According to the American Academy of Dermatology, salons that use unsanitary tools and contaminated footbaths increase your risk of developing fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, and bacterial skin infections, like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which is a potentially serious antibiotic-resistant staph infection. You can also potentially pick up warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), yeast infections, and hepatitis C.

While we’re not saying you shouldn’t get a pedicure, you should take a few precautions to ensure your feet’s safety.

1. Make sure the salon and technician are licensed by the state.
2. Schedule your pedicure for first thing in the morning, so the pedicure instruments and footbaths are at their cleanest.
3. Ask how much time is scheduled between appointments. Pedicure disinfectants take at least 10 minutes to work. If the salon is booking customers back-to-back, look for another salon.
4. Ask about the salon’s sanitizing procedures. A few salons may use an autoclave to sterilize their pedicure tools with steam and heat. This is the best way to sanitize tools. At the very least, pedicure instruments should be soaked in disinfectant between customers. Footbaths should be drained and washed with a disinfectant between customers and every night. Make sure the salon also cleans and sanitizes the footbath filter, as screen located on the back of tub. Bacteria often grow there. A hospital-grade disinfectant works the best for sanitizing footbaths and tools, killing more types of bacteria, viruses and fungus.
5. Don’t shave, wax or use hair removal creams on your legs for 24 hours before a pedicure. Hair removal can cause cuts or abrasions that allow bacteria and fungus to enter.
6. Bring your own pedicure tools to reduce the risk of infection and make sure the technician uses them. If the salon’s pedicure tools haven’t been properly sterilized, bacteria and fungus can be easily transferred from person to person. And, some tools, like nail buffers and emery boards, can’t be sanitized and may not be replaced between customers.
7. Make sure the salon looks sanitary, including the bathrooms. If the surfaces or bathrooms look dirty, then leave. The salon likely doesn’t have good hygiene practices.
8. Ensure once you’re there that the footbaths and instruments are being disinfected properly.
9. Check to see if the technicians wash their hands between customers or uses gloves.
10. Don’t let the technician cut your cuticles or push them back. The cuticle provides a protective barrier, when it is cut, removed or damaged by pushing it back, bacteria and fungus can get in.
11. Don’t let the technician use a razor-type tool on your feet to remove dead skin. The technician can easily cut off too much skin, causing an infection or permanent damage to your skin. Your feet should be smoothed with a pumice stone or a foot file.
12. Check your feet over the next few days to several weeks following your pedicure to make sure you’re not developing an infection. Itchy feet or yellowish toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection. If you develop a pimple or abscess that’s red, swollen or painful, you may have staph infection. See your doctor if you think you have an infection.

While most pedicures are perfectly safe, by taking these precautions, you’ll ensure that you’re protecting your feet. And that you’re leaving the salon with just pretty feet.

For Added Comfort, Wear ezWalker^® Performance Insoles

If you suffer from corns, calluses, bunions and other foot problems, consider slipping ezWalker^® Performance Insoles into your shoes. These custom-made, biomechanically correct arch supports can help reduce or eliminate your foot pain – providing comfort with every step. ezWalker^® Insoles easily transfer from shoe to shoe – even strappy sandals (with the use of Velcro^® to hold the insole in place).

So besides pampering your feet with a pedicure, pamper them with the right support they need to help you feel pain-free throughout your day. Order your ezWalker^® Performance Insoles today.

Because … when your feet feel good (and look pretty), you feel good (and look pretty) too!

Have you been following Season 14 of Dancing with the Stars?

Due to DWTS, the popularity of ballroom dancing has grown. And, maybe you’re one of the many people who have put on your dancing shoes and have taken up ballroom dancing as a social activity.

However, what you may not realize is, dancing is a high-impact activity that places a great deal of stress on your feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Just look at the casualties on DWTS. Katherine Jenkins had a back spasm. William Levy had an ankle injury. Melissa Gilbert had a mild concussion. And, Maria Menounos has suffered from two broken ribs, an injured chin and a fractured foot.

Each dance requires a variety of precision movements that place a lot of stress on the body. The Samba and Cha Cha Cha use a lot of hip rotations and hip thrusts. Also, the Samba requires extreme stretching and bending of the back. In the Paso Doble, male dancers often do exaggerated jumps and landings. Then in the Jive, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Rumba and Waltz, dancers perform various types of footwork from fast to slow (but controlled) steps, placing a tremendous amount of stress on their feet and ankles.

