Latest news with #footpain


Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
These Shoes Made A European Vacation Comfy Despite Plantar Fasciitis
Young Woman At Famous Fiordo Di Furore Bridge,Positano,Amalfi Coast,Italy getty A few months ago, I couldn't walk across my kitchen without wincing in pain. Plantar fasciitis—the inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot—had taken hold for the first time in my life, and it felt like stepping on a hot spike every time I got up from a chair or climbed out of bed. As someone who travels constantly and often racks up 12,000+ steps a day just getting from one city landmark to another, the timing couldn't have been worse. My upcoming four-week European trip through nine countries loomed on the calendar, and I wasn't sure how I was going to manage a single city block, let alone miles of cobblestone alleyways. I tried everything: stretching, rolling, icing, wearing recovery slides, a brace worn while sleeping, visits to my chiropractor, and rest. Nothing provided real relief. Then someone suggested I try the brand Hoka. When I complained about my plantar fasciitis on Facebook, a handful of friends mentioned Hoka for their pillowy soles and performance-minded support. I wasn't hopeful—footwear 'miracles' are usually overhyped—but I was desperate enough to investigate. I visited a specialty running store and worked with a staffer to try on several models. The difference in feel was immediate: Hokas are plush. One model, the Hoka Bondi 9, stood out from the rest. It had the highest level of cushioning in the Hoka lineup and a wide, stable base that felt noticeably better under my aching heel than anything I'd worn before. They weren't the sleekest or sexiest travel shoe, but at that point, I cared more about function than fashion. 'Hokas are very good shoes for plantar fasciitis because they provide cushioning with their thick shock-absorbing midsoles,' confirms Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, 'The High Heel Doctor' and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. 'Also they have a low heel drop and a wide base which reduces and supports the plantar fascia insertion.' The $190 price tag made me wince almost as much as my heel pain, but I walked out with my first pair—and brought them straight to Europe with no break-in period. Testing Hoka on Cobblestones and Long Days Over the past two weeks, I have worn my Bondis nonstop. I have walked through cities like Dubrovnik, Istanbul and Athens. I trudged up ancient stairs, wandered through historic towns, and strolled coastal promenades. I averaged between 10,000 and 16,000 steps a day—often on uneven pavement and steep hills. And for the first time in months, I wasn't in pain. Not at the end of the day. Not when I woke up the next morning. Not even after hours of walking with no breaks. I had to keep reminding myself that I was the same person who, just weeks earlier, couldn't make it through the grocery store without limping. Why Hoka Bondi Helps Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist There's a reason so many people rely on Hoka shoes for foot pain. While I can only speak to my personal experience, the Bondis are known for offering several features that align with plantar fasciitis relief: Maximal cushioning : That signature Hoka marshmallow midsole absorbs shock and reduces the impact on your heel and arch—key areas affected by plantar fasciitis. : That signature Hoka marshmallow midsole absorbs shock and reduces the impact on your heel and arch—key areas affected by plantar fasciitis. Rocker sole : The curved sole helps promote a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. : The curved sole helps promote a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Wide, stable platform: Bondis are built to be forgiving on joints while offering solid arch support—an important factor when you're on your feet for hours at a time. 'I believe what really sets them apart is that the materials used to make the shoe are high in quality which makes the shoes last a long time,' says Pourziaee. 'The supportive features of the shoes will continue to give reprieve even after your symptoms subside.' While Hokas aren't the solution for everyone, they seem to be a game-changer for a growing number of people dealing with heel pain or inflammation-related foot conditions. 'I had a patient come with me for heel pain for two months and brought in five different pairs of shoes that she had bought,' says Pourziaee. 'None of it gave relief. After examining her and reviewing her X-rays I recommended the Bondi and had her do a rigorous stretching program. The pain was gone after three weeks.' Would I Recommend Hoka For Plantar Fasciitis? Without hesitation. I've worn many so-called 'comfort' shoes over the years and none have given me the consistent, all-day comfort that the Hokas have. And I'm not alone—once I started talking about them, other travelers began sharing their own plantar fasciitis success stories with the brand. And I noticed tons of people on my various tours and cruise excursions wearing the brand, too. That said, they're not perfect for every situation. They're bulkier than a standard walking shoe (I wear them on the plane, so I don't have to pack them, but this also comes in handy walking through airports in comfort) and definitely more utilitarian than stylish. But when you're facing the very real possibility of canceling travel plans or missing out on experiences because of foot pain, priorities shift fast. A New Travel Essential for Plantar Fasciitis I still stretch after long days on my feet, but I no longer dread walking. The Hoka Bondi gave me my mobility back—and, in a very real way, saved my trip. As soon as I get home, I'm buying a second pair, because when your feet feel good, everything else about travel becomes easier, lighter, more joyful. For me, the proof of plantar fasciitis relief is in the steps—over 150,000 of them over the last two weeks (and two more weeks to go in Europe), pain-free.


