Shoes
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American Heart Month
Written by Brian Lane, C.Ped
Take care of your heart and it will take care of you! This month we are focusing on cardiovascular health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle and making simple life choices that aren’t always easy.
One simple lifestyle choice to lower the risk of heart related complications is moving more. Many types of activities can help your heart. They are simple to do like taking a brisk walk, dancing, or riding a bike. All these choices are improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But they aren’t easy to implement. It requires you to make the first move. Are you ready?
Let’s think about what you need to get started today. Number 1: Desire or motivation. Think about who you are doing this for and it may just be for yourself. Number 2: The right gear. A lot of times, the activity you enjoy might just start with the right shoes (more on that below). Number 3: The first step. As Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Let’s do this!
Motivated? Check
Activity in mind? Check
Shoes? Doh!
Here are some suggestions: Vigorous walking, running or maybe some pickleball (women—Diane and Grace or men—Gordon and Jack); indoor walking, bike riding or need for light weight footwear (women—Katy and Meghan or men—Chris and Jason); hiking or unstable terrain (women—Vigor and men—Ranger); the need to accommodate for swelling or foot deformities (women—Annie and men—Brian).
It is that simple to get started with improving your heart health. We can help you take the first steps at Dr. Comfort.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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New Year’s Resolutions
Written by Erick Janisse, CO, CPed
Dr. Comfort® Education DepartmentSurely, you’ve made some New Year’s resolutions in the past. There’s also a good chance they didn’t work. Right? As someone living with diabetes, of course you know that eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising are all good things for you - no one needs to tell you that (again). So why is it so hard to stick with New Year’s resolutions to do those things?
According to a recent article from Psychology Today, recognizing that there is something about you that you’d like (or need) to change is only part of the process. It's not enough just to acknowledge this. You actually have to decide that the pros of changing your lifestyle outweigh the cons of continuing on as you have been.
This same article describes five basic stages that one must go through to effect lasting change. They are:
- Precontemplation: You don’t necessarily think there is a problem, but those close to may be concerned.
- Contemplation: You ponder and weigh the pros and cons of a proposed change.
- Preparation: You engage and take the necessary steps to get ready to enact the change.
- Action: You change your behavior.
- Maintenance: You work out ways to stick to your change long-term.
One of the main reasons so-called “New Year’s” resolutions fail is that there is pressure to begin on a specific date on the calendar and not necessarily when the “resolver” is ready to begin the process in earnest. What are the chances you’ll really be truly prepared for Step 4 exactly on January first? There's a fairly good chance that many people who swore a New Year's resolution did it because they felt pressure to do so, not because they were actually ready. And that is a big reason why they failed.
So, rather than committing to declare your New Year’s resolution precisely on January first, make the resolution when you are prepared to begin. Maybe it’s a few days late…maybe it’s February. But make sure you are prepared and in the right mindset to begin. You'll feel like you’ve got more willpower, and your resolutions will be more likely to stick.
With that being said, don’t wait too long. This is your health we’re talking about. And why not let Dr. Comfort be part of your plan for 2023? Undertaking any sort of exercise or activity program requires just the right footwear. Comfortable, supportive and cushioned are what you’re looking for. Think the Grace, Refresh, Meghan or Spirit for women and the Gordon, Performance, Jack or Endurance for men.
You can do this! We can help!
The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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August – National Wellness Month
Written by Erick Janisse, CO, CPed
Dr. Comfort® Education DepartmentSometimes…especially lately…it seems we’re doing all we can just to get through the day; just to survive. But wouldn’t you like to thrive instead? Taking a little time each day to focus on your overall wellness can shift you from just surviving over to thriving – and enjoying life to the fullest.
“Wellness” isn’t just a euphemism for “Exercise and lose weight, you couch potato!” Not at all. Wellness is primarily being in good physical health as well as being in a state of good mental health. The two are intricately linked and trouble with one often causes trouble in the other. By the same token, improving one, often helps the other. There has been much research published that supports the fact that the better you feel physically, the better you’ll feel mentally – and the happier you’ll be.
