Back in high school, I wrote an essay titled "The Agony of the Feet" - a play on words from the saying "agony of defeat". The essay was about how my feet would hurt every time I wore high heeled shoes. I have avoided wearing any shoes that had heels higher than 2 inches. I have worn mostly flats or shoes with low heels ever since then. In hindsight this probably contributed to my "flat feet", which I will explain later.
Within the last year I've been experiencing heel pain, which I believe is plantar fasciitis. I tried many natural remedies to "heal" my heel pain, such as: apple cider vinegar foot soaks, heel stretches, as well as several sessions of Myofascial Release Therapy or MFR. What exactly is MFR? It's a manual physical therapy (not massage) that connects deeply with the connective tissue (fascia), using sustained traction or compression for an opportunity to heal long term. Although I got some benefit from these sessions, I honestly did not feel any major change in my heel pain. I decided to halt my sessions, since they weren't giving me any relief and was not financial savvy either. I was also considering the chiropractic route, but after a "free consultation" with one chiropractor, I decided I would try to find a better and a more affordable solution.
So my search continued for a frugal way to eliminate or at least manage my heel pain. I bought several insoles and heel cups from various companies, but I ended up either returning them or never using them again! I found out through my research that I have over pronation or flat feet. Over the years of walking and wearing shoes without enough support, my arches have collapsed, which caused extreme stress on my plantar fascia.
Although most "experts" will say that wearing flip flops are a big no-no for plantar fasciitis, I have found great relief with Dawgs' original flip flops. However, I can't wear flip flops everyday - and I have several shoes that I like and would prefer to not have to buy several new pairs of shoes with arch support. I do however have a pair of Skechers that are my go to slip on sneakers when I walk the dog.
Within the last year I've been experiencing heel pain, which I believe is plantar fasciitis. I tried many natural remedies to "heal" my heel pain, such as: apple cider vinegar foot soaks, heel stretches, as well as several sessions of Myofascial Release Therapy or MFR. What exactly is MFR? It's a manual physical therapy (not massage) that connects deeply with the connective tissue (fascia), using sustained traction or compression for an opportunity to heal long term. Although I got some benefit from these sessions, I honestly did not feel any major change in my heel pain. I decided to halt my sessions, since they weren't giving me any relief and was not financial savvy either. I was also considering the chiropractic route, but after a "free consultation" with one chiropractor, I decided I would try to find a better and a more affordable solution.
So my search continued for a frugal way to eliminate or at least manage my heel pain. I bought several insoles and heel cups from various companies, but I ended up either returning them or never using them again! I found out through my research that I have over pronation or flat feet. Over the years of walking and wearing shoes without enough support, my arches have collapsed, which caused extreme stress on my plantar fascia.
Although most "experts" will say that wearing flip flops are a big no-no for plantar fasciitis, I have found great relief with Dawgs' original flip flops. However, I can't wear flip flops everyday - and I have several shoes that I like and would prefer to not have to buy several new pairs of shoes with arch support. I do however have a pair of Skechers that are my go to slip on sneakers when I walk the dog.
I was so happy when Laina Gossman, CEO and founder of Soul Insole reached out to see if I was interested in receiving a pair of their insoles - then do a review about my experience. Needless to say, I said yes! The Soul Insole is a unique washable, reusable, micro-sized orthotic that adds support and comfort for various hard to fit shoes and sandals. This sounds like the answer to my dilemma of not having to buy new pairs of shoes!
I've been using the Soul Insole shoe bubble for a few weeks now. So far, I feel they've address my flat feet issue because the shoe bubble provides arch support where I need them most. I can now wear my favorite pairs of shoes and be comfortable all day! There's adhesive under each insole which helps keep them in place, but I can still adjust them if necessary.
I wash my insoles after a couple of days wear. I love how easy it is to keep them clean - just rinse under water and magically the adhesive regenerates! Their website also states that they can be worn with sandals and flip flops.
Since my arches have collapsed, my entire alignment is off. I have been experiencing some pain in my left hip area. Since wearing the insoles, I have noticed that my posture is slightly better. One of their many benefits is that the insoles promotes good balance and alignment.
I've been using the Soul Insole shoe bubble for a few weeks now. So far, I feel they've address my flat feet issue because the shoe bubble provides arch support where I need them most. I can now wear my favorite pairs of shoes and be comfortable all day! There's adhesive under each insole which helps keep them in place, but I can still adjust them if necessary.
I wash my insoles after a couple of days wear. I love how easy it is to keep them clean - just rinse under water and magically the adhesive regenerates! Their website also states that they can be worn with sandals and flip flops.
Since my arches have collapsed, my entire alignment is off. I have been experiencing some pain in my left hip area. Since wearing the insoles, I have noticed that my posture is slightly better. One of their many benefits is that the insoles promotes good balance and alignment.
I addition to wearing the Soul Insole shoe bubble to help relieve heel pain, I also rub Arnica Cream on my heels and ankles every night before going to bed. I believe I have found the best solutions that work for me. I have saved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on products and treatments by combining different non-invasive and affordable methods of healing my "agony of the feet".
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission when purchased thru my link.
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