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Are you looking after your feet this Winter?
Cold Weather, Cold Feet? Read on!
The extreme cold spell that we have been through (and are apparently heading for again) is no good for sensitive feet and feet that are prone to chilblains and poor circulation. The extremities of our bodies such as our toes are often the parts that suffer the most during cold winters.
You’re doing everything right in terms of looking after your feet and are wearing Comfortable Shoes that are suitably wide fitting (if you need wide fitting shoes), will accommodate your orthotics (if you wear orthotics) and look great, because you buy from CheerfulSoles of course! Now the weather has turned against you and your tootsies are freezing.
Top Tips for looking after your feet in the Winter
We have put together a few tips on how to look after your feet during this cold weather. Not rocket science by any means but it helps to have a few reminders that we need to look after our feet:
Wear thicker socks made of natural material
Wearing socks made from natural materials such as cotton or wool are not only extremely practical and comfortable, they will allow your feet to breath. This will help prevent the build up of moisture in your shoes which can lead to the development of bacteria and fungi.
Wear footwear with adequate insulation and thicker soles
look for shoes with natural fleecy linings and a good thick sole with suitable grip for icy weather. Make sure that you have enough room in your winter boots and shoes for thicker socks.
Don’t try to warm up too quickly
Avoid chilblains by warming up cold feet slowly. Don’t be tempted to dunk them straight into hot water as the extreme change in temperature may lead to the development of chilblains. Change into a different pain of socks and put your slippers on, your feet will soon warm up.
Invest in a good pair of Slippers or House Shoes
Wearing slippers and house shoes inside is another great way to ensure that your feet stay warm in the winter. Make sure that they fit well as too many of us slosh around the house in something that is small, medium or large and offer no support what so ever.
Keep Moving, get warm & stay warm
It sounds simple but just getting up and moving about the house or outside is one of the best ways to stimulate blood circulation and get warm. Avoid sitting for long periods and if you feel yourself getting chilly indoors, get up and walk about for 10 – 15 minutes.
Don’t forget to pamper your feet in the winter
OK so your feet are unlikely to be on public display any time soon (apart from the Christmas Party perhaps), but it no excuse to stop your regular foot care routine. A good pedicure is not just about painting your toenails, it removes dead skin and nourishes the thicker skin on the soles of your feet. You feel great after a pedicure as well so if you can’t afford a beauty therapist then make sure on these winter nights in that you try out our home pedicure, tried and tested and best conducted with a glass of red wine and a box of chocolates!!
We hope that you found this post interesting and that your feet warm up soon, though we don’t hold out much hope for this weather! As ever, please let us know what you think and indeed share any tips you have on staying warm this winter.
Comfortable Shoes in the Work Place
Comfortable Shoes for Work
We’ve all been there at one time or another, 8 hours on your feet all day at work in a pair of shoes that look great, make your ankles look slimmer and fill you with that extra confidence that you need to feel great as well. The trouble is that by the time you get into work you no longer feel great in your fabulous shoes as your toes are squished and the balls of your feet are throbbing and all you need is a good sit down with your slippers on.
Why is wearing Comfortable Shoes at work so important?
If you suffer from painful feet at work and you wear shoes that are high heels, tight fitting, or both then you may already be considering wearing shoes that are, (dare we say), comfortable. If the very thought makes you feel queasy then take heart as wearing comfortable shoes for work no longer means turning up looking like your Gran, there are lots of comfortable shoes out there that are stylish and comfortable.
Still not convinced that comfortable shoes are for you, then read on as there are lots of painful foot complaints associated with wearing high heels and ill fitting shoes. You may recognise some of the symptoms; sore toes, sore feet, heel pain, pain in your calves or lower back, all of which can lead to longer term painful conditions such as Corns, Bunions, Mortons Neuroma or Plantar Faciitis.
At CheerfulSoles we would never suggest a life without sexy heels as there is a time and a place for them. What we do suggest is that you take care of your feet and wear a shoe in the work place that looks great and will not leave you begging for your slippers by morning coffee break.
Comfortable Shoes for Work, Checklist
We have put together a simple check list of what to look for in a comfortable shoe for work. Not rocket science but we hope that it may get you thinking about what to wear for most of the day.
- Know your size, if you are not sure what size you are any more, get your feet measured. As we get older our feet do tend to change so don’t take it for granted that you will stay a size 6 forever.