This doesn’t mean you have to set lofty (and often unattainable) goals like completing an Iron Man triathlon to commemorate your seventieth birthday. Wellness means starting slowly - and doing things you find enjoyable. Make it a point to take a walk three or four times a week. Or, heck, every day! It can be a walk around the block, a stroll in the park or a few laps at the track at the middle school. Doing it with a friend not only makes it more fun, but it helps to hold each of you accountable. And don’t forget all of the comfy and supportive walking shoes that you can get from Dr. Comfort®. For women, the Refresh, Spirit, Grace and Diane are great choices. For the gentlemen, the Gordon, Endurance, Performance and Winner are just some of our excellent walking shoes styles.
Take up an interesting new hobby. Maybe you want to learn to cross-country ski or go snow-shoeing this winter. Take horsemanship or even riding lessons (horses are good for the soul, too!). Head out into the wilderness for some mild hiking and birdwatching. Learn to play the drums – that’s a great cardio workout and super fun. There are all kinds of things out there that are good for your mind and body.
Sign up for a cooking class and learn some delicious new healthy recipes that you can share with your friends and family. Check your community centers. Our local grocery store even has healthy cooking classes!
Finally, if you’re trying to lose weight, don’t fret if you’re not losing weight as quickly as you’d like to - or even at all. Research has shown that even just trying to lose weight (in earnest) leads to significantly better health!
The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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Global Running Day – June 1st
Written by Brian Lane, C.Ped
Run?! No, I only run when someone chases me. The only running I know is the one in my stockings. I thought they said “rum.” Just don’t do it. I don’t even want to drive that far.
I know, I know. Running is one of those exercises that you either love or hate. But when I say “run,” it doesn’t mean you should be training for a marathon. Running for just 10 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower your resting heart rate, and helps to release endorphins for better sleep. Not to mention, it can be done almost anywhere at anytime with limited equipment.
Just like any new exercise, checking with your doctor is an important first step. The next step is ordering the right shoes. Dr. Comfort® has a great line of running shoes with a stability outsole. The outsole has a dual density rearfoot to help overpronation and a flared outsole. What that means is the shoe provides more stability and prevents walking on the inside of the foot. The styles with this feature great for running are the Gordon, Grace, Jack and Diane. The breathable upper materials will also ensure your run is comfortable and dry.
In addition, compression garments, like our Dr. Comfort® calf sleeve or other mild to moderate compression wear, can help for quicker recovery and re-oxygenation of blood. Proper shoes and compression will ensure your feet are ready to take you on that journey to cardiovascular health!
If you read our other blog on walking, we said “Walking is the first step to living a healthy lifestyle.” Well, to rephrase what Neil Armstrong said, walking is the small step for health but running is that giant leap for your well-being! Happy running!
For more information about compression wear, read our Compression Wear F.A.Q
The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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The DNA of a Diabetic Shoe - April 25
Written by Mallory Lor, C.Ped
Today is National DNA Day, which commemorates the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the human genome project in 2003. You are probably thinking, why is a diabetic shoe company writing about this? Well, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk about the DNA of diabetic shoes and diabetic socks.
What is in the DNA of a diabetic (or therapeutic) shoe? Medicare has some basic criteria when it comes to diabetic shoes:
- Additional depth in the shoe of 3/16” (to accommodate a foot insert): Dr. Comfort® shoes are all made with at least 7/16” additional depth and in our “double depth” collection 11/16”.
- Available in half sizes and at least 3 widths: Dr. Comfort® shoes are all available in half sizes and come in Medium, Wide and Extra Wide widths. The women’s Paradise Black is available in a Narrow width.
- Constructed with leather or other suitable materials: All Dr. Comfort® shoes are made of high quality, breathable materials with most of the casual and dress collection styles made with real leather. Dr. Comfort® offers a wool collection (Sean, Dawn, Liam, Meadow, Autumn) made with Merino wool to help keep feet cool and dry.
- Must have a closure: Dr. Comfort® shoes all have closures like shoelaces, hook-and-loop or elastic no-tie laces. Many hook-and-loop closures are hidden under a faux buckle. Dr. Comfort® also just released a new style Peter (men’s) and Theresa (women’s) that has hidden hook-and-loop closures with the look of a lace up shoe.
Keeping the health and safety of customers in mind, Dr. Comfort® has taken additional measures in the construction of diabetic shoes:
- Seamless toe boxes: Dr. Comfort® shoes do not have bumpy seams in the toe box of the shoes. This helps to reduce rubbing and pressure points on those sensitive feet.
