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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: Bama
Date: 07-12-2004, 05:37 PM (1 of 37)
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I'll need new shoes for work soon. My mom wears Birkenstocks all the time and swears by them. She keeps teling me I need to get a pair for work (I have to stand most of the day at work). They just seem too hard to me for working in all day. She says when you get used to it, it's better for your feet and that soft shoes are bad for your arches. I think I've tried every brand of athletic shoes and several brands of nursing shoes. Nothing is comfortable to me for standing all day, except a pair of "Anywears" I had once. But they squeaked when I walked. My kids both have regular Birkenstocks but I've never bought a pair for myself. I just hate to pay $100 for a pair of shoes not knowing if I'll be able to wear them. Anyone wear Birkenstocks professional shoes or Birkies to work?? Are they really comfortable? |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: VCMOM
Date: 07-12-2004, 05:56 PM (2 of 37)
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Bama, I do find Birkenstocks comfortable for walking and standing. There are a few other brands that work great too. I highly recommend the website www.footsmart.com They have the biggest selection of supportive shoes that I know of. Many are supportive yet softer too. Good Luck, Lori |
User: VCMOM
Member since: 10-31-2002 Total posts: 74 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 07-12-2004, 06:53 PM (3 of 37)
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As a nurse on my feet all day I know how hard it is to find good shoes. I think I've tried everything out there. Nurse Mates use to have a shoe I loved, expensive and had to be replaced every 8-10 months, but it was discontinued. This has happened with just about all the shoes I have found that I like. I have finally found a brand that I love and they last me about 6 months, but for the price you can't beat it. Costco brand Classic Court shoe for under $15. They only come in white with a navy blue trim, but the support they give me is fantastic. I will say that I tried the Birkenstocks and found them comfortable but I developed plantar facititis and the doctor said it was probably from the birkies! I still have flare ups and it has been several years since I wore them.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-12-2004, 09:21 PM (4 of 37)
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I have flat, fat feet and the ONLY shoes I can wear that feel comfortable all the time are Fila's....I can wear them and wear them....I buy mine at www.zappos.com I also get my zori's (thongs/sandals) from them....great prices, most of the time no shipping charges and WONDERFUL return policy...the service dept. is helpful and great to talk to.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 07-12-2004, 09:41 PM (5 of 37)
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Bama here's a web site that has shoes that several of the girls in my office have ordered and they are swearing by them. www.crocs.com Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 07-13-2004, 04:04 AM (6 of 37)
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I am most comfortable in well padded walking shoes or sneakers that have a good fit. Shopping involves trying on twenty or thirty pair sometimes to pick the best ones. The other thing that seems to work is to change shoes during the day. This places the stress on different parts of the feet and changes muscle and joint positions to stretch and relax rather than staying the same all day. I try to have different types of shoes, including some thinner soles just for the variety. When you get a break (I know, IF) try putting your feet up, taking your shoes off, and wiggling your feet or massaging. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-13-2004, 09:13 AM (7 of 37)
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Hey Bama, missed you girl. Do you hear yourself? You buy Birkenstocks for your kids but can't see paying the money for yourself. And you are on your feet all day. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 07-13-2004, 10:34 AM (8 of 37)
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Since my daughter started working in the hospital (12 hours at a time), she has discovered that a lot of hospital professionals around here use Quarks. You can get them at Zappos. They seem to be about the same price anywhere. They weigh almost nothing...amazing...never seen a shoe as light. You can take the liner out and wash them in the DISHWASHER. They come in several colors (including bright colors, as well as black, white and brown). They are not leather but you can purchase vented and non-vented. She prefers the clogs. The prices I have seen have been in the 49.99-62.50 range depending on if they are vented or not. Zappos had a men's special on them at 14.99 a couple of weeks ago but by the time we figured out we wanted some, they were sold out.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-13-2004, 12:37 PM (9 of 37)
