Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center: July 2012

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Test of best sneakers for walking

One moderately priced pair gets high marks for comfort, cushioning and more.

By Good Housekeeping Research Institute | Good Housekeeping

After sizing up the new field of featherweight walking shoes, testers made the greatest strides in these pairs:

Easy Spirit Reinvent Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Easy Spirit)
GHRI Rating: A

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker comfortable and fairly supportive
Most consumer testers liked the fit of the sneaker
Consumer testers thought these sneakers cushioned their feet well

Cons:

A few consumer testers thought this sneaker ran a half size big

Easy Spirit's Reinvent walking shoes earned rave reviews from our consumer testers. These affordable sneakers "feel like slippers," said one enthusiastic reviewer, while another praised that they "fit well and felt like I had nothing on my feet." That's likely due to the shoe's minimal design; its mesh upper and stretch lining allows the shoe to "hug or conform to the foot," says Karen Langone, D.P.M., a specialist in sports and fitness medicine in Southampton, N.Y., who evaluated the sneakers.

Though it looks similar to a regular running shoe, the Reinvent is lightened by the omission of a rubber outsole. The flexibility of the shoe can help strengthen the muscles of the foot, says Paul Langer, D.P.M., of Twin Cities Orthopedics. He cautions though that, for some, it "can also increase strain." If you love the shoes but are worried, ease yourself into the pair by increasing your mileage gradually. And be cautious wearing this pair out in the rain — Langer says the lack of an outsole might mean reduced traction on wet surfaces.

Bottom line: While some testers complained that they don't offer a ton of arch support, this pair is plenty comfortable and testers liked the amount of cushioning. High marks in nearly every category from consumer testers made the Reinvent an easy pick for the best tested lightweight walking sneakers.

Colors: Black, Grey/Purple, Navy/Charcoal, Medium Grey/Light Grey, Wine/Off White
Sizes: 5-11; Weight: 6.2 ounces; Price: Starting at $64.99

Rockport TruWalk Zero Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Rockport)
GHRI Rating: A-

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker comfortable and fairly supportive
Consumer testers liked the fit of the sneaker
Consumer testers thought these sneakers cushioned their feet well

Cons:

Some consumer testers thought the sneaker felt slightly unstable because of the rounded sole
Expensive

The priciest shoes in our test, the Rockport TruWalk Zero sneakers also received one of the best scores from our consumer testers for fit. The pair "felt like I was walking on air," commented one tester, and, with its high-tech appearance, another thought the shoe was "great for walking and looks good too."

The Rockports feature a thicker, slightly rounded heel, which works to reduce strain on the foot. However, some users found that it made them somewhat unsteady in the shoe. However, because these sneakers are higher in the heel (compared to the forefoot) than other pairs we looked at, they might be beneficial for walkers with plantar fascia or Achilles issues, according to Karen Langone, D.P.M., a specialist in sports and fitness medicine in Southampton, NY.

For their good fit and comfort, these shoes were an easy pick for runners-up for our favorite lightweight walking sneaker.

Colors: Black/Gull Grey/Lavender, Warm Grey/White/Salmon Pink
Sizes: 5-11; Weight: 6.8 ounces; Price: $90, 6pm.com

Ryka Dash Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Ryka)
GHRI Rating: A-

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker comfortable and supportive
Consumer testers liked the fit of the sneaker
Consumer testers thought these sneakers cushioned their feet well

Cons:

On the heavier side for a lightweight walking sneaker

Not quite ready to make the jump into a really lightweight walking sneaker? The Ryka Dash offers a great compromise. While it was one of the heavier shoes in our test, at 8.5 ounces, it still won't weigh you down. Plus, for that extra heft, you get more structure than other lighter walking shoes provide. The thicker midsole and rubber outsole give it better traction, according to Paul Langer, D.P.M., of Twin Cities Orthopedics, who evaluated at all the sneakers in our test. Of the shoes in our sample, the Rykas "would be the best choice for someone who is prone to foot pain," he said.

