino wool compression stockings are ideal as a base layer as they help promote continuous circulation, generating heat and fueling your muscles.

merino wool

Middle Layer: This is your warm layer which should be snug but not tight. Fleece or wool sweaters and light down jackets make a great middle layer.

Outer Layer: This layer is all about protection from the wind and elements. A regular winter jacket (down puff or coat) will be more than enough if the weather is mild. However, if it’s raining or snowing, wear a waterproof jacket or a waterproof shell over your winter jacket.

Wear Mittens 

Wearing mittens allows your fingers to stay together and share body heat rather than insulating every finger as with gloves. To stay extra warm you can put hand warmers inside your mittens.

Wear Thick Socks

Thick wool socks will help regulate your body heat and maintain warmth. A sure way to stay warm is to wear thin and breathable socks underneath thick wool socks. Remember that dry feet are warm feet so choose your sock material carefully. Again, materials like polypropylene and quick-dry polyester materials promote breathability and allow your feet to stay dry at all times.

Wear a Head or Scarf

The idea that we lose 40-50% of our body heat through our head is a myth. We lose heat where skin is exposed. Wearing earmuffs or scarves can be more than enough as long as your ears and neck are covered. If you lack a full head of hair, then cover up with a wool hat.

Fit Your Skates Right

Skates should fight snug but not too tight – to allow proper circulation to your toes. There should be some wiggle room in the toes but your heels should be secure. Most people buy bigger skates to allow room for thicker socks or even heating pads but remember that feet can get swollen after a lot of exercise. To reduce swelling, wear compression stockings as a base layer and Superfeet.

Superfeet are over the counter insoles that come in a variety of different colors and functions – the yellow colour is specifically made for hockey skates. They help align your feet properly to reduce strain and wear. Superfeet can guarantee that you will be skating your fastest and best all evening.

hockey

Gehwol Warming Balm

If you are bundled up with your layers, outdoor gear and properly fitted skates and you’re still feeling the chill, try Gehwol Warming Balm. This warming balm has hints of paprika, ginger and camphor to help promote circulation and warmth directly where it is applied. To guarantee staying warm, applied Gehwol Warming Balm on your feet, breathable thin socks, and thick wool socks over top and you will be warm all night.

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Following these quick tips and you can be sure to stay warm and comfortable as you enjoy dancing, music and skating all evening long.

If you have any concerns or issues with your feet, then come visit us at Feet First Clinic to get you feeling your best to enjoy the rest of the winter holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions: Corns

Posted on by Bianca

A corn is a small area of hardened skin that develops on areas of the feet that sustain too much compression or pressure. Corns can develop on weightbearing areas of the feet or areas that don’t bear weight such as on or in between the toes. They form to protect the underlying skin and can be very painful.

Do corns have roots?

Corns have what is called, a nucleus, which refers to a deep centre or core. These are sometimes called roots.

What does a corn look like?

Foot with corns
A corn looks like a small bump of thick, hardened skin, and is usually yellow in colour. The skin surrounding the corn may or may not be inflamed.

Can I treat a corn at home?

Corns are difficult to treat at home because they tend to be relatively small and have a deep core that needs to be removed for effective relief. A chiropodist or foot specialist will use a sharp scalpel blade to remove all hardened skin including the core as part of corn treatment.

Between appointments, you can maintain the corn and slow down its return by using a foot file to exfoliate the skin as well as a good moisturizer.

When should I see a foot specialist for corn treatment?

If your corn is painful and it affects your daily activities, or looks inflamed or discoloured (i.e. purple, brown, red), see a foot specialist for treatment. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is not right so do not ignore it. When corns are left for long periods of time, the healthy skin underneath can break down and result in an ulcer or wound in the foot. If you have diabetes, see a chiropodist for corn treatment as soon as possible.

Can I do other activities (drive, dance, walk, exercises, etc.) after a corn treatment?

Yes. Corn removals are usually painless and there is no down time. Most people experience immediate relief after treatment and can go back to their normal routines feeling much better than they did before the appointment.

How long do results last after getting treatment?

This will vary depending on your footwear choices, level of activity, and presence of and severity of digital deformities. Most corns will require continuous periodic care and management. On average, an individual should experience relief for at least 2 months after treatment.

Planning on Playing Sports this Winter? Use These Tips to Keep Your Feet Safe

Posted on by Bianca

Despite the cold temperatures, winter is a fantastic season for athletes at all levels. There are endless sports that you and your friends can play. You can try your hand at hockey, curling, snowboarding, skiing and more.