- If your feet measure 6.5 then buy size 6.5 and not a 7 or a 6. All of our shoes at CheerfulSoles, (with the exception of continental sizes) are available in half sizes as we understand that most people sit between two sizes and so often wear shoes that are too small or too big, not through choice but due to poor size availability provided by retailers.
- Do you have Wide Feet? If you tend to find that most of your shoes are too narrow and feel tight across your foot and toes, it may be that you have slightly wider than average feet. Something that the UK High Street is not geared up to provide for. You can ask for your foot width to be measured at the same time as measuring for size.
- Buy your shoes from a reputable retailer. Look for footwear that is the best quality that you can afford. If the shoe is cheap then the fact is that they won’t last long and they won’t have quality comfort technology built in during the manufacturing process.
- If you wear a heeled shoe then choose a lower firmer heel that will give you more stability.
Find your perfect pair of Comfortable and Stylish Shoes for work
Take a look at our comfortable and stylish shoes that have been designed and manufactured by the likes of Mephisto, Theresia M, Alegria, Hassia and Waldlaufer to provide the ultimate comfort for ladies who want to look good and feel great at work.
Love your Wide Feet and buy shoes that fit!
I was looking at information for the blog on Wide Fitting shoes and I came across an article that reminded me of why it is important to buy shoes that fit. Sounds Simple doesn’t it but if you have Wide Feet then shopping for shoes can often be one of the most stressful experiences that you have to endure. We often speak to customers who have problem feet simply as a result of wearing shoes that were too tight and often bought in desperation as something that will do as opposed to finding great shoes that look great and fit well.
Foot Problems caused by wearing shoes that are not wide enough
Calluses
A Callus is an area of skin that has become hardened due to pressure from another surface, such as a shoe, on a regular basis. This thickening is the natural way for healthy skin to protect itself from unnatural stress. Calluses start off as areas of red skin that overtime and due to continual rubbing, become harder and can appear yellowish. A callus can become less painful over time, as the skin hardens. Shoes that once did fit and didn’t rub are now uncomfortable and hard to wear.
Corns
A corn, or to use the scientific term, Heloma, is an area of hard skin which has become concentrated to form a callus. They usually form on thin parts of your skin, such as your toes when there is pressure from another surface rubbing against it. A corn could develop due to constant friction from tight or narrow shoes. Corns have a hard area in the centre called a nucleus that presses into the underlying skin tissue of your foot. A corn can be hard or soft, the nucleus however, is always hard.
Bunions
More serious than calluses and corns are Bunions. Like famous bunions sufferers such as Victoria Beckham, you may not suffer from pain all the time, and you may even persevere with your pointy heels and too narrow shoes. However, be aware, bunions can ultimately limit the amount of movement you have in your foot as your toe joint can become so painful that you find it hard to walk in the shoes you would normally wear. You may roll your foot inwards as you walk, putting extra pressure on your big toe joint, and as a result your bunion. Pain may typically be experienced as you push to lift your foot off the ground to walk. Once a Bunion forms you may find it even harder to find a pair of shoes that fit you properly as the width required to accommodate the area near the ball of your foot has increased even more while your actual shoe size has not.
The people who have the hardest time finding shoes that fit are those who have slightly wider than average feet, but not wide enough to be shopping for EEE widths yet. If you are having problems finding shoes that are wide enough then take heart because there are a growing number of shoe manufacturers who are producing footwear just for you. Waldlaufer and Theresia M are two German Manufacturers who have really gotten to grips with designing shoes in wider fittings that look just as stylish as anything you will find on the high street (if not more stylish)!
Don’t despair, take a look at our Stylish Wide Fitting Shoes
At CheerfulSoles we have a great selection of shoes in wider E – EE widths that look amazing. What is more, most of the Waldalufer and Theresia M Shoes that we sell have removable insoles that once removed will give you that little but extra depth and width if required. Our Funky Alegria Shoes will leave you giddy with excitement from finding a wide fitting shoe that is young and bang on trend!
Do you have problems finding shoes that fit?
Let us know your experiences of wearing shoes that were too tight or let us know if you have found the perfect shoes for your wide feet.
Loving My Alegria Shoes
About Alegria
Alegria means HAPPINESS. it is also a great line of fun footwear created by California based company PG Lite. Alegria is developed with technical features that promote health and wellness. Its simple slip on ergonomic construction suits the relaxed California lifestyle. A heavenly padded footbed really feels like you are walking on clouds. Made with leather in a variety of bright, up-beat collectable designs, Alegria adds color therapy to your day and its rocker bottom adds spring to your step. Being comfortable in your own shoes never felt like this before.
