Walk Without Pain

Joya Shoes Review - A New Concept in Comfort Shoes

2011-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Joya Shoe Review
By Cam White

Austin, TX May 30, 2011 - Every once in a while, a new, refreshing concept in comfort shoes enters the marketplace. Joya shoes arrived at a select group of comfort shoe retailers in the United States earlier this month, and the feedback from consumers has been overwhelmingly positive thus far. As the name suggests, this Swiss-engineered shoe is designed to make walking a physically and emotionally enjoyable experience.

How do you engineer a shoe that makes you want to walk for the pure enjoyment of walking? First, we need to examine how our feet work. If we walked the way nature intended us to walk, we would be barefoot on earth and sand all day long. The foot is an incredibly complicated architectural masterpiece, with 26 bones (plus 2 sesamoids), and scores of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Just like our hands, our feet are designed to move in 3 planes of motion. They are designed to articulate and adapt to uneven terrain.

But for most urban dwellers, we spend the bulk of our day on concrete, tile, asphalt and hard surfaces. These surfaces have no cushioning and they don't allow our feet to articulate or adapt to terrain fluctuations. Instead, our feet travel through the same, repetitive pounding motion with each step we take. In my opinion, the act of walking on concrete all day long is a textbook definition of repetitive stress on the tissues of our feet and our lower extremities. Many common foot ailments, including plantar fasciitis (heel pain) are commonly regarded as repetitive stress injuries.

Joya shoes, marketed as "the World's Softest Shoe" allows the foot to articulate and move naturally, but provides incredibly soft, resilient cushioning between your body and the concrete surfaces we walk on. Joya creates the floating feeling of being "suspended" above concrete. Your feet are allowed to adapt and move as if you were walking on soft earth or sand. Joya makes walking a barefoot sensation without exposing the body to the physical stress of walking on concrete. Since the dual-density polyurethane (PU) midsole is highly resilient, the shoes not only absorb impact, but they return energy. I like to call these shoes "kinetic shoes" because they help set the body into motion with each step you take. Since the shoe returns energy, the feeling of wearing Joya shoes is like walking on the beach all day long without the associated fatigue. Sand absorbs impact, but it doesn't rebound and return energy.

Joya shoes were invented by Karl Mueller (pictured at right), the son of the inventor of the MBT shoe. As a teenager, he worked side-by-side with his father as the MBT brand became an internationally known as a physiological shoe for health and wellness. The young Karl Mueller worked in product development, but was also responsible for working with MBT personal trainers. In 2006, Karl and his father left their company after being bought out by an investment group. After opening two successful fashion labels, Karl became obsessed with developing the next generation of comfort shoes. He wanted to develop a shoe that made walking a naturally pleasant experience with no learning curve, instructional DVDs or manuals. After years of testing, he partnered with Joya co-founder Claudio Minder (pictured at left), and launched the Joya product line at the GDS Shoe Conference in Germany in the Spring of 2009. In their short 2 year history, Joya has exploded as one of the leading comfort shoe brands in Europe, with an estimated 500,000 Germans wearing the shoes alone (according to a German press article).

A Closer Look at Joya Technology (Animation)

This animation demonstrates the unique, internationally patented design of Joya shoes. They are unlike any other comfort shoe on the market. The secret to the design of Joya shoes is the dual-density PU midsole. The bottom layer is an incredibly soft, "cupped" design. The upper layer is a firmer, "wedge-shaped" design. When the wedge drives down into the softer cupped layer, the outer walls of the shoe are driven inwards, creating a noticeable sense of stability for a soft and flexible shoe. The polyurethane midsole is encased in a special membrane developed by 3M and baked to create a "shrink-wrapped" layer of protection against water, mud and the elements. The interaction of the two polyurethane layers also creates a natural "air pump" effect that circulates air within the shoe. A ventilated sock liner allows for the free flow of air around your foot. When you put it all together, your foot is allowed to move naturally with no pressure points or "hot spots", and your feet tend to stay at a constant temperature.

The diagram at left illustrates the differences in plantar foot pressures by one person wearing Joya shoes, Rocker sole shoes, street shoes and athletic shoes. Red values indicate areas of peak pressure, while yellow, green and blue values indicate lesser pressures.

Notice that there are no red values in the Joya shoe. The softness of Joya is the first thing people notice when they first try on the shoes. For the vast majority of people, the softness of Joya shoes is an overwhelmingly pleasant sensation. For some, the softness of the shoe can be a little bit disorienting.

Studies performed at the Swiss Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) measured Joya technology, compared against walking barefoot, and wearing other athletic shoes. Click Here to access the Joya studies page.

My Experience Wearing Joya Shoes

On January 21, 2011 I received a Federal Express package from Switzerland with a pair of Joya Grip Alpin hiking boots for testing and evaluation. I love testing new shoes, and was very curious to find out why these shoes were exploding in their popularity in Europe.

As I was lacing up my hikers, I couldn't help but notice how comfortable they felt on my feet. Then I stood up, and I instantly knew that these were the softest shoes I had ever worn. Standing still, my body felt like I was standing barefoot on soft, mossy earth, and I felt slightly "suspended" off the concrete surface in our store. As I began walking, I noticed a very soft landing at heel strike, followed by an immediate sensation of energy return. It was almost as if my foot was catching a small wave and gently riding it through the gait cycle. No pressure points or "hot spots". Just a smooth, fluid walking motion. My low-arched feet tend to pronate, and I noticed that I was pronating a little bit. I paid attention to my form and focused on applying more pressure on the lateral (outside) part of my foot, and I was able to overcome my tendency to pronate without thinking much about it. I was also pleasantly surprised at how stable the shoes felt as I walked. The best part of wearing Joya is that I really look forward to walking as soon as I put them on.

