It Just Keeps Raining

Hi My shoejunkies and recessionistas. It will not stop raining. I'm going to start calling this monsoon season. Anyhoo, I saw this the other day and thought it would be perfect for this season. The High Country Heated Shoe & Boot Dryer. It uses a gently warmed air stream, which won't hurt footwear. The folding arms lock upright and are perfect for regular shoes, pumps, flats, wedges and most boots like new wave ankle boots everyone is loving and wearing all year long it seems.. AND The arms can be extended to accommodate high boots (like wellies). It has an integrated ionizer that helps kill that odor causing bacteria, eliminate mold and mildew, (damp footwear) and will help freshen up the damp and rainy shoes & boots. This will definitely extend the life of your shoes 34.95@ Amazon.com

And because it won't stop raining, You got to be careful when you venture out into the world in high heels. (I know, we always got to be cute). Here's a cool mothers day gift idea The Strut n' Style gift set. What mother or woman can't use a little extra comfort inside the shoe and a little insurance outside against the dreaded skids, the duck walk and the potential injury caused by slipping and/or falling high heels in the rain. Check what you will get:

1 Pair Each:
Tip Toes

Heavenly Heelz

Strappy Strips
Killer Kushionz
Petal Plusheez (Black)

2 Pairs:

Sole Stopperz (Black)

Yummies. And they are only $44.95 @footpetals.com

Here's Some Motivation

Shoeaholic, Andree Aelion Brooks, is going through what, inevitably, we all will. Giving up the stilettos. Nooooooooo! It's like when the mod boys have to give up there flat front slacks for pleated ones. She is being very candid about it and I totally respect that. So ladies wear those shoes now. And check out Tips for Fabulous Feet for ideas on how to avoid problems and keep wearing those fab shoes...

Tips for Fabulous Feet: Bacteria Banishment

One of the worst things about shoes is odor. It can be at the least annoying and embarrassing. And at most a foot health hazard. There are many products on the market for just this reason. But keep in mind. Bacteria and fungi grow in moist dark environments. Just covering up the problem does not no good. We want to kill the germs that cause the odor not just cover it up. A few preventive measures for foot/shoe care that can banish the bacteria and fungi in turn extending the life of your shoes.

• WASH YOUR FEET. This may sound obvious but it may take 2 to 3 times a day. In heels. athletic shoes, and flip flops. The sweat and dirt build up. Find good brushes and volcanic stones to really keep them clean and dry. And get in between those toes.

• Tea tree oil , lemongrass oil, lavender oil diluted in olive oil directly on to feet are great at killing odor causing germs and not toxic when used topically. I mix a few parts with olive oil before bed time and wake up with soft germ free feet.

• Soak feet once a week. to keep callouses and dead skin at a minimum. Germs love dead skin cells. yum yum yum. Epsom salt is great but, maybe baking soda as a deodorizer with a few drops of lavender oil. Still keep the pampering part alive.

• Runners and athletes, take out those inner soles and let them dry completely before using them again. You should let them dry in the sun (if you can) since sunlight kills them. Wear cotton socks. A little cornstarch or talc in your socks helps as well to keep moisture at a minimum.

Some Products:

• Rockport Washable - machine washable casual leather shoes. This will help keep down bacteria inside and out. Awesome styling too. I first got wind of these at Shoe Smitten.

• Copper Sole Socks - there are a few different brands of these. The claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria and fungi associated with foot oder and other foot complications. They also come in athletic and dress styles. For more info check out Cupron. Insoles are also available.

• Lavilin Foot Deodorant Cream - It has no aluminum or other synthesized chemicals, this is a green product. It claims one dosed a day works for multiple days. Check the customer reviews@Amazon.

For more ideas check out Running in Heels . If you have any more green ideas let me know
Later Shoejunkies.

Tips for Fabulous Feet: Fall Foot Care

Well Shoejunkies, change of season means time to reassess the condition of our feet.

• Got to busy and missed a few pedicures?
• Have we adequately exfoliated?
• Any new or old callouses?

Before we isolate our feet from the world for the season, we should ask ourselves these and other questions. Let's be sure our feet are in the best possible condition for new shoes. Problems don't disappear just because they are covered. On the contrary, closing up our feet in dark, moist, hot places (fabulous shoes) can be worse for our skin than sandals. You know bacteria and fungi LOVE this environment. So here are a few tips.

