Shoeflyer | Shoes, Trends & Reviews

We don’t like to talk about it, but most of us get it.  I’m talking about Athlete’s Foot, or tinea pedis as it’s known in the medical world.  Caused by the Tricophyton fungus, it is estimated that as much as 70% of the population experiences Athlete’s Foot at some point in their lives.  Have you ever had itchy, flaking, blistering, or peeling skin in-between your toes or on the bottom of your feet?  Well, then, you’ve probably had it.  But those aren’t the only places this pesky fungus likes to hide.  Any flap of skin that provides a moist environment will feel like home sweet home to the Trichophyton.  If this fungus gets into your foot nooks, you won’t want to wear flirty shoes like the peep-toe pumps shown in this story.   Here are a few tips to help you combat and prevent Athlete’s Foot, so that your skin’s true beauty can shine forth unabated.

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Time to start writing the Shoeflyer post for today… I’ll just take a look around the web for shoe news… ho-hum, blah-de-blah—WHAT?  FLIP-FLOPS ARE DEADLY?  That’s right.  Take a turn around Google News for yourself, and you’ll find no less than nine articles on the insidious danger of thongs for your feet, one titled “Warning: Flip Flops Can Kill You.”  Local news stations across the country are dedicating hard-hitting journalists to this  silent pedi-threat.  Why are flip-flops so dangerous, you ask?  Well…

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Nurses.  Teachers.  Factory Workers.  Their  feet take a beating on a daily basis. These are the people who somehow manage to work double shifts, all on their feet.  I know from experience in the classroom how long hours spent on your feet can make you feel like you’re walking on glass.  In empathy for those tough-as-nails workers, I’m offering the following five tips to keep your feet healthy and happy, especially if you depend on them at work.

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An article from the Boston Globe, “Catwalk no Cakewalk,” highlights a new trend in wearing pumps: working out. Of course, ladies have always known that a sculpted set of legs makes stilettos look sexy, but as writer Christopher Muller learns after taking a catwalk class, exercise also improves your catwalk.  By stretching and strengthening your feet, legs, and abs, you can even wear heels without killing your feet and back.

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Happy National Picnic Month!  Picnics are more than just an opportunity to breathe fresh air and enjoy good times with friends and/or coworkers.  With Americans weighing more than ever, I propose that picnics are a naturally enjoyable way to slim down.  First, the fact that you’ll pack your lunch beforehand improves the chances that you’ll get a well-balanced meal.  (Also:  it’s hard to find a drive-through on the trail.)  Second, you’ll have to walk or hike  somewhere before you eat– meaning you’ll burn off at least a few calories.  Finally, if you’re like me, you’ll be more motivated to get in shape if your picnic companions notice a wheezing sound emanating from your cherry red face as you stumble up the trail.  Still, even if your body isn’t exactly your ideal shape, there’s no reason you can’t look good on the picnic path.  To encourage all Shoefly readers to get out there and dine al fresco, I’m featuring shoes that are great choices for any picnic, along with a few footgear tips to make your next picnic the best ever.

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As pedestrians, we all have our fair share of foot troubles from time to time — and, dare I say, most are shoe-related. Thankfully, however, there are experts among us devoted to both caring and providing us with the latest and most relevant information for our feet. In fact, I just came across a particularly informative article by Sally Wadyka of Real Simple. She highlights six reasons why our feet hurt and what to do about it.

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It’s been quite a while since humans had feet tough enough to withstand the natural environment. Our ancestors’ feet were huge, hairy, and hard.  Ancient humans could withstand the pressure of walking barefoot on hard surfaces thanks to a tough layer of built-up callouses.  Now, because they are almost always protected by shoes, our feet are soft, narrow, and offer very little protection against the natural environment.  As beach season approaches, it’s important to know how to protect your feet when you do decide to go sans footwear. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind at the beach, via the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: (more…)