I know Mary. But that's what mothers do. That's why most of my clothes come from Old Navy and Walmart, or skirts made from bargain table fabrics, so the kids can shop at the mall. Thanks for all the replies ladies. I'm going to check out all those places. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Reta J
Date: 07-13-2004, 01:02 PM (10 of 37)
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When I worked and had to be on my feet for 10 to 12 hours a day, I wore Dr. Scholl's shoes. They had the support I needed and were comfortable. I paid about 25.00 for them at Wal-Mart. I wear a size 4 in Childrens, sometimes i can wear a 5 1/2 in women's, depending on the make and style. I have to have shoes with good support and these worked great and didn't break the bank. I had to have the black ones with velcro. but they do come in other colors and ties. I bought them 3 years ago and just threw them away the other day as they were worn out. Hope this helps. Sewing Forever
Housework Whenever Reta J |
User: Reta J
Member since: 01-30-2002 Total posts: 136 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-14-2004, 08:09 AM (11 of 37)
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I know Bama, we all do it. Just don't restrict what you pay for shoes because you are on your feet all day. Get something nice for yourself. Good grief, I sound like my mother again.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: paroper
Date: 07-14-2004, 08:26 AM (12 of 37)
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A pair of shoes is a good investment for your family. If you come home over tired and hurting because you don't have the right shoes, it costs your family so much more because you don't feel like doing things together or you are tired or in a bad mood.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: sewnew2
Date: 07-14-2004, 10:02 AM (13 of 37)
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Bama; My mother has foot problems, bunions and plantar fascia (sp?) and was told that the cork bed of the Birkenstocks for the sandals was too hard on the feet, specifically the heel. Not enough cushion. Not for all day daily wear. She loved the sandals for occasional wear, but doc told her not all day walking around. I don't know anything about Birkenstock shoes, I know they make many many styles. This warning for my mother was only about the sandals with the cork footbed. And yes, if you are on your feet all day you deserve the VERY BEST shoes! Just think, if you spend $100 on a pair and they last you only a year, that is only about .27 cents a day for shoes that don't hurt your feet, don't cause LASTING foot damage, & don't cause your legs to ache and burn at the end of the day! And as an added bonus good shoes last longer than a year. I personally have a pair of Birk brand sandals. They are nice but I don't wear them all day. For me they are for relaxing on the weekends, or after work sandals to let my foot breathe. If I am doing serious walking I have my athletic shoes. Heather
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User: sewnew2
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 70 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-15-2004, 02:11 PM (14 of 37)
Good point ladies. I'm actually going to get myself two new pairs of shoes this time. I've found that my feet feel better if I change up my shoes every few days.Patsy, I'm ordering a pair of those crocs shoes. I had a pair of Rockers that are similair to them, but they weren't wide enough for me. I emailed crocs and they said that their shoes are much wider than Rockers. I'm still not sure about the Birkenstocks. I hear some doctors recommend them and others are against them. My mother keeps telling me I need to get a pair because her doctor says your feet need the support of shoes like that, not a soft shoe.  My dd says I need to get them too. She loves her mom.
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: plrlegal
Date: 07-15-2004, 03:23 PM (15 of 37)
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I know that most of you ladies here are not going to believe this but I love the Earth Shoes that Wal-Mart carries. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. In fact, I have a pair for winter that I bought about 4 years ago when the thick soled tractor tread look was in and I still wear those in the winter time with socks. I can walk and stand in those all day and my feet never hurt. I think they run around $25.00 a pair at regular price. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: kkoberle
Date: 07-26-2004, 07:51 AM (16 of 37)
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I had to go to the chiropractor last week and he looked at my Birks and said, Are THOSE the shoes you wear all summer. ummm I didn't ask if that was good or bad. I know they conform to your feet so how could they be bad. ? The most comfortable shoes I had were those classic court from costco. I see someone else thought so too. I would like another pair of those. We don't have costco here. Just some advice..take care of your feet..they are the only ones you get. 
