Nothing says “summer” like sitting on the beach while the waves lap at your bare feet. But once it’s time to get up and move around, those barefoot (or even sandal-ed) strolls can cause your feet a lot of grief. Not only do you run the risk of stepping on something sharp or picking up a nasty fungal infection, but going barefoot or wearing flimsy shoes can lead to long-term damage to your feet, knees, legs, and even hips, causing everything from plantar fasciitis to shin splints. Given that humans have been wearing shoes for the last 40,000 years, it seems like our forefathers were onto something.
But not all footwear will protect you from future aches and pains. And if you’ve already got issues with your feet, wearing the wrong shoes could exacerbate the problem. While orthopedic shoes may be sensible, nobody ever claimed they were fashionable — plus, summer activities generally require a range of specialized footwear, from pickleball sneakers to clipless cycling shoes. Whether you’re a beach walker, a weekend hiker, or a backyard gardener, it’s essential to feel comfortable and supported, but let’s face it: We want to look good, too. That’s why we asked April Peery, a Good Feet Store arch support specialist, if there’s really a way our feet can have it all this summer.
Comfort isn’t always key
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So if you’ve been wearing the same pair of running shoes for years, and you continue to suffer from foot or knee pain, it might be time to make a change. “When you’re headed out for your favorite outdoor activity, it’s natural to reach for your favorite old pair of tennis shoes that you know are comfortable,” explains Peery. “But comfort doesn’t equal support. Even if you put a memory foam or gel insert into a worn-in shoe, it’s almost like standing on a mattress. At first, it feels soft and good, but the longer you stand there, the more the muscles in your feet have to work to keep you balanced and upright. And as your feet get tired, the muscles in your ankles will take over. Then your legs and back will end up overcompensating in this kinetic chain, which can cause fatigue and injury.”
And if your summer shoes of choice are “none,” it might be time to reconsider. “Our feet weren’t made to be walking on hard and unforgiving surfaces like wood floors without any support,” explains Peery. “All the shock that would normally get absorbed by a shoe goes directly into your foot, and they’re not designed to handle that.” Even if you love the feeling of walking barefoot in sand or grass, the unstable terrain can move your feet out of alignment and impact your balance.
Your feet are unique, so treat them that way
Have you ever noticed that one of your feet is slightly bigger than the other, or that you tend to lean in one direction? That’s because feet are like fingerprints: No two are the same. So while a new pair of shoes may be the approximate correct size for your feet, they’ll never be an exact fit. The same goes for over-the-counter arch supports: They’re generally sold by shoe size, even though that doesn’t necessarily correlate with arch length. “To get to peak performance, whether for you that means running a marathon or taking your dog on a long walk, your feet need complete foundational support,” Peery explains. “That’s what we provide at The Good Feet Store.”
The three-step arch support system available at The Good Feet Store is designed to move your feet into their ideal position, no matter which activity a summer day throws your way. “My favorite analogy is to compare the three-step system to a workout routine,” says Peery. “You can’t just focus on one type of exercise if you want to get into great shape overall.” That’s why, at The Good Feet Store, you’ll receive three pairs of supports, each of which serves a different purpose in getting your feet into the ideal position. Peery explains: “First is the Strengthener, which is like going to the gym and lifting weights. It’s the heavy-duty part, and it’s where you’re going to really notice some change in your posture. Then we’ve got the Maintainer, and that’s like your cardio. Once you’re in great shape, they’re going to keep you there. And then just like every healthy activity or exercise routine, we have periods of rest and recovery and stretch, and that’s where the Relaxer comes in.”
Once you’ve committed to the three-step system and there’s alignment in the foot, Peery explains that everything else at the kinetic chain should stack up the way it’s supposed to: “You may notice improved balance and stability, and any pain stemming from issues like over pronation or supination in the feet will be gone. The system is designed to give the lift, flexibility, and strength our feet need to support us with the least amount of effort.”
If you’re worried that adding custom arch supports means you’re going to have to ditch your favorite pair of summer flats, think again. “The Good Feet supports can turn even mediocre shoes into quality shoes,” says Peery. “You can wear them in everything from hiking boots to heels to flip flops. We’ll send you home with these little Velcro dots that will hold the support in place and make it disappear into virtually any type of shoe.” The three-step system is designed to enhance your performance in any shoes you choose, but will also help you to avoid injury.
Don’t forget your socks
Unless you’re a fan of stinky feet, you know that socks are a must when you’re doing any sort of physical activity in closed-toed shoes. But socks can do more than just absorb odor: They can also help enhance your performance. “Our OS1st socks are made of medical-grade compression and designed for performance, but they’re also very light and comfortable,” explains Peery. And like the arch support system, these socks can be tailored to your specific needs. “We have a pair that’s made just for pickleball players, which has a nano-bamboo charcoal heel cushion to reduce impact, fight odor, and wick moisture. But there are also pairs that help with plantar fasciitis pain, and others for bunion relief. No matter what your concern is or what activity you’re going to be doing, there’s a pair of OS1st socks that are specifically tailored to your needs.”
Support beyond the shoe
What happens if you get a new pair of shoes and aren’t sure how to place the inserts, or you forget to take them with you on vacation and feel your feet starting to regress? The Good Feet Store will be there to help, no matter how long it’s been since your first visit. “When you shop with us, you’re a customer for life,” says Peery. “I love when people come back to see me, to tell me what a difference the arch support system has made. Everyone deserves to live a full and happy life, and for a lot of people, foot pain keeps them from that. Pain takes a toll on everything, and the three-step arch support system can get you back out there and living the quality of life you deserve. And what’s a more worthwhile investment than that?”