I have been wearing the Grip Alpin hiking boots for four months now, and I can honestly report that they are the most comfortable outdoor hiking boots I have ever worn. They grip like they have teeth in ice and snow. No slipping or sliding. They are lined with ProofTex, a highly water-resistant lining which makes them excellent all-weather shoes. I have walked on rough, uneven terrain and rock piles in my Joya hikers and they surpassed my expectations. Imagine the feeling of a 5-Finger, minimalist shoe with a memory-foam mattress attached to it. I can feel the shoe adapting to rocky surfaces, but my feet are protected from contact with the rocks. The Joya Grip Alpin hiking boots are perform exceptionally well, and I believe they will become very popular with people who enjoy trail walking and are generally outdoor enthusiasts. The Joya hiking and outdoor boots will also be the perfect apres-ski boot after a long day of skiing.

Who are Joya Shoes Intended For?

Joya shoes will become very popular for people that like to walk for the pure enjoyment of walking. They will be worn for morning and evening walks, as well as weekend hikes. The will also be a popular "touring" shoe for those who plan walking vacations to cities in Europe and other destinations.
They will be worn by people with occupations that require long hours of standing, including nurses, doctors, retail personnel, security guards and hotel personnel. I think they would be the ultimate shoe for TSA personnel, who must stay alert at all times without fatigue interfering with their duties.
Joya will be very popular in walking cities, like New York, Washington, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston - where you either walk or take public transportation to get around. Joya is built for cities like Manhattan.
Although Joya shoes are not touted as medical/therapeutic shoes, numerous customers have expressed immediate relief from foot, leg and back pain. The German Joya website is flooded with pain relief testimonials for a wide variety of ailments.
Finally, Joya could be an excellent recovery shoe for strenuous exercise, including running and apres-ski. If you have been running for a long distance and your joints are inflamed, the softness of Joya shoes could reduce joints stress and help speed up the recovery process.

Who Shouldn't Wear Joya Shoes?

Joya shoes may not be well-suited for people that have structural deformities or injuries such as collapsed or fallen arches, PTTD or chronic foot and ankle instability. If you are not comfortable, or if you feel unstable, Joya may not be the right shoe for you.
The shoes may not be suitable for people with hallux rigidus or very limited range of motion in the big-toe-joint, due to the extreme softness and flexibility of the shoe.
For those with vertigo, dizziness or balance problems, Joya may not be the right shoe for you. The soft, floating feeling of wearing Joya shoes can be disorienting for some.
If the only shoes you like to wear are hard, flat shoes with rigid arch support, then Joya is probably not the shoe for you.
If you are thinking about Joya as a therapeutic shoe to help you with an injury or illness, please consult with your physician to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Joya Pricing and Availability
Joya shoes range in price between $195 - $239 (USD) for most models. My waterproof hiker, available in September will retail for $259. The shoes exceptionally well-built, and the soft PU midsole is rated to hold up to 4 million compressions, which is roughly 4 times the lifespan of a good running/athletic shoe - or roughly 2 years for the average wearer. The lifespan of a Joya shoe will also depend on how rough you are on shoes.

In Austin, Joya can currently be found at Total Relief Footwear

For a listing of Joya dealers in the United States, visit www.joya-usa.com

Conclusion

I believe that the human body needs to be protected from the repetitive impact of walking on concrete and hard surfaces all day long. It's time for shoe manufacturers to recognize that concrete is a hostile surface to walk on, and footwear needs to be engineered to protect our bodies against the unforgiving, artificial surfaces we walk on.

Joya exemplifies this philosophy, and it is a fresh, new concept in comfort footwear. No other shoe feels like Joya. The feeling for most people is instantly addicting, and there is no "learning curve". Just walk, and enjoy your life. While no shoe works for everyone, Joya will work well for most - and it's a serious winner.

Footwear Trends: All About Kinetic Footwear

2011-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Comfort Shoe Report
Saturday, March 19 2011

All About Kinetic Footwear™
By Cam White

ki•ne•tic adj (Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: kinetic)

Of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy associated therewith
(a) active, lively (b) dynamic, energizing (a kinetic performer)

Kinetic footwear is a new category of footwear that is quietly emerging and could well be the next trend in shoes for walking, running and exercise. Unlike the fitness/toning category, which seeks to challenge muscles with each step, kinetic footwear absorbs impact and returns energy - setting the body into motion with each step. With kinetic footwear, walking is effortless and enjoyable, encouraging the wearer to walk greater distances with less fatigue and discomfort.

Joya Venezia Light	Tenevis La Jolla	Tenevis Cardiff	Z-CoiL Freedom 2000

Properties of Kinetic Footwear

At first glance, some brands in the kinetic footwear category can be easily confused with many fitness/toning rocker-sole shoes currently on the market. Upon closer examination, you will notice that better than 70 percent of the shoe is in contact with the ground. Standing and walking in kinetic shoes requires no "learning curve". There is no perceptible front-to-back or side-to-side rocking sensation. You can stand perfectly still, as you would with an ordinary shoe.

Walking in kinetic footwear is what separates this category from all other shoes. As soon as the heel strikes the ground, impact is absorbed - slowing down the rate of time it takes for the heel to make contact with the ground. As shoe absorbs impact, it also rebounds and noticeably returns energy throughout the gait cycle. Muscles are challenged less through the mid-stance and propulsive phases of the gait cycle. With less muscle fatigue can come increased activity. Walking becomes more enjoyable, which can encourage many people to walk greater distances. Shoe brands in the kinetic footwear category give you energy.

