Sandal Season Survival Series TIP #1: You Gotta Have Sole
When getting to the bottom of finding the right sandals for summer, you always want to pay very close attention to the soles. A sole-ful sandal is a safer sandal that provides you with the proper cushioning, comfort, and support. Sandals that have a thicker sole (atleast ½ inch thick) are ideal. That means: Flip Flops BEWARE. Sure, they may be oh-so-convenient to slide on your feet and go on with your day, but no arch support and a flimsy sole can often make them a not-so-wise option. If you are ever unsure if you sandals are suitable for wearing, you should perform a flexion test and torsion test. Ladies, if height is what you crave, wedged sandals are best rather than heels. A wider base gives you greater support, balance, and comfort. Rubber or even cork are suitable sole materials that provide support. Cork is highly recommended as it can conform to the shape of your feet. So here's to fun- AND comfort- in the sun this summer!
Stay tuned for TIP #2!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
THE MOTHERLOAD (Part 2): Preggers CAN Be Choosers
Just because a baby’s on board doesn’t mean your daily activities have to take a back seat. Whether you’re breakin’ a sweat, layin’ low, or steppin’ out for the evening, here are some tips on what to lookout for in the right shoes you can use for any mama-in-the-making!
SPORTY PREGGERS
A proper athletic shoe always does a (pregnant) body good for any type of workout. When on the quest for the proper shoe, you want to check for 3 things: 1) a rigid sole with shock absorption, 2) a wide toe box, and 3) arch support. A rigid sole with shock absorption protects your feet from forces caused from the added weight they have to support along with the forces and impact from the ground from walking and excessive activity. A wider toe box is essential to accommodate for the increased width and frequent swelling of the feet that may occur. Lax ligaments and reduced arches can also contribute to wider feet. Therefore, having ample arch support maintains the pregnant foot in a more ideal position for a successful workout. Remember, if your feet are in a their proper position, that means less stress for your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back!
CASUAL PREGGERS
As tempting as it may be, going barefoot is a no-go for any future mama. Sure, going shoeless may be comfortable when at home, but it makes your feet a target for debris that you may have the displeasure of stepping on. Anything that can pierce your feet can lead to injury or even infection, which during pregnancy is added (unnecessary) worry. Also, going barefoot provides no arch support, which for flatfeet puts added stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Instead, always wear some type of house shoe- the thicker the sole the better. Remember, coverage is the key-that also means NO flip-flops/thongs…sorry! If you’re out-n-about, a great athletic shoe is always an option. However if you’re in the mood for something more laid back, clogs are nice options. They are backless (giving your feet the feeling of being free), but still provides coverage and support.
CLASSY PREGGERS
You’ve found the perfect outfit for that very special occasion and you’re thinking to yourself that nothing would set-off this outfit more than a swanky pair of heels, right!...Oh HEEL no! In terms of high heels, height is not your friend. Increased weight in the belly region makes for a change in gait and altered balance. Falling can hurt you and the child. However if you just have to have some elevation, shoes with a short wedged heel (~2in high) are a reasonable alternative. The wider sturdier heel provides better rearfoot and ankle support for better balance and walking.
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Dude Looks like A Lady!...or Does He?
Dude (Louis XIV)
Ladies
FOOT FACT:
High heels have long been a staple of style for women, but did you know that high heel shoes were originally designed to be worn by men? In fact, the heel of the shoe helped secure men’s feet in stirrups while riding horses. High heel shoes also served as a status of privilege. Those who did not have to perform manual labor or walk very far often sported their “elevated kicks” as a symbol of their high social class. As high heels continued to grow in popularity, they would become a unisex trend, until they were abandoned by men and solely worn by women.
Putting you best FEET forward,
SH