Our consumer testers didn't mind the extra weight either, rating the shoe highly for fit, feel, support, and cushioning. The sneakers were "extremely comfortable from the start," praised one volunteer, and another said the shoes were "very cushiony and airy when you first put them on." While not all were fans of the sporty look, its great fit trumped all, making it a solid pick for a walking sneaker.

Colors: Chrome Silver/Bougainvillea/Steel Grey, Metallic Lake Blue/Chrome Silver/Steel Grey/White, Black/Purple Wave/Metallic Steel Grey, White/Chrome Silver/Meadow Mauve/Steel Grey
Sizes: 6-11; Weight: 8.5 ounces; Price: $50, amazon.com

New Balance 895 Superlight Superfresh Walking Sneakers

(Photo: New Balance)
GHRI Rating: A-

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker comfortable and fairly supportive
Consumer testers liked the fit of the sneaker
Consumer testers thought this sneaker cushioned their foot fairly well

Cons:

Some consumer testers didn't love the look of the sneakers

The New Balance 895 Superlight Superfresh may be the best of both worlds: While this sneaker is light, it still offers plenty of support and cushioning. In fact, testers found this shoe to be among the most comfortable in our test. "Feels like I'm stepping on yoga mat," one tester stated, and another said it, "felt like walking on clouds!" Most testers weren't big fans of the look, however, with one commenting they reminded her of "old lady" shoes, and another saying she would only buy a pair if it came in more "subdued" colors.

Though the sneaker is flexible, be wary of wearing it in wet conditions or on uneven surfaces, says Paul Langer, D.P.M., of Twin Cities Orthopedics who reviewed all of the sneakers in our test; the shoe lacks a rubber outsole, so it doesn't offer great traction, he said. Nonetheless its good fit and lightweight support make it one of our top picks for a lightweight walking sneaker.

Colors: Silver/Grey, Black/Grey/Yellow, White/Pink
Sizes: 5-12; Weight: 6.3 ounces; Price: Starting at $79.95

Easy Spirit RealLife Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Easy Spirit)
GHRI Rating: B+

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker comfortable
Consumer testers liked the fit of the sneaker
Consumer testers thought these sneakers cushioned their feet well

Cons:
Consumer testers did not find this sneaker very supportive

Due to the strap fastening instead of laces, "easy to put on and take off" was one of the most popular attributes of this shoe among testers. Several testers compared these sneakers to slippers. One even went so far to say that they felt "like walking on pillows." Unfortunately, that soft, unstructured feel also led testers to complain that the shoes lacked the support they were looking for in a good walking sneaker. Most weren't big fans of the style either.

Easy Spirit eliminated the rubber outsole, which may mean less traction on wet surfaces, according to Paul Langer, D.P.M., of Twin Cities Orthopedics, who evaluated all of the sneakers in our test.

For the price, the shoes are a good alternative to lace-up walking sneakers, but if you're looking for a serious workout sneaker, you may want to look elsewhere, according to Karen Langone, D.P.M., a specialist in sports and fitness medicine in Southampton, NY, who also reviewed our test shoes. The Easy Spirits "could be a good shoe for casual wear," she said, "but may not suit all for fitness walking."

Colors: Blue Silver, Beige Gold, Sizes: 5-11, Weight: 6.5 ounces, Price: $55 at Amazon

Skechers GoWalk Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Skechers)
GHRI Rating: B

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker fairly comfortable
Consumer testers thought these sneakers cushioned their feet fairly well
Extremely lightweight

Cons:
Consumer testers did not think this sneaker was very supportive

The number one comment from our testers was that the Skechers GoWalk sneakers were "comfortable." Our testers liked the "squishy" cushioned sole in these shoes too, but the lack of arch support left many wanting more. The sneakers come in a fun palette of bright colors, but a number of testers felt that these lace-less shoes definitely weren't their style. On the plus side, at 4.2 ounces, the Skechers were easily the lightest pair in our test, and they also came in at the lowest price. But you'll want to think twice before picking up this pair for serious workouts; the shoes are best for casual wear, not walking workouts, said Karen Langone, D.P.M., a specialist in sports and fitness medicine in Southampton, NY, who reviewed all the shoes in our test.

