Happy Feet

Foot Statistics

Business Wire, a source of news on the Internet, ran a study done by BizRate Research study this past summer. Responses by 997 online buyers answered questions about their feet. The results were interesting. Consider the following:
•    Women account for 90% of all operations performed to correct common foot disorders—mostly attributed tp the high price they pay for fashion.
•    Only 19% of women consider their feet attractive, compared to 8% of men.
•    Only 32% of women and 17% of men are uncomfortable with people touching their feet.
•    Over 57% of women have had a pedicure, and 23% go every month. Only 15% of men have had a pedicure.
•    Women are more likely to go barefoot outside than men, 52% to 41%.
•    Almost half of women, 47%, do aerobics in their barefeet.
So the question is, "How many of these have happy feet?

Sock Advice

Those who have followed my posting for a while will know I like socks. Of course, I have to be honest—not all socks. Colorful is fine. High or low or crew or knee-high is Ok. Thick or thin, or medium weight is also Ok too.
     What I don’t like in socks is easy. Number 1, I don’t like baggy socks. Number 2, I don’t like all cotton socks.
     Let’s take number 1 first—baggy socks. I like socks that stay up. Where they belong. Baggy socks are prone to falling down. This means into your shoes, bunching up in your heels. When socks loose their support and they become baggy, I toss them. Baggy socks may also mean baggy inside your shoes—and I hope I don’t have to tell you how bad that can be in causing hot spots and blisters.
     So, number 2, I don’t like all cotton socks. Back when I was young, light years ago, that’s all we had. Now days though, socks are made with synthetics and blends that complement each other. These also wick moisture, retain their shape, and wear well. The most important feature is helping to keep your feet drier than cotton.
     Now of course, there are times when you might like a pair of baggy socks. Even baggy, cotton socks. But not when you are engaged in sports, exercise or any walking activity. After all, you want your feet to be happy. Right?

Tape for Taping Your Feet

Years ago, back in the early 90’s,I learned how to duct tape my feet at the 72-hour Gibson Ranch Multiday Runs. Back then, duct tape was the best and is still preferred by many athletes. Since then other tapes have come to the forefront and in some cases, have edged out duct tape as the tape of choice. Here are the most popular, in no certain order:

•    Athletic sports tape can be found in most sporting goods stores, it should be avoided except for taping sprained ankles. One width. Not very sticky.
•    Duct tape is easy to find and inexpensive. Buy a quality brand. Non-breathable so over many days can cause skin issues. Some people may be allergic to the adhesive. One width. In addition to the every popular silver, now comes in colors and even transparent. Very sticky and long lasting when others fall off. Not recommended for extreme heat.

Tips to Tape Your Feet

Many athletes have tried to tape their feet only to find it doesn’t stick well and comes off sooner than they like. There are several reasons for this so in this post, I’ll give you some tips on taping your feet:
•    Skin is naturally oily so you must remove the oils with an alcohol wipe. I often use several wipes. These are available at most drug stores, in a very small tear-open packet.
•    If there is dirt caked on your feet, get as much as possible off the skin.
•    If taping over a hot spot, apply a very small dab of lubricant to the hot spot area so the tape will not stick.