Sole Knowledge: Common Foot Problems

Hi Sole Foodies,

Today’s blog post is all about knowing your feet. We often have people come in with concerns about their footwear and the health of their feet. Some problems include pain, swelling and common foot conditions such as bunions and flatfoot. This posting is about the two common problems we see in the store: plantar fasciitis and bunions.**




Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel of the foot with the toes and also supports the arch. When lots of strain is put on these tissues (such as from running on hard surfaces, being overweight or standing on your feet all day) tiny tears may happen, causing swelling and pain.

People with plantar fasciitis feel pain any time of the day, whether they are just getting out of bed, been sitting for a long time, or been standing for awhile.

Some recommended tips to help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis include the following:

• Take it easy! Cut back on the activities that make your feet hurt.
  Putting ice on your heel may relieve some pain, as well as common pain medicines such as ibuprofen and asprin.*
  
• Stretching can do wonders. Calf stretches and other leg stretches relaxes the muscles and gets them limber for the day. Do them in the morning and several times throughout the day.
  
• The right shoe is needed. Old shoes with worn down insoles have lost the needed support in the foot. Shoes with good arch support and a cushioned bed will help with walking, especially on hard surfaces.
  
  

Bunions

A Bunion is an unnatural bony hump that forms when the big toe of the foot is misaligned and move towards the little toes. This may cause red, calloused skin where the bump is, pain over the joint and an abnormal look. The main causes of bunions is genetics and narrow-toed and/or high heeled shoes. If left untreated, extra bone or fluid may build up near the big toe, causing even more pain.

So can bunions be treated? Sure. Extreme cases may call for surgery, but if noticed early, self-help is best. Avoid poor-fitted shoes. If the toes are squeezed into shoes, they will suffer. Shoes that have a wider toe bed will let your toes move freely and decrease pressure and pain. Orthotics may also provide extra cushion where needed.

Ouchie. Sole Foodies, take care of your feet! Wear heels in moderation. If shoes are uncomfortable, they're not going to get any better. Sole Food carries a diverse range of shoes and our bottom line is comfort. Our team will help you find the right pair for you.

Thanks for reading!

*We are not doctors, so please consult your physician before taking any medications.
**Thank you to http://www.webmd.com for the facts.

(Re)Mix your wardrobe.

[logo from Re-Mix website: remixvintageshoes.com]

I don't know about you, by I am smitten with Re-Mix Vintage Shoes. Since 1992, Re-Mix has been designing shoes inspired by the 1920s, 30s, and up to the 70s. That's right: unused, unworn, vintage shoes. They are fantastic.

The Re-Mix shop is located on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA and outfit many different personalities, from "Hollywood hipsters" to "rock-a-billy afficionados" and everyone in between. Re-Mix has been feature in many period movies, such as "Changeling", "Saving Private Ryan" and "Walk the Line".

This Scroll slingback wedgie is a Sole Food hottie. Inspired by the 1940s, the classic detailing and fun contrasting colors will sure catch the eye. This shoe features fine stitch detailing, soft leathers, and ultimate comfort. Available in US whole sizes, 6-10.

From the 1930s, the Anita Strappy Heel is an open-toed beauty. Unique to this heel is the U-cut strap, which adds more fun to the shoe. The open-toed structure and semi-low heel is perfect for all-day wear. Available in US whole and half sizes, 6 to 10.

The Balboa heel is an elegant heel featuring contrasting leathers and detailing from the late 1920s and earth 1930s. The T-strap is a feminine touch that visually narrows the foot, and with just a two inch lift, is great for dancing the night away! In US whole and half sizes, 6 to 10.

These are just few of the Re-Mix styles we carry here at Sole Food. Trust me, these are worth seeing and trying on.

More than Just a Spring Fling: The Story of my Love for Biviels

There I was, in the midst of shelves and shelves of super cute shoes. I was on a mission to find the perfect heel to compliment my birthday outfit: something comfortable, classy, and so cute you can’t help but do a double take. After trying on a couple of styles I found the one…

After this shoe, I couldn’t help but continue my devotion to Biviels. Every shoe is fashioned out of the softest calfskin leather for a butter soft feeling, the outsoles have a nice layer of high quality leather imported from Germany, and the individual styles are unique and timeless.
Here are some other Biviel styles that caught my eye:

I love this style because of the super soft suede lining and neutral coloring, the perfect complement to a cotton spring dress or linen pants.

This is one of my favorite wedding shoes. It has detailed stitching throughtout, giving the shoe texture. Its heel measures to about one and half inches to ensure all day comfort: the perfect shoe for your perfect day!Looking for a shoe with attitude? Look no futher than this cool grey biviel shoe. With silver studs to add just the right amount of pop and an elegant tear drop design at the forefoot, these shoes are sure to become one of your favorites.

Stop by and try all of our Biviels for yourself and FALL in LOVE.

C is for Clarks!

Say, when we ask you to think of Clarks, what comes to mind?

"Clarks? Only my mom wears Clarks."

"They are super comfortable."

"Boring!"

Here at Sole Food we LOVE Clarks. Clarks has evolved to be a company that designs shoes for all sorts of persons. They always push to create innovative and comfortable shoes on earth. And boy, are they good at it! Sole Food is proud to carry a wide assortment of shoes by Clarks Originals, Indigo by Clarks, and Pr!vo. Altogether, the Clarks collection is diverse, from strappy heels, classic leather shoes and sporty lightweight sneakers. The best part? You will find comfort in every single pair.

Clarks Originals
It all started with the Desert Boot (shown far left). Since 1950, this clean cut, crepe-soled beauty has been a worldwide icon. The Clarks Originals brand offers classic, simple shoes that prove to be timeless.

[from left to right: Desert Boot (for men), Tempest Sun flat, Kenzy Bliss loafer]


Indigo by Clarks
Indigo for women are fashionable shoes that are COMFORTABLE! Dress it up or down, these shoes are unique, feminine, and stylish.

[from left to right: Campania, Smooch & Lyon]

Pr!vo by Clarks

Pr!vo is all about casual style. Using lightweight technology, Pr!vo offers comfortable shoes that won't weigh you down. As they say, "there's a 'step lively' feeling in every pair"!

[from left to right: Poloma sandal, Gabbin maryjane, Ranford sandal]