Colors: Aqua, Black, Pink, Navy, Purple, Gray; Sizes: 5-11; Weight: 4.2 ounces
Price: $59 at onlineshoes.com

Avia A9616W Walking Sneakers

(Photo: Avia)
GHRI Rating: B

Pros:

Consumer testers found this sneaker fairly comfortable and supportive
Consumer testers thought this sneaker cushioned their foot fairly well

Cons:

On the heavier side for a lightweight walking sneaker

The Avia A9616W shoes feature a rounded sole for a "rocker" effect, but you'll want to be sure to stick to firm, flat surfaces on your walks, warned Paul Langer, D.P.M., of Twin Cities Orthopedics, who evaluated all of the shoes in our test. "Any uneven surface can increase the risk of falls" in this pair, he said. Testers also complained of feeling "off-balance" and "unstable" and wished the shoes offered more support for lengthy walks. These shoes were among the heaviest in our test, and our volunteers didn't love the look, but several consumer testers appreciated the breathable mesh upper and several commented on the shoe’s comfortable feel.

Colors: Chrome Silver/Zuma Pink/White, While/Bouganvilla/Chrome Silver, Black/Detox Blue/White
Sizes: 5.5-11; Weight: 9.0 ounces; Price: Starting at $33

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas and the Henderson area anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm) and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com.

When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly personalized treatment using the most advanced techniques. At the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an unsurpassed level of quality care. Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of foot and ankle problems.

Your quality care begins the minute you arrive, as our staff greets you by name and answers your questions. Our team of foot and ankle specialists will inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your trust.

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques. As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.

Without proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday tasks. To meet patients’ most critical health needs, Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the following “Center of Excellence” treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Doctors column: If your toes could talk

Feet rank low on the list of health priorities for many Americans, but nearly 80 percent of adults have experienced some form of foot ache, pain, itch or other condition in their lifetime

Posted on: Vail Daily

Feet rank low on the list of health priorities for many Americans, but nearly 80 percent of adults have experienced some form of foot ache, pain, itch or other condition in their lifetime, according to a survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Toenail problems are the most common, followed by sweaty feet and pain of the ball of the foot and heel. Here are four tips to help sidestep these and other ailments and keep your tootsies in tip-top shape:

Do a daily foot check. Take a good look at your toenails and not just for polish chips — if they're thick or discolored, it could indicate a developing fungus. Also, pay attention to changes in skin color or texture, such as cracks, cuts or peeling and scaling on the soles (a sign of athlete's foot). Any growth on the foot is not normal; neither is pain. Joint stiffness, for example, could mean arthritis; tingling or numbness could be a sign of diabetes. See your doctor or podiatrist about changes in your feet, especially if you have diabetes, which can make you prone to infection and more serious complications.

Trim toenails straight, not curved. Rounded edges increase the chance of developing ingrown toenails, so keep the shape squared and the length even with the tips of your toes. Cut too short and pressure from your shoes may push the nail to grow into the corner of your fleshy toe, causing redness, swelling and infection around the nail, plus pain and tenderness. High heels (particularly the pointy-toed kind) are a leading cause of ingrown toenails, podiatrists at Loyola University Health System reported recently.

Swipe antiperspirant on your soles of your feet. It's a way to keep feet dry and help protect against a number of conditions, including fungal infections, blisters, warts and sweaty, smelly feet (a problem that affects a third of Americans). Rubbing cornstarch on the bottom of your feet helps, too; so does airing out sweaty shoes before wearing them again and choosing natural or synthetic-blend socks that wick away moisture. Also important: After washing your feet, be sure to dry carefully, especially between the toes.

