Caring for your feet—What Happened, What Hurts, and How to Heal
My feet hurt. Oh, my feet hurt! It’s something that I’ve come to notice more as I work from home, a situation many of us have found ourselves in for almost six years now. With the onset of pandemic lockdowns, my routine changed drastically, and so did the condition of my feet. The hardwood floors in my house didn’t help, and over time, my feet have borne the brunt of it.
What Is Pandemic Foot?
Interestingly, this aching ailment has been labeled as “Pandemic Foot.” During lockdown, many of us opted for comfort, walking around in slippers or socks as we pulled up carpets in our homes, exposing hard surfaces beneath. This lack of support for our feet, combined with decreased physical activity, has led to weakened foot muscles. Our sedentary routines have taken their toll, with unexpected bursts of exercise causing pain our feet were unprepared for.
Causes and Effects:
Several factors can contribute to Pandemic Foot:
- Lack of Supportive Footwear: Going barefoot or wearing non-supportive shoes indoors can harm foot health.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Reduced movement and lack of exercise weaken foot muscles.
- Household Accidents: Stubbing toes on furniture can lead to injuries that worsen without proper foot support.
Home remedies for Foot Pain:
- Warm foot soaks with Epsom salt to reduce inflammation
- Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under your arch for relief
- Elevating your feet at the end of the day to reduce swelling
- Stretching your calves and Achilles tendon to ease tension
- Using arch-support inserts in your house shoes or sneakers
Easy Foot-Strengthening Exercises:
1. Towel Scrunches
Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you.
Great for strengthening the arch and toe muscles.
2. Toe Yoga
Lift your big toe while keeping the others down, then reverse.
Builds control and balance.
3. Heel Raises
Stand and slowly rise onto your toes, then lower.
Strengthens calves and foot stabilizers.
4. Marble Pickups
Use your toes to pick up marbles or small objects.
Fun and surprisingly effective!
Finding the Right Footwear:
- Flat flip-flops with zero arch support
- Ballet flats with thin soles and no cushioning
- Backless slippers that make your toes grip to stay on
- Worn-out sneakers with collapsed insoles
- High heels (especially narrow toe boxes that squish your toes)
Tip: Look for shoes with arch support, a cushioned heel, and a wide toe box. Bonus points if they’re cute and cozy.
6 Shoe Brands Worth Talking About
1. Vionic
• Why it’s cozy: Built-in orthotic support, great for plantar fasciitis and arch pain.
• Style vibe: Modern classics—think loafers, ballet flats, and sandals with subtle flair.
• Bonus: Many styles look like regular shoes but feel like supportive sneakers.
2. Birdies
• Why it’s cozy: Seven layers of cushioning, designed for indoor/outdoor wear.
• Style vibe: Luxe slipper-meets-flat with velvet, quilted, and embroidered options.
• Perfect for: That “I’m home but still fabulous” look.
3. Allbirds
• Why it’s cozy: Soft wool and eucalyptus uppers, lightweight and breathable.
• Style vibe: Minimalist and earthy, with a sustainable twist.
• Great for: Casual errands, cozy walks, and eco-conscious storytelling.
4. FitFlop
• Why it’s cozy: Ergonomic midsoles that absorb shock and reduce pressure.
• Style vibe: Sporty-chic sandals, sneakers, and boots.
• Ideal for: Long days on your feet—like filming, thrifting, or market hopping.
5. Taos Footwear
• Why it’s cozy: Arch support, roomy toe boxes, and cushioned footbeds.
• Style vibe: Rustic, artsy, and slightly boho—great with denim or vintage dresses.
• Audience match: Perfect for your cozy-thrifty followers.
6. Kuru Footwear
• Why it’s cozy: Patented heel support that cups and protects.
• Style vibe: Functional with a clean aesthetic—sneakers, slip-ons, and boots.
• Best for: Recovery days or anyone dealing with foot pain.
Here’s a breakdown of how the six foot-friendly brands compare in terms of price, based on current listings and sales:
|
Brand |
Typical Price Range |
Sale Range |
Notes |
|
Vionic |
$100–$160 |
$60–$120 |
Great value for built-in orthotic support. Often found on sale at Famous Footwear and Amazon. |
|
Birdies |
$130–$225 |
$65–$150 |
Luxe feel with layered cushioning. Velvet and embroidered styles tend to be pricier. |
|
Allbirds |
$100–$160 |
$30–$100 |
Sustainable and minimalist. Frequent markdowns at Nordstrom Rack. |
|
FitFlop |
$85–$150 |
$30–$80 |
Ergonomic and sporty. Deep discounts on sandals and sneakers. |
|
Taos |
$110–$250 |
$50–$110 |
Arch support meets artsy charm. Leather and wool styles run higher. |
|
Kuru |
$130–$180 |
$90–$130 |
Designed for foot pain relief. Less variation in style, but strong on comfort tech. |
Cost Takeaways:
• Budget-friendly picks: FitFlop and Allbirds often have the best deals, especially during seasonal sales.
• Mid-range comfort: Vionic and Kuru offer therapeutic support without breaking the bank.
• Splurge-worthy styles: Birdies and Taos lean luxe, especially with velvet, leather, or artisan details.
TinaMarie’s favorite pick:
Watch the video…
Conclusion:
The pandemic has presented numerous challenges, including how we care for our feet. I’ve adapted by researching and implementing changes, and I encourage you to do the same. Consult your doctor for advice tailored to your situation, and engage in practices that keep your feet in shape.
Closing Thoughts
“Our feet carry us through life—literally. And after the past few years, they deserve a little extra love. So whether you’re stretching, soaking, or swapping out those slippers, know that small steps make a big difference.”
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