Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with feet

Are there cute, comfortable shoes for women with larger feet?

burnfirewalls — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:49:18 -0800

Comfortable-and-cute-shoes-filter: can my wife find a pair of shoes that don't blister her feet? My wife and I live in the United States, and she wears size 11 shoes. Unfortunately, in all of the years that I have known her, she hasn't been able to find a comfortable pair of shoes that isn't an athletic sneaker. She has a few pairs of them and they fit fine, but they're standard-looking running shoes and they absolutely don't go with anything else besides an athletic outfit (rawr! for sure, but not always appropriate for the occasion).

Mrs. Burnfirewalls has tried Earth shoes (blisters), Terra Plana shoes (run small in the footbed, sent back before she got blisters because she couldn't even stand in them), and Sofft shoes which, while not giving her blisters, had a heel at an awkward height. Add in a wide variety of other shoes that I just can't recall.

She also says that she doesn't even know how a shoe is supposed to fit, so this has obviously been a chronic problem.

She is reduced to wearing Crocs, Mario Batali be damned! Help us have a nice night on the town, with her in cute shoes and me a happy man!

Hivemind: do you have any advice on particular brand/shoe combinations? Good brands? Manufacturers that realize that not all women have tiny, postage-stamp sized feet?

Phantom Foot Thumb

Lownotes — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:03:12 -0800

Does anyone else ever feel the presence of a phantom thumb jutting out of the side of their foot? Since I was a kid, I've been able to create a phantom thumb sensation along the side of my foot at will. It feels like my foot takes on the appearance of a monkey foot, and I can distinctly feel the opposable toe/thumb.

Whenever I tell this to my friends, they also can feel it. Sometimes they have to hold out their hand and compare the layout of their foot to their hand before it kicks in. For most, this is disturbing.

Anyone else? Are there any references to this phenomenon in the science literature? Is this some strange vestigial evolutionary quirk? Is it some sort of body-mapping malfunction?

Help me find a word relating to balance

Mil — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:15:58 -0800

I'm searching for a word, possibly a technical or medical term, that I think starts with the letter p, and that defines the relationship between the bones in the feet as they apply to overall balance. Am I dreaming this word?

Agony of de feet :(

Madamina — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:30:17 -0800

Grody summer sandal feet, cracked heels, yada yada. I know what I need to do (pumice, shea butter, etc.), but in the summer I'm already burning up even before I try to put socks on at night! Is there anything else I can do? I already try to file my feet in the shower about twice a week. I've tried dry sloughing and wet sloughing. I know there are soaks and creams with lactic acid in them, so maybe that's something that could work better/improve the situation.

However, it's really the incredible warmth that drives me nuts. Even now, when I've been sitting by a nice cool window with dry, bare feet for several hours, my feet are red and hot. Now, slathering them with shea butter and sleeping in socks has definitely helped, but UGH, the prospect of doing that when I already have enough trouble falling asleep in this weather does not intrigue me. I've tried it a couple times in the last few weeks, and I was pretty uncomfortable.

As for shoes, I wear Chacos pretty much every day. I would love to have something like my old Birkenstocks, which had the most wonderful worn-in leather footbeds that got cool when I took my feet out, but I won't wear Birks anymore because they're too flat.

So. Are there any creams that would work particularly well to cool my feet down? (I've got a peppermint cream by EO which doesn't do anything.) How about those wacky gel socks? Buying sandals with slick leather insoles that AREN'T Birks? This problem seems to be partially genetic, so I don't see it going away soon, and any assistance would be much appreciated.

Debilitating pain in both heels.

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:00:33 -0800

Unusual, debilitating pain in both heels. Ouch. Advice? Woke up Monday morning with pain in both heels but was able to function OK. By the end of the workday I was limited to about 50 percent mobility, and walking was not particularly unpleasant. It's now a couple of hours before dawn on Tuesday and I was awakened because the pain has turned debilitating, even the pressure of a single sheet hurts. I'm pretty much unable to walk, got down the hall slowly on the balls of my feet and supporting myself on the wall.

My best guess is that I injured it Sunday afternoon when I climbed up a sort of metal grate. On the way down I hopped the last couple of feet, landing more solidly on my left foot, which is the more painful of the two. I performed this act of gymnastics while wearing shoes that, admittedly, are very very worn down in the heels and probably don't have good support. I'm thinking I have a bad sprain most likely. But are there any other things that could cause these symptoms? Something more serious that I should be concerned about?

Note that I did not experience any pain at the time of the incident. The onset was about 12 hours later when I woke up.