Spring-clean your shoe rack. Every pair should cushion, support and fit properly (with enough room for your toes). Replace well-worn shoes and toss flimsy flip-flops — any pair you can fold in half or easily twist is no good for feet. Instead, look for sturdier flip-flops that have arch support to help prevent pain and are made of soft leather to minimize blisters and irritations. The best time to go shoe-shop? Late in the day, is when your feet tend to be largest.

The Doctors is an Emmy-winning daytime TV show with pediatrician Jim Sears, OB-GYN Lisa Masterson, ER physician Travis Stork, and plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon. Check www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Don't Let Your Feet Ruin Your Day at the Beach

Published by: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)

As millions of Americans hit the beach this summer, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers these foot safety tips:

Puncture wounds and cuts

Wear shoes to protect your feet from puncture wounds and cuts caused by sea shells, broken glass and other sharp objects. Don’t go in the water if your skin gets cut – bacteria in oceans and lakes can cause infection. A puncture wound should be treated by a foot and ankle surgeon within 24 hours to avoid complications.

Jellyfish stings

Remember that a jellyfish washed up on the beach can still sting if you step on it. If their tentacles stick to the foot or ankle, remove them, but protect your hands from getting stung too. Vinegar, meat tenderizer or baking soda can reduce pain and swelling. Most jellyfish stings heal within days, but if they don’t, see a doctor.

Sunburns

Feet get sunburn too. Rare but deadly skin cancers can occur on the foot. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet.

Burns

Sand, sidewalks and paved surfaces get hot in the summer sun. Wear shoes to protect your soles from getting burned, especially if you have diabetes.

Ankle injuries, arch and heel pain

Walking, jogging and playing sports on soft, uneven surfaces like sand frequently leads to arch pain, heel pain, ankle sprains and other injuries. Athletic shoes provide the heel cushioning and arch support that flip-flops and sandals lack. If injuries occur, use rest, ice, compression and elevation to ease the pain and swelling. Any injury that does not resolve within a few days should be examined by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Diabetes risks

People who have diabetes face serious foot safety risks at the beach. The disease causes poor blood circulation and numbness in the feet. A person with diabetes may not feel pain from a cut, puncture wound or burn. Any type of skin break on a diabetic foot has the potential to get infected and ulcerate if it isn’t noticed right away. People with diabetes should always wear shoes to the beach, and remove them regularly to check for foreign objects like sand and shells that can cause sores, ulcers and infections.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Ask the Foot Docs

Posted on: Striperpedia by FootLocker by Striperpedia staff

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) regularly field questions on foot health, whether from athletes or those simply looking to maintain their exercise regimen.

Beginning this month, Striperpedia will work with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) to bring you answers to questions they receive concerning foot health. If you’re a runner, basketball player or any type of athlete with a question on foot health, check back with Striperpedia for regular updates from the APMA.

***

Chevonn: I'm writing to you because I have extremely flat feet. It's to the point where it’s hard for me to walk, run, and even train because of shin splints and pain up to my knees. I would like to know your recommendation for training and running shoes that may be able to provide me with some relief.

Dr. Cary Zinkin: You will certainly need the proper type of running shoes for your foot type, usually a “motion control” running shoe. However, first you need to see a podiatric physician who can evaluate your feet and the way you walk (your gait) to find the true source of your pain. The doctor would most likely recommend a prescription custom molded orthotic device, which would be made just for your feet. The podiatrist would mold and design this device, giving the laboratory specific instructions so as to have a favorable outcome and relief of your specific discomfort, as well as prevent other injuries and conditions that occur with very flat feet. After receiving orthotics, you should bring them to a running store where you can try on shoes with the orthotics inside.