The best shoes in the kinetic footwear category have been the by-product of years of research and testing. Joya shoes have been in research and testing for years. Studies at the Swiss Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) show the shoe reduces ground impact forces 2-4 times that of an ordinary shoe. The multi-density PU midsole creates a rebounding sensation that smoothly propels the foot from late heel strike through toe-off, with no pressure points or "hot spots". Tenevis shoes reduce skeletal impact by 30-40 percent, and have 127.5% more cushioning than a control shoe, as concluded by research in South Korea and at the University of Calgary Kinesiology Department. Z-CoiL also fits the description of a kinetic shoe. Z-CoiL shoes reduce skeletal impact by nearly 50 percent and return nearly the same amount of energy, according to studies performed at the US Dept. of Energy - Los Alamos National Laboratories and Sandia National Laboratory. Studies and research findings can be found on the websites for these brands.

The Marketplace for Kinetic Footwear

Shoes in the kinetic footwear category will be worn by people who value walking for enjoyment, health and exercise. The estimated 79 million baby boomers, many of whom value walking for exercise and health, will buy kinetic footwear brands and tell their friends. People with occupations that require long hours of standing and walking, such as nurses, will also purchase kinetic footwear. People suffering from wear-and-tear conditions, including arthritis, disk degeneration and multiple lower extremity injuries may purchase kinetic footwear for their skeletal impact reduction and energy return properties. Good quality shoes in this category will retail between $100 - $160, and the premium quality brands will range between $190 - $260 at retail.

Marketing of Kinetic Footwear

Successful marketing of kinetic footwear brands will not emphasize skipping the gym, sculpting a chiseled body or magically burning cellulite - simply from the mere act of wearing the shoes. These claims, touted by many fitness/toning brands, are very difficult to prove and they have drawn scores of skeptics and critics vigorously challenging those claims. Shoes in the kinetic footwear category will have messages focused on making walking enjoyable and fun.

Do you remember the Volkswagen "Fahrvegnuegen" commercials? Joya is coining the term "Befluegelt" to describe the sensation of wearing Joya shoes. Roughly translated, "Befluegelt" means to be "empowered to fly" or to "launch one's self". The advertising is fun, upbeat and care-free. Tenevis is positioned as the "Shoe that Makes Walking Effortless". Here is an example of a Joya television ad in Europe:

Is that Joya jingle now stuck in your head? Did you notice that the emphasis was on having fun walking? It wasn't a re-hash of fitness/toning/shaping messages. It's about loving life on your feet. And that is what consumers want.

Sales of Kinetic Footwear Worldwide

Joya is experiencing explosive growth in Europe, the Middle East and in Asia. They launched in Spring 2009 at the GDS show in Germany, and their booth was swamped. By the end of 2010, over 600 retailers are carrying the Joya brand in Germany alone, with an estimated 600,000 pairs sold worldwide last year. This was all done with very little marketing, hype or fanfare. Joya has been a very quiet explosion overseas. What that tells me is that people are walking into shoe stores, trying on Joya and buying them. They are also telling their family and friends about the shoes. We are currently testing 4 pairs of Joya shoes on customers at Total Relief Footwear in Austin. The overwhelming majority of people who have tried on Joya shoes (about 75-80%) have asked to be contacted as soon as they arrive, and have left their names on a Joya waiting list. The first shipment of Joya shoes for the US market will be arriving in late Spring/Summer 2011.

Tenevis shoes arrived in limited quantities in August 2010, and sold out within 6 weeks. This brand delivers the comfort of a premium-priced shoe at retail prices between $110-$160 for most styles. Customers take several steps in the shoes, experience instant relief and buy the shoes. Most retailers carrying Tenevis shoes are reporting very good sales when they expose their customers to the brand.

Conclusion

Kinetic footwear is a category of footwear that should enjoy longevity in the marketplace, and many brands and new technologies will enter this category. As our population ages and matures, consumers will invest in shoe technologies that allow them to walk effortlessly on concrete and hard surfaces. It's not about fitness and toning. It's about loving life on your feet.

For more information about Kinetic footwear or any of the brands mentioned in this article, please contact Cam White (camwhite.shoes at gmail.com)

Rocker Sole Shoes - What's "In" and What's "Out" for 2011

2010-09-19T07:44:00.001-07:00

The fitness and toning category of footwear has experienced explosive growth over the past 3 years. According to the NPD group, sales of fitness and toning shoes were $17 million in 2008. Sales grew eight-fold to $145 million in 2009, and estimates are currently over $1 billion in sales for 2010. MBT (shown at left) has brand awareness on its side, and Skechers fueled mega-millions of advertising dollars into their "Shape-Ups" shoes. Reebok followed suit, pumping millions of dollars advertising their EasyTone shoes.

What do these brands have in common? They are all designed to induce instability in all planes of motion. The pitch behind these shoes is that they make your core muscles work harder to overcome instability. Manufacturers claim these shoes make walking on concrete feel like your walking on the beach. Others claim the shoes simulate standing on a "wobble-board" all day. While these brands have gained legions of fans, they have also drawn criticism from skeptics. A recent article in USA Today questioned some of the manufacturer's claims, and a recently class-action lawsuits have been filed alleging deceptive advertising practices and product safety concerns.

What's "In" and what's "Out" for 2011?

"Stable" is in, "Unstable" is out
A growing number of new arrivals in the rocker-sole footwear category are aligning themselves on the "stable" side of the category. Stable rocker sole shoes roll straight ahead, and feature excellent medial/lateral (side-to-side) stability. People that wear stable rocker sole shoes have much better stability and control when they walk. There is far less of a tendency for ankles to roll-in or roll-out when wearing stable rocker sole shoes. Most of the stable rocker sole shoes have adequate depth to accept prescription or over-the-counter orthotics, if needed.

