The iconic red soles can be held responsible for a plethora of foot ailments. High heels can cause hammer toes, hallux valgus and Achilles tendon damage, but this still doesn’t put certain celebrities off. Coleen Rooney, the queen of Aintree races a couple of weeks ago, was seen sporting 3 different pairs of Louboutin shoes, all sky high! On the Sunday however, she tweeted herself in a pair of trainers, much more sensible and probably a lot comfier! Victoria Beckham has also reportedly experienced severe bunions and a slipped disc by wearing his creations. In one of our earlier posts, we showed pictures of glamour model Georgia Salpa who had suffered painful cuts and bruises on the top of her foot from her Louboutin Asteroids.

I’m sure we’ve all had it; the ‘high heel hangover’. The morning after a night out, you wake up and your feet are still sore! I do love a pair of stilettos, but now I always make sure I care for my feet properly after wearing them to avoid doing any long term damage. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure your feet stay in good condition.

After wearing heels, the Achilles tendon and calf muscles become tighter so it is important to do stretches. This helps to relax the muscles and stop them becoming shorter which is also another side effect of wearing stilettos. Yoga is a great way to stay stretched and supple. You don’t have to go to a class; there are some postures that are basic enough to do at home. The downward-facing dog and the Virasana-Hero pose are the best ones to target the feet. Drawing an imaginary alphabet with your feet also keeps the blood flowing to reduce any swelling.

One of the simpler methods is to simply pamper your feet! Ensure toenails are cut properly (straight across rather than rounded) as this decreases the chance of ingrown toenails. Pedicures are the best way to ensure your feet are kept healthy, as the feet are cleaned professionally, and any dry skin is removed safely. It is also important to keep feet moisturised as rough skin develops on pressure points which is incredibly painful! A great tip I was given was to apply foot cream at night and sleep in cotton socks as this locks the moisture in, it really does work! I also wear the Beech Comfys sandals as slippers around the house; not only are they made from a lovely, soft fleece material, they have toe separators which realign the toes; perfect for when you’ve been squeezed into heels!

A rest from heels is probably the best way to let your feet recover. This is known as a ‘high heel holiday’. Well cushioned, supportive flat shoes are the best as they give the foot the full protection it needs. Women who wear high heels and then switch to trainers or flats often feel the effects of Achilles Tendonitis. This is because the muscles in the lower leg have shortened because heels don’t require them to stretch – so as soon as the foot is placed in a flat surface, the muscle is required to stretch out of the size it has become accustomed to. This causes inflammation and induces Achilles problems.

As the saying goes, less is more, so the less you wear heels the more your feet will thank you!

In 2006, Kyoto University School of Medicine conducted a clinical study which found that reflexology sandals can ease or prevent fatigue and can actually make you happier! Results showed that after only 30 minutes participants who wore the sandals had:

• Increased energy level
• A lower pulse rate and improved circulation
• Reduced swelling in feet and legs
• Reduced foot pain
• A warmer & happier mood

One of our brands, Kenkoh, is a Japanese health and wellness brand which has built its brand over the last 40 years by improving the health of people through the principles of reflexology.

Kenkoh sandals work in a similar way to having reflexology treatment. The insole holds 1000 natural rubber nodules that are unique to Kenkoh. These nodules stimulate reflex points and nerves in the feet that relate to organs, glands and muscles around the body. As the foot moves, the nodules which vary in height and width press against these points in the soles of the feet promoting blood flow around the body, improving circulation and supporting heart function. Kenkoh Sandals have shock absorbing properties and an orthotic arch to help the support the foot for a more comfortable movement. These reflexology shoes encourage a natural balance of the body whilst also massaging and relaxing your foot to relieve stress and tension as you walk.

Reflexology sandals can be a bit hard for those who haven’t worn them before, as they do take some getting used to. They feel slightly strange at first but once you’re used it, it is heaven! Reflexologists recommend that first time users wear socks with the sandals until they are able to get used to how they feel. At first, until you grow accustomed to them, we recommend you wear them for short periods of time (around ten minutes each day). Customers have told us that once they have broken them in they can wear them all day!

Sports Luxe
With the Olympics and Euro 2012, this seasons fashion has taken inspiration from what should normally only be seen at the gym! ‘Sports Luxe’ combines style and comfort. The Vital range of footwear is not to be missed. Thanks to the ‘Vitalnopps’ your feet are massaged when you walk as the gentle massaging nubs work their magic and they help to increase circulation. They also have a clever sole complete with a bending zone for increased flexibility.  

Global Glamour
The world is your oyster! Take inspiration from Indian flea markets and Aftrican tribal prints. Tan sandals are popular year after year, so these Scholl ones are perfect. This catwalk inspired style has a tan suede upper with metallic circle detailing. There is an adjustable metal buckle at the side which allows a secure fit and a soft suede foot bed with a deep set heel cup for added stability and support. Add wooden accessories and a fringed bag and you’ve got the look nailed!