***

Sarah: I work as a restaurant server and visit a gym 4-5 times a week. I have an aching pain in the ball of my foot which worsens when I am off my feet, especially at night. In addition, the ball of my foot feels incredibly hot, but not to the touch. I have very long toes — could this have something to do with it? Thank you.

Dr. Bela Pandit: I commend you for being so active and health conscious! It sounds like you may have a neuroma, which is essentially a pinched and inflamed nerve in the ball of your foot or metatarsalgia, which is inflammation at the bones in the ball of your foot. It could also be attributed to your shoes and how active you are. For how active you are, it’s worth making sure you are wearing properly fitted shoes for work and the gym. They should provide the right support you need and easily accommodate your toes. Do you wear custom inserts called orthotics? All of these concerns can be addressed by your local APMA podiatrist.

***

Drew in Arizona: I’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I have tried four different pairs of orthotics, done physical therapy for months, night splints, icing, electric stimulation, and had a plantar release surgery on one foot. My feet are still in extreme pain. Is it possible I have something else? Already having had surgery, what else can I do?

Dr. Marlene Reid: You don’t mention if you have had any type of diagnostic testing. Very often an MRI or diagnostic ultrasounds are used to help confirm a diagnosis. I think this is important for you, especially as you have failed all traditional treatments and your symptoms are not characteristic of plantar fasciitis. It may be time for a second opinion.

***

Runners, basketball players, other athletes or anyone concerned about foot health can contact “Ask the Experts” at www.APMA.org. Check Striperpedia regularly for updates.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Do New Shoes Have to Hurt?

How to Identify Hidden Pain Points; the Best Time to Shop

Published in: The Wall Street Journal by Ray A. Smith

The new shoes feel tight around the toes, they rub at the heel, and they pinch with every step. They felt great at the store. What happened?

It's the dreaded break-in period, when a new shoe rubs against tender feet, causing blisters and abrasions, until shoe and foot find a way to conform to each other in harmony.

While shoe brands are reluctant to discuss it, dress shoes—even well-fitted ones—generally require some breaking-in for at least the first few wearings. L.L. Bean includes disclaimer cards with purchases of its "hand sewn" footwear series. The "initial fit of a hand sewn style shoe should feel snug in the fore foot," the cards say, but shoes will stretch to a correct fit "within a short period of time."

Even Queen Elizabeth II, the U.K.'s Sunday Times reported in May, employs someone to break in her shoes to save Her Majesty from discomfort. (A spokeswoman from the Queen's press office declined to comment.)

Now, some men's and women's shoe brands are trying to reduce the breaking-in time. Their fear is that people will just relegate their shoes to the back of the closet, never to shop that brand again. While women may joke about wearing killer heels that are uncomfortable, most still cite comfort as a main reason for not buying a brand repeatedly.

A prime zone for discomfort is the forefoot—the area between the ball of the foot and the toes. Cole Haan plans to launch a men's dress shoe this month that protects the forefoot by placing a layer of foam cushioning technology called Lunarlon in the shoe before the sole is attached. The shoe also features a Lunarlon sock liner that runs the full length of the shoe's bottom. In traditional leather dress shoes, sock liners usually only cover the heel area, says Gareth Lewis, Cole Haan's men's design director. In addition, the label designed the outer sole with "flex grooves," lines that help the sole bend with the movement of the wearer's foot.

Johnston & Murphy's XC4 shoe collection, launched in 2010, uses foot beds—the inside part of the shoe that runs under the bottom of the foot—that contain polyurethane and are molded to conform to the foot. The shoes also have a layer of memory foam. In addition, Johnston & Murphy developed a molded polyurethane outer sole with injected rubber inserts in key spots, which the company says offers more flexibility in the forefoot area than an all-leather sole.

"If there's any break-in time at all, it's a couple of wears at the most," says Jason Jones, vice president of design and development at Johnston & Murphy.

Rather than adding technology, Allen Edmonds subtracted: About six months ago, it took away an inner layer of leather near the top of the instep as part of its collection of "unconstructed shoes." Removing the liner creates "less layers and a softer shoe that wraps around the foot," says Colin Hall, chief marketing officer.