Ryn (shown above), Finn Comfort ("Finnamic" series), Sano by Mephisto and Cogent are all examples of stable rocker-sole shoes that have been on the market. New entries to the stable side of the category are "Body Works" by Aetrex, "Dynamic Walkers" by Waldlaufer, and "Walk and Roll" shoes by Spring Footwear. At the World Shoe + Accessories Show (WSA), I noticed a marked increase in new "stable" rocker sole shoes, and very few new additions to the "unstable" side of the category. On the stable side of the category, Ryn offers the perfect combination of stability and cushioning, coupled with excellent durability and craftsmanship.

"Unstable" shoes are falling out of favor. They should really be worn only on flat, hard, level, predictable surfaces. When wearers spend good money for a walking/exercise shoe, they want to be able to wear the shoes on pavement, in the backyard, at the park and on trails. Unstable rocker sole shoes perform poorly on uneven surfaces, because the memory foam will "collapse" wherever the terrain takes the shoe. This can make walking on grass, hills and cobblestones uncomfortably challenging, since the wearer must focus on finding a secure place for the foot to land, to avoid "tweaking" an ankle. Wet weather is also a concern. MBT cautions wearers to avoid exposure to water since it can prematurely break down the sensor. If you get soaked in an MBT, the manufacturer recommends placing the shoe in its side, allowing it to completely dry out before wearing them again.

Quality & durability is "In", Poorly-made shoes, counterfeits are "Out"
When consumers pay more than $100 for a pair of rocker-sole shoes, it's reasonable to expect a shoe that feels great and lasts over a year instead of just a few months. Most of the better made comfort shoe brands are manufactured in Pusan, South Korea or in Germany. Ryn, Cogent, Z-CoiL and Tenevis (a new arrival) are all examples of high-quality, durable shoes made in South Korea. Ryn and Z-CoiL shoes have a reputation of feeling great every day and lasting for years. Finn Comfort and Waldlaufer are high-quality German-made shoes. Finn Comfort shoes feature replaceable footbeds, and they offer a service that can refurbish and re-sole the shoes for many years of wear.

Many of the "unstable" shoe brands have been criticized for wearing out too quickly. Foam sensors breaking down prematurely, uneven wear, outsoles worn smooth within months are common complaints with many people that have worn unstable rocker-sole shoe brands. The internet is full of complaints about poorly-made, unstable rocker sole shoes that wear out too quickly. Maybe it's a quality-control issue, and maybe it's planned obsolescence. If a company invests mega-millions in advertising, do they really want consumers to buy a shoe that lasts for years? Or do the want consumers to wear the shoes, enjoy them, and replace them often?

Counterfeit shoes are another problem. MBT has been besieged by a rash of cheap, Chinese-made counterfeit MBT shoes sold online at bargain-basement prices by unauthorized outlets. The shoes bear the MBT logo, marketing and packaging, but they are poorly made, cheap knock-offs. People are complaining that they thought they purchased an authentic MBT, only to receive a cheap, poorly made product shipped directly from China.

Buying quality shoes not only saves money, but it is the socially responsible thing to do. According to Soles4Souls, the shoe charity, over 300 million pairs of shoes wind up in US landfills every year. That's roughly the equivalent of 40,000 tractor-trailer loads piled-up in a landfill. Shoes take forever to break down in a landfill. If Americans bought good shoes that lasted for years, not only would we feel better, but there would be far less shoes in our landfills. Quality and durability is "in", poorly made, disposable shoes are "out".

Truth in Advertising is "In", Deceptive Advertising is "Out"
Rocker sole shoes protect the foot and the body against repetitive impact with concrete, tile and hard surfaces. When your body is protected, you feel better. When you feel better, you may want to walk longer. If you walk longer, you will burn more calories. If you burn more calories and eat sensibly, you may lose more weight. The simple act of lacing-up a pair of shoes does not mean that we will get into shape, and we all know that. Movement is the key to leading an active and healthier lifestyle. Brands that promote active lifestyles and healthy living habits will be rewarded.

Deceptive and misleading advertising is out. "Buy our shoes and skip the gym" advertising campaigns have grown tiresome. We all know that we need to move to lose weight, and experts are growing irate at the fact that companies are getting away with false or misleading advertising. Generally speaking, the more outlandish the advertising claim, the less popular the brand will become.

Conclusion:

Rocker sole shoes are here to stay. They offer excellent protection against concrete and hard surfaces. New brands will emerge with excellent feature sets and styling, and others will disappear. The entire category is shifting toward the "stable" side of the equation, and I personally applaud this trend. Stability, support, comfort, durability and longevity will be the key factors that determine the winning shoes in this category.

Baby boomers want to enjoy active lifestyles without having to endure aches and pains. People that work in occupations that require long hours of standing want shoes that protect their bodies from pain and fatigue. Rocker sole shoes do an excellent job of protecting the body against repetitive impact, and represent possibly the most exciting innovation in footwear technology in decades. This is a very interesting time for the footwear industry.

Can Puncture-Resistant Work Boots Be Comfortable?

2010-06-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Stepping on nails and sharp objects happens when you least expect it, and it will ruin your day. You pull the nail out of your boot, head to the Emergency Room, get the wound treated, get a tetanus shot, and you're done for the day, barring any complications. Nail punctures can lead to infection, soft tissue and nerve damage, and can cause fractures to the fragile bones in our feet. Puncture wounds are especially dangerous if you are diabetic, since your ability to heal can be compromised. The best way to avoid nail punctures is to wear safety boots with 100% sole protection against punctures from nails and sharp objects.

