SANDALS - STYLES THAT CAMOUFLAGE BUNIONS

It can be a challenge to find sandals that hide bunions and are also sexy, stylish and comfortable - but they are out there and the key to finding them is to focus your attention on what is appropriate for your feet and looks good on you, not someone else. Explore brands that design footwear for comfort and offer a selection of widths, such as Naturalizer, Naya, Aerosoles, and Ros Hommerson. You will be pleased to discover that there is more available for comfort than just "granny chic". Below are examples of current styles that will camouflage bunions - the focus being on the design of the forefoot area.

TIP

For women that will not give up thin strappy sandals and don't mind exposing their bunions in all their glory - when bunions are red, shiny and inflamed, apply a little bit of concealer and translucent powder on them and they will be less of an eyesore. 

Click here to review tips in the SHOE INTERVENTION FOR SANDAL SEASON post.

 

SHOE INTERVENTION FOR SANDAL SEASON

It's sandal season and time for a shoe intervention for the good health of your feet.  Many women seem to think that the style of sandal as seen in the image to the left will bring relief and freedom for bunions and hammertoes, when in fact this style of sandal will only exacerbate these conditions and contribute to further foot problems.

As discussed in a previous shoe intervention post, much like flip-flops, these thin soled sandals without arch support or protection from pounding on the pavement contribute to quick callus build up, cause the feet to pronate (roll inward), and aggravate existing foot, ankle, knee, hip and back problems. In addition to all of that, they don't allow you to walk with a normal gait - toes scrunch up, gripping for support as there is nothing to stabilize the foot upon movement. Oh yes, and then there is the extreme foot fatigue that comes with walking in this type of sandal for extended periods. 

These photos make you wonder about

the intelligence of the individuals
wearing these sandals and what

happened to their self-respect.

Below is an example of one of the
ways you can develop claw toes or

hammertoes.

Now the aesthetics - if the above information doesn't deter you from wearing this style of sandal, how about the extreme grotesqueness of how bunions and toe deformities are displayed in them. These sandals are in fashion, but they are not a smart  or attractive choice. The same applies to the high heel version, including all of the points above.



SANDAL TIPS

• Look for sandals that offer some arch support and cushioning in the footbed 
• Avoid strappy sandals that cut across the bunions, put pressure on them, or allow them to poke out between straps
• A strap over the instep will hold the foot back against the heel and prevent it from slipping forward, and will also prevent the heel from slipping out (note, flimsy straps on ill fitting sandals won't do the job)
• The shape of the sandal should be as close to the shape of your foot as possible
• Sandals for extensive walking should have arch support and shock absorbing soles
• Avoid extreme heel heights - but if you won't, then at least avoid walking in them for extended periods, or consider platforms or wedge heels as they take some pressure off the balls of the feet 

If you haven't already, check out this post: Celebrity Feet, A Shocking Eye-Opener.

Coming in the next post, tips on how to camouflage bunions with the right style of sandal and maintain some dignity . 

TIPS FOR TIRED ACHY FEET

Strenuous walking, dancing, running or standing for long periods of time will obviously cause tired and achy feet, as will poor fitting shoes, high heels, tight socks, and reduced blood circulation. People with fallen arches or flat feet will have greater foot fatigue than those with normal feet due to pronation. Also, as one ages the feet naturally expand and flatten and the soles of the feet begin to thin - many suffer because they simply don’t recognize the need for a larger shoe size, or support and extra cushioning.

SIMPLE EFFECTIVE TIPS TO SOOTHE YOUR SOLES

• If you have fallen arches or flat feet, you need arch supports, insoles or orthotics. It is a good idea to consult a Podiatrist if you have flat feet or chronic pain. 

• If you don’t need orthotics but have thin sensitive soles, use gel insoles for comfort and shock absorption. 

• Try to cut down your high heel wearing time. Take a second pair of comfortable shoes along with you, so you can give your feet a break wherever you might be. The ballet style flats that are in style these days are not a good substitute as they provide no support and are generally bad for your feet.

• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, or sitting on your feet or lower legs as this restricts circulation and causes feet to swell. At the end of the day spend half an hour relaxing with your feet raised up.

• Exercising and stretching will help lengthen tight cramped muscles and improve circulation. For example, rolling your feet across a firm ball such as a tennis ball or golf ball will activate acupressure points on the bottoms of your feet increasing circulation, oxygen flow and flexibility, resulting in decreased foot fatigue. You can also try a foot acupressure roller.

• Foot baths can do wonders to treat your feet as well as help you relax after a long day. Below are a few easy foot soak recipes to try.

Salt Bath for Sore Swollen Feet

Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 1/2 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add salt into it, let it dissolve and soak feet.

Peppermint Foot Soak to Rejuvenate Feet

Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 3 drops ofpeppermint essential oil
• 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 drop of lemon essential oil

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add the oils and soak feet.

Lavender Herbal Foot Bath to Relax Feet

 Ingredients

• Water, enough to cover your feet and reach your ankles
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1/4 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt

Preparation

• Boil water and let it cool down to a temperature you feel comfortable with.
• Add lavender oil and salt and soak your feet.

100% Pure & Natural Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil - Beginners Best of the Best, Set of 14