WebMD asked some experts about ShapeUps. A podiatrist they spoke with has concerns about these sneakers. She thinks they could perhaps be a good fit for people with heel pain because of the way they cradle the heel, but they are definitely not for people with arthritis or any other foot problems for that matter. The fact that these shoes change the mechanics of the foot can be detrimental to people who aren’t completely healthy.

A group of personal trainers, in the same WebMD study, advised that for people who want to use these shoes, their recommendation is only to use them for outdoor walking. They say these shoes are not to be worn on a treadmill, while running or during weight-training because they are unstable in the ankle and increase the risk of injury. They feel one potential positive of the shoe is improved posture and increased muscle tone.

The FitFlop sandal is designed and tested at the Centre for Human Performance in London, and has become increasingly popular among consumers seeking the same benefits as ShapeUps. The premise behind these shoes centers around the company’s trademarked “Micowobbleboard technology” which, similar to the ShapeUps, is designed to increase the amount of time the leg muscles are engaged while walking. By creating an unstable platform, the body must exert more effort to maintain balance. The company claims these sandals can reduce back and ankle stress, realign force through the body while walking, and activate leg muscles by up to 30% more than traditional shoes. These claims are based on research conducted by the company on 15 women. This is an incredibly small sample size to declare this shoe works for the entire world’s population, which is why the UK government has given FitFlop Footwear 2 years to continue research on the benefits of the FitFlop and their Microwobbleboard technology. FitFlops have received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) which is awarded to companies whose products have been shown to promote foot health.

People with foot problems should consult with a podiatrist before purchasing a pair of ShapeUps or FitFlops to fix any problems they have with their feet. Buying new footwear can lead us to become more motivated to exercise and to live a healthier lifestyle. But you must remember, no piece of footwear can help you lose weight and gain strength without actually putting them on and doing some real work! So if a new pair of shoes will help you become more active, then try a pair of FitFlops first, as they

are approved by the APMA. Never hesitate to consult with your local Chandler Podiatrist about your feet because feet is what we do!

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1. Buying Back-to-School Shoes

Interestingly in some cultures, flip-flop shoes are occasionally used to threaten someone since they can quickly be removed and thrown or used to hit an adversary. While that practice is rare in the United States, flip-flops can still pose a threat to those who wear them. For the most part, flip-flops provide no arch support at all, expose the foot to the outside environment, and can often contribute to many foot-related injuries. Since they often have a spongy rubber sole, flip-flops make it difficult for your feet to adjust and accommodate to the ground with each step you take. Furthermore, the strap can lead to skin irritation as well.

All that said, let me back up and admit that flip-flops are indeed a fun shoe to wear, and in fact have many benefits. They allow your feet to breathe and can actually protect your feet from picking up things like plantar warts and various fungal infections from public places. There are just a few pieces of advice to keep in mind if you do choose to wear flip-flops. First, if possible, look for a quality pair with a soft, leather fabric to minimize blisters and irritation. Look for a sole that forms some contour to the ball of your foot but isn’t overly pliable either. Also, make sure your foot doesn’t hang off the edge of the sole. This problem can be exacerbated if you have wet or sweaty feet with a smooth sole, so really try to be aware.

Some other advice would be to not walk for especially long distances, and to avoid playing sports or doing yard work in flip-flops. The straps can snap spontaneously, so excessive motion is definitely not advised. Overall, be cognizant of your environment. If you’re in a location where things like insects, poison ivy, or glass have access to your feet, flip-flops are not the best choice of footwear. If you’re at the pool or beach and wearing flip-flops, remember to use sunscreen on your feet as they can burn like any other exposed part of your body.

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You rush into the store, scan down the available sizes, and…just 2 pairs? One that’s 2 sizes too big, the other is a 1/2 size too small. Just your luck. Well who cares, it’s just a half a size smaller, maybe I’ll just take out the insole or something…

Maybe you can relate or maybe you have a pair of shoes you’ve been holding onto for over a decade…
Women often buy dress shoes that come to a narrow point or lack sufficient padding–and sure, this causes blistering, soreness, corns, and calluses. But, did you know you can have changes in your bones from wearing ill-fitting shoes? Maybe you’ve heard of hammer-toes, here the toes start curl up a little at one joint and back down t the other, it can be a pretty gnarly deformity. As you can imagine, this “hammering” can become VERY painful. The bones of your toes can overlap each other, curl into each other, and be permanently scrunched upwards by those shoes you HAD to have…they are physically changing your bone structure! And if your bones of your feet are changing, the MUSCLES of your legs and feet (that attach to those bones) are forced to change too. Yes, it’s painful, just like any other muscle, when it’s pulled and strained–but think about it. These are the muscles of your legs and feet! You’re on them ALL the time. Some of your muscles are forced to work overtime, which pushes the others out of their alignment too. This repeated pulling, tugging at your muscles is actually effecting how you walk. Over time, you can lose stability in your ankles and literally morph the way you walk. It’s kind of like the tires on your car–if they fall out of alignment it pulls you one way or the other–and ultimately makes it difficult to steer…
See? IT IS A BIG DEAL. IT IS TIME TO GET YOUR FEET ALIGNED…

Stay tuned for the next blog for some helpful suggestions, tips, and pointers to find your next (truly) perfect pair of shoes…
and yes, it’s time to get rid of those sneakers from 1983…

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1. Can Certain Shoes Really Help Me Lose Weight?
2. Buying Back-to-School Shoes

As spring time rolls around, thousands of high school students and parents are no doubt highly anticipating that big event of the year: Prom. Many girls look forward to this night as a huge event in their high school years and hope to fill it with lots of great memories. There are, of course, many logistical preparations to make, but finding the right pair of shoes is truly critical in making this night a success.

Prom shoes on average cost $50-80, although there are many discounts available and shoes to fit any budget. A big issue is finding the right compromise between style and comfort. Many girls want to find shoes that look great, but heels that are too high can be a simple cause for a ruined Prom. The standard heel heights are usually 2”, 3”, and 5”, but it’s strongly recommended that girls choose a heel height similar to what they’re used to wearing on a daily basis. Consider your date’s height and how much you intend to dance. Both should be important factors when choosing high-heeled shoes.

If you’re not comfortable with heels, basic flats or wedge shoes may be a good substitute. These should be chosen as an alternative to kicking off heels later in the evening because many gowns are hemmed to floor length, and going barefoot will cause the dress to drag along the ground. Therefore, it’s also a good idea to have the shoes available at your first dress fitting so as to minimize alteration costs by maintaining a consistent hemline.
Since our feet actually swell during the day, it’s a good idea to go shoe shopping in the afternoon or evening to find a pair that will fit your feet most comfortably. Wear the shoes around the house for a few days prior to the big night in order to allow them to conform to your feet. Also, consider the Prom location and floor surface. You may want to scuff the bottoms of your shoes with sandpaper for more traction to make walking and dancing easier.

With simple planning and foresight, you can choose a pair of shoes that will leave an impression on your friends, family, and date-NOT on your feet!

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