The Alegria Secrets
Mild Rocker Outsole
Engineered to roll naturally, the rocker bottom outsole induces a normal walking motion while naturally toning leg muscles. It also benefits users by promoting a perfect posture, reducing stress on muscles, joints and back, giving you energy all day long.
The Perfect Fit Footbed
An anatomically correct patented interlocking footbed system with arch support that is loaded with latex, memory foam and cork to create a “perfect fit” every time by forming to the natural contours of the foot, giving each user their own customized fit. Footbed is removable and available in medium and wide widths.
Colour Therepy
From brilliant patent finishes to metallic prints, from soft natural leather to funky artwork, there is a color for every mood.
Great Customer Reviews for Alegria Shoes at CheerfulSoles
I have problems with the ball of my right foot and for months have not been able to walk very far. I am so pleased to tell you that I went shopping on Saturday and had the best walking day I have had for a long time due to the shape and comfort of the shoes.
Thanks again for your prompt service. Will definitely recommend your online service and Alegria shoes tops, C Gillard, CheerfulSoles Customer
Read my online Review of these funky shoes at CheerfulSoles
Society for Chiropodsists and Podiatrists Conference Update
Where are we?
Here we are at the annual Conference for Chiropodists and Podiatrists in Bournemouth and once again our footwear range is going down a storm. Along with our friends from Alegria and Fidelio we are manning our respective stands with a cheery Yorkshire smile.
What is it all about
Every year the Society for Chriropodists and Podiatrists organise a 3 day conference where professionals can get together and share key learning and advancements in the Podiatry field. All medical professionals need to demonstrate their continual professional development and this conference with talks from peers, medical equipment suppliers and patients alike goes towards helping them to achieve this.
We are getting stuck in!
As well as showing off our shoes, our footwear is also taking part in one of the many workshops on offer to Podiatrists, The Footwear Fitting Workshop which is being facilitated by two Senior Podiatrists . Here people are getting back to basics by understanding what footwear can work well with the kind of orthotics that they prescribe on a daily basis. We are pleased to say that all of our shoes that we describe as being orthotic friendly on the website are going down really well.
I will post pictures and give a round-up of our time at the conference next week. It’s back to the conference for me know. Over and out – Jo, CheerfulSoles
Go to the Society for Chiropodists and Podiatrists website to find out more>>>>
New! Semler Shoes arrive at CheerfulSoles
At last our NEW Semler Shoes have arrived and are available for you to buy now. We are really excited to introduce you to this brand as they came highly recommended to us by a Podiatrist from Donegal, Ireland who we met in Düsseldorf at the Spring / Summer 2011 GDS Global Shoe Fair.
With her own small Shoe Shop attached to her surgery, she couldn’t speak highly enough about the quality, service from Semler and of course, the fact that they fit problem feet and orthotics beautifully.
Take a look at our Semler Shoes now
Cleo Shoe
Duffy Shoe
Semler Shoe
At last! Pain Free Shoes for Bunions
New, Fidelio Hallux Shoe for this Winter
At last a clever solution for feet with sensitive Bunions! You clearly loved the Fidelio Sandals, which were a huge success this summer, we now have the pleasure of introducing you and your lovely feet to the Fidelio Hallux Shoe for this winter. Pictured above in a sumptuous wine suede with croc leather detail, we feel sure that you will agree that they really are a stylish solution to painful bunions.
How will these shoes help relieve pain?
The secret to the success of Fidelio Hallux lies in the ingenious design of the stretchable insert that significantly relieves pressure upon your bunion. Fidelio Hallux is easily adjustable and the insert’s soft padding snuggles comfortably around your bunion whilst helping to hide unsightly differences between the left and the often more burdened right foot.
Providing pain relief after Bunion Surgery
When, as a last resort, bunions are surgically removed there is normally a period of a few months between each operation. It is at this time, when every step is painful, Fidelio Hallux through its adjustability, softness and anatomically formed removable insole can also be of great beneficial service.
Can I wear my Orthotics with these Shoes?
Yes, absolutely! All Fidelio shoes and sandals that we sell have a fully removable anatomical footbed. Once removed, there is plenty of room in these shoes for you to pop in your own custom or off the shelf orthotic.We have shown this brand to lots and lots of Podiatrists who recommend Fidelio to their patients and we are confident that you and your own Podiatrist will not be disappointed.