Most safety boots have a steel shank that protects our feet up to the balls of the feet. Since our feet flex at the balls of our feet, our forefeet and toes are left unprotected against nail punctures. Steel adds weight to the boot, and can make them stiff and uncomfortable. Some manufacturers make insoles with a thin metal plate that address full puncture protection, but they also add weight and stiffness to the boot.

COFRA has a unique solution for puncture-resistance. Almost all of their workboots have COFRA's built-in "Anti-Perforation Textile" (APT) plate attached to the midsole of their boots. The APT plate is a tri-density weave of polycarbonate microspheres, that provide an aggressive barrier against nails, wires, thorns and other sharp objects. The APT plate is lightweight and extremely flexible, and moves very well with the foot. If a nail penetrates the rugged outsole of COFRA work boots, the worker will feel a "bump" in the shoe. The nail can be quickly removed and the wearer can resume working. Since the APT plate provides 100% surface protection against nail punctures, the need for steel is eliminated. COFRA boots have a fiberglass shank for stability.

Besides being light and flexible, COFRA work boots are exceptionally comfortable. They have high quality leather uppers and a generous, rounded composite toe safety cap, with a built-in, soft silicon ring that prevents the foot from rubbing against the toe cap. Plenty of room for toes to wiggle, instead of feeling "crimped" inside the safety toe. There's plenty of depth inside the COFRA boots to accept arch supports or custom orthotics for those suffering from chronic foot pain.

Best of all, COFRA boots are affordable. Most models range in price between $130 - $160. They are extremely rugged, and last significantly longer than many other comparable work boots. For more information or a price quotation, call us at (512) 996-0002 from 10am-6pm Central Standard Time.

Video: COFRA Footwear Explained

Thorlo Experia Running Socks Review

2010-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy running, walking, cycling or exercise in light socks, but need protection, there is no better choice of socks than the new Experia socks from Thorlo.

Thorlo Experia socks are highly breathable, feather light, and provide excellent cushioning around the heel and ball-of-foot areas, preventing friction and shear forces and protecting the foot against blistering. The Coolmax fibers wick moisture away from the foot , keeping the foot cool and dry.

The new Experia socks have just arrived at Total Relief Footwear, and they feel great in running shoes. As I wear the socks, I can actually feel the air conditioning in the store through the mesh of my running shoes and against my skin.

Runner's World magazine reviewed the Thorlos Experia socks, saying "The pads are thick and cushy, while the rest of the sock is thin and smooth—the best of both worlds," according to a marathoner.

Thorlo socks have long been known for their superior comfort and foot protection, but some customers found their traditional running and walking socks to be too thick in running shoes. Experia could be the answer for these individuals.

Video: Experia Socks Explained

Experia : The Designer's Vision from Thorlos Videos on Vimeo.

Fidelio "Hallux" Sandals for Bunion Pain Relief

2010-05-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

If you have bunions, you know how difficult it can be to find comfortable shoes and sandals to wear. We are delighted to have found an answer to this problem for many people suffering from bunion pain. The Fidelio "Hallux" sandal, made in Austria, have just arrived in the United States. The sandals have soft, vegetable tanned leather uppers, attractive jeweling, and a built-in, stretchable leather bunion pocket. The footbeds are removable, with nice arch and metatarsal arch support. The toe area of the footbed is lined with leather matching the upper of the sandal. A very smart design, and very comfortable for women with D/E width feet. $180

A limited size run of Fidelio Hallux sandals (Women's 7-9) have just arrived in a variety of colors. If you are interested in the Fidelio Hallux sandal, come in and try on a pair. If the sandals fits your foot properly, we will place an order for the sandal in the color you want. Since the sandals are being air-freighted into the USA from Austria every other week. there may be a slight delay before your sandals arrive.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

2010-05-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and it is epidemic in Central Texas. People suffering from plantar fasciitis commonly report a sharp, crippling pain in their heels when they first get out of bed. The pain gradually subsides as they continue walking but a residual soreness is usually present. As the day wears on, the pain can continue to increase, and at the end of the day, you feel miserable.

About 50 percent of our customers at Total Relief Footwear suffer from plantar fasciitis. Many of our customers have little understanding of their ailment. They know that they are in pain and they are looking for a solution. The purpose of this discussion is to help provide a better understanding of plantar fasciitis, and to provide some useful information for relieving the pain associated with this debilitating condition.

How the Plantar Fascia Works

The plantar fascia is a thick, sinewy band of tissue (aponeurosis) that extends from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the balls of the feet (metatarsal heads) , and on to the toes. Since it attaches from bone-to-bone, the plantar fascia is similar to a ligament, but it has elasticity, allowing it to stretch and contract.

The plantar fascia plays a critical role in our foot's ability to absorb shock and propel itself with each step we take. Like a very thick rubber band, it stretches as our foot strikes the ground, thus allowing our arches to collapse slightly and absorb shock. As we toe-off the plantar fascia contracts, which assists our foot to propel itself forward into our next step.

When the plantar fascia becomes over-stretched, it can start to tear away from it's insertion point in the heel bone. The band of tissue becomes inflamed, triggering sharp pain in the heel and soreness across the arch. Once the plantar fascia is injured, your foot's ability to absorb shock and propel itself forward is compromised. This is a grossly over-simplistic explanation of plantar fasciitis, but it gives you an idea of how the plantar fascia works, and how it can become injured. For more in-depth information, I recommend reading Dr. Step hen Pribut's page on plantar fasciitis.

How did I get Plantar Fasciitis?

