Posts

footwear

The barefoot shoe vs. The supportive shoe..my thoughts

Image
There has been a longstanding debate in the foot health community regarding the benefits of  wearing barefoot or minimalist shoes versus shoes with support. Proponents of barefoot or minimalist footwear argue that  minimalist  shoes will enable the foot to function as naturally as possible. Some features of minimalist shoes include: - Wide, naturally shaped toe box - Flexible upper - Thin sole Barefoot or minimalist shoes strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet and ankles, reducing the risk of injury in your lower body. On the flip side, the supportive shoe camp believes supportive shoes will help alleviate stress on joints and provide support especially in areas like the arch and heel. Thus improving balance and stability particularly in older adults. Some characteristics of supportive shoes include: - Arch support - Cushioned midsole - T orsional  stability   Here's my 2 cents - as a shoe wearer👞👞👞👞 As an older adult, I firmly believe t...

Here are my shoe fitting tips for older adults

Image
Here are my shoe fitting tips for older adults: The starting point, when you're at your local walking shoe store make sure you have your foot measure because your foot size and shape changes with age. Don't rely on the fact you have always worn the same shoe size. Always get measured!..... Fun fact….The best time to try on new shoes is in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest. This is because your feet retain fluid throughout the day, causing them to swell. Ideally go to your local shoe store with experienced sales people who have been properly trained on how to fit shoes and not just on the specs of the shoes. The good ones will always want to measure your foot first. Fun Fact…. New Balance Walker Elite (shown in picture) has received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This recognition is awarded to products that provide significant value when used in a comprehensive foot care and regular professional treatme...

The soul to your being (part one, dude my heels hurt).

Image
 The soul to your being (part one, dude my heels hurt). Dude my middle age feet feel like death😣. Dude that's huge!....explain, I have this killer p ain in my heels, especially in my right foot when I stand up after sleeping.  However the pain usually goes away after walking for a few minutes, but those first few minutes.....a killer!. Well man, sounds like you might have  plantar fasciitis...What😓, that sounds serious. what's that plantars  thing?....Dude,   plantar fasciitis   is inflammation in the plantar fascia in your feet and is the most common cause of  heel pain . Super, but what is the plantar fascia?  The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous ( ligament like) tissue  that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and your toes. It's stretchy like a thick rubber band. The plantar fascia connects the bones in your feet and forms your arches...Wow😀.... What can I do dude to be free of this crazy thing you call  plan...

Forefoot rockers in footwear

Image
  Forefoot rockers in footwear   What is a forefoot Rocker!   Footwear with a forefoot rocker, commonly called a (½) rocker sole, toe spring and Meta rocker (Hoka) refers to the degree of upward curvature of the sole under the toes or forefoot. With the increasing thickness & stiffness of midsoles, shoe rockers are becoming more common. An increased forefoot rocker or toe spring angle decreased toe work & decreased range of movement of the toe joints ( The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints)  when walking. Shoe rocker: what is it & who is it useful for? (healthhp.com.au)   Some of the reasons to include forefoot rocker or toe spring in a shoe is to help reduce discomfort due hallux limitus (big toe arthritis), osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the forefoot and ball-of-foot pain by reducing the motion in the toe. Shoes with fore rocker are also beneficial for people with diabetes that need to redistribute their plantar pressur...

Toe Box (Wide Is Better)

Image
  The Natural Toe Box (Garden Space).. By mirroring the foot’s natural shape, the entire body benefits in a multitude of ways, such as: ·          Improved posture ·          Reduced injuries ·          Increased foot strength ·         Quicker recovery times ·          Natural foot strike landing Traditional shoes on the market feature a tapered toe box and high heel rise. This causes deformities in the feet, like  bunions🩰  and hammer toes. It also weakens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet, which affects balance and efficiency, leading to more injuries. Natural foot-shaped shoes like promote a different foot strike than traditional outdoor shoes. A minimal or zero-drop heel promotes a more natural forefoot strike, that reduces the pressure and force with which th...

Benefits of Urban Forests Blog #2

Image
Benefits of Urban Forests Blog WEEK TWO O ne of the more important benefits of the urban forest can be used as an educational resource and to bring groups together for activities like walking and bird-watching. Urban forests are also invaluable for children to play in and discover their sense of adventure. Fish Creek Park is a provincial park One of the largest urban park in Canada  New this week for Walking By Designs  Walking By Design-Chill'en Hoodie A soft and comfy unisex hoodie with a hood, and cuffed long sleeves. Thanks to the fleece fabric and retail fit, this hoodie is a great partner all year round. 52% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton,  48% poly fleece* Hooded Side seamed Retail fit for extra comfort  $35 usd. With every sale made through our website we'll donate $1 to environmentally non-profit organizations promoting health of our oceans, forests and urban spaces. For more information please contact ...

Time invested in myself..

Image
My Investment in myself. My great Investment and the most fun is the time spent  exploring the great outdoors, visiting many wonderful urban green spaces, getting exercise and most of all getting unplugged. Exploring My favorite place to go exploring is Fish Creek Provincial Park  located in the south end of Calgary, Alberta. Fish Creek is one of the  largest urban parks in North America ,  stretching 19 km from east to west and  features  80 kilometres  of paved and unpaved of trails and pathways.  The park  is home to a large variety of natural wildlife, including   deer ,  coyotes ,  owls , and  beavers. Unplugged Getting unplugged from technology is my time to spend uninterrupted with friends and family or quality time alone. This gives me a opportunity to unwind and declutter from the week that was....and just chill! So important to chill and have time for yourself.. ...