A couple of things:
* No visible bruising. Don't particularly notice any swelling, although it's possible since I don't examine this part of my body closely or with enough interest to really remember what's it's supposed to look like.
* There's also pain/soreness in the joint of the knee of the left leg, the one that took the harder hit on Sunday.
* I will go to the doctor if necessary. I will go to the doctor if necessary. I will go to the doctor if necessary. But insurance and phobias and other issues make it something I'd prefer to avoid if possible. Just like many others who'd post an anonymous health AskMe, of course.

Insensitive yet painful feet - the neurologist says it's caused by beer?

deeper red — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:57:51 -0800

Insensitive feet and ankles, yet painful feet, caused by drinking beer according to the neurologist. What is the name of the condition? Read on for more info. My 70 year old father suffers from painful feet, yet they're also insensitive -- he can prick them with a pin and not feel it. This extends up his ankles. He's been to see a neurologist who says that it's caused by the beer my dad drinks every night (Newcastle Brown beer). Sadly, the neurologist didn't give a name to this strange condition. What is it? We don't think it's gout because there are not gout-like symptoms, such as rashes.

Give me feet of steel.

middleclasstool — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:42:23 -0800

Resources for exercises for my feet, arches, ankles, and lower legs? I'm a distance runner -- or, more accurately, was one until after my first marathon, when IT Band Syndrome finally caught up with me. I've done physical therapy but will have to go back to the doc's for more treatment. Right now I can't do more than three miles for fear of making things worse.

I'm told the ITBS is likely a result of my overpronation, which I'd like to correct. Inspired by this post, I ran a mile barefoot on the treadmill last night, then spent the rest of the evening walking around barefoot and paying careful attention to feedback from my feet, and learned more about my gait from that than six months of running prior. I found myself working muscles in my feet and lower legs that I didn't even know I had. It was, in short, awesome, and has encouraged me that maybe I can build up muscles to help at least partially correct my gait so maybe I can ultimately transition to a lighter-weight shoe.

Thing is, I'm not finding many resources for strengthening exercises that target ankles, shin muscles and feet for overpronaters, so I turn to you for help. Resources need not be online. Books are good too, though I'd prefer not to kill trees. Give me feet of steel, people.

And yes, I will check with the doctor, but it'll be a bit before I can get in to see her.

Can shoes be made narrower?

crinklebat — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:04:35 -0800

What can be done if my shoes are too wide? I just bought a pair of shoes from Zappos that I absolutely love. However, they're heels and they're too wide; my foot slides forward a decent bit and hits the end of the shoe when I walk and then my heel lifts out at the back. So I'm pretty sure they're not too long, because if they were any shorter my toes would be hitting the end all the time. Nope, they're definitely just too wide for my creepily skinny little feet.

How much can be done (either by a pro, or by those little inserts you can buy) to make a wide shoe narrower? How much is this likely to cost (keeping in mind I live in a spendy neighborhood, so it'll be the high end of any range)? They weren't cheap shoes but they're beautiful and I'd love to keep them if I can, but I'm not sure how much more investment I can justify. I'd rather go to the cobbler with some idea of what it'll set me back because I know if I'm there, looking at the shoes and a person who would love for me to spend money on the shoes, I'll cave.

I know this kind of question is something that could be resolved by calling around in the morning but I figure any cobbler I talk to will say "Bring 'em in!" and I want to know if they actually do anything I can't do with duct tape and nerve. Personal anecdotes gladly welcomed.

Looking for high-intensity, low-impact, portable exercise.

zeek321 — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:45:09 -0800

I want a high intensity, low-impact workout that I can do every single day, indoors, with minimal space requirements. Jumping rope in my apartment lobby is absolutely perfect except that my feet and knees can't do it daily. Fifteen minutes of high-intensity exercise wakes me up in the morning and gives me a boost for the entire day, so I'd like to do it everyday. However, this seems to cause understandable wear and tear on my body. I have limited space and a low-ceiling in my apartment. Cheap, folding exercise bikes appear to break pretty quick if you use them every day. Expensive exercise bikes are too expensive and I wouldn't look forward to moving one when my lease is up.

I am considering purchasing one of those mini-exercise bikes that's just pedals and resistance. Then I could use either my feet or my arms.

Maybe I just need to condition my feet and knees over time for the jump rope. But, I have flat feet so there may be significant structural issues. I am looking into better shoes and getting a rubberized mat.

Maybe there's something super easy that I'm missing. I don't mind a learning curve, so it can be pretty weird as long as it doesn't put undue wear and tear on the body.

What can I do about my (freezing) cold feet?

