Does the lockdown have you questioning your indoor footwear?
Lauren Simonds HBSc, C. Ped (C)
Certified Pedorthist
There’s no denying that the infamous “second wave” of COVID-19 has hit Ontario and with that has come the most recent province wide lockdown. For many, this means spending the majority of their waking hours at home. Taking care of kids who are off school, working from home, or experiencing temporary layoffs has forced the majority of the population indoors. As a result, we have received more questions about indoor footwear options than ever before. We have recently noticed more patients complaining of heel and arch pain as well as forefoot tenderness as a result of hard flooring and walking barefoot in their homes.
The good news is there are solutions! Depending on the severity of your pain and how much you are on your feet in the house (cooking, baking, laundry, cleaning, chasing kiddos etc.) there are different options to help keep that foot pain at bay.
Running shoes
Running Shoes are one of the best things to wear inside your home. They provide ideal stability and cushioning, in combination with Custom Orthotics that can help support your feet and alleviate pains.
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Great stability
- Can accommodate your Custom Orthotics.
- Heel pitch (thicker heel) that takes excessive pressure away from your heels and are secure to your feet to prevent tripping.
Cons
- May be cumbersome due to laces (not slip-on)
Sandals with removable footbed
Some sandals will actually come with a removable footbed, allowing you to insert a Custom Orthotic like the Cambrian Agean.
Pros
- Good stability
- Can accommodate Custom Orthotics (Cambrian Agean)
- Adjustable straps to secure to foot
- Breathable
- Easy to put on
Cons
- May be lacking some cushioning
- No protection of toes (important for diabetics)
Birkenstocks
Another option for indoor footwear is a frequently asked about sandal, Birkenstocks.
Pros
- Built in arch and forefoot support
- Easy to slip on
- Adjustable straps
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- They do not accommodate custom orthotics
- Flat soling (heels) causing increase pressure and strain on heels and low back.
- Open in the toes and do not provide protection (important for diabetics).
Slippers
Look for a slipper with a good stable sole (cork or high density foam) and ideally an adjustable strap to keep them secured to your foot.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Warm and cozy
- Some may accommodate Custom Orthotics.
Cons
- May be lacking in stability or cushioning depending on the style.
- Slip-on's may not fit correctly on the foot and may increase risk of tripping or falling
- Flat slippers can cause increased pressure and/or strain on heels and lower back.
I hope this helps you make the right indoor footwear choice for you. If you have any further questions we would be happy to take a look at your feet and make the best recommendations for your particular situation.
Thanks for reading and stay healthy!