First of all, your heel pain may not be plantar fasciitis. There are a few other ailments with similar symptoms. A simple, relatively painless examination by a podiatrist will confirm your plantar fasciitis diagnosis, and rule out any other causes of heel pain, such as stress fractures. Click he re for a listing of podiatrists we have heard great things about in Austin. If you don't live in Central Texas, do your homework and find a podiatrist with excellent reviews in your community.

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive stress. We are not designed to walk on concrete all day long. The human foot is meant to walk barefoot on grass, sand and uneven surfaces. Instead, many of us spend much of our day walking on concrete, tile and hard surfaces. There is no forgiveness or variation to these surfaces, so our feet take a pounding. The plantar fascia works harder to absorb shock on concrete, becomes over stretched, and becomes inflamed as it strains to pull away from the heel bone. Excess weight and unsupportive shoes can also place additional stress on the plantar fascia. "Weekend warriors" often develop plantar fasciitis when they take up new activities, such as running, without training properly. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by trauma, such as a sudden fall.

Will my plantar fasciitis ever heal?

Patience is critical to helping plantar fasciitis heal. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue with a limited blood supply. Blood supply is essential to healing. The plantar fascia ligament (aponeurosis), once injured, can take months to heal. The key is to take care of yourself, follow your physician's advice, and remove as many obstacles as possible to the healing process. A podiatrist or physician may recommend padding, foot manipulation, taping, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce inflammation and to help accelerate healing.

The right shoe, coupled with the right arch support and cushioning can also go a long way toward reducing or eliminating heel pain.

Z-CoiL shoes can be amazingly effective at reducing heel pain and is among our top shoe picks for heel pain reduction. It never ceases to amaze me how effective these shoes can be for nagging, chronic and severe heel pain. Don't let the odd-looking appearance of the shoe fool you - Z-CoiL is a beautiful design for plantar fasciitis and heel pain relief.

Do you remember how the plantar fascia functions to both absorb shock and propel the foot forward? When the plantar fascia becomes injured, it's ability to function properly is limited. The rigid steel coil in Z-CoiL shoes absorbs 50 percent of the impact our bodies must absorb at heel strike, while returning nearly the same amount of energy as the foot rolls forward through the gait cycle. The coil essentially does the work of the plantar fascia, thus offloading much of the stress on the injured band of tissue. A rigid fiberglass-reinforced nylon orthotic cradles and supports the plantar ligaments, and a forefoot rocker ensures a smooth, rolling transition as you toe-off. The orthotic can be heated with a hair dryer and shaped for maximum comfort and support. Z-CoiL shoes also work quite well with over-the-counter arch support products, including Lynco orthotics, Superfeet, Powerstep and Spenco arch supports. There are 2 common misconceptions about Z-CoiL shoes:

The shoes look unstable. I believe we tend to think of "Slinky" toys when we look at a spring. A slinky is a cylindrical coil. It has to move side-to-side. The Z-CoiL spring is conical. A conical coil collapses inside of itself. If you take a slight mis-step, the Z-CoiL spring will act to level your foot and move straight down. Z-CoiL shoes are remarkably stable when you walk in them.
Z-CoiL shoes look like "high-heeled sneakers". Another optical illusion. Most of your height is actually in the forefoot rocker-sole cushioning. When you stand in Z-CoiL shoes, the coil compresses slightly, and the wearer will feel absolutely level in their stance. If the wearer feels "pitched forward" or "pitched back", the coil can be adjusted. There are also 4 different strengths of coils, depending on the weight and gait characteristics of the individual.

Ryn shoes are rocker-sole shoes with excellent medial/lateral stability. Unlike many of the other heel-to-toe rocker sole shoes (MBT, Skechers) the Ryn shoes tend to move straight ahead, instead of rolling in and out. They also have plenty of depth to accept orthotics, if needed. With the Ryn design, the heel and the ball of the foot don't come in contact with the ground. The force of striking the ground is absorbed by a structured air tunnel system that reduces the impact forces on the foot and promotes a smooth, rolling gait. Since Ryn shoes have exceptional side-to-side stability, the foot resists over-pronating (rolling inwards) which can place additional stress on the plantar fascia. We have also seen many customers that have reported significant heel pain relief wearing Ryn shoes.

Aetrex, Brooks, Somnio are fine examples of companies that make make shoes that can be customized for the needs of the individual wearer. High-arched feet travel differently than low-arched feet. Each of these companies make shoes that address the shape, structure and support needs of our feet. Selecting the right shoe, coupled with the right support can make a huge difference in reducing heel and foot pain. Aetrex uses their patented iStep technology to digitally scan feet, identify areas of peak pressure, and recommends the proper shoe and arch support. Somnio shoes can be customized with variable heel and forefoot cushioning, arch support and pronation control inserts. Brooks makes excellent shoes for walking and running. Each of these companies has devoted exhaustive research into engineering shoes and support for the casual walker or serious runner, and we have seen excellent results fitting these shoes.

Finally, never go barefoot in your house when you have plantar fasciitis. Wear a good, supportive house shoe when you get out of bed. There are many products that fall into this category, but Fitflop, Alegria, Spenco Total Support and Finn Comfort sandals have worked very well with our customers suffering from heel pain.

This has been a very brief introduction to helping better understand plantar fasciitis and heel pain. There is much more that has be written about this subject, but hopefully this serves as a good starting point. According to Dr. Pribut and several other references I have researched, over 98 percent of plantar fasciitis cases can be successfully treated without surgery. Take care of your feet, listen to your doctor and wear the right shoes.

