My feet hurt--shoe recommendations?

[HawaiianBlesing]

I'm a dog groomer so I'm on my feet a lot by trade.  I try to sit down when I can but can't always make it work with what I have to get done.

Typically my Dansco clogs provide me enough support/comfort to get through the day but lately my heels have been killing me by the end of the day.

I've gained 17lbs so not a huge weight addition.  I was heavier last year w/o any problems.  Anyone else on their feet a lot that could recommend a good pair of shoes. 

They are a bit older so maybe it's just time for a new pair but I had my other Danscos for 6-7 years w/o any trouble.


TIA

Becky

[Buddhamom]

I swear by my Birkenstocks.

[littlest birds]

I love my Born shoes.  I have had four different styles and they have all treated my feet great.  I have fussy feet (and knees) when it comes to shoes and find Dansko and Chaco "okay" with a few complaints but the Born have been 100% great for me--both raised heel clogs and flat shoes.  I have large/wide feet BTW and they seem to ease into that "second skin" fit for me easily and quickly.

[SGVaughn]

honestly the only shoes I can wear all day and not be in agony is asics sneakers

and I have to buy new ones every 3-4 months or so

I have plantar fasciitis

[matte]

I just bought some Merrell wedge sandals, they are awesome. Also, very light.

[aeterna]

Sketchers Shape-Ups. I recently started a new "standing" job and after a month of frustrating ball, heel, leg, butt, and lower back pain (while I tried to convince myself it was only because I wasn't used to it, and would get better with time) I finally listened to a handful of co-workers who swore by these shoes.

The first day I wore them I had some arch discomfort - more pressure there than I'm used to. By the second day I felt a hundred times better. No more foot, leg, or back pain... it was seriously like flipping a switch. If I'm doing a lot of walking I can feel it in my calves (mostly), but just standing around I don't get much of a "workout" (and I did buy the "low intensity/extended wear" variety because my goal wasn't to tone, but to relieve my pain from ordinary shoes).

I was seriously impressed with the distinct difference they made for me.

[Bird Girl]

I've been wearing Crocs this pregnancy--they're called Crocs Rx, though I don't know what's prescription about them. The softness of the plastic makes them easier on my feet than the support of the Danskos that I ususally wear.

[Shami]

If you are having heel pain you could be at the start of a condition called plantar fascitis.  That's how it started for me.  Heel pain at the end of my day.  Then, I had pain upon getting out of bed in the morning, but the strange thing is that the pain would fade away after walking around and getting my self ready for work.

You can get physical therapy for this.  If you don't want or can't do that then always wear a shoe with at least a one inch heal.  No flat shoes and no going bare foot at home.  I wear tennis shoes constantly...even at home.  Do some stretches.  Stand on a step and drop your heels down.  Or buy a band and pull your feet up toward you.  Ice your feet after work.   For the ice, you can put a bottle of water in the freezer and then roll it under your feet after work...feels great!  There is also a boot you can buy and sleep in it...it keeps your foot flexed.

I really hope you don't have it.  I have had it for years and even had surgery for it.  Nothing has helped.  On the other hand, i know of many people who got the physical therapy and it went away.  DO NOT let it go untreated.  I think that is what happened to me.  I let it go for years and then when i tried to treat it, nothing worked.

[motherhendoula]

I have Plantars Fasciatis too...for me, it was walking around barefoot on concrete floors that brought it on for me.  But wearing Dansko Clogs at work is probably the best thing you could be doing for yourself...ive always been told to wear a firm solid heel...like a platform heel sort of thing...so clogs are actually a good choice.  Do wear some sort of supportive shoes while you are at home as well.  And if you have concrete floors at home....continue to wear the Dansko's.  You can also get something to put into your shoe from a Podiatrist to help.  - For me that was a waste of time..i couldnt stand the way it felt.....the soda bottle of ice is the most wonderful thing on  the planet!!!

[dbsam]

Wolky Seamy Slides - they are really comfortable.

Like PP's I also had Plantars Fasciatis  and heel spurs after having my children.  It was horrible, I had to carry the twins up the stairs on my knees because I could barely walk and couldn't walk at all in the morning.  Strangely, I was ready to have the surgery and the pain went away.  I was doing foot stretches recommended by the podiatrist and I started wearing shoes almost all the time.  (Have and indoor shoes and outdoor shoes.)  Even the doc was surprised the pain went away. 

[HawaiianBlesing]

DH has Plantar Fasciatis too.  He starts PT soon, so I think I will be going with him to see what they do.  I could very well have the beginning of it.  I've started swimming and water aerobics and man my fascia has contracted unbelievably.  I try to stretch after and that has been helping.

Going to try to buy a new pair of clogs and see if that helps.  DH's podiatrist's assistant who had the ultrasonic surgery said to put inserts called clogs inserts into my Dansko's to see if that helps.  Said it really helped for her.