FortyT-wo — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:17:12 -0800

How can I keep my ice-cold feet warm, or reheat them once they do get cold? I get cold feet. So cold that I frequently lose feeling in my toes while wearing shoes and socks in a room that is of comfortable temperature to the rest of my body. So cold that when I go to bed at night, and turn my heated mattress pad onto 'high', it takes (literally) two+ hours for them to heat through. So cold that I have to move them around the bed for a long time because anywhere I put them actually makes the bed cold. My feet keep me awake and feeling uncomfortable most winter nights. Any touch of my toes to my partner at night sends him howling. They're awful little blocks of ice.

This happens every winter, all my adult life. I've tried slippers, and they do nothing. Wearing shoes and socks until bedtime does nothing either. When I was in my early 20s I used to take a shower every night before bed, just to warm my feet through, and it worked... But my current lifestyle just won't allow it. Also my skin is getting much drier as I get older and two showers a day would probably cause some scaly issues.

Any recommendations from anyone who's beat this problem? I've looked at microwave heated slippers and electric foot warmers. I'm wondering if the microwave slippers are actually effective, if they can put out enough heat not to be made completely cold by my feet. The reviews of electric foot warmers I've read are not so great, often saying the "warming" function is a joke. I've also wondered if one of those paraffin baths would fix my problem, but I'm not sure if it would get expensive to use it every day for 4 months a year. Or if they're meant to be used in such a way.

Any ideas greatly appreciated. To have my feet just be at body temperature when I go to bed would be a godsend.

I apologize if this has been asked and answered before. Searching for "cold feet" obviously returned a lot of nonrelevant stuff.

Chicken Feet!

albernathy0 — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:01:07 -0800

Please help identify a children's horror program either on television or VHS (most likely) that I watched as a child in the early 90s. If it was a television program I have a feeling that it would have been on PBS. I am most confident however that it was a VHS video I rented from the library. I associate the words, "Chicken Feet" with what I remember. The scene I remember best is of a children's room, outside is rain and lightning, and suddenly you see this big monster chicken in the closet! That's really all I recall. The movie was live action. Thank you so much for the help!

Why are my shoes falling apart?

Venadium — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:26:42 -0800

My Cons are falling apart. What The Chuck? I bought my first pair of Converse All-Stars a few months ago. Already, the sole on the left shoe is falling off and becoming separated from the rest of the sneaker. It's only actually detached on one side so far, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before there's nothing holding it on anymore. My actual question is, is this normal? I've known people who have worn the same pair of Chucks for years without the shoes actually falling apart like this. The only thing that I think could have possibly caused the problem is that I wear the shoes to work, and part of my job at the end of the day is washing the floor with a high-pressure water gun. So they get wet 5 nights a week. Not completely soaked, though, because it's not like I'm standing in puddles or anything. They probably get the wettest near the heel of the shoe from the bottom of my pants soaking up water off the floor, but the sole is detaching itself from the shoe near the toe. It's as if whatever glue was there holding the shoe together is totally gone. Now, just standing on a wet surface long enough gets my left foot totally soaked from water seeping into the shoe itself from the bottom.

So, I guess I'm wasting a question here since the only real answer is to buy another pair of shoes, which I've already done, but should I avoid wet surfaces with these new Chucks or something? Or did I just end up with a bad pair the first time?

If it doesn't kill me, will it make me stronger or weaker

amtho — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:23:57 -0800

Best way, other than walking a lot (too time-consuming), to prepare for walking a lot, in a city, carrying a substantial bag? A recent walking-intensive two-week trip nearly killed my poor feet. I don't have a walking-intensive life most of the time. Should I try specific conditioning? Or would that make it worse, "using up" the mileage I have left on my feet? Should I just resign myself to babying my feet when traveling? I'm not even sure how to search for this; searches for "walk exercise" would yield information about walking as exercise; I'm wondering if there are exercises that will make walking for long periods, carrying a heavy bag (suitcase / backpack) less of a problem.

I have flat feet, small feet, in short -- not the best feet. It's possible that a podiatrist might help, but I'm wondering if this is a known common problem that people conquer by... jumping rope (please no)? Walking on the toes for 15 minutes a day? Walking for 5 minutes carrying something really, really heavy? Something simple?

Jogging/running isn't my best activity; I've got problem knees, too. I have a bike.

I'm height/weight proportional, but I think my recent travel woes were exacerbated by carrying a heavy bag... which I'd like to do again. The back is mostly OK, it's just the feet.

I do know enough to get cushy insoles, wear comfortable shoes, etc., although specific recommendations are welcome. I usually avoid cushy insoles in everyday life on the theory that they'd weaken my feet. I normally wear Birkenstock-type sandals, and occasionally loafers.