Metallic Marvel
Lots of designers took a futuristic approach at this seasons fashion shows. Shiny fabrics and jewel colours are a perfect choice this season if you like to make a statement. These Vital Floral Sandals are almost identical to those seen on the Christopher Kane models at London Fashion Week. The Vital Black Floral Sandal features the special VITAL assembly technology for complete freedom in every step and a safer and more controlled walking experience! This design also comes in a wedge style, where the front of the sole is turned up which encourages a rocking movement and promotes a more fluid walking action.  

Urban Traveller
Urban Traveller is a more casual, laidback trend. These Merrell sandals have similar detailing to those at Gucci and can be dressed up or down, perfect with jeans or a summer dress. The Merrell air cushion in the heel ensures comfort from the inside out while the anti-bacterial treated lining keeps the feet fresh. Keep your colour palette neutral with khaki and brown tones and bring in Navajo patterns to complete the look.

Making the move from supported forms of footwear like winter boots and trainers to summer styles too quickly can affect our bodies more than you think. Painful foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, bunions and Achilles Tendonitis are becoming increasingly common as less attention is paid to our footwear choices. A transition period can help us adjust better. Try going from boots to a lighter shoe to eventually sandals ensuring your feet are supported at all times.

Very flat shoes are a common choice during summer months as they are easy to slip on and off but try and steer clear of those unsupported styles, like some ballet pumps and gladiator sandals, as they will cause excruciating foot pain when wearing for long periods of time. These types of footwear can make conditions in the feet worse, giving us unnecessary pain and discomfort in the heel, arch and the ball of the foot. Pain can even travel further up the legs affecting our calves and our back. Did you know that back pain is now one of the biggest causes of sick days at work? Always try to go for a shoe with some support on the insole, rather than something that is as flat as a pancake!

 Feet have more sweat glands than any other area of the body so it isn’t surprising that foot odour is another common foot problem in summer. With the unpredictable British weather, we usually spend most of the year tucked up in thick socks and boots! Socks and shoes prevent the sweat from evaporating, which means it lingers around causing a bad smell.

According to Lorraine Jones, chiropodist and spokeswoman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, feet become smelly if sweat soaks into shoes and they don’t dry before you wear them again, so avoid wearing the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row. A lot of people favour wearing slippers whilst in the house, but this again can cause the feet to sweat, meaning a vicious circle starts!

Choose breathable footwear that provides good ventilation enabling a natural flow of air to the feet. This will allow the feet to breathe, reducing the amount of sweat produced. And, of course walking barefoot is great as long as you are sure that feet are safe and sound. If, like me, you suffer with bunions, why not try the Beech sandals. They are a flip flop with posts for each toe, which helps separate and re-align the toes. 

 I hate my feet, I have bunions and my little toes curl under, so as soon as summer comes around I can feel the sweat beads on my head as I frantically think of the quickest way to make my feet look more presentable in sandals. Of course, a good pedicure helps but there are more ways to look after our feet. We can take measures to fix common foot troubles everyday by looking at our footwear choices and help rather than damage our feet all year long! 

The Virgin London Marathon (22nd April 2012) is the largest public participation sporting event in the country and the largest charity event outside of America! There’s no wonder it’s a fight to get one of the 35,000 places! Spanning over 25 miles it’s a big one that involves a lot of training! The 2012 marathon also sees the start of the Olympic season.Don’t fancy running for three hours? Try the Bupa 10k Great Manchester Run which is just over 6 miles. This year is the 10th anniversary of the Great Manchester Run, with local celebs such as Sally Dyvenor (Sally Webster from Corrie) and X-Factor winner Shayne Ward taking part. The Cancer Research UK Race for Life is the best fund raising, uncompetitive race available only to women. Crossing that finish line, whether you’ve walked 5k or you’ve ran 10k, is the best feeling ever. It’s not too late to sign up for the Race for Life, and there are loads of events up and down the country starting in May, so there’s plenty of time to start that training! Here we look at the best training tips and the best footwear to ensure you complete your run safely. All our trainers have health benefits. Some can help tame cellulite, improve posture, and help endurance!

1. The weather is starting to get warmer and the last thing you need is extra perspiration when you are running! Not only will you lose energy and become dehydrated quicker, you’ll feel uncomfortable and it can even lead to more serious foot conditions to form. Choose footwear that helps to regulate the temperature of your feet. Have a look for trainers that are made with a special fabric designed for summer activities as they are less likely to absorb water and allow the air to circulate inside the shoe. Also drink small amounts of fluid regularly to keep your hydration up and wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t hold water.