Some common lower extremity injuries suffered by dancers include corns, calluses, bunions, stress fractures, twisted ankles, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, shin splints, muscle contractions in the legs, and pulled back muscles.

In order to prevent dance injuries from occurring, follow these tips:

• Wear properly fitted shoes designed for dancing. Shoes that are correctly fitted will reduce foot problems. Be aware that high heels can cause your pelvis to tilt so you lean forward, causing strain on your ankles. High heels also shift your center of mass so the majority of your weight is placed on the balls of your feet, leading to foot pain and strain on your legs. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide for more information on how to correctly fit your shoes.
• Properly stretch your muscles before dancing – include stretches for the feet, ankles and legs. Remember you need to build your strength and flexibility slowly and safely.
• Be aware of the type of surface you’re dancing on to prevent injuries. Sloped surfaces cause a lot of stress on your ankles in order to keep your body stabilized. Slippery surfaces cause your muscles to tense in an attempt to keep you from slipping. Sticky surfaces make you work harder, causing your muscles to tire faster.
• Take dance lessons to learn the correct movements and proper technique.
• Keep your body properly aligned at all times. Use your upper body and knees in order to land softly from jumps, spins and turns. Avoid flat-footed landings.
• Watch what you’re doing and what other dancers around you are doing. Injuries can often occur when you step on someone else’s feet or bump into others when you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.
• Don’t overdo it. It’s easy to overexert yourself dancing when you’re having a good time, especially if you’ve been drinking alcohol. So be aware when your feet or body hurts and sit out a few dances to rest.
• Drink plenty of water. Muscle cramps can occur due to a loss of fluid from heavy sweating. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates your body of fluids, so drink a glass of water following every alcoholic beverage.
• If you already suffer from foot conditions, like bunions, plantar fasciitis, arch or heel pain, wear custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Performance Insoles. ezWalker^® insoles are biomechanically designed to realign your body, providing your feet with a proper foundation in your shoes. Custom insoles also increase your balance and stability while helping to reduce or eliminate foot pain.

Ballroom dancing can be a lot of fun and great exercise. But you’ll quickly lose the joy of dancing if your feet, ankles, legs and back hurt. By following these tips, you’ll reduce your risk of injuries so you can continue gliding across the dance floor.

For more information on ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, visit our website. No matter what type of shoes you wear, there’s an ezWalker^® to provide pain relief – on and off the dance floor. So order yours today! You’ve got nothing to lose but your pain.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

The reason injuries are common is, basketball can be physically demanding.  The sport requires a high intensity of running, jumping, twisting, cutting and direct contact with other players. Think about it. Every move you make on the court starts with your feet and ankles. That’s a tremendous amount of stress on the bones, muscles and tendons of your feet and ankles. Because of these intense demands on your body, your risk of overuse or traumatic injuries is high.

Overuse Injuries  

Overuse injuries occur due to repeated stress on certain areas of the body. Eventually the area becomes damaged, and you experience pain. Some common overuse injuries include:

• Achilles tendinitis – The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to the heel bone in your foot. You use it when pushing off from your feet as you run and jump. When you overuse it, it becomes inflamed and painful. Occasionally, the Achilles tendon can tear. Treatment may include rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen), custom foot orthotics (like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole), immobilization and/or surgery.
• Patellar tendinitis – The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shin bone.  You can stress the tendon with repetitive jumping, causing tiny tears in the tendon. When the tears become too numerous to heal, the tendon becomes inflamed and your knee may swell. You’ll experience pain in the tendon just below your kneecap. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and use of support straps or braces.
• Plantar fasciitis – The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from your heel bone across the bottom of your foot to your toes, connecting to the metatarsal joints. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen and irritated. You’ll feel pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot when you stand or walk. This pain can be mild or sharp and stabbing. The pain is typically worse in the morning when you take your first steps after getting out of bed. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, custom foot orthotics (like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole), and/or night splints.

Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries occur when you experience a sudden, forceful injury, like a muscle pull or tear. Some common traumatic injuries include:

• Ankle sprains – This type of injury often occurs when another player lands on your foot or your ankle rolls inward or outward too far, causing the ligaments in the ankle to become overstretched and torn. You’ll experience sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and loss of proper ankle movement. Treatment may include rest, ice, elevation of the ankle, immobilization with a brace or tape, and/or surgery.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear – The ACL connects your upper and lower leg bones and helps to hold your knee in place. Your ACL may suddenly tear when you abruptly change direction, suddenly stop, make a quick cutting move, land awkwardly, or experience a direct blow to your knee. You may hear a loud pop when the ACL is injured. Your knee may slip out of its joint. You will also have severe swelling and pain. Treatment may include ice, use of a protective brace, use of a crutch, rehabilitation exercises and/or surgery.

If you experience any injury playing basketball, it’s important to have your injury diagnosed and treated by your doctor.

Provide a Proper Foundation for Your Feet 

Custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, provide your feet with the support they need to help you maintain your balance and stability. These insoles are biomechanically designed to help support the medial, lateral and trans-metatarsal arches of your feet. ezWalker^® custom insoles will guide your feet into better alignment; reduce the stress and strain on your feet, ankles and knees; and improve your overall posture.

The ezWalker^® is ultra thin and ¾ length, so it is extremely versatile. Plus, it comes with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. So, guard your feet against foot pain and injury while playing basketball. Order your ezWalker^® Performance Insoles today!

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

Note: If you follow these guidelines and your pain or injuries persist, you may have a more serious condition. See your physician for a more complete diagnosis and treatment.

But for those cases when your toenail is not infected, you can try the following home remedies to treat your ingrown toenail and prevent it from coming back.

1. Soak your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. Soaking will help relieve the pain and swelling. Make sure to dry your foot completely after each soaking. Keep your feet clean and dry whenever possible.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve any pain.
3. Gently lift the corner of nail and pull the skin away from the nail using a blunt nail file. Don’t use anything sharp that can cut or hurt the toe. Roll up a small piece of clean cotton or gauze and place it between the ingrown toenail and the skin. This will help lift the nail and separate it from the skin, as well as provide some additional cushioning. Change the cotton or gauze daily. It may take one to two weeks for the nail to grow out so it no longer digs into the skin.
4. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage to reduce your risk of developing an infection. The bandage will also provide some extra padding and protection.
5. Wear shoes made of soft fabrics or that are open-toed while you’re treating an ingrown toenail to reduce any pain and pressure.
6. Check your toe for signs of infection. If you develop an infection, see your doctor immediately. You may need to have all or part of your toenail removed. Plus you may need to take antibiotics for the infection.
7. Make sure you always trim your toenails straight across. Never round your toenails. Also don’t cut them too short. Your toenails should be even with the tips of your toes. This will keep your toenails from growing into your skin.
8. Make sure you wear shoes that fit properly. Your shoes shouldn’t pinch your toes, causing your nails to dig into the surrounding skin. Refer to the WalkEzStore Shoe Fitting Guide for more information on how to properly fit your shoes.

Proper prevention is the best way to keep from getting ingrown toenails. However, if you do spot an ingrown toenail, you can prevent an infection from occurring by following these tips.

While custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, can’t treat or prevent an ingrown toenail, they can reduce or eliminate foot pain caused by other foot conditions, such as bunions, corns, arch or heel pain. ezWalker^® insoles are custom-made and biomechanically designed to realign your body by providing your feet with a proper foundation in your shoes. These insoles are ultra thin and ¾ length, so they easily fit a wide variety of shoes. Order your ezWalker^® Performance Insoles today.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

These shoes are nothing more than cheaply made, flat, thong-toe sandals with a silver-colored heel lift glued into them. While the upper straps, linings and soles are made from leather (according to the product description from several store websites), the shoes are still made in China. Although a couple websites would like you to believe otherwise by simply stating they’re “imported.”

So what do you think the price is for these “classic” gladiator sandals? $195. (You do realize you’re primarily paying for the celebrity name attached to the shoe – right?) However, it’s the heel lifts that I find the most outrageous (the silver lift attached to the inside of the shoe). I sell heel lifts that can be inserted into shoes for $25 each. That’s $50 for a pair. For sandals, you simply attach a piece of Velcro to the lining of the sandal and the matching Velcro piece to the bottom of the heel lift. And viola! You can easily transfer the heels lifts from shoe to shoe.