Some women's shoe brands have also been adding features aimed at reducing or eliminating the breaking-in process. Stuart Weitzman uses malleable uppers, flexible soles, and soft-tanning processes for leathers in its high-heeled shoes. The label began using sponge like latex fillers between the shoe's lining and upper in 2007 to provide more comfort in the forefoot area. Some Manolo Blahnik shoes have padded insoles.

While men tend to complain about shoes being uncomfortable across the upper toe area, women complain more about the ball of the foot and the heel, podiatrists say. The foot needs to flex at the ball of the foot, but that is difficult in high-heeled shoes. "When you walk, if there's no bend there, they will be very uncomfortable," says Howard Davis, a professor of footwear design at Parsons the New School for Design.

Stuart Weitzman Arise shoe: Stuart Weitzman uses sponge like latex fillers between the shoe's lining and the upper to provide more comfort in the forefoot area.

In the store, a shopper should, using two hands, bend the toe portion of the shoe toward the back of the shoe, Mr. Davis recommends. If the shoe bends easily, it will likely be more comfortable from the start.

Women tend to have higher arches than men, so the shoe's upper can feel tight, says Andrew Shapiro, a podiatrist and a spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association. But because women have less muscle in their feet than men and less cartilage around the bones of their feet, they may not face as long a breaking-in period, he says.

For both men and women, the shopping challenge is to distinguish shoes that need breaking-in from those which will be uncomfortable in the long term. Most consumers still buy shoes in stores rather than online, according to a new report by market-research firm Mintel. About 13% of the more than 1,500 adults surveyed who bought footwear in the 12 months ended February 2012 had bought shoes at an online shoe retailer.

Podiatrists say the best time to shoe-shop is in the afternoon, when the foot has had time to swell. "The ideal time to try on shoes is 3 p.m.," says podiatric surgeon Suzanne Levine, who is based in Manhattan. Fluid retention, age, health issues and even gravitational pull are among the factors that cause feet to change sizes throughout the day. "The difference can be half a size in width by the end of the day, compared to the morning," says Joshua Kaye, a Los Angeles-based podiatrist.

The type of leather in a shoe will affect how easy it is to break in. Calfskin, a supple leather that conforms to the shape of the foot, generally breaks in faster than full-grain or top-grain leather. Expensive shoes tend to have thinner leather and to stretch more as you wear them. Dr. Kaye suggests that shoppers flex various shoes' leather between their fingers to compare thickness and flexibility. Suede is generally a softer material, comparable to finer leather in terms of thickness and ease of break-in.

If your shoes remain consistently uncomfortable, take a hard—and truthful—look at your size. Your foot may have gradually widened or lengthened over time.

Often-cited strategies for breaking in new shoes include walking around the house in a new pair of shoes, sometimes in thick socks, before wearing them out in public. Another home remedy involves putting rubbing alcohol on the part of the shoe that might need stretching.

Some people take new shoes to repair shops to get them stretched. The Shoe Service Institute of America, which represents shoe-repair shops, calculates that Americans spend a little more than $2 million a year on shoe stretching, according to Jim McFarland, a spokesman.

A shoe-repair shop will typically spray a stretching solution on shoes that are too tight. The solution penetrates the leather, relaxing the leather fibers so they expand. The wet shoe is then placed on a stretching machine for hours to dry into its altered size. Machines can stretch the width, the length, the toe-box area, and some will do "spot" stretching.

Mr. McFarland, owner of McFarland's Shoe Repair, in Lakeland, Fla., charges $12.95 to stretch a pair of shoes. He says consumers can try to stretch their shoes at home using an over-the-counter stretching spray. "When they spray that on their shoe, they need to walk around with it while damp maybe two or three times," he says. "If it doesn't stretch by then, you probably need to take it to a shop."