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User: kkoberle
Member since: 02-02-2000 Total posts: 218 
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From: Bama
Date: 07-28-2004, 03:18 PM (17 of 37)
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Hey Krystal! We're going shopping in a few days, so I'm going to try the Birks. Patsy, I got my Crocs shoes. WOW! They're the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. I'll see soon how my feet hold up at work. Thanks for telling me about them. I've been wearing them around the house. Now I want a pair in a another color. They're like clouds. I even found a site with free shipping. My daughter asked me what's the deal with me and shoes lately? 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 06-23-2005, 10:28 AM (18 of 37)
is no longer available from Costco  . What am I going to do? I hate shopping and trying new shoes. I'm looking into the crocs and quarks recommended since I am on my feet a lot and need good support. Hopefully I'll have good luck with my search. Any other suggestions?
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-23-2005, 10:34 AM (19 of 37)
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My dd works 12 hour shifts on her feet as a respiratory therapist in a hospital setting. She has bad knees. She likes both the crock and the Quarks, Don't buy the vented Quarks though. She has had three or four pair and the venting rips out.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Sancin
Date: 06-23-2005, 09:13 PM (20 of 37)
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I had to give up clinical nursing due to arthritic foot pain and I have tried almost every shoe that has been mentioned so have some comments. I do like Birkenstocks but like Naot's better -virtually same appearing as Birkey's but have foam between leather and cork. They are made in Israel and not as easy to find. Also the newer Naots have a removable inner sole so that inserts can be placed in. I think the only answer for people who are on their feet are to go to an person who makes personalized orthotics. There are several types and I have several. Solid plastic type one was made by a podiatrist and molded leather ones by a foot speciallist (mine worked for olympic skaters and I don't know his correct title). I like both but the leather ones I can put in almost all my shoes. That way you can wear almost any cheap or expensive shoe that the orthotic will fit in. And they are not as expensive as one would think when you consider the years of wear and the shoes to wear them with. I only wear low heeled shoes and they will fit in fine little ones and I have worn them in 1" dress shoes - tho not to wear all day. I find that for all day standing and walking oxford type shoe (of which athletic shoes are a type) give more support to the ankles. I also find that there are more and more attractive ones on the market as people become more aware of the need for support. As nurses here and everywhere will tell you, if you have to wear sack cloth uniforms do not stint on cost for shoes. Your feet and your back make you mobile and employable. Another hint I have - duty shoes such as mentioned here tend to be more comfortable than runners due to weight but all day wear make one's feet sweat thus shortening the life span - thus the suggestion for changing mid day. I always took a fairly thick nail and punched 3 holes into the underarch area of the shoe for ventilation. They don't show and do allow for ventilation. Also, most shoes can be washed in the washing machine with towels and air dryed (my dryer has a rack to place things on so that they won't tumble.) They do need to be whitewashed (polished) after. I don't know what you do Bama, but some agencies will not allow clogs or open toed shoes for workman's compensation rules. I have a horror story of dropping one of my babies wearing clogs as I didn't feel a rock under my foot, which threw me off balance and I fell.  Nancy *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Bama
Date: 06-24-2005, 10:50 PM (21 of 37)
I don't know what happened to the two posts I wrote yesterday.  Hi Nancy, I work in a school lunchroom. We're allowed to wear clogs or plogs with or without side vents, but not the type with top vents. I think you're right that alot of people with problem feet should have personalized orthotics made. I work with 2 ladies who've had to do that. I probably will have to too if I continue working there on the hard floors as long as they have. For now I still love my crocs. My feet have not bothered me since I started wearing them. I think the heel cup helps me alot. Maybe Birks would have worked too, but I didn't try them after I wore the crocs. I have 3 pairs now. My 13yo took over one pair so I had to buy her a pair of her own.  My vented crocs are still in good shape. No rips. I've never heard of Naot's shoes. I wonder if they are available in the US? sewinggrandma, I hope you can find the shoes you like somewhere. It's bad when you find something you really like and find out it's not available anymore. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Kay F in IN
Date: 06-25-2005, 09:26 AM (22 of 37)
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PErsonally I have found that I do best with a nice fitting pair of tennis shoes (leather type) in which there is enough room for a pair of the best Good Feet Store supports. The supports are very rigid and hard, but the store suggests, as do I , that you use the rubberized liner that goes over the supports. The supports are unconditionally guaranteed for a lifetime, though the initial cost is high. They do have several different support styles and tthey do have a range of prices. The rubberized portion I have been using now for about 2 years and they are just beginning to show wear. Go to their store and try the supports. See what you think. Kay F |
User: Kay F in IN
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 06-25-2005, 06:51 PM (23 of 37)
Kay F, we just had a Good Feet Store open locally. I haven't been in yet as I really didn't know what they were all about. As a teen I had to wear orthotics and the old fashioned lace up shoes. Still can't wear slip ons and have to be careful with support. How much are we talking for inserts? I'm on my feet 10-12 hours a day walking on concrete floors and boy do my feet ache most days. I'm still looking for shoes and not having very good luck as of yet. 