CTV News
25-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
If Your Feet Always Hurt, You Probably Need a Few of These Things in Your Life
Put your best, pain-free foot forward with products from Dr. Ho's, Medistik, Body Glide, and more. If you're anything like me, you know all about foot pain. It doesn't matter if you're wearing beautiful heels or supposedly comfortable sneakers; you're going to end up with soreness, blisters, or both. But there's a better way, and it doesn't have to involve giving up your favourite footwear. What you need is the right products to ease discomfort, or prevent it, and you'll be ready to put one foot in front of the other without the fear of paying for it later. To make sure you have the best chance at a pain-free existence, we've scoured the web, dug into reviews, and investigated the latest products that are geared to give you what you need to soothe tired, achy, or blistered up feet. From aftercare to preventative measures, we've got something for everyone, so you're bound to find something that's worth your money. Here are a few of our favourite products for people who suffer from sore feet: 14 Of Our Favourite Tools for Post-Workout Recovery and Flexibility The Absolute Best Spray-On Deodorants You Can Get In Canada Right Now We Gave This Bite-Relief Tool A Try — Here's How It Worked Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
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Travel + Leisure
01-06-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
We're Stocking Our Summer Closets With These Arch-supporting Flip-flops—From $14
Chronic foot pain sufferers know this to be true: When it comes to comfy summer footwear, flip-flops can be a total flop . Most run-of-the-mill thong-style sandals come with flimsy, thin soles, and rock-hard plastic toe separators, leaving problem-prone feet sore, raw, and in way worse shape than before. Luckily, there are plenty of comfortable, supportive sandals on the market—and Amazon happens to have some of the best orthopedic styles in stock ahead of summer. If you're looking for flip-flops with arch support to travel in this summer, keep scrolling. We handpicked 12 flip-flop-style sandals that are specifically designed for those who struggle with plantar fasciitis, knee pain, heel spurs, twist-prone ankles, and more. You'll find men's and women's options from podiatrist-approved brands like Vionic, Clarks, and Skechers—all highly-rated by shoppers who deal with foot pain on the regular. So, what are you waiting for? Treat your feet to something more supportive this season. Prices start at just $14 right now. From supportive penny loafers to wedges you can actually walk in, Vionic has mastered the art of designing cute, comfy, footwear—and these beach sandals are no exception. The High Tide II flip-flops, now 35% off, have lightweight, ultra-cushioned midsoles that absorb shock with every step, helping you cross gravel roads and pebbled streets without adding stress to feet, ankles, and knees. Deep heel cups provide extra stability while a contoured footbed offers 'great arch support', according to one five-star reviewer who said they 'practically live in Vionics at home.' These men's flip-flops boast the bio mechanically-engineered arch support, cushioning, and flexibility that Vionic footwear is famous for. The flip-fops come in four neutral, easy-to-style colors, and have genuine leather straps with a durable treaded outsole that provides traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. 'My husband has a very high arch, so it's difficult to find flip-flops that are comfortable,' wrote one Amazon shopper. 'These are the only ones he will wear.' Boating, poolside, or at the beach, these waterproof orthopedic sandals are the perfect companion for any water activity. Completely constructed from plush EVA foam, the sandals are lightweight, bendable, and easy to shove into any beach tote. On top of anti-skid grip outsoles and contoured arch-supporting footbeds, they also have textured insoles that prevent feet from slipping. Made with Oofoam, a patented closed-cell, impact-absorbing foam material, these unisex recovery sandals from Oofos have earned the APMA seal of acceptance thanks to their ability to promote good foot health. Thick midsoles reduce pressure and stress on your feet, knees, and back to help you recharge after strenuous activities (or long travel days). Bonus: They're machine-washable! Over 13,000 Amazon shoppers have deemed these Reef Cushion Breeze Flip-flops worthy of a five-star rating thanks to the comfort, style, arch support, and durability they offer. On sale for just $28, the thong-style sandals provide anatomical arch support with comfy, padded straps, and water-friendly tractioned rubber outsoles. 