Toenail remnant

BigSky — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:23:15 -0800

A couple of months ago my big toenail went black after a run. Maybe 10-15 days ago it came loose, but only on one side. Since the other side was still anchored I cut off the flapping half. Nothing's happened since then. Please advise. I've been trying to pull free the remaining section with some needlenose pliers. It isn't painful, but I'm not getting anywhere. I usually do it after a shower because I think the skin being soft will help. Is there anything else I can do? Do I need to see a podiatrist? If so, what would that cost?

A new job has me on my feet: Is it normal for my tootsies to get numb?

GilloD — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:39:55 -0800

I've got a new job where I'm on my feet about ten hours a day. The outsides of my feet are going numb. Is this normal? In the past I've either worked office jobs or short (6 or fewer hours) shifts. My new job has me on my feet about 10 hours a day, 5 and a 1/2 days a week. I've noticed that the "outside" of my feet (The right side on my right is the worst, although the left side of my left is also getting there) is going numb. It's not like I can't feel it, but if I go to scratch the spot of rub a hand on it, it feels like that part of the foot is asleep, like I'm trying to touch it through a sheet.

Is this normal? Do waiters encounter this kind of thing? I've got a great pair of new sneakers, so I don't think it's the shoe wear. I'm just a little freaked out.

Longer Dog Leash?

nancoix — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:36:26 -0800

Dog Leash Longer than 6 feet? Where can I find a nylon dog leash longer than the industry standard 6 ft (not a retractable type)? Ideally I'd like 8 ft, or possibly 9. Looking for online store recommendations.

Do I need a podiatrist, or just a good shoe store?

Afroblanco — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:18:38 -0800

Do I need a podiatrist, or just a good shoe store? Until about 6 months ago, I had worn the same pair of shoes for 2 years - not because I'm cheap, but because I'm one of those guys who *HATES* shopping. Finally, those shoes began to degrade beyond the point of usability, so after 3 successive re-heelings, I decided to get new shoes.

Since then, I have been unable to find a pair that fits well. I finally bought a pair about a month and a half ago before going on a long, sightseeing-oriented vacation. BIG mistake. I got these weird, awful blisters that led to even weirder callouses. It hurts my feet when I walk for long distances. Even worse, the "pinky toes" on both feet look kind of weird. Part of my pinky toe sort of seems to curve under my 4th toe a bit. In fact, I have (on both feet) a weird callous on the bottom of my pinky toe, close to where it rubs the 4th toe. My pinky toes may have been like this for a while, but it hasn't been a problem until recently.

So, bottom line, I need to find out what the deal is with my feet, and I need to get a new pair of shoes. What do I do? I'm pretty sure that my feet are different sizes, although I'm unsure how different they are from each other. Also, buying shoes is difficult since every brand has their own "cut," making sizing difficult. Do I need to see a podiatrist? Or will a good shoe store do? If a good shoe store will do, then can you recommend any in the NYC area? I like shoes like Timberlands and Rockports that look kind of dressy, but are actually pretty strong, and are sturdy enough for everyday use. I don't mind spending the money on a good pair, since I plan on keeping it for a while.

What gives with the strap on the foot?

snsranch — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:18:26 -0800

I was hanging out with a U.S. Navy officer. I noticed that he had something unknown to me on his feet... The strap was about 1/2 inch wide in a figure 8 shape. The first loop went around his foot, under the arch and over the top. The second loop, connected to the first was around the ankle. The top of that was up under the pant leg so it wasn't obvious what is was for.

He was wearing standard Navy Khakis. So it wasn't one of things for the blousing effect. Also the strap looked like elastic material like the stuff on underwear bands, but black.

Mormon underwear? Strap down for a side-arm? He's a bad-ass so ya never know. This is a silly question, but I just couldn't ask him about it.

Pigeon Toes

FuManchu — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:49:52 -0800

Why do so many pigeons in San Francisco have mangled feet? And why is it usually only one foot? Is this specific to SF, or do you notice it in other pigeon-heavy areas?

Please god help my blistered feet

sergeant sandwich — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:42:04 -0800

How do I stop getting these huge blisters on my feet whenever I do certain sports? I just got home from an hour of basketball and once again have large, hurty blisters on both feet! This happens to me anytime I do any kind of sport that requires rapid lateral changes of direction, such as basketball, soccer, football etc.

They are always large (quarter-sized or so), in the same spot (along the inner edge of the ball of my feet), and on both feet. I can feel it when they form -- I plant and change direction, and it feels like the top layer of skin is kind of shearing off the underlying layers. yuck.

