About Us Just because you LOVE shoes, doesn't mean you can't talk about all sorts of other things too!
This blog is here to discuss all aspects of health & wellness footwear... from weight loss shoes to shoes to help cure bunions! Aswell as ramblings about the latest developments in health, fitness and weight loss!
Check in regularly to keep up to date with what's happening in the wonderful world of health and wellness and to share tips, tricks and stories :-)
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An article in the Good Health section of the Daily Mail today took our attention – Why Your Doctor Wants You To Buy More Shoes.
The article highlights the growing number of men and women that are suffering with foot problems – around 80% of British women and 20% of men to be precise. Many people suffer in silence, unsure that the pain they feel is linked to the feet and the lack of support they are getting from their shoes!
Let’s face it our feet are one of the most important parts of the body, they carry us all day and can even help to detect early signs of serious conditions like diabetes and poor circulation. Plus, a niggle in your foot can be directly linked to other issues like bad posture, a bad back, knee and joint pain.
So we’ve put together a shoe solution for each of the expert advice on offer!
1. Not Owning Enough Shoes
Why? wearing the same shoes (and socks) everyday can cause a build up of bacteria which will lead to things like athlete’s foot
Solution? you need to find shoes (and socks) which will let the feet breathe and keep them dry
Which? look out for antibacterial linings, breathability, wicking properties, moisture absorption
Try..
Injinji socks, Glagla trainers, Crocs shoes, Merrell Boots
  
2. Following Fashion
Why? many fashionable brands are bad for the feet including stiletto high heels and pointy toes. Conditions include bunions, back pain, posture problems and in the most serious cases osteoarthritis
Solution? find a way to rehabilitate feet from the damage of high heels and other ill fitting shoes. Even if it is for one or two days a week or while you are at home every night.
Which? look out for individual toe separators, spinal alignment features, healthy high heels
Try..
Caprice heels, Beech slippers, Earth boots
  
3. DIY Podiatry
Why? Visiting a podiatrist regularly is extremely important especially if you feel pain or discomfort. Experts recommend that you should visit a podiatrist at least once a year if you are over 50.
Solution? Spend more time exploring and getting to know your feet!
Which? Once you have been diagnosed you can easily find shoe solutions through advisory areas such as Where Does It Hurt?
4. Foot Phobia
Why? Feet can tell us about other conditions and be an early warning sign for diabetes and arthritis.
Solution? Don’t ignore pain or discomfort as nothing or just tired feet. Visit a podiatrist or you doctor to be properly diagnosed. Shoes can help with conditions like diabetes and arthritis by increasing circulation and support
Which? look out for stretchable uppers, ergonomic footbeds, breathability, non pressure, increase circulation
Try..
Confortina shoes, Earth Shoes
 
This week, we visited a local charity to donate shoes for the homeless in Stockport. We are based just down the road in Heaton Mersey.
Over the last few years The Wellspring Centre on Harvey Street in Stockport has supported over 700 rough sleepers and homeless people into accommodation. As well as running the centre, The Wellspring Centre staff visit rough sleeping spots offering advice and support to people.
The work they do is helping to end rough sleeping and homelessness in Stockport which had been increasing year after year. We were touched by the inspirational stories of people who The Wellspring had helped to get back on track and hope that our donation would help them continue the good work they do in the area.
Here we are handing over sacks full of comfortable shoes, boots and trainers in a variety of sizes to Project Worker, Steve Hawkins, who was delighted with the donation and to receive the support from a local business.
We met some lovely people and got to experience the work they do at the centre – it seems like a really busy time of year for them and we wish them all the best for the year to come!
If you’d like to help The Wellspring Centre, you can visit the website for more information www.thewellspring.co.uk
 Finding the perfect shopping shoes can make life so much easier! Especially at this time of year as we scurry from shop to shop grabbing those last minute gifts for friends and family. But, we must remember to take care of ourselves! We’re putting a strain on our back, legs and feet and, with the snow beginning to fall, we have to be extra careful when rushing around!!
Wearing a decent pair of shopping shoes and boots can do all the hard work for you so you just need to worry about ticking gifts off your xmas shopping list. You won’t be bothered when your feet hurt or your back starts to ache with the weight of xmas shopping bags.
Earth boots and shoes feature a technology in the sole which is based on the posture and alignment of yoga. They adjust the way you carry the body. They protect the spine by encouraging the body to sit straight and provide a natural walking motion. In addition they have ample support for your feet with a comfortable footbed so xmas shopping will be much easier to cope with!
Take the festive rush in your stride with our top 3 shoes perfect for xmas shopping this year:
1. The extra benefit of these Earth Prance boots is the gorgeous knee length styling in either black or almond colour, zip side fastening and button details!
 
2. These Earth Simplista shoes not only come in a choice of three colours – plum, almond and black – but they also have a strap which fits across the foot by the ankle for a secure fastening for added comfort and support.
 