To guarantee that you enjoy these sports all winter long, you need to make sure that you take every precaution when it comes to keeping your feet safe.

If you don’t know where to start, read this list of helpful foot care tips and tricks for winter sports.

Keep Your Feet Warm

Firstly, if you want to keep your feet in good condition over the winter, you need to keep them as warm as possible. This is going to be a challenge when the temperature dips below freezing.

Thankfully, there are a wide variety of footcare products that can help you stay warm, whether you’re on the ice or the slopes. One of the most effective products that you can use to keep your feet warm is a pair of compression socks.

If you aren’t familiar with compression stockings, they’re a high-quality sock that helps improve your circulation. The stockings gently squeeze the legs, increasing blood flow to the lower limbs. This can help athletes stay warm in colder conditions.

It is also worth noting that some recent studies have shown that compression socks can help athletes deal with pain and shorten recovery time after injuries.

Avoid Ill-Fitting Footwear

Whether you’re getting hockey skates or snowboarding boots, you need to make sure that your footwear fits properly.

If your footwear is too loose, you won’t have suitable ankle support – this could lead to issues like rolled or broken ankles. Additionally, if your footwear is too tight, it could result in painful issues like ingrown toenails and blisters.

When you’re looking for a pair of skates or boots, you should always try them on beforehand. This is because manufacturers will size their products differently. If you don’t try them on, you could be stuck with footwear that doesn’t fit properly. Go shopping in the afternoon — not the morning — because your feet swell as the day goes by. When you shop at a strategic time, you’ll get a more comfortable fit.

Find the Right Insoles

Many people have tried athletic or orthopedic insoles in the past. These products can help reduce impact and minimize the amount of pain you feel when running, skating or jumping.

If you want to find the best insoles for winter sports, you need to purchase a pair of Superfeet insoles. The company makes specialized insoles for hockey, snowboarding, skiing and other snow sports, and we carry them at Feet First Clinic.

If you’re dealing with musculoskeletal conditions like bunions or hammertoes, you should talk to one of our chiropodists about getting custom made orthotic inserts. These will be crafted to perfectly match your foot shape and to provide the support and comfort you need.

Winter is a cold, slick and slippery season. If you want to stay safe and warm while playing sports, be sure to keep all of our safety tips in mind!

Lest We Forget: Remembering our Veterans’ Hard Work

Posted on by Bianca

Remembrance Day is a memorial day to remember the end of World War I and to commemorate all those who served during the war.

During WWI soldiers were subjected to horrible conditions in trenches and on the battlefield. On average, each soldier would spend 8 days in the front line and 4 days in the reserve. However, when a soldier was injured, another had to take their place and they could possibly spend around 30 days in the front line trenches.

Trenches were dug around 10ft deep and 6ft wide and in the spring and fall they would fill up with rain up to a soldier’s waist.  During the harsh winter months, trenches did not provide a lot of shelter or warmth. Blankets and clothing were said to freeze, food became frozen and inedible and the frozen mud walls became hard as stone. Soldiers suffered from frostbite and exposure leading to amputations. Once the snow and mud started to thaw, it only escalated the muddy and wet conditions in the trenches similar to those in the warmer months. Along with thick mud and flooding, trenches were also infested with rodents and insects.

Prolonged exposure to moisture and unsanitary conditions lead to “trench foot”, which causes open sores, blisters, fungal nail and skin infection and eventually amputation due to gangrene.

In the early stages of war, the standard footwear of the British Army were known as “Ammunition boots” which were unlined ankle boots made out of tanned cowhide with an iron plate half sole that was fixed to the heel. They were designed to be durable but not comfortable nor waterproof.

Over the course of the war, due to the increasing number of British casualties caused by trench foot, trenches were constructed with better drainage and more importantly soldiers received improved waterproof footwear called the “Perishing boot”.

These boots were designed as an American combat boot and were made out of heavier leather, they had a thicker sole and several more hobnails and treatments to improve waterproofing.

The Perishing boot was also dubbed “Little Tanks” as the soldiers found the construction heavy and bulky but incidents of trench foot dramatically decreased.

Fashion Forward Shoes That Are Also Good For Your Feet

Posted on by Bianca

There is a common misconception that healthy shoes are ugly shoes.

