No matter your profession or how long you’re on your feet during the day, finding a pair of comfortable shoes for women or comfortable boots for men with built-in arch support can be an important step in taking care of your long term health.
These days, many people find themselves on their feet for prolonged periods of time. Whether you are a medical professional, a teacher or you work in retail, chances are you know what it feels like to have to stand on your feet for extended amounts of time. We asked Vionic Innovation Lab member Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, to share some of her top tips for those who find themselves on their feet all day long!
Wearing improper shoes that are old, thin, worn out, very high or very flat can be bad for your feet. Walking barefoot can cause degeneration of the natural cushion and fat pad on the bottom of the foot. Without this fat, you are literally walking on skin and bone. Once this fat pad degenerates, it’s gone forever! Protect yourself by wearing well-padded comfortable shoes for standing at work and supportive slippers while at home like types made by Vionic with built-in arch supports and cushion. Think of the time you spend at home, or when you’re not working out as “active recovery”. Make sure you are making foot-loving choices! Make sure you are making foot-loving choices! No matter your profession, finding comfortable shoes for nurses, flight attendants, or even comfortable shoes for teachers should not be a daunting task. Finding comfortable work shoes with built-in arch support can be a great way to take care of your feet if your job requires a lot of standing.
Weak foot muscles and leg cramps can cause great difficulty in walking, due to compensation and imbalances. This can affect not only your feet, but also your ankles, knees, hips, back and entire skeleton. Sore feet can also cause unwanted changes to proper posture due to discomfort from standing at work all day. Weak foot muscles can cause you to limp, sprain your ankle, fall or have pain and injury in other parts of your body. For those who are on their feet for long periods of time, Dr. Jacqueline Sutera provides tips for standing all day that you can try throughout the day or when you get home. Supportive shoes will make a very noticeable difference in your foot health. Whether you work in the service industry, you’re a doctor or nurse, and even a teacher, try these exercises to avoid foot pain or muscle fatigue and keep your legs and feet strong!
Exercises for Standing All Day
Calf raises
These are very important to help keep your calf muscles strong. It also helps your Achilles tendon strength and recovery which is why this exercise is often used in physical therapy. To do this exercise, use your toes to grip-pick up an object, hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat. This works the smaller muscles of the feet and toes which are ankle stabilizers.
Alphabet
Take some time to draw the letters of the alphabet in the air with your big toe, moving only your ankle. This works all of the major muscle groups of your leg. Most people need a break midway even though this sounds easy. You can also balance on one leg at time. This helps proprioception, the balance nerve receptors in your legs, ankles and feet.
Foot Relaxation Techniques
Calf stretches
This can be done sitting, in a downward dog yoga position, or against the wall in a runners stretch position or on a stair.
Massage
Make sure you allow yourself to get regular massages, but also do a self-massage to your calf muscle, Achilles tendon and on the arch of your foot.
Ice
Ice 15 min on and 15 minutes off anything that is sore or puffy. This is a safe and natural anti-inflammatory for sore feet!
Foam rolling
Taking the time to foam roll your calf, Achilles tendon, upper leg, back and arch of your foot is very beneficial in relieving tension and loosening tightness. When you are on your feet for prolonged periods, foam rolling can help stretch out both feet muscles and leg muscles.
Shoes Designed for Standing All Day
You want to wear shoes that offer solid support. Our Vio-Motion Support technology reduces over-pronation, which can help relieve associated common aches and pains, such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), knee pain and lower back pain. From comfortable flats to men’s casual sneakers, we’ve outlined a list of shoes for standing all day that will help you stay supported when you are standing on your feet at work.
Savannah Flat
This modern classic is the perfect blend for ultimate versatility. Finely stitched in must-have hues and prints, Savannah will take you from work to weekend in effortless style. Uniquely available at vionicshoes.com. This shoe has Vio-Motion technology to support your arches and support natural foot alignment. This shoe even received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance!
Serena Bootie
The low heel height of this ankle bootie makes it easy for you to move in comfort throughout your day. The side tassel zipper adds stylish detail to the suede uppers and allows you to easily slip them on in a hurry. The removable microfiber-covered EVA footbed provides your feet with all-day support..
Roselyn Ankle Boot
Our western take on a classic silhouette with an elevated, leather-stacked heel. Roslyn comes in soft, deconstructed nubuck. The days of suffering from plantar fasciitis are over. With Vionic’s line of shoes with arch support for women, you can rest easy knowing your feet are getting the help they need. While heel and arch support are important, we also think that your shoes should be practical and stylish. That’s why all of our supportive shoes for plantar fasciitis have been designed in all the latest trends and styles, giving you complete freedom to express your true personality.
Remi Casual Sneaker
Remi walks you anywhere in style. With a comfortable design that doesn’t sacrifice style, this sneaker comes in textile, suede, printed cow hair, and leather. A zipper on the side and a durable rubber sole creates constant comfort and custom fit. The durability of the rubber sole makes it the perfect shoe for running errands all day and providing support while you’re on your feet. From gym to jeans, get spotted in stylish active sneakers that provide you all-day support.
Baldwin Casual Men’s Sneaker
Supple premium leather and minimalist stitching add an elevated touch to the ultimately versatile Baldwin lace-up, designed for everyday wear. It provides superior orthotic support, relief and stability which helps realign the feet back to their natural position.