Take an honest look at your feet. The questions above are a good start for checking overall health. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot. Take care of it immediately. It can spread to toenails, an even harder place to get rid. And who wants that?

Check that your arches are still strong. I found an awesome video by Gary Moller with a quick and simple exercise you can do to avoid, back pain, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain and all other related problems (If that's not reason enough) by keeping your arches strong. High heels can do a lot of damage. But we still love em'. So do it.



Along with the questions above, ask also about your age. I know you never ask a woman her age. But our feet do expand as we age. Many foot problems stem from ill-fitting shoes. So get your feet sized at the beginning each season. Remember, feet expand during the course of a day. So wait until the afternoon to go on that shoe excursion. You'll get a more correct fit. You don't want to add to aging with a bouncing baby hammer toe or bunion.

Hope this helps. If you are honest with yourself and resolve your problems head on, your feet will thank you. Now on to those Shoes Fabulous Shoes!!!

Tips For Fabulous Feet: Foot Health On Vacation

Salutations Shoejunkies! I know a lot of you are going on vacation. If your like me, vacation is a time to look as fantastic as possible. Fantastic means the highest sexiest shoes as possible without breaking the bank. But are we breaking our feet?

I recently read an article in the Temple Times at Temple University, of which I'll share with you. I don't know if I will do everything on the list, but it was enlightening. I know what I am doing to my feet and can take steps to combat foot pain and fatigue on vacation and during the daily grind.

Presonally, I'm going to tailor this list for my needs. There are many products at shops like PainReliever.com, and other sources, that can aid in strengthening foot muscles and give added flexibility. So when you are doing the damage, at least you know how to combat it. Who wants to wear "sensible shoes" all the time unless they absolutely have to? I don't. But I also want to wear fantastic shoes forever. This will help. Hope it helps you. Let me know of anything you guys have read. Tootles...

Tips For Fabulous Feet: Warning! Cheap Shoe Alert! part 2

Now that you made your selection and checked for the quality look. Go ahead and splurge on these products at the time of purchase:

• Gel soles - callous prevention
• Extra cushy innersoles and foot padding - callous prevention
• Clear Bandages - heel blisters prevention
• Heel Liners - for a better fit and heel blisters prevention
• Corn Pads/Wraps - too obvious to say

Here are some suggestions:




Gel Soles - Dr. Scholl's for Her Ball Of Foot Cushion

Not for every shoe, they can slip. But for new sandals they're ideal. Place just before toes (not under), beneath ball of foot in new shoes, to prevent that cheap shoe pressure and unsightly callouses. And for $5.49 @Drugstore. com they work even better.

Innersoles and Foot Padding - Dr. Scholl's 100% Lambs Wool Padding

Well all know about the good old fashioned inner sole. But do we know about the good old fashioned remedy, lambswool? Well Dr. Scholl's released this, well kept secret of ballerinas, to the public. Lamb's wool has been used for centuries by dancers. And it's perfect for pumps. It's breathable and you can wrap in around trouble spots. I used it during my ballet days and it works. At $4.49, I wish I'd thought of it. (duh)








Clear Bandages - Nexcare Waterproof Bandages Clear

I use these Nexcare Bandages from 3M in my not so forgiving exotic dancer pumps. And they work wonders. I place one on my heel with the pad just below where my heel meets the trouble spot. The bandage is clear and not detectable by my audience. So they should definitely work for those not under the microscope. And they're only $3.49 @ Drugstore.com.

Heel Liners - Profoot Care Heal Snugs

I just discovered these Profoot Care Heel Snugs last year. They're brilliant for fit and comfort. We all know that cheap shoe spread. Where every time you step your heel come out of the pump. Not Cool! ; ( But for $3.39 @ Drugstore.com these babies solve the problem by narrowing that spread and providing you a snug comfortable fit that doesn't irritate.

Corn Pads/Wraps - Profoot Care Vita-Gel Corn Wraps

I'll start by saying that I have not used this product, but I love the concept. Has anyone tried them? Corn pads work but they shift and come off due to the adhesive loosening from sweat. But if they work for you use them. The Vita Gel Corn Wraps concept eliminates this problem. They are washable and reusable with no adhesive, the gel keeps them in place. I would use them in my oxfords or wedges. And at a reasonable $4.29 @ Drugstore.com, I'll be trying them asap. I'll keep you posted

Most of these item are even for sale with the cheap shoe store. So get em'. Lets recap.