3. The Earth Innocence shoe is so versatile that they’ll work as your shopping shoes and work shoes all in one go! The shape of the design is ultra comfortable with the pretty t-bar design a stylish treat for your feet! Again in black or brown they’ll suit all outfits!!
 
X Factor champions, Little Mix deserved to win both for their singing talents and outfit changes! They managed to squeeze into at least 8 different Little Mix outfits throughout the weekend finale!
We loved their black patent Dr Martens boots which made an appearance a few times on the stage as they sung their way to X factpr glory!!
If you dig the little muffins style then bag the look yourself with these super stylish patent DMs now!
Next on the list in the Softwaves review was the Softwaves Womens Lace Up Toffee Boot, which also retails for £135.
They struck me as a comfortable walking boot when I first saw them, great for winter when walking the dog or out on a ramble! And, while they had a different purpose to the first Softwaves fur top toffee bootie, they still had the same attractive colour and trendy fur trim with lace up detail – I thought how useful this would be to make sure you had a secure fit when walking. They also had the fab massaging footbed and how wonderful is this when you are out walking!
These were extremely comfy when I had them on and even though they are not my normal style, once i had them on i really liked them! I’m always on the look out for new boots for dog walking so I thought i’d give them a go on my next walk with my little dog, Lottie! She’s a real quick walker so my feet need sturdy and comfy footwear!
The Result
I really enjoyed wearing these boots and my feet were so comfy and warm while walking Lottie! The massaging footbed really makes a difference – it’s a subtle benefit but you notice the difference when your feet are not aching or sore after a long walk! The lace feature was really helpful as my feet felt secure and didn’t move around while walking (or being pulled!) along by Lottie!
Again they were roomy but i always wear a thick pair of socks when walking the dog so they were fine. All in all a fab winter boot and if you are looking for new boots for dog walking – these are definitely it! Enjoy!
This week, we’ve been putting the latest Softwaves boots under review! Our resident tester, Helen, took up the challenge after we saw just how popular these comfy and stylish boots were becoming! We wanted to know more so here she goes…
I’ve always been a fan of comfy boots especially during winter when I just want to be cosy, warm and sturdy! So, when I was asked to carry out a Softwaves review, I was more than happy. I was given two of the boots from the latest collection to try and I was pleasantly surprised at how cute they both were!
The first was this Softwaves Womens Fur Top Toffee Bootie on sale for £135. At first glance you can see how trendy they are, the fur trim and lace up detail along with the little heel are all very stylish. The toffee coloured leather looks chic and classic but still youthful and fun! A perfect combination!
I instantly knew what I would wear them with and where and that’s always a good sign! Great with leggings, tights or jeans so very versatile and definitely one to wear to the shops or for a casual outing at the weekend. What was also intriguing about these boots was the massaging footbed and how wearing them would gently massage my foot and relieve tension and stress, which is particularly good if you have ball of foot pain.
I wasted no time in trying them on! And, even better that I had a shopping day planned with an old friend the very next day which would certainly put them to the test!
The Result
These boots are lightweight and extremely comfy, my feet didn’t get tired throughout the day which is fantastic when you have shopping to do! They did have a bit of room, which may be because my feet are quite narrow, so I knew I would be able to wear a pair of thick socks with them too if I needed. Another thing I noticed was that even though I was rushing around shopping all day, my feet didn’t seem to get hot and they just felt fine. Sometimes I struggle because my feet ache but it was refreshing to have such a stylish shoe with a slight heel that just fit well so all I had to worry about was getting everything I needed!
I had to keep tying the laces up when I put them back on after trying clothes on but it was worth it for the comfortable feeling I had all day long! Wear a thick pair of socks with them if you have narrow feet so you get more of a snug fit but anyone with a normal to wide foot will find them perfectly true to size.
Generally Softwaves shoes would be graet for wearing to work too as they are so comfy and stylish.
Take a closer look at Softwaves technology
Ever since DMs were introduced around 50 years ago to the UK they have been truly iconic. There is now a huge range of fans ranging from the fashion conscious, musical movements and the more practical policemen.
DMs have ‘Bouncing Soles’ which are due to air being trapped in the sole. The honeycombed sole has many spaces and once the insole board is attached to the sole the air is trapped. There are huge health benefits by using this type of sole and wearing DMs can be described as ‘walking on air.’
The other key construction type is a Goodyear Welted. In simple terms there is an additional welt that is sewn through with a lockstitch attaching the insole to the outsole. In normal footwear manufacturing the upper is only glued to the insole and then glued onto the outsole. However with DMs, not only is there the additional welt layer added but the insole board is attached to the outsole with lock stitching. This construction allows your feet to breathe as there is natural cushion filler between the insole and the outsole. This also means less painful feet which is ideal if you wear your shoes to pop out or to wear all day for work.
DMs are a truly durable, robust and long lasting brand due to the Goodyear Welted construction, bouncing soles, quality of leather and toughness of the fastenings.
Did you know:
1. During the first 100 years of DM’s the majority of customers were housewives over 40. Not exactly the most expected demographic as the brand was created by a doctor in the German army whose boots were just not comfortable enough to wear after he had a skiing injury.
2. You can resole your DMs
3. Many people who work in kitchens choose to wear DMs. DMs are perfect for people standing on their feet for long periods of time. However, extra care should be taken to add more longevity to the product. The soles should be washed every day with a soup capable of removing grease. The upper should also be cleaned regularly and protected using a suitable product.
Have a look at the latest range which has cute floral DMs as well as the original block colour 8-Eye styles.
It’s that time of year again! We’re launching our festive xmas competition where you can win shoes!! Amazing!
If you fancy bagging a whole winter wardrobe of healthy shoes worth over £250 then get entering!! First prize includes a pair of funky snow boots, casual shoes, colourful trainers and problem feet fixing sandals! Plus, they all come complete with healthy benefits to give you a healthy start to 2102!!
But, you have to be in it to win it so click the santa below and enter now!! Closing date 25th December 2011.  ENTER NOW!
If you are thinking of buying the fashion conscious one in the family a gift then read this blog first! There is plenty of ideas for a quick fashion fix, not just as a gift, but why not as a treat to yourself!
Buying shoes as gifts might not be the traditional way to go but it will win you lots of brownie points and with so many fashionable shoes with benefits  available you won’t even realise you are buying healthy shoes!
Here are our fashion picks for the best healthy shoes as gifts following the latest fashion trends!
 Caprice Kania Brown Boot 1. The Riding Boot
A wardrobe staple for any fashionista and on the fashion best sellers list! This Caprice riding boot has special technology which makes them ultra comfortable boots and perfect to smarten up a shopping trip this winter!
If you’re wondering how to wear riding boots - think celeb glamour! The A-list are all sporting this look and this season you can add to skinny jeans or a calf length skirt or even team with shorts and pop socks if you dare!
 Ecco Siberia Boot 2. The Winter Boot
You’ll make her look classic chic in riding boots but there could be a problem when the real winter weather sets in – they aren’t likely to keep you upright for long! It’ll be more fashion disaster than fashion master! What you need is a pair of sturdy winter boots that give you a fashion fix at the same time!
These Ecco Siberia boots have all the technology you’ll need for wind, rain and snow! They come complete with a fur trim for added warmth, lace details for style and a secure fit and a durable fabric. These comfortable boots will win every time on a cold winters day! Don’t worry you’ll definitely still be on trend with the latest winter fashion.
3. Snuggle Slippers
Looking great at home cosied up with your man is just as important  as looking good at work or on a night out! So with these Scholl slippers you’ll be snug and sexy at the same time! The bow on the front is a cute detail and the memory cushion in sole is super comfy.
Think fire burning, hot chocolate, your sexy man and the soaps! Winter bliss!
 4. Tone shoes
Every girl needs a good toning shoe and with this Crocs flat, you’ll look good and be giving your legs a workout at the same time. These fashionable shoes will look great teamed with tights or trousers for an effortles look that is actually putting a lot of effort in!
Flats are back this season so giving this as a gift to a loved one will keep them trim and styish at the same time!
 5. Pedicure Perfect
Giving a gift like this at Xmas will certainly make her smile! What more fun can you get than a pair of super sandals which have a funky animal print design? Plus, with individual toe seperators, your pedicure will look great for longer. Wear them on the way back from the salon or while you do it DIY at home!
There is nothing cooler than a good pedicure so these are a beauty essential! Plus, these cute sandals double up as cosy slippers and actually retrain the feet so you can say bye bye to the damage caused by high heels.
There are also loads of gifts ideas for giving shoes as gifts on a budget. You can always find a healthy shoes fashion fix under £50 .
We saw this picture of Ruth Jones weight loss this morning and were absolutely blown away at how fantastic she looks compared to her bigger days when starring in the hit TV show Gavin & Stacey as Nessa.
 According to the Daily Mail, the actress has lost four and a half stone in 22 months simply by counting calories. So it wasn’t about losing weight fast more eating less than she does normally! Easy hey!? Leading a healthier life has certainly paid off for the 45 year old as she is looking just fab.
Deciding to make that change to lead a healthier lifestyle comes to us all at different times. For Ruth, it was after a holiday in 2010. So, taking small and steady steps to a better you seems to be the way forward!
So, whether it’s getting a bit more exercise in your life, lose weight, reduce calories, responsibly, in line with recommended amounts or spending more time with family and friends, we can always think of someway to improve! And, with New Year resolutions on the horizon this is the perfect time to start!
With all these changes for the better! Why not do something with your shoes too! If you have a pain in feet then this can affect other areas of the body, which can cause more pain and discomfort and often makes us less mobile and active. Cleverly, your shoes can make all the difference! Whether it improves your body alignment and posture, helps to tone your legs and stomach or just put a stop to that niggling pain in your toes or heel!
Carrying yourself well will instantly make you look and feel better! And, if like Ruth Jones you have a fab body to show off then it is a necessity!
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