- Variety of styles and soles: Looking at our line of shoes, you’ll notice the vast array of styles and different types of soles available.
- Customizable: Dr. Comfort® shoes are constructed to be customized if needed. We can add a lift, lengthen or shorten straps, add a rocker sole and do many more customizations to ensure the shoes meet the specific needs of the wearer. (These modifications are only available through a Dr. Comfort® provider.)
Dr. Comfort® shoes are truly designed with YOU in mind! Our shoes are primarily available through health care providers who specialize in foot health. Proper footwear can help prevent more serious complications for those at risk of diabetes. If you qualify, Medicare or other insurance plans may help cover the cost. Click here to find a footwear professional.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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Celebrate National Walking Day
Written by: Erick Janisse
The first Wednesday in April is celebrated as National Walking Day. As humans, walking is how most of us get around; but as exercise it provides great health benefits, too! According to a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, walking for 2.5 hours a week – that’s just over 20 minutes a day! – can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 30%. Walking has also been shown to decrease the risk of developing diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and even helps to keep you mentally sharp. Dr. Thomas Frieden, who served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under President Obama, has stated that walking is “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.”
The Mayo Clinic - in an article titled “Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health” - says that the faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the health benefits. They also recommend that you alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking. This is known as interval training and has several benefits, like improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. Another advantage is that interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.
Of course, you should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, but once you decide to get started there are a few things to consider. You’ll need to plan your routine. Start slowly so that you don’t get discouraged and make a schedule that is practical and easy to adhere to. Having the right equipment is definitely an important consideration. When it comes to walking equipment, obviously you think of shoes, right? Dr. Comfort offers many great styles to get you started on your new fitness journey. Some women’s shoes that are specially designed for walking are the Grace, Diane, Refresh, Victory and Spirit. For men, think about the Performance, Winner, Gordon, Jack and Endurance. These shoes are all quite supportive yet offer excellent shock absorption and cushioning, making for an overall comfortable walking experience.
Walking is the first step to living a healthy lifestyle. Walking feels great, you can do it with a friend, it’s fun and, best of all, it’s free!
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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Boots and Slippers - Fall Favorites
Written by: Brian Lane
The leaves are changing, football season is in full force, pumpkin spice is added to everything, and flip flop and sandal season is ending. It is now time to think about getting a little cozier with your footwear. The Dr. Comfort line of boots and slippers can help you Fall into something to meet your Autumn needs.
These boots were made for walking….or hiking, working or any other activity! Starting with the men’s and women’s chukka style boots which can be either casual or dress, let me introduce you to the Ruk and Cara. Both provide a little more ankle support with a sleek look and feel. Pair these shoes up with some blue jeans or a nice pair of slacks. Any way you wear them, these styles will go great with the season.
The hiking boot options include the Vigor and Ranger. These two rugged boots have an elastic lace and a hook and loop closure for a securing fit along with a great padded lining for comfort. Wear these on your next trip through the woods, up the mountain, or just around the block. The lightweight design will make you feel like you are hiking in the clouds.
When it comes to work boots, the Protector and Boss have your feet covered. These premium work boots do it all. They support the ankle, allow for easy removal with the hook eyelets, include a comfortable padded collar and, for the Protector, a steel toe. Not to mention, like all Dr. Comfort footwear, these boots have more room for the toes…almost ½” more than your standard shoes. So, get out there and tackle that fall project because the Boss and Protector will help you succeed!
Dr. Comfort’s slipper collection helps you relax and get cozy! In fact, two of our slippers are called Relax and Cozy so you can do just that! These styles, along with the Easy and Cuddle, all come with a great gel insert, to provide cushioning and a comfortable fleece lining. The extra depth in the toe box also allows room for your toes to move and breathe. Either choose the open back design to easily slip your foot inside (Cozy and Easy) or consider the slippers with a back (Relax and Cuddle). Whatever you choose, your feet will thank you!
You can enjoy the weather change and all the Fall activities while truly appreciating the season wearing your new Dr. Comfort boots or slippers!