However, not everyone needs to wear heel lifts in their shoes. Heel lifts are primarily designed for the purpose of:

• Elevating one side of your body due to leg-length differences.
• Reducing stress on the Achilles’ tendon, especially for people suffering from Achilles’ tendonitis.
• Treating children with Severs Disease. (This is not really a disease, but a condition the child will outgrow.)
• Discreetly adding height for people who are uncomfortable with their height or who may need a boost of self confidence. (Although the heels lifts in these sandals are very visible.)
• Helping golfers improve their golf swing.

However, heel lifts do not absorb shock or redistribute heel pressure caused by each step.  And they certainly don’t add arch support; however, they do put a flat arch in a little better position for walking. A heel lift is mainly used for therapeutic reasons. In the case of the sandals in question, a person wearing them, who doesn’t need them, it will only cause more harm than good.

Having heel lifts in these sandals is similar to wearing high-heeled shoes; therefore, there are disadvantages associated with their use. These may include:

• Forward slipping of the feet during walking if the slope of the heel lift is too steep or the feet are sweaty. This may lead to falls, ankle sprains or other injuries to the feet.
• The development of calluses on the heel of the foot due to the foot rubbing against the lift, or irritation of the delicate skin between the big toe and the second toe as it rubs against the toe strap.
• The possible formation of bunions due to the lack of proper foot function if you wear lifts and your feet don’t need them.
• An increased risk of metatarsalgia due to the weight and pressure of your foot pressing down on the ball of your foot, especially without adequate support to your midfoot.
• An elevated risk of Achilles’ tendon issues. By wearing heel lifts or high heeled shoes for prolonged periods of time, the Achilles’ tendon in your leg is shortened. When you remove your shoes at the end of the day, your Achilles’ tendon may be sore as it stretches back out to its proper length. Prolonged wear and tear on the Achilles’ tendon puts you at a higher risk of Achilles’ tendon rupture as you age.

However, the worst thing about these sandals is, there’s no arch support. It’s like putting your feet on a straight slope, and the plantar surface (bottom) of your feet aren’t shaped this way. When you pitch a shoe for a heel rise, there must be an arch to hold the foot into place. Otherwise, the foot will suffer because it has to work too hard as you walk.

There is a time and place for heel lifts. However, they use should be prescribed by a competent expert in the field. They can be an excellent solution when used correctly for individuals with leg length discrepancies or Achilles’ tendon issues. But a correct measurement is necessary to determine the proper height to make the lift. Otherwise, people are just increasing their risk of injury.

So before you spend your hard-earned money on sandals such as these (because you think they’re a fashion statement), consider the consequences of wearing shoes with heel lifts if you don’t need them. So buyer BE AWARE!

For more information on heel lifts or custom foot orthotics, I recommend the ezWalker^® Performance Insole, contact customer service at the WalkEZstore.com at 888-3-WALK-EZ or info@WalkEZstore.com. Also, visit our website to learn more about common foot conditions like bunions, calluses, Achilles’ tendonitis or heel pain.

Remember… when your feet feel good, you feel good.

According to the National Retail Federation, last year Americans were expected to spend on average $140.73 on Mother’s Day purchases – totaling $16.3 billion. The most popular gifts for mom are flowers, clothing and jewelry. Also, over 54% of people were expected to treat mom to a nice brunch or dinner.

So, with all of this in mind, here’s your opportunity to think outside of the box and come up with something unique to show mom how special she is to you.

Some creative gift ideas:

• For hard-working moms, whisk her away for a get-away weekend to the beach, the city, a state park or a cute artists’ community. Throw in a spa treatment for a truly indulgent experience.
• For moms that love to travel, American Airlines offers gift certificates to pay for her trip. Plus, American will donate $5 for every $50 spent on travel to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• For the wine-lover, buy mom a bottle or a case of her favorite wine. Or, take her to visit an area winery to sample their wines.
• For thrill-seeking moms, go as family to the local amusement or water park for a day of fun. Or try zip-lining through the treetops.
• For moms who love the arts, shop for a gift on etsy.com to support emerging artists. Or, give her a membership to your local art museum or tickets to the latest exhibit.
• For the mom who loves to cook, enroll her for classes at a local cooking school. (Just make sure it fits into her schedule.)
• For a dog or cat lover, make a donation in her name to your local Humane Society.
• For the mom who loves to plan parties, buy her a book on how to throw stunning parties and include a basket filled with party goodies, like paper plates, napkins, umbrellas for drinks, dip mixes, specialty foods or candles.
• If you still want to give her jewelry, look for pieces that can be hand-engraved with personal messages or the kids’ names, like these baby name rings from Love & Victory.
• If you still want to give her candy, how about personalized M&Ms in a personalized candy dispenser?
• For the mom who has foot pain and problems, like bunions, corns, calluses, or plantar fasciitis, get her a gift certificate to the WalkEzStore.com. Gift certificates are available in any denomination up to $299 – the cost of ezWalker^® Performance Insoles. (Note: Sales tax must be added.) Contact customer service at 888-3-WALK-EZ or info@WalkEZstore.com to order. All orders are handled on a personal basis and can be sent via email. The WalkEZstore.com also offers $25 consultations; shoe fittings; shoe alterations, repairs and modifications; and, of course, ezWalker^® custom foot orthotics. For more information on ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, visit our website.

Mother’s Day is the one day to make your mom feel special, so do something nice for her to make her smile.

ezWalker^®Performance Insoles – Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good. Or, when mom’s feet feel good, she’s happy and everyone else is happier, too

• Increase your chances of living longer.
• Develop stronger muscles and bones.
• Lose or maintain a healthy weight.
• Sleep better.
• Look better.
• Feel better about yourself and life in general.
• Have fun.

Actually, any exercise is better than none. But the more exercise you do, the greater the health benefits you’ll receive. When you exercise, your body uses energy. However, to get the maximum health benefits from exercise, you need to do activities that make you breathe harder and get your heart pumping more. You also need to include strengthening exercises to make your muscles stronger.

So what can you do to add more physical activity into your life?

• Walk the dog.
• Take a bike ride after dinner.
• Walk with co-workers during lunch.
• Play tag with the kids.
• Dance around your living room to your favorite CD.
• Do active house and/or yard work, like cleaning windows or mowing the grass.
• Park the car further away from the store or your office and walk the rest of the way.

Whatever you do, choose something you like to do, so you’ll be more likely to continue exercising every week. Realize every minute counts. So even if you can only do something for 10 to 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing. Ideally, it’s best to be active at least 3 days a week. Just gradually exercise a little more each time and/or exercise more often.

According to the national exercise guidelines, for aerobic activities at the moderate level, you need to do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week. During moderate activities, you should be able to talk, but you won’t be able to sing. Some moderate activities include ballroom or line dancing, walking briskly, water aerobics, biking on level ground, baseball, canoeing and tennis (doubles).

For more vigorous aerobic activities, you should do at least 1 hour and 15 minutes a week. During vigorous activities you’ll only be able to say a few words without stopping to catch your breath. Some vigorous activities include aerobic dance, fast dancing, biking faster than 10 mph, jogging or running, jumping rope, hiking uphill, swimming laps, basketball, soccer, and tennis (singles).

You can also combine or alternate between moderate or vigorous activities each week.

Additionally, at least twice a week, you should include muscle strengthening activities. These activities should work your major muscle groups, such as the legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders and arms. Perform exercises for each muscle group at least 8 to 12 reps per session.

By picking activities you enjoy doing, you’ll be more apt to stick to your new exercise routine. Everyone can gain the benefits of physical activity, so start getting active.

ezWalker Performance Insoles reduce foot pain while you exercise.

Foot pain is not normal while exercising. If you suffer from any foot conditions that cause you pain, such as bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis, shin splints or heel pain, you should considering wearing a custom orthotic like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole. ezWalker^® shoe inserts are custom designed for each of your feet, providing your longitudinal, transverse and metatarsal arches with maximum support. Your feet will be guided in a better biomechanical position – aligning your body from the feet up to give you better balance, stability and posture with every step you take.

For more information on ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, visit our website. Order your ezWalkers^® today for maximum comfort while you exercise. An exercise program takes initiative and commitment, but with ezWalker insoles you won’t quit due to foot pain.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

Do your children have feet that look like yours? Do they walk like you? Do they toe in or toe out as they walk? Do they complain that their feet hurt a lot? Or do they want to be picked up a lot? Chances are they’ve inherited your foot problems.