This is not the case! There are actually a number of different companies that design and make shoes with the foot’s anatomy, activity and overall health in mind all while keeping up with latest fashion trends. Most of them are also made with a removable foot bed for easy accommodation of a custom foot orthotic.

Custom foot orthotics are custom-made insoles prescribed and dispensed by a health care practitioner, made from raw materials and can be moved from one shoe to another. It is a functional device that works to support, stabilize, correct foot and gait anomalies. If a Licensed Chiropodist has recommended orthotics for you, it is important to wear the devices on a daily basis to reduce stress on your feet and the lower extremities.

Brands that are Orthopaedic Footwears:

Clarks

Clarks has a great selection of footwear for both men and women. Probably the most fashion forward of the list, the sleek, simple designs are what attracts most of their customers. Most shoes are also made with a removable foot bed, come in half sizes, and varying widths.

Naot

Naot is most well known for their signature footbeds made from cork, latex and suede. The latex layer adds softness and padding while the cork provides flexibility, durability, and shock absorption. These two materials are then wrapped in suede, which provides additional comfort and absorbs excess moisture. Finally, the footbed is designed with arch support, a deep heel cup, an elevated centre, and hallux support to help support and better align your foot.

Mephisto

Mephisto offers a wide selection of sandals, casual walking shoes, dress shoes, and winter boots. Their footwear includes their innovative soft-air technology in the soles for excellent shock absorption, cushioning, and better air circulation for healthier foot climates. With their removeable footbeds, these shoes are perfect for orthotics while guaranteeing tireless and easy walking for hours on end.

Ara

Ara is a German shoe company that claims to offer the comfort of a running shoe in a ballerina slipper and women’s pumps. This family owned business makes shoes with a High Soft feature that combines a super soft upper material and a flexible, soft padded outsole for ultimate comfort.

All the shoes mentioned above, and more are available at Feet First Clinic. We are open six days a week!

Trick or Treat: How to Prepare for Halloween

Posted on by Bianca

Are you prepared for Trick or Treating this year? Halloween is fast approaching and with the unpredictable October weather you want to be ready for anything.

Footwear & Socks

You will be spending a few hours walking around outside so the most important preparation is good footwear. Ideal footwear for Trick or Treating should be waterproof or water resistant. Avoid putting your kids in mesh running shoes as they can get too wet while running through grass or leaves. Your kids should also be wearing warm socks made out of Merino wool or Bamboo for extra moisture wicking properties. While your kids are busy running from one house to the next, you will be mostly standing. To prevent tired and achy legs, consider wearing compression stockings. Sigvaris Merino Wool Compression stockings are a great outdoor compression stocking that keeps you thermoregulated.

Be seen

The most important Halloween safety rule to follow is to be properly seen. Most Halloween costumes are too dark for the night time Trick or Treating. Consider putting your kids in brightly colored or white costumes or adding a splash of colour to their costume with reflective padding/stickers. Another great idea is for kids and adults to wear glow sticks, bracelets or headbands.

Foot Spray

After a long night of walking and running around in the wet or damp weather, it is recommended to sanitize all footwear. Bacteria and fungus thrive in warm moist environments created by excessive moisture with sweaty feet in wet or damp shoes. Gehwol Foot and Shoe deodorant helps to kill odour causing bacteria and eliminate fungal spores in shoes. It is recommended to remove the insole or orthotic inside the shoe, spray the Gehwol Foot and Shoe deodorant inside and let it dry overnight.

Sore Feet? 

You have been at work all day and now you have to take your kids out Trick or Treating so get your feet ready with some extra support. If you have tired and sore feet at the end of the day, consider wearing orthotics to help align your feet in the most efficient position.

Custom foot orthotics are recommended for people who experience sore feet, heel pain, ankle pain or have too much movement/drifting in their joints (like a bunion or hammer toes) Superfeet are the best non-prescription and non-custom insole you can buy. Superfeet have a harder plastic shell which offer general arch support and are the most widely used insole for athletes.

superfeet insoles

Another great device to help your feet feel better is the Bunion Aligner.

The Bunion Aligner helps to correctly position your big toe while strengthening your muscles and ligaments around the joint.

BUNION ALIGNER POSTS
Bunion Aligner

Many individuals who wear the bunion aligner have found less pain around the bunion area, a wider gap between the first and second toe and less pain in the balls of their feet.

Call Feet First Clinic to book an appointment for a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to find out if orthotics or bunion aligners are right for your feet.