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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FOOTWEAR MATTERS
Written by: Brian Lane
In our lifetime we will walk over 200 million steps. Of course, footwear matters! At Dr. Comfort, we know how important your feet are to your overall health. When your feet hurt, you can hurt all over. Creating various types of shoes to address different feet is our job. We want your feet to experience comfort while getting the support and structure you need!
Wearing shoes not made for your feet can make problems worse. That is one of the reasons why Dr. Comfort offers full and half sizes with 3 available widths. It would be difficult to accommodate everyone’s foot by just one width or full sizes. Our sizes vary from a medium to an extra wide and we offer half sizes to ensure maximum fit!
Dr. Comfort also offers a variety of different footwear for all walks of life! Many of our Lycra style shoes (Brian, Annie, Douglas, Carter…) have the ability to stretch without causing pressure or irritation to a bunion or during times of swelling. In addition, the Lycra material makes these shoes very breathable and lightweight.
Are you staying active and need stability? Then let me introduce you to our stability outsole shoes---Gordon, Grace, Jack, Diane, Roger and Ruth. These styles have a dual density outsole for increased stability and support while walking. The durable outsole has an outflare for additional balance and these shoes style to go with their function!
Another option is finding a shoe that is lighter in weight. We have several styles to offer! Try the Meghan, Katy, Chris or Jason as these shoes look good and feel great! They offer breathability and you will forget you have these shoes on your feet! Goodbye fatigue at the end of a long walk, these shoes are one of the reasons why “Comfort” is in our name!
Whether you need the right size or need a shoe for your specific needs, Dr. Comfort has you covered! The experience of designers and staff can help to fulfill your needs for your feet.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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Go Exploring with Marco and Amelia
Written by: Jeanne Bellezzo
Ready for adventure? Our latest athletic shoes – named for famed explorers Marco Polo and Amelia Earhart – can take you there in stylish, supportive comfort.
More like sandals than shoes, Marco (for men) and Amelia (for women) feature ventilated leather and mesh uppers that mold to your foot for added comfort while letting air in to keep feet cool and dry. The EVA and rubber outsole enhance stability without sacrificing comfort, so you can feel confident exploring new terrain; an external shankpiece assists with normal ambulation to help keep you steady.
“Like their namesakes, Marco and Amelia are ready to go exploring,” says Brian Lane, Director of Education at Dr. Comfort®. “They combine strength and durability with support and comfort for diabetes-related foot conditions, arthritis and plantar fasciitis, so you can focus on your journey instead of your feet.”
The newest additions to the full line of Dr. Comfort® athletic shoes have a soft micro-suede lining that reduces the risk of skin breakdown, and adjustable quick-tie/lace closures to slip them on and off easily. Choose from on-trend colors including black, gray, green or camo for men and black, gray/green and burgundy for women.
Whether you’re walking around town or along trails, take Marco and Amelia with you.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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Double Depth Shoes - Gordon and Grace X
Written by: Jeanne Bellezzo
Your Favorite Athletic Shoes Now Have Double Depth
You asked for them, and they’re here! Our popular Gordon and Grace athletic shoes – the ones you count on for any adventure – are now available with double depth. With Gordon X (for men) and Grace X (for women), your favorite activities will feel even better with a roomier fit that gives your feet more space.
These new cross-functional shoes have the same sleek, modern design as the popular originals, but with the added benefit of a full-length, heel-to-toe filler that you can easily remove for added depth.
“That extra interior space is great for people with diabetes, poor circulation, foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, edema and conditions like hammertoes and bunions that can make wearing standard-depth shoes uncomfortable,” says Brian Lane, Director of Education at Dr. Comfort®. “Plus, the double depth easily accommodates orthotics, custom inserts and thicker socks.”
Along with added depth, Gordon X and Grace X combine style and performance with stability and protection. The firm heel counter and dual-density midsole and footbed provide extra medial and lateral stability, while the anti-abrasion sole helps prevent slipping, so you can move with confidence. A protective toe box helps guard against stubbed toes, and reduced seam lines minimize skin irritation.
Lightweight and fashion-forward, Gordon X and Grace X feature 3D mesh exteriors, micro-suede interiors, and are available in three widths. A lace-up closure makes them easy to put on, take off and adjust for comfort.
Whether you’re walking, running errands or just going about your day, give Gordon X and Grace X a try to help keep your feet supported, comfortable and on trend.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.
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