 2. Some athletes believe coating your feet in nappy rash cream can help prevent rubbing which eventually leads to painful blisters. Socks are just as important as your trainers as they give the feet the protection they need from problems such as athletes foot. A lot of runners now choose performance socks; these have become extremely popular over the past couple of years, as have toe socks. Toe socks enable the toes to separate which can help to banish problems such as blisters and chafing. Socks made out of breathable fabric like synthetic or Coolmax are ideal, as both materials allow your feet to breathe, preventing athletes foot and odour. Our customers love our Injinji range as they promote better posture, grip and strengthen the muscles in the feet and legs.

 3. Running barefoot makes it possible to run with a natural gait. Your posture and body balance will be improved and you may reduce the chance of developing injuries such as runners knee, tendon tears and muscle pulls. Some athletes believe that running barefoot is the most efficient way to run, with some showing a 4% improvement in their running habits. However, running completely barefoot may not appeal to some people which is why there are now barefooting trainers to protect the feet whilst still giving that barefoot feeling. These shoes have been specifically designed to give the ultimate natural experience for a variety of activities especially those where agility, power and balance is essential.

There are so many websites available with runners marathon experiences, more tricks and tips and training plans. Running a marathon (or any run!) is a great acheivement, but extremely hard work, so make sure you train properly and wear the correct shoes! Love your feet and they’ll help you cross that finish line!

We’ve put this special blog together for those of you who are still undecided or looking for some answers to the toning shoe debate. We’ve looked at the evidence in the media but here at Love Those Shoes, we listen to the feedback of our customers who wear the shoes day in day out for a range of activities just as much.

The Daily Mail put three of the most well known toning shoes to the test, using ‘a non-motorised treadmill to simulate normal walking’ and ‘wiring subjects up to electromyography equipment’. Scientists were able to see if the shoes promoted greater muscle use and intake of oxygen, which is an indicator of burning extra calories. The results were interesting as the experts seemed to pick out flaws in the claims of the manufacturers.

Some of our customers wouldn’t agree:

“I have very problematic feet. They are very flat and I have been wearing custom orthotics for over 4 years. I decided to buy the Skechers Shape-Ups after a co-worker bought them. I am on my feet for 8 hours at work and like to walk for health benefits. I’ve only worn them for 4 full days but I already feel the benefits. My feet haven’t felt this good walking in years and I can feel my calves and buttocks have gotten a workout. I LOVE these shoes and recommend them for anyone.” -  Jennifer

Skechers Shape Ups have been designed to improve your health and wellness by changing the way you walk. The rolling technology improves your gait by sinking your heel then rolling your weight forward to the centre and allowing you to push off with the toes. This movement makes you stabilise your steps resulting in stronger leg, buttock, back and abdominal muscles.

What do we consider a great exercise shoe? Not only have the LTS team put the various brands to the test over the years, we listen to our customers.

Here is our guide:

Earth was first launched back in the 70’s when the hippy movement was in full swing and everybody was all for good health! Originally, Earth was only available in the USA until Love Those Shoes saw the magic in these shoes and began selling to the UK and Europe back in 2003. But, I hear you ask, what do they have that others don’t?

All Earth Kalso shoes feature a Negative Heel Technology. This works by positioning the toes slightly higher than the heels. This positioning is achieved by a 3.7 degree incline in the sole of the footwear that has unparalleled positive effects on the whole body.

Clinical studies carried out over a  four-week period proved that wearers of Earth shoes burned four times more body fat than those that didn’t. Not only do the Earth shoes help you burn more body fat, they recruit more muscles which will effectively lead to toning as muscles that are usually dormant are engaged and exercised, whilst strengthening the core muscles.

When thinking of toning shoes, a lot of people immediately think of trainers, or some sort of sporty looking shoe. With Earth, this isn’t the case. Earth offers a wide variety of styles, keeping the importance of fashion to women (and men!) in mind. Offering shoes, boots, sandals and trainers, there is something for everyone no matter what your taste.

“Very comfortable! I can wear them all day long and I didnt have to break them in like some shoes. They’re brilliant, I’m already thinking of ordering a second pair as I can foresee me wearing these everyday! Highly recommended! ” – Bobby

Also, fairly new to the toning market is Crocs. It released a flip flop and shoe at the end of 2010 and went straight into popularity. The lightweight and comfortable construction of Crocs combined with toning technology proved to be a real winner. Its simplicity has been a hit with customers and the LTS team where the technical jargon of others just got confusing!

The CrocsTone range has the original Crocs style but has a cleverly hidden, three-part sole that causes a rocking motion when walking to tone the upper and lower legs. Not only that, but the shock absorbing sole protects joints and relieves pressure from the lower legs and back to reduce fatigue. Designed to be worn all day, the hidden technology means no one else will know that you are toning. Additionally, the Skylar Flat is ergonomically designed with an orthotic moulded footbed and anatomic arch support.

The toning shoe industry has grown considerably over the past five years, now estimated to be worth over 90 million pounds. We’ve tried and tested the effects for ourselves but also kept a close eye on what our customers have to say. Everyone is different and what works for one might not for another. We think we have the best of the best in toning shoes and that’s thanks to you!