walking 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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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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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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Happy Feet: Benefits of Athletic Shoes
Written by: Jeanne Bellezzo
Happy Feet: Benefits of Athletic Shoes
Written by: Jeanne Bellezzo
Exercise has so many benefits – it strengthens your heart, helps you lose or maintain weight, and gets your “feel good” endorphins flowing. Even a brief walk can benefit body and mind, especially if you do it outdoors in nature. But, it’s important to have the right footwear, particularly if you have foot-related health conditions.
Dr. Comfort® offers a full line of athletic shoes for men and women to help support and cushion your feet, whether you’re walking, running or just running errands. We’ve combined special features for stability and protection with the style and comfort that motivates you to move. With various style options to choose from, they are supportive athletic shoes for people with diabetes symptoms related to feet and toes, as well as a number of other foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and more.*
“says Brian Lane, Director of Education at Dr. Comfort. “Our stability outsole shoes are great for people with balance issues or overpronation due to the outflare outsole. Rubber/EVA soles benefit people with conditions like plantar fasciitis or severe pronation or supination, which is when the foot rolls to the inside or outside. And both our quick-tie laces and hook and loop closures make it easy to get in and out of the shoes.”
Walking ShoesWalk a few blocks or a few miles with comfortable support. Our lightweight walking shoes offer features such as rubber treading at the toe and heel, padded heels and tongues for extra comfort and external shank pieces to help reduce the load on your feet and maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Breathable micro-mesh interiors let air circulate around your feet; choose stylish mesh like Jason, Chris and Meghan or leather or textile uppers like Endurance and Victory. Dr. Comfort athletic walking shoes can help feet affected by diabetes, edema, hammertoes, bunions, or plantar fasciitis (heel pain), as well as pronation or supination.
Running ShoesReady to take it up a notch? Our Gordon and Grace running shoes help your feet power through. Our wider stability outsole with EVA and rubber is designed to provide enhanced support and help prevent your feet from rolling inward (overpronation); a roomier toe box gives toes more space. Keep your feet feeling good with an extended heel counter, increased toe spring, breathable mesh uppers and soft micro-suede interiors to help prevent abrasion. Our running shoes are ideal if you have balance or stability concerns, poor circulation in your legs or feet, lack protective sensation or overpronate.
Athleisure StylesWant the comfort and style of athletic shoes even when you’re not exercising? Check out our Jack and Diane athleisure styles. These lightweight, athletically inspired shoes offer all the support of our stability outsole, along with a reinforced thermo-molded heel counter, increased toe spring and reduced seam lines. Be comfortably fashionable with leather or synthetic knit uppers and comfy Lycra®* interiors for all-day breathability. Like our running shoes, our athleisure styles are a great choice if you’re concerned about balance or stability, have circulation or sensation issues, and/or your feet roll inward as you walk.
*Please reference our complete catalog for specific indications per style.
* Lycra® is a registered trademark of INVISTA NORTH AMERICA S.A.R.L.
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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Shoe Spotlight: Gordon and Grace
Meet the shoes that are gaining attention and delivering convenience and style.
From a walk in the park to a hike outdoors to a quiet evening at home, we’ve got a new athletic shoe that’s bold, comfortable and performance-focused. Continue reading → -
How to Protect Your Feet During Summer
The winter boots are back in the closet, and the sandals are out ready for wear: Summer is here!
During summer, people tend to head outdoors and sometimes bare their feet, but summer does bring some challenges to our feet. Foot health is essential year-round, especially if you expose your feet during the warm weather. Do you know how to protect your feet during summer? Continue reading →
Meet the shoes that are gaining attention and delivering convenience and style.
From a walk in the park to a hike outdoors to a quiet evening at home, we’ve got a new athletic shoe that’s bold, comfortable and performance-focused. 
The winter boots are back in the closet, and the sandals are out ready for wear: Summer is here!
During summer, people tend to head outdoors and sometimes bare their feet, but summer does bring some challenges to our feet. Foot health is essential year-round, especially if you expose your feet during the warm weather. Do you know how to protect your feet during summer?