What do you think, is there really such a thing as pain free shoes for Bunions?
I don’t know about you but I do not personally suffer from bunions, I only know that many of you find it really hard to find shoes that will accommodate swollen joints and painful bunions. We think that we offer a great range of stylish footwear that are not only fit for purpose but look great as well. That said, we would love to hear what you think and we always encourage people to leave reviews of shoes that they have bought, particulalrly if you have problem feet as this may help others decide if it would be right for them. Feel free to write your comments below or visit our CheerfulSoles site to leave a review of the shoe you bought now.
View our range of Fidelio Footwear at CheerfulSoles now>>>>
New! Semler Shoes coming to CheerfulSoles
We have just returned from our latest buying trip to Germany (home of the stylish comfort shoe)! We are really excited to announce that we have found a new manufacturer to work with, Semler Shoes and we think that you will love them.
“Stylish Comfortable Footwear, that’s what we stand for”, we couldn’t believe it when we heard that Semler stand for the same thing as us and they certainly didn’t disappoint with the Spring / Summer 2011 collection on display. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to wait that long to see Semler Shoes at CheerfulSoles. We have placed an order for a small selection of Autumn / Winter 2010 shoes to tempt you with and here’s a sneak preview at one of the shoes that we will be getting.
What are we Wearing this month?
Theresia M Harriet Wedge £99
Picture of me wearing my lovely Theresia M Harriet Wedge shoes in Black Suede….simply gorgeous! The shoes, not me!!
More about the shoe
I really can’t speak highly enough about these shoes or the Theresia M Brand. Designed for comfort and style in equal measure, Theresia M really have started to ‘up their game’ when it comes to producing comfort footwear. We are really proud of the selection that we have made for this Autumn / Winter which you will be able to see and buy online soon. The Harriet Wedge is one of our best sellers and is a great choice if you wear Orthotics as they have a full removable insole. What is great about Theresia M Shoes with removable insoles is that when the insole is removed, there is a still a nicely finished, soft and cushioned sole unit underneath. There is a strap across the top of the foot which is elasticated and holds the shoe onto your foot securely and comfortably. View this shoe online now>>
My Review
I can honestly say that I have personally tried and tested these shoes to death! Kate also has a pair and together we first sported them at the Society for Chiropody and Podiatry Conference last year in Harrogate. This first ‘trip out’ involved standing for 3 full days whilst we got to meet lots of Podiatrists and Chiropodists and talk about what we like best…..shoes! They have been manipulated, twisted and turned by those in the know and the consensus is that they are a great stylish choice for Orthotic Wearers. I was initially worried about the elasticated strap across the top of the shoe but it doesn’t dig in and holds my foot into the shoe nicely and securely. What I also like about this shoe is that it looks neat on the foot, it’s fashionable and heeled just enough to give me that extra height which makes me feel good, (you know what I mean ladies). Not too high though, the heel is only 4cm (just over 1.5 inch in old money)!
Would I recommend to a friend
Oh yes, I think that they are worth every one of the £99 price tag. Mine look great almost 1 year on and for the amount of times I wear them, I think that this is great for a suede shoe. I think you can just about see from the picture that they are in really good nick. Don’t just take my word for it, here’s a review from one of our customers who bought a pair earlier this year and wears an Orthotic, ” I am so happy with these shoes. This is the first stylish shoe I have found – that fits my orthotic inserts. Also usually with shoes that have removable soles – you usually find that under there is not another sole underneath – which can be uncomfortable if you have half orthotic inserts. But with this shoe there is a another comfortable sole underneath. The wedge is not too high – but high enough to look good with a dress/skirt. Finally they are really comfortable to wear. Thanks cheerful soles.”.
Summary
Comfort – The attention to detail such as the fully finished and cushioned sole under the removable insole is evident upon trying these shoes on for the first time and wearing them every day. Having worm them for 3 full consecutive days and regularly for work this year, both Kate and I can provide testimony to the overall comfort of this shoe.
Style – They are fashionable, look great with leggings, skirts, trousers or jeans. The heel is a great bonus to give you that added sense of style and confidence. What more can I say, a very neat and stylish shoe that will accommodate lots of problem feet.
Tell us what you think
You can add your comments here on our Blog site where we will post all our What are we Wearing Reviews. Leave a comment below now.
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