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Sancin
Date: 06-26-2005, 12:59 AM (24 of 37)
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My custom made orthotics cost about $125 - 150 + cost of assessment and appointment. My extended medical plan covered all costs with a referral from my physician. The leather ones have a type of foam under them and I have had them adjusted several times, once cut down when I broke a small bone in my foot and later built up when bone was healed. Concrete floors are killers with or without orthotics. Best 2 pairs of shoes I have ever had had crepe soles - one a pair of sandles, I am sure I walked around the world in - consistently felt like I was walking in the clouds. The crepe did get a little sticky when hot, however. Nancy *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: AdvaP
Date: 06-26-2005, 08:08 PM (25 of 37)
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Lori, i haven't read all the messages yet, but what are 'crocs'? Naot (actually called 'Teva Naot') are available in some stores in the US. Just saw some pairs in a specialty leather store. They are from Israel. I heard they're good. Adva [QUOTE=Bama]I don't know what happened to the two posts I wrote yesterday. My vented crocs are still in good shape. No rips. I've never heard of Naot's shoes. I wonder if they are available in the US? Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325 
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From: AdvaP
Date: 06-26-2005, 08:11 PM (26 of 37)
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I tried a few Birkenstock shoes, and i don't think they work for me. I bought and returned two pairs. My friend swears by them too, and keeps this particualr Birkenstock store (2 hrs away) in business, from what I can tell. She goes there at least once a month! I'll need new shoes for work soon. My mom wears Birkenstocks all the time and swears by them. She keeps teling me I need to get a pair for work (I have to stand most of the day at work). They just seem too hard to me for working in all day. She says when you get used to it, it's better for your feet and that soft shoes are bad for your arches. I think I've tried every brand of athletic shoes and several brands of nursing shoes. Nothing is comfortable to me for standing all day, except a pair of "Anywears" I had once. But they squeaked when I walked. My kids both have regular Birkenstocks but I've never bought a pair for myself. I just hate to pay $100 for a pair of shoes not knowing if I'll be able to wear them. Anyone wear Birkenstocks professional shoes or Birkies to work?? Are they really comfortable? Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325
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From: AdvaP
Date: 06-26-2005, 08:28 PM (27 of 37)
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Lori, i googled for 'naot' and found a lot of online stores that sell them, including at zappos.
Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325
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From: mommydionne
Date: 06-28-2005, 08:40 PM (28 of 37)
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Naots are MY FAVOURITE, I have three pairs in different styles, they are like a birkenstock but a bit softer with one or two more layers of padding in the foot, I work 12 hour shifts at an urgent care clinic on a regular basis and these are my faves for long hours. Can be tricky to find at times they are made in Isreal!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Bama
Date: 06-29-2005, 04:38 PM (29 of 37)
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Adva, Try this site www.crocs.com They have all the different types and colors but charge $10 shipping This site gave me free shipping www.lionfootweardirect.com I found the beach style at a store near me. Alot of outdoor stores carry them. The shoes are kind of funny looking, but are great for working, shopping, or whenever you're on your feet all day. I'm going to check out the Naot's shoes. I've ordered from Zappos a few times and like dealing with them. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Bama
Date: 06-30-2005, 12:12 PM (30 of 37)
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I checked out the Naot's. They look alot like Birkenstocks. Now that I've seen them, I think I've seen them in a store before. I just noticed that zappos is carrying crocs now. They don't have many to choose from, but I hope they'll get more. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 06-30-2005, 07:43 PM (31 of 37)
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Yesterday's paper had an article about Crocs in it and listed several places locally for me to look at them. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go shopping this weekend! I really like the looks of them and all the rave reviews I've read about them here and in the paper have me hoping that they will be the shoe for me.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: gb1
Date: 08-12-2005, 07:58 AM (32 of 37)
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Bama -- since you work in food service I have a couple of suggestions. I "cooked" my way through college working in restaurants and college cafeterias and shoes were a big deal to me. If your feet hurt you hurt all over. If you work in the kitchen at all be sure your shoes have non-skid soles. Between food spills and cleaning chemicals the floors can get very slick -- this might also be a problem on a serving line. I also had trouble with the stong chemicals "melting" the soles of my shoes so be sure they are fairly hard rubber. I wore SAS shoes. I know they are expensive. I also know you have many more options today. I wouldn't go too cheap though. |
User: gb1
Member since: 08-08-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 08-12-2005, 08:42 AM (33 of 37)
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Here's my 2 cents worth: 3 years ago, I bought 2 pair of clogs at Mervyn's in California. I wear them almost all the time at work, and I am up and down and running around a lot. The wide toe helps keep my feet from being cramped, and the slight heel keeps my legs from getting tired. I have flat feet, so without that heel I really get sore feet and calves. I am going to be in deep trouble when they wear out, 'cause there are no Mervyn's here in Arizona, and this was an in-house brand! I have had other clogs in the past, but they were too heavy and strained my ankles. So if anyone out there has suggestions for a good brand of comfy clogs, I would love to hear them! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: Longblades
Date: 08-12-2005, 01:29 PM (34 of 37)
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I'm with Sancin, I think Orthoses would benefit a lot of you. Orthoses will work wonders on not just foot pain, but pain anywhere on up to your back because they can actually modify how you walk. I got mine for my knees, not my back but now I need them for my plantar faciitis as well. I just wish I could get them for the same price as Sancin. My first pair, over ten years ago were $300, including the assessment. It was cheaper to buy three pairs at once ($500 for 3 pairs so now I have 4 pairs) and at that time my health plan covered 3 pairs a year but they have wised up and now only cover one pair. And by the way, you think $100 is a lot for shoes? Try having extremely narrow feet, like my size 9s with 5A toe and 8A heel and see what shoes cost, if you can find that size at all. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: esrun3
Date: 08-12-2005, 01:45 PM (35 of 37)
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Here's my 2 cents worth: 3 years ago, I bought 2 pair of clogs at Mervyn's in California. I wear them almost all the time at work, and I am up and down and running around a lot. The wide toe helps keep my feet from being cramped, and the slight heel keeps my legs from getting tired. I have flat feet, so without that heel I really get sore feet and calves. I am going to be in deep trouble when they wear out, 'cause there are no Mervyn's here in Arizona, and this was an in-house brand! I have had other clogs in the past, but they were too heavy and strained my ankles. So if anyone out there has suggestions for a good brand of comfy clogs, I would love to hear them! Judy Judy, we have a Mervyn's here in Phoenix, if you want I would be happy to look for the shoes there for you if you send me the info. Another thought is, have you checked on line? I've never looked into Mervyn's online but assume they have a web site. Lyn Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 08-12-2005, 01:58 PM (36 of 37)
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Thanks, Lyn! I recall looking at a Mervyn's website before... musta forgot! Thanks for offering to look, too. Hate to say it, but I hope I never have a need to visit Phoenix. After escaping from So. Calif., I have a real aversion to heavily populated areas! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78
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From: esrun3
Date: 08-14-2005, 02:13 AM (37 of 37)
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Can't say as I blame you Judy! The traffic is horrible and getting worse each day! We moved here about 40 some years ago and trips to places like Wickenburg were all day trips with water bags strapped to the front of the car. Now you can be there in about 45 minutes or so. I much prefer small towns like Flagstaff, however, that town has grown tremendously over the years too. Much less populated than Phoenix, though, that's for sure!! Let me know if you get to the point where you want me to look for the shoes for you. Will be happy to do so.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
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