Looking for a pair of health shoes that look as good as they work can be a challenge.
NO MATTER what they tell you, it is all about the shoes. Even if youÂ’re wearing yesterdayÂ’s rags, the right pair will set you off with the right fashion statement. Never mind if it kills you to walk in those gorgeous five-inch Manolo Blahnik heels, as long as you can hold your head up high and look good, right?
Wrong, as the sins of the past will come back to haunt you. I speak from experience as I used to totter around shopping malls in my three-inch stilettos during day-long shopping sprees. And eventually, all the ways I abused my feet caught up with me and showed up in my back, knees and soles. At one stage, my back was so bad, I couldnÂ’t even drive.
A little older now, and hopefully wiser, these days my heels are more sensible. In fact, getting the right pair of shoes has become somewhat of an obsession of late, as I suffer from plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes) from time to time.
Essentially, I need shoes with better arch support. Initially, the Biomechanics Orthotic Insoles from Scholl (RM89), designed to help foot posture and alignment, and minimise feet and joint stress, suited me fine. I even bought a couple pairs more for other family members as I realised most of us have a tendency for our feet to pronate or roll inwards when walking. For those who donÂ’t have any other complaints, mass-produced insoles from footcare specialists such as Scholl provide sufficient relief.
However, I needed something better for the long term, especially since pain from plantar fasciitis can be quite debilitating. So I invested in a pair of custom-made insoles by local designer Thomas Chan, which has been a boon to my aching feet, especially on days when I have to attend events and stand for long hours.
Orthotic insoles are nothing new, and international brands such as Schein (from Germany), Foot Solutions (United States) and Good Arch (Taiwan) have long touted the importance of a customised fit for better arch support. These insoles are touted to help with problems such as shin pain, heel spurs, aching legs, knee pain and lower back pain.
Most of these insoles, however, are often meant to be fitted into flat walking shoes, with the exception of ChanÂ’s designs, which also offer a range of high heels with insoles.
So, for the fashion-conscious career women, this kind of shoes donÂ’t exactly go with the rest of the wardrobe. Which got me thinking, arenÂ’t there any pretty, stylish health shoes out there?
ItÂ’s just like saying that anything which tastes good, isnÂ’t healthy for you. But surely, it doesnÂ’t have to also mean that anything that looks good on your feet isnÂ’t a fashion-conscious choice?
Fortunately, shoe brands like Clarks prove that itÂ’s possible to walk healthy in comfortable shoes. Its latest Clarks Active Air insoles have hundreds of tiny pockets that trap air, creating a cushion between the wearer and the ground. Each time the wearer puts his or her foot down, the impact is absorbed. The three densities of foam in the footbed also prevent flattening with wear.
Clarks shoes have the Active Air with Air Flow System, which adds to the Active Air technology by including specially developed pods built into the shoesÂ’ soles. While walking, these pods compress, forcing air through holes in the mid-sole and along channels in the footbed. The air is then pumped down and around the shoe to help absorb more impact. Shoes in this range include Faun Robe and Rhythmic Vibe line which feature flats, wedges and sandals. Prices are from RM288 to RM318.
For those who don’t care for heels, FitFlops offer an attractive alternative. The brand was launched in Britain in 2007 after a collaboration between biomechanists Dr David Cook, Darren James and Marcia Kilgore. Looking every inch the perfect beach flip flops, these deceivingly simple-looking sandals are claimed to increase muscle activation while improving posture, reducing shock and the key phrase that reeled me in, “relieving plantar foot pressure”.
The sandals carry the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance and is engineered with the brand’s patent-pending Microwobbleboard technology. This is supposed to recreate the experience of walking barefoot to increase muscle workout by helping to tone thighs and firm the bottom – like a “mobile gym”.
The latest spring summer 2011 collection offer the Positano, an understated, elegant sandal with clean lines; Pietra, a pretty model with a strip of three shiny resin stones; Happy Gogh, a clog version; Floretta, with multi-layered leather flower motifs; Rokkit, with sparkling glitter; Electra with sequins; Oasis 2, an update of the earlier model for comfort junkies; and the classic Walkstar. Prices start from RM199 to RM599.
Another sensible option would be the Birkenstock, a shoe with more than two centuries of history. Johann Adam Birkenstock is said to have started work on the shoe in 1774 in a small German village. His son Konrad designed the first shoe with a contoured insole, and the first Birkenstock “sandal” was made in 1964. American Margot Fraser brought the shoe back to California and, in the 1970s, The Arizona – the style that has become synonymous with the Birkenstock brand – burst onto the scene.
The footbeds are made of cork and natural latex which, over time, yield to the characteristics of the individualÂ’s foot. Contoured into the shape of a “healthy foot”, the design is said to ensure proper weight distribution with raised arches to help support the footÂ’s natural shape and structure. Comfort is based on the need for ρrm, orthopedically correct support: proper arch support, a deep heel cup and adequate room in the toe area. Prices start from RM189.
Not exactly office wear, but nonetheless a snazzy alternative for women who walk a lot, CrocsÂ’ latest Crocs Tone incorporates Crocs proprietary Croslite material technology, along with a purposefully concealed three-layer design: A carefully designed, sculpted, spherical outsole to cater for a variety of walking rhythms to spark a spectrum of muscle activity; the Croslite material footbed to cradle and support the foot, helping to ease muscle fatigue in the feet and legs, and providing relief to the musculoskeletal system; and an outer toning ring to provide a firm perimeter to maintain a stable and natural walking gait and posture.
Unlike hardcore athletic or training shoes, Crocs Tone footwear is said to provide a toning benefit in a variety of sleek, lightweight silhouettes. Three versions are available: Skylar Flip (RM209), Skylar Clog (RM229) and Skylar Flat (RM229).
My next “project” is to scout around for a good pair of trainers to work out in. Initially, I had my heart set on a pair of MBTs (Masai Barefoot Technology) invented by a Swiss engineer called Karl Müller in the early 1990s. However, while it claims to activate neglected muscles, improve posture and gait, tone the body as well as ease back and foot problems, the rocking motion of the shoe when walking takes quite a bit of getting used to plus the price tag of more than RM900 was rather daunting.
So, I thought I would settle for a pair of Skechers’ Shape-Ups fitness shoes that are claimed to “help weight loss, tone muscles and improve posture without going to the gym”. But then, someone mentioned that it may not be suitable for someone who needs a firmer sole.
Oh, well, back to the drawing board ...
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