I've tried a lot of the recommended treatments for foot blisters like double socks and taping the spot but haven't had any luck. It happens with a lot of different kinds of shoes (general cross-trainers, soccer cleats, running shoes, etc.) I almost never get blisters when walking or jogging, just during these explosive type starts and stops.

One thing that may conceivably be an issue is my weight; I am about 225 lbs, 5'10", but I still had the exact same problem a few years ago when i was 35 lbs lighter and a lot more fit. So I kind of suspect it's not that, but I'm open to thoughts on the matter.

Anyone had this kind of trouble? What helped? A certain kind of shoe? Smaller shoes? Inserts of some kind? Just gritting your teeth and doing it a lot til you get calloused? (I've tried that, they pop and then i get new blisters underneath the old ones... boo).

Failing that, anyone know one of those really good shoe stores in Toronto where the foot gurus can look at how I run and have some insight?

Yamuna Body Rolling?

sdis — Sat, 05 May 2007 16:59:45 -0800

Experiences with Yamuna Body Rolling, anyone? Specifically the foot-savers part of it? Other foot-strength-training exercise programs for people with foot pain/flat feet/plantar faciitis? I have flat feet and bad plantar faciitis, and I'm looking for some way to strength train my feet. I've read somewhere on the internets about this YBR stuff, and that nurses tend to find large amounts of success with it despite standing all day. Anyone know anything more about it personally?

I don't like it when it hurts to walk.

crinklebat — Thu, 03 May 2007 01:28:56 -0800

What can I do to make these shoes less hurty? I just picked up a new pair of Naot mary-jane-type shoes, and although the Naot insole is everything it's cracked up to be and more, the strap rubs my foot in a really irritating way, and the back is driving my left Achilles tendon nuts. I have little red scabs all over my ankles. In general I tend toward instantly comfy tennis shoes; it's been a long time since I've had to really break in a pair of shoes for everyday wear, and I'm not entirely sure what (if anything) I can do.

Other than not wearing these shoes, what options do I have? I'd like to try DIY methods to either toughen my delicate skin or break in these shoes before I consult a pro.

FeetFilter - Need a shoe insert

deeman — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:46:32 -0800

FeetFilter - Looking a great shoe insert I can put in my gym sneakers that provide anti-odor, are moisture absorbent, and provide support and cushioning. I don't want to get a cheap pair and would rather spend the money on something thats reliable and durable. Any suggestions? I was looking at the following:
- CAPI (Cushioned Anti-Pronoation Inserts):
http://www.shoeinserts.com/
- ShockBlockers:
http://www.oregonaero.com/p109_04.html

Experiences with flat feet and/or plantar fasciitis?

sdis — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:12:59 -0800

FeetFilter: Anyone out there with plantar fasciitis caused by very flat feet? What worked for you to get rid of it? How long did it take? A running injury led me to see a podiatrist who pointed out about 6 months ago that I have very flat feet. Got custom orthotics, which unfortunately didn't help very much with the foot pain.

Started using a night brace, which seems to help, but if I skip a day or two, I lose any progress I've made.

Static calf stretches don't seem to help much; my calf just gets tighter the next day (and I'm trying to be careful not to overstretch)

I'm already seeing 2 podiatrists (one does the orthotics) and a physical therapist for an associated knee injury that's not quite healing..

So, questions would be:
-What are your experiences with plantar fasciitis and/or flat feet? What worked? What didn't? What was the treatment timeline?
-Is there any way to really check out your foot/leg alignment before and after the orthotics to see whether it's really supplying the proper correction? In Los Angeles? (My podiatrist that made the orthotics seems like he knows what he's doing, and the orthotic was made from a plaster cast instead of the apparently more inaccurate foam casting, but I worry about the lack of progress with my foot and the knee injury that wont go away)

Detoxifying Foot Wrap?

mu~ha~ha~ha~har — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:28:52 -0800

Detoxifying Foot Wrap? It's like that patch I guess but that's not it. From memory, a friends' ex mixed up a concoction like a paste wrapped the soles of their feet in it with cotton strips and then saran wrap. The next morning the paste from his was an awful brown but hers was just black. The expression on her face while telling me this has me convinced of it's powers. Fairly sure it's a TCM thing. The elusive detoxifying foot wrap. No I do not wish to come to your day $pa. I would much rather stay home, sit in a bean bag and marvel at my icky feet thank you. At best somebody will have a recipe and at worst a new goose. I hope it doesn't turn out to be something truely dreadful...