An infant’s feet are soft and supple. Any abnormal stress and strain can cause the foot to deform. During a child’s first year, their feet grow rapidly, reaching almost half their adult foot size. As a child continues to grow, the bones, tendons and muscles of their feet are also growing. Typically, the growth plates in their feet don’t set until they reach their teenage years.

Some childhood foot problems may be visible when they’re born, while others may not appear until they start walking. Even though some children’s foot conditions may go away on their own, other conditions won’t get better unless they’re diagnosed and treated early on.

Three common children’s foot disorders include: 

• Sever’s Disease – This is a common heel injury condition in growing active children. During growth spurts, the heel bone sometimes grows faster than the leg muscles and tendons, causing tension and tightness in a child’s foot. The heel can become more rigid, putting pressure on the growth plate. Since the Achilles tendon attaches to the growth plate in the heel, it can tighten. Over time, continual stress on the Achilles tendon can damage the growth plate, causing pain, swelling and tenderness. While this condition is not permanent, it does require diagnosis and treatment. Usually this condition can be prevented by wearing a children’s arch support, like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole, and raising the child’s heel a little.
• Flat Feet – Although a baby’s feet may appear to be flat, by the time they’re 2 or 3 years old, their arches should have formed. Flat feet are usually caused by lax tendons and/or ligaments in the foot, which is usually inherited. This condition is often not painful in children unless the child is older or overweight. If you suspect your child has flat fee, you should have him/her evaluated by a doctor. Since this condition can lead to foot problems in adulthood, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce later problems. Your child may need to wear children’s arch supports, like ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, and supportive shoes to ensure the foot’s proper weight-bearing development for adulthood.
• Intoeing and Outtoeing – Intoeing is when a child walks with their feet pointing inward (called “pigeon-toed). Outtoeing is the opposite, the child’s feet point outward. While intoeing often goes away on its own as the child grows, outtoeing usually won’t correct itself since a child’s legs typically rotate outward as they grow. If these conditions persist, a child’s arch support, like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole, is recommended. For severe cases, the child may need to see a pediatric orthopedic specialist for possible surgery.

Usually foot pain isn’t normal in children since the tissues in their feet are still flexible and resilient. However, if foot conditions run in your family and/or your child is complaining about foot pain, it’s best to have their feet examined by a certified professional. 

If arch supports, like ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, are recommended, they can help your child’s feet function more efficiently while improving posture and balance. Additionally, they’ll help to reduce the risk of foot injury if your child is active in sports.

Generally, custom foot orthotics are recommended for children 3 years and older. They should be replaced regularly as the child grows – usually every 6 months or as the child outgrows his/her shoes. Usually, children should continue to wear custom arch supports until the growth plates in their feet are set. Since girls mature faster, their growth plates tend to close around the ages of 14 and 15. Boys’ growth plates close later at ages 16 to 17.

If you suffer from foot conditions, your children don’t have to. So, guide their feet to become healthier feet for life with ezWalker^® Performance Insoles.

For more information on children’s foot orthotics, contact the WalkEzStore.com.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

Note: If foot conditions persist, you should take your child to see your doctor. This may indicate a more serious condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment may be required.