'I have plantar fasciitis, and 99 percent of shoes I try hurt so bad,' wrote one reviewer who gave these five stars They added that they've now purchased multiples of the 'very comfy' sandals. Clarks has been producing comfort-forward footwear since 1825, and these Breeze Sea sandals are a prime example. The sole is constructed with four layers: a durable TPR outsole, shock-absorbing midsole, layer of high-density, bouncy foam, and the brand's signature Cushionsoft footbed. In tandem, they make you feel like you're 'walking on a cloud.' Plus, the thong straps are adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit. At first glance, you might not even notice that these handsome flip-flops are actually Crocs in disguise. But believe it or not, they are, and they feature some of the best qualities we've come to know and love from the comfy clog brand while looking elevated enough to wear from the beach to dinner. They are made with the brand's famous LiteRide comfort footbed, anti-slip outsoles, and lightweight design. Reviewers who gave them five stars say they're 'the most comfortable flip-flops' they've ever owned, beating out expensive orthopedic alternatives. These Teva Olawahu sandals are a strappy take on the brand's classic two-strap flip-flops. Available in 29 different color combinations, the sandals have two additional straps that run across the top of the foot, keeping your feet securely in place as you walk. The cushioned insoles mold around the shape of your foot, giving your arches customized support, and EVA midsoles make these super lightweight, adding virtually no weight to your suitcase. These sporty and supportive Skechers flip-flops are built with the brand's signature Goga Mat design: a contoured, cushioned footbed that won't leave feet aching, tired, or hurting after a long day of walking. They are made with a woven mesh upper that's machine-washable, breathable, and soft to the touch. If your feet are on the wider side, fear not. This style comes in wide sizes, too. These Clarks Arla Glison flip-flops have a knot detail and a one-inch platform that come together for a chic look you can easily style with skirts, dresses, or trousers. The straps are made of a soft, knit fabric that won't scrape your toes. Amazon shoppers who struggle with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and weak ankles have shared that the stylish flip-flops are 'life-changing'. Usually $65, you can now get them on sale for as low as $32 when you use the on-site coupon. Nearly 13,000 Amazon shoppers have given these cushioned flip-flops a perfect five-star rating. Available in sizes 4.5 to 17, the durable thong-style sandals have contoured footbeds and thick, leather straps that are lined with a padded jersey material to help prevent friction and blisters. 'I literally wear these anywhere, in almost any condition, and I will wear them until they literally fall off of my feet,' wrote one reviewer who gave these a five-star rating, adding that they're 'by far' the most comfortable, best-fitting sandals they've ever owned. These Kaulu flip-flops, on sale for $14, have a cushioned, contoured yoga mat-esque footbed designed to provide relief from common sources of foot pain, like plantar fasciitis. The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts. Available in 27 different colors, one five-star reviewer even reported wearing them to a wedding, writing that they 'danced all night' in them without any issues. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.


Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
My feet feel like they're burning - how can I stop it? DR ELLIE reveals the secret to treating this excruciating syndrome
My feet feel like they are burning at night and it disrupts my sleep. Soaking them in hot water seems to help but only temporarily. What can I do? Dr Ellie replies: Burning foot syndrome is a recognised condition where people experience pain and heaviness in their feet, particularly at night time.