Finally, here's a very informative video that helps provide a better overview of plantar fasciitis along with conservative, non-surgical treatment options:

To your health,

Cam White, CFts
Total Relief Footwear
Austin, TX

Shoe Economics and "Going Green"

2010-05-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

During the past couple of months, we have seen a steady stream of customers replacing their worn-out Z-CoiL shoes. Many of those people bought their shoes in 2004. They worked in the shoes every day and it took over 6 years before the shoe finally died! In fact, the running joke among many Z-CoiL enthusiasts is "they just can't kill the shoes"!

That got me thinking about the environmental and economic impact of wearing shoes built to last. If we all wore better constructed, durable footwear, there would be far fewer shoes wearing out prematurely and going into landfills.

Every year, an estimated 300 million pairs of shoes go into landfills, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Many of the sneakers with traditional Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) midsoles can take over 1,000 years to biodegrade. As the shoes break down, they can also leach toxins into the landfill. In our view, the key to reducing the sheer number of shoes going into landfills is to (1) invest in quality, (2) buy "greener" technologies and (3) recycle your shoes.

Investing in Quality

Brands like Ryn, Z-CoiL and Finn Comfort have a reputation for being extremely comfortable and lasting for many years. While they are more expensive than bargain brands, they are far more comfortable and they last considerably longer. Bargain brands are meant to be worn, used up and replaced often - which means they head to the landfill faster. Quality brands last for years instead of months, and many can be refurbished and re-soled for added life.

Investing in quality also saves money. Consider the leading, lower-priced rocker-sole shoes ($100-$120). They feel great when you first wear them. After a few months, the memory foam starts to break down, and the shoe starts "sagging". The outsole tread wears down smooth and the lining of the shoe starts to fall apart. After 6-8 months of wear, you "retire" the shoe and buy a new pair (another $100-$120). After 2 years of wear, you have spent north of $300 to wear 3-4 pairs shoes that only really feel comfortable for the first 3 months of wear. After 2 years of wear, a Ryn shoe will feel just as comfortable as the first day you bought them. Finn Comfort wearers routinely walk into our store in shoes that have regularly been worn for over 5 years. These are brands that are worn almost everyday that have a much longer lifespan and saves money. The next time you consider buying bargain brand shoes, stop and ask yourself if you are really saving money.

Buy "Greener"Technologies

Some footwear companies are investing in technologies that are far more environmentally friendly. Brooks announced their new BioMoGo midsole this year, which is a specially treated EVA midsole that will break down 50 times faster than conventional midsoles in a landfill. Brooks estimates that this innovation could reduce 29.9 million pounds of landfill waste over the next 20-25 years. Click Here for our Brooks shoes with BioMoGo technology. Finn Comfort and other fine manufacturers use natural vegetable leather tanning processes which are far healthier for your feet and eliminate the need for harsh chemicals to process the leather uppers.

Recycle Your Shoes

We all have shoes that never felt very good or fit poorly taking up space in our closets. Children can outgrow shoes long before they are worn out. Donate these shoes to the Salvation Army, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, or Soles4Souls, and your shoes will find a new life on the feet of people in dire need of shoes. If many of the 300 million pairs of shoes found new homes around the world, it would be a godsend for the world's impoverished regions and much more friendly for the environment. Total Relief Footwear is a year-round drop-off location for individual footwear donations for Soles4Souls. Please note that we are no longer accepting "group shoe drives" at our store.

In January, we organized a shoe drive, in partnership with Soles4Souls, collecting over 28,000 pounds of shoes distributed to earthquake victims by the charity. Here's a video re-capping the shoe drive. It was the largest donation of shoes by a single store in Soles4Soul's history.

Asphalt Boots that Don't Give You "Hot Foot"

2010-04-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

Asphalt and hot mix workers have a grueling job. With surface temperatures exceeding 300 degrees fahrenheit, paving crews are exposed to extreme temperatures. Frequent breaks are required for feet to cool down, and heat blisters are common. We have talked with asphalt contractors that wear "double socks" and do everything possible to insulate their feet from extreme temperatures.

We discovered COFRA boots at the National Safety Show in Chicago a couple of years ago, and we were instantly impressed with their products. Although COFRA is not very well known in the United States, they are one of Europe's top safety boot manufacturers. We were especially impressed with the "feel" of the boots, and their ability to accept arch supports or custom orthotics, if needed. There is generous toe room in these composite toe boots, and you 're not even aware that you are wearing a safety toe boot. They are comfortable, and feel completely "broken-in" as soon as you put them on your feet.

The COFRA Asphalt Boot, pictured above, is the perfect work boot for asphalt/hot mix crews.
The outsole is heat-resistant to 572 degrees fahrenheit. The boot is lined with a flexible "Anti-Perforation Textile" (APT) plate which is impervious to nail punctures and sharp objects. No stepping on nails and going to the Emergency Room. Finally, the boot has a rugged, but soft Cambrelle leather upper that moves nicely with the foot. The outsole is completely flat with no tread pattern. No picking up asphalt bits as you walk.

But perhaps the best feature of the COFRA Asphalt Boot is the heat-reflective, "Thermic" insole, which re-directs the heat coming up from the asphalt. To test the "Thermic" insole, a COFRA boot was placed in a bed of sand heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours. A thermometer was placed inside the boot and the ambient (internal) temperature of the boot did not change significantly.

The COFRA Asphalt boot is rapidly gaining fans in Austin and Central Texas among paving contractors. Workers feel better, and are far more productive, because they require fewer breaks to cool off their feet. The COFRA Asphalt boot costs $130 and is extremely durable. For more information about COFRA workboots click here.

Please note that COFRA workboots can be very difficult to find in the United States. If you can't find a dealer in the United States, email us or call us at (512) 996-0002 for a quote.

Running with Shin Splints?

