On your feet in later life
                                      April 2005

ULTRA-FLAT ROUND TOE BALLET PUMP

Kimby Osborne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, "Very flat shoes can put a strain on the back of the legs and ankles. The heel in this kind of shoe is very low giving negligible support to the foot. However, this round-toe style will be comfortable for the toes, hopefully avoiding blisters or corns. Inserting Carnation’s powerstep will provide far more support, cradling the heel and providing a platform for stability. Its unique double layer cushion casing cuts out the strain that having a too-thin sole on hard surfaces can cause.”

Carnation wearability rating: 4/10
Carnation wearability rating with Powerstep: 6/10

VINTAGE STILETTO SHOES

Kimby Osborne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, “With a stiletto, not only do you have the problems of a high heel, but you also have a narrow heel which means that you have a small surface area in contact with the ground for your heel strike which puts more pressure on the heel area which adds up to seventeen times your own weight.. “In addition, the female nation’s stiletto obsession, as well as causing an increase in bunions, hammertoes and the like, has also created a new foot problem, Morton’s Neuroma. This is an enlarged pinched nerve causing pain between the toes, which is described as akin to having a stone in the shoe. High heels over 2 inches are the main culprits. The round toes which are in this season are an improvement on the very pointed style, however, the low front may rub the feet causing blisters and corns. All of this can place unnatural strain on the foot, but help is at hand with Carnation Advanced Pressure Relief Insoles which instantly absorb the shocks received by the foot and distribute the pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of pressure related foot conditions like corns and callouses.”

Carnation wearability rating: 3/10
Carnation wearability rating with Advanced Pressure Relief Insoles: 5/10


INDIAN FLIP FLOP

Kimby Osborne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, "This shoe gives negligible support to the foot and whilst the part of the shoe between the toes will help to hold the shoe on, the narrowness of the straps could cut into the toes and feet causing blisters and corns; especially when new before the leather has worn in. Many people could also find the extreme flatness of the shoe a strain on the back of the legs. Carnation Hydrocolloid Blister Care dressings are specially designed to conform to the shape of the foot, are clear and therefore discreet enough to wear with sandals, and once in place should not be removed until they fall off naturally."

Carnation wearability rating: 4/10
Carnation wearability rating with Hydrocolloid Blister Care dressings:6/10



STRAPPY EVENING STILETTO SANDALS

Kimby Osborne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, “What makes strappy shoes sexy and glamorous is also what makes them so uncomfortable. The strap at the front is too narrow and causes the widest part of the foot (just behind the toes) to be squeezed into the shoe above the strap. The combination of this poor fit with the high heel throwing the weight onto the front of the foot and callous/corns will eventually form. You should also take care with ankle straps, as if they are too tight, they can restrict the ankle joint. Wear them for short periods of time only because your feet are not supposed to be kept in this position. Carnation Tip Toes - invisible gel cushions which are designed to prevent pain and soreness in the balls of the feet are ideal for taking away the strain on the balls of the feet when wearing fashionable strappy stilettos. Feet can become very sore during the course of the evening but Tip Toes should help keep you comfortable whilst dancing the night away!"

Carnation wearability rating: 1/10
Carnation wearability rating with Tip Toes: 3/10

OLD SCHOOL’ TRAINERS

Kimby Osbourne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, Trainers are designed to provide the best support for feet and legs; however with some of the ‘old school’ style trainers you must make sure you have a good quality insole to distribute weight evenly. Although most trainers are already comfortable, your comfort will be further improved when you try wearing them with Carnation’s Powersteps. They prevent excessive pronation (rolling inward of the feet) which could cause strain and pain in the heel and arch or even ankles and lower back. They also have a special antibacterial fabric top to reduce friction, prevent slippage and combat sweat so your feet will remain fresher, more comfort and less likely to be prone to athlete’s foot."

Carnation wearability rating: 8/10
Carnation wearability rating with Powersteps 10/10

WEDGES

Kimby Osborne, Carnation Footcare Chiropodist says, "The wedge style heel makes the shoe sole totally inflexible which means the foot arch can't be used for stability when walking or standing. This causes the toes to curl up and grip the insole in an attempt to keep the foot stable and the shoe on. The heightof the heel also puts a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot, causing tenderness and hard skin to build up. Shock absorbers like Carnation Tip Toes instantly absorb the shocks received by the foot when placed inside such a rigid shoe and distribute the pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of pressure related foot conditions like corns and callouses.”

Carnation wearability rating: 5/10.
Carnation wearability rating with Tip Toes: 7/10


For more information on Carnation Footcare products go to www.carnationfootcare.co.uk  or telephone Carnation on 0121 544 7117.

Note: Diabetics and those worried about their feet should always take advice from their pharmacist, GP or chiropodist.


 

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