1. Don’t bargain shop for an inexpensive pair of shoes. You’ll regret it when you start to develop foot, knee or hip problems. You need the right shoe for you – not the cheapest!
2. Don’t buy the latest fad running shoe. It probably won’t be the right shoe for you.
3. Learn your gait cycle type. Pronation describes the movement of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike. As you run, if your foot hits the ground on the outside of the heel, and you roll the weight of your foot up to the ball of your foot evenly across the front, then you’re running with proper or neutral pronation. This motion helps reduce the stress of impact on your foot. If your feet are out of alignment due to structural issues, you may be overpronating or supinating as a result. During overpronation, the outside of your heel strikes the ground first, then your foot and ankle rolls inward excessively. This movement doesn’t provide proper stabilization of your body. During supination (also called under pronation), the outside of your heel strikes the ground first, then your foot and ankle rolls outward too much. During this movement, you carry your weight along the outside edge of your feet.
4. Have a certified professional measure your feet with a Brannock device to determine the arch height for both of your feet. Each foot can have a different arch height – normal, low/flat or high. If you have low or no arches, then you have flat feet. People with fallen arches tend to overpronate when they run, leading to overuse injuries. If you have high arches, you’ll tend to supinate when you run. With high arches, you’ll experience more pain and injury in your ankles. Plus your legs will absorb most of the impact shock rather than your arches.
5. Determine the appropriate shoe type for your arch height and gait type. If you have normal arch with neutral stride, you should choose a stability running shoe that offers moderate pronation control. If you have low or flat arches and overpronate when you run, you should choose a motion-control running shoe. If you have high arches and supinate when you run, you should choose neutral cushioned running shoes.
6. Determine the right shoe shape for your feet. Look at the bottom of the shoe to determine the shape. If you have a normal gait, you should choose a running shoe with a semi-curved shape. If you overpronate, you should choose a shoe with a straight shape. If you supinate, you should choose a shoe with a curved shape.
7. Ensure your running shoes fit properly. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide at the WalkEzStore. This guide will provide you with more information on foot measurements, shoe sizing, and how to obtain a proper shoe fit.
8. Consider a custom orthotic, like the ezWalker® Performance Insole, if you overpronate or supinate as you run or if you suffer from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel or arch pain. Since these insoles are made specifically for your individual feet, they’ll align your feet into the proper biomechanical position they need as you run. Since your feet will maintain their proper position, you’ll run more efficiently. Plus you’ll have less pain in the joints of your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back since your body won’t have to compensate for poor positioning and decreased stability. For more information on ezWalker Performance Insoles, visit our website. Click here to order a pair today, so you’ll have maximum comfort when you run.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.

Over time, with use, your running shoes can lose cushioning, shock absorption and stability. Running on worn-out shoes can lead to problems like sore knees, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight quads or muscle fatigue due to the increased stress on your feet, legs and joints. And contrary to what you may think – running doesn’t have to hurt. So, the best way to prevent overuse injuries is to replace your shoes when they’re worn out.

How do you determine if your shoes need to be pitched? 

Check the midsoles for compression wrinkles. The midsoles are usually the first part of your shoes to show wear. The midsole is designed to protect your feet from hard or sharp objects, provide stability against overpronation, and supply your foot with impact absorption as it bears the impact force of up to 3 times your body’s weight with every step. If the midsoles are showing signs of wear, your shoes are no longer providing you with adequate cushioning.

Look at the tread on your shoes. If it’s worn smooth, then it’s definitely time for a new pair of shoes. But the tread wear also can reveal whether you overpronate, supinate or overstride as you run.

• Even wear: Tread that’s worn across the heel and under the ball of the foot, with additional wear under the big toe area, are signs that you have a normal stride.
• Edge wear: Tread wear along the outside of shoe, with possible holes in the upper part of the shoe, are indications you’re supinating (rolling your ankles inward) as you strike the ground with the outside edges of your shoes.
• Heel and forefoot wear: Tread that’s worn on the heel and the ball of the foot extending to the big toe means you’re overpronating (rolling your feet inward) as you run.
• Heel wear: If your heels are worn down to the midsole with slight wear around the ball of the foot, then you’re overstriding as you run – running with your feet too far in front of your body.

How often should you buy new shoes?

Running sites say you replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles, depending on body weight, running style and the surface you’re running on. Runners weighing more will need to replace their shoes at the lower range, while lighter runners can wait longer. Also if you’re running on rough roads versus a treadmill, you’ll need to change your shoes more often.

If you run more than 3 days a week, it’s also a good idea to buy another pair running shoes so you can rotate your shoes. Your shoes will last longer this way; and you’ll be able to let them dry out between your workouts.

What if I suffer from overpronation, oversupination or other foot problems?

If you think you may overpronate or oversupinate as you run, you should have your feet and gait evaluated by a certified professional. These conditions, along with other foot issues like corns, calluses, bunions or arch pain, can be reduced or corrected by wearing a customized arch support, like the ezWalker^® Performance Insole. Since these insoles are made specifically for your individual feet, ezWalker^® Insoles can align your feet into the proper biomechanical position they need as you run. Since these insoles guide and better control each step, you’ll also have greater balance and stability while you run. And your feet will feel better, too.

For more information on ezWalker^® Performance Insoles, visit our website. Or, order your ezWalkers^® today for maximum comfort when you run.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.