• Check shoes thouroghly
• Notice trouble spots
• Make sure they don't look cheap
• Use products like these for comfort and to extend the life of the shoes.
• And always remember, cheap shoes are a closet enchancement not a staple. Use sparingly!
  

Your feet will thank you.

Tips for Fabulous Feet: Warning! Cheap Shoe Alert!

Hey Shoe Junkies. I was making my usual shoeblogr rounds, when out of nowhere I spy this gorgeous shoe. Sleek... Sexy... Stacked... Emerald green with gold piping. I was in love. Until I saw the brand -- Payless. Ugh... I have a love/hate relationship with Payless. Their designs keep improving, but I don't keep my feet spa fresh to endure heel rubbing, blisters, callouses, and mid-season shape loss. Sigh... But, this cloud has a silver lining. Maybe there's a compromise. Let's debate... C-H-E-A-P S-H-O-E-S!

Here one opinion for cheap shoes as a closet staple.

"I only buy cheap shoes, cause' shoes just wear out anyway. And I can get more cause they're cheap."

To that I retort:

Um...That may be true, but after extended wear, the natural padding of our foot bed starts to wear down. Foot problems and pain soon follow. So maybe let's not make cheap shoes a closet staple, but a closet enhancement. They retain their shape longer and won't cause you additional foot fatigue.

When you see that cute cheap shoe for $25-$30, check it close. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the stitching even?
• How will the foot bed hold up?
• Is glue showing on the outer edges?
• Is it contoured in way to keep its shape?
• Bend it, does it crease? Minor? OK. Major? Stay away!
• Does it flare when you bend it? Minor? OK. Major? Stay away!
  

The last thing we want is for any shoe to look cheap. You've seen em'... young girls in cheap shoes that look beat up. The point is to look fabulous right?

Next time tips on comfort...

Tips For Fabulous Feet: Part 2

Hey Shoe Junkies! Part 1 was all tips and the dirty little secret we all know. Looking good hurts! So now, as promised. Here are some of my favorite foot fixes for worn out tired achy feet:

Yoga Toes Saw this in Lucky Magazine. It also got a stellar review in Self Magazine. The concept is brilliant. Get those toes back in line while strengthening. $49.95 at Yogapro.com So worth it.

J.R.Watkins Rejuvenating Peppermint Foot Cream rocks. It smells divine and isn't greasy. It just leaves your feet feeling cool and rejuvenated. (Really) I use it after a long night on my feet, straight out the shower. It's a deal for $9.99 at jrwatkins.com. Awesome.

J.R. Watkins Liniment Pain Relief Spray I live by this stuff. Great for achy muscles including feet. I usually spray it on and apply oil before I (or my man) massage my feet. Cooling/heating at the same time to get the kinks out. $8.99 at jrwatkins.com a must have. Love the metal bottle too.

Johnson's Foot Soap I swore by this back when I waited tables, now I'm addicted. Dissolve 1 envelope in warm water, soak and the pain is gone. I repeat gone. I like to add 2-3 drops of lavender oil for added relaxation. But even better than how well it works is the price, $2.79 at drugstore.com. Brilliant!


Any tips or new products? Give a shout. The more we live, the more we know.

Tips: Part 1

Tips For Fabulous Feet: Part 1

Hey Shoe Junkies! Before I get to the next wonderful pair of footwear, I'd like to discuss foot maintenance. I am an exotic entertainer. Extreme heels are my uniform, 6-8 hours a day. Plus, I'm a public transpo/pedestrian (in fabulous shoes no less). By days end, my feet feel like a quart of bruised cherry tomatoes. I know my fellow shoe junkies are in the same boat. Maybe you don't dance for a living, but you on the catwalk everyday, And your "dogs is barkin". So here a few tips:

• Get And Maintain A Pedicure- Get those callouses, cuticles and corns attended to. You'll be surprised how much better your shoes fit. And the minor foot massage helps with fatigue.
• Yoga- After wearing those fabulous stilettos for your "other", your poor feet need realignment. Certain poses in yoga assist me in regaining and maintaining flexibility and strength of my abused ankles, toes, heels and knees.
• Soaking- We all know this. (Duh) But do we take the time and do it? Not usually. Well, do it.
• Good Old Fashion Remedies- Products with mint, eucalyptus and menthol increase circulation and relieve pain. After a day of toe numbing goodness, our feet deserve to breathe and repair the damage we do everyday.

Part 2: Some of my favorite remedies...