2010-04-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Shin Splints are a very common injury among runners and the pain can be debilitating. Shin splints can come from poor running technique, over-training, poor footwear, hill work and other causes. There are also a wide variety of treatment options. For a better understanding of shin splints, I recommend visiting Dr. Pribut's page on shin splints.

Footwear considerations

Selecting the proper footwear for your foot type can help significantly. If you have a higher-arched foot, you will want a shoe that provides better heel and forefoot cushioning and a semi-curved last. Aetrex, Brooks, and Somnio have excellent shoes for this foot type. If you have a low-arched foot, you will want a shoe with better motion control and a straight-lasted shoe. Arch support and medial (varus) wedges can be added for over-pronation. Over pronation and over supination can also aggravate shin splint pain. The Somnio shoe, pictured above can be "tuned" to the individual needs of the runner. The 2010 Somnio shoes are due to arrive at the end of April, but numerous runners have commented that they have experienced immediate relief from shin splints and other injuries in runner's forums and blogs.

Could your big toe joint be the problem?

We have seen numerous runners and fitness enthusiasts over the past years complaining of anterior shin splints on the outside of their shins. When I watch them walk and run, I see their feet pointed outwards slightly, and can see an outward rotation as they toe-off. When we observe this, we do a quick test for big-toe-joint function. If the big toe joint "locks" when the ball of the foot strikes the ground, the runner will naturally compensate by rolling outward as they toe-off. This compensation places additional stress on the outside of the shins, and can also aggravate knee pain, hip and back pain. Essentially you are running like a car out of alignment.

The Cluffy Wedge is a simple wedge-shaped pad, placed underneath the big toe, that provides sufficient clearance to overcome a locking big-toe joint. When the foot is restored to normal function, your running stride is naturally aligned to a more neutral gait and there is fare less stress on the shins, knee, hip and back joints. Several runners have remarked that their shin splint pain disappeared once the Cluffy Wedge was installed in their shoes. To be clear, nothing works 100 percent of the time, but our results with this device has far exceeded our expectations.

Somnio - The Customizable Running Shoe

2010-04-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you are a runner, walker or fitness enthusiast suffering from plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, IT Band pain, knee, hip or back pain - the Somnio shoe could be the shoe for you.

We discovered this shoe when it debuted at The Running Event - a trade show here in Austin. I was instantly intrigued by the professionalism of the booth staff as the carefully explained the shoe to me. Each shoe can be customized with 24 fitting components:

3 densities of heel and forefoot cushioning
3 different insoles depending on arch height (low, medium, high)
3 degrees of varus wedging for pronation control

A laser fitting guide is used to help determine the right shoe build for each foot. The device points a laser up the leg. As the wearer does a 1/3 knee bend the laser will move off the knee cap if the wearer pronates too much. The shoe is then customized until the laser is centered on the knee cap when the wearer does a knee bend. The process of customizing the shoe takes about 5-10 minutes per shoe.

With different densities (durometers) of heel and forefoot cushioning, the shoe can even be adapted to the running surface. A softer durometer might be preferred on concrete and asphalt, while a firmer durometer might be better for trails and cross-country work.

Two members of my staff received sample Somnio running shoes and the feedback has been very positive from them. Josh remarked that running was far less painful in his Somnios. Recently a good friend, Tish, visited our store from Omaha, Nebraska. Tish has raced in 9 marathons and is constantly bothered with hip pain and bunion pain. She customized a pair of Somnios (asymmetrically) for her specific issues and she can now run without hip pain or her bunion bothering her. I shot a short video of Tish explaining her experience running in Somnios.

We still haven't received the Somnio shoes in our store, but we are expecting delivery toward the end of April. At prices ranging between $140-$160, the shoes are comparable to other high-end running shoes, with no charge for gait assessment and customization. I will continue to publish user feedback as people start wearing them. Here's a link to our Somnio web page. For more information about Somnio, visit http://www.somniorunning.com

All About Rocker Sole Shoes

2010-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Rocker sole shoes have become the latest trend in active walking, comfort footwear. Almost every manufacturer of comfort shoes is entering the marketplace with a rocker sole shoe. With so many options to choose from, and millions spent in advertising these brands, there will no doubt be some confusion about which brand to buy. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a better understanding of the rocker sole footwear category.

Rocker sole shoes have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. They can protect the heels and the balls of the feet from repetitive impact with concrete and hard surfaces. They can be helpful for those suffering from heel and arch pain. They can also be helpful for those suffering from arthritis in the big-toe-joint (hallux rigidus).They promote good posture and can improve circulation. Rocker soles tend to engage core muscles and can improve proprioception. But rocker sole shoes are not for everyone. If you have problems with balance, vertigo or dizziness, for example, a rocker sole shoe may not be appropriate for you.

To make more sense out of this category of footwear, and to cut through the marketing hype and confusion, I wrote an article and produced a short video on this subject:

Article: All About Rocker Sole Shoes

Welcome to Walk Without Pain

2010-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Walk Without Pain is dedicated to sharing information about solutions for people suffering from foot, leg and back pain.

Since 2003, we have dedicated our lives to helping people with pain issues. Along the way, we have amassed a wealth of information, and we continue to research current trends for helping people lead more active and productive lives - with far less pain. Whether it's shoes, socks or inserts - there are many new and exciting technologies that can help us lead healthier lifestyles.

Walk Without Pain will provide product reviews, current treatment options and tips for helping ease the pain associated with a wide variety of common ailments, including plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain and back pain.

As we post information on this site, we encourage responsible feedback. Negative or abusive comments, blatant advertising and spam will be removed.

to your health,

Cam White & Celia Tellez, owners
Total Relief Footwear
Austin, TX