Those aching feet

[Dueane Hicks]

Would anyone mind putting up a link to a good floor mat to combat bad feet and a sore back?

[Reed Gray]

I like 3/4 or so thick neoprene mats, and have them around all work stations. I am fortunate to have a place locally that has every type of mat you could think of, and a few extra. Probably biggest on line source is U Line. I line the ones that have a beveled edge, not the ones that have a 2 to 3 inch flat all the way around them, though that could make for less tripping, unless the shavings are so thick, you are standing on them.

Other than mats, good shoes, with good inserts, and making sure you stand up straight are a big help. A little work on your abbs helps too as they keep your back straight. That is one thing I like about swimming, it works your whole core, front, back, and sides...

robo hippy

[Steve Eure]

Lowes has a thick foam mat. It's in the flooring section. I bought those to use while I'm turning. Works well.

[allen thunem]

walmart or costco

[Bruce King]

Also get a pair of Crocs, they have some nicer ones too but the plain ones work too.

[Gordon Stump]

I recently bought a pair of Merrell crocs. The smooth leather kind. I never spend this kind of money on shoes but.....wow!

[Dave Mount]

From a "belt and suspenders" standpoint, I'm a +1 on shoe choice in addition to mats. A few years ago I was struggling with plantar fasciitis, and I noticed that after a week of hiking in the Utah desert, it had improved despite hiking for many many miles. I came back home and it started getting worse. Wondered if it was related to shoes, so I wore my (high quality) hiking boots to work and around home/shop, and it went away. I now wear almost exclusively Asolo Cactus approach shoes/boots, and don't have any issues. Not only are they good for my feet, but they have proven unbelievably durable. If you think about it, what footwear is more focused on being kind to your feet than well made hiking shoes/boots?

Best,

Dave

[Jason Roehl]

From a "belt and suspenders" standpoint, I'm a +1 on shoe choice in addition to mats. A few years ago I was struggling with plantar fasciitis, and I noticed that after a week of hiking in the Utah desert, it had improved despite hiking for many many miles. I came back home and it started getting worse. Wondered if it was related to shoes, so I wore my (high quality) hiking boots to work and around home/shop, and it went away. I now wear almost exclusively Asolo Cactus approach shoes/boots, and don't have any issues. Not only are they good for my feet, but they have proven unbelievably durable. If you think about it, what footwear is more focused on being kind to your feet than well made hiking shoes/boots?

Best,

Dave

I get plantar fasciitis flare-ups every now and then. For me, it’s because my calf muscles have gotten too tight. Regular calf stretches can fend off a flare-up if I catch it early, or if it gets too severe, I sleep with an ankle brace that pulls my toe up.

[Steve Nix]

I use the 4x6 ft x 3/4” horse mats from Tractor Supply.

[Jim Hipp]

In need of a new pair of shoes/boots so checked them out. Disappointed to find that almost all their substantial shoes/boots have GoreTex in them. Non-starter for me.
One pair that didn't have GoreTex was offered in size 9 as largest. Back to non GoreTex Scarpa boots I guess.

[John K Jordan]

After years of using mats and still having much pain with plantar fasciitis I went to wearing crocs which helped a lot. However, the pain still returned requiring occasional cortisone shots.

Then I discovered Telic shoes which were much better than crocks, at least for my feet and my arches. They use a softer, spongier material. I wore them daily for at 6 years, wore out several.
This one and similar models, some with leather: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GC67F1K

Then I discovered Oofos. They are FAR better than the other two, at least for my feet and my arches. I can stand on concrete floors for hours with no problems. I am on my feet almost all day and contrary to the warning of my ortho doctor, my foot pain has not returned. I wear them, house, shop, moving horses and llamas around the farm, winter, summer, driving, to the church, home depot, everything. I do switch to boots when working the beehives (since bees love to sting through socks) and when working in mud. I've had four pairs so far. I try to keep one pair nice for going out. Like the earlier shoes, I supplement the Oofos with foot occasional stretching exercises while seated.
This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AECHSZ4
In fact these are so good (for MY feet) I just now ordered a spare pair.

I've told numerous people about these, some who work in retail and stand on concrete all day. Some gave me feed back saying the same thing - they do wonders for their feet.

If interested, you might find a dealer near you. My son in SC found them in a store just down the road from him. I bought my first pair from a local store so I could be assured of the fit. However, Amazon has a good return policy.

(PS: I have no stock in the company!)

JKJ

[Jeffrey J Smith]

Been using custom orthotics for nearly a decade now - best thing I ever did for my feet and they fit in all my shoes and boots. I originally had a set made by a podiatrist at a very impressive price. Later - at the old Utah Symposium - I was eating and talking with another attendee who mentioned that a local podiatrist in town there - Provo I think - made custom orthotics and sold online both to other podiatrists and end users. I checked recently to see if they were still in business and it seems they are - Custom Orthotics. The price is reasonable compared to other online sources. Over time, I've gotten three pairs, some from my original order ten years ago. They seem to last forever - made from your molds (they ship you a set of mold blanks, you make the molds with their instructions and ship them back) they make the orthotics from hmpe...I'm not affilliated in any way, just a very happy customer. By the way - these cost me about 25% of what the podiatrist charged.

[John K Jordan]

Been using custom orthotics for nearly a decade now - best thing I ever did for my feet and they fit in all my shoes and boots. I originally had a set made by a podiatrist at a very impressive price. Later - at the old Utah Symposium - I was eating and talking with another attendee who mentioned that a local podiatrist in town there - Provo I think - made custom orthotics and sold online both to other podiatrists and end users. I checked recently to see if they were still in business and it seems they are - Custom Orthotics. The price is reasonable compared to other online sources. Over time, I've gotten three pairs, some from my original order ten years ago. They seem to last forever - made from your molds (they ship you a set of mold blanks, you make the molds with their instructions and ship them back) they make the orthotics from hmpe...I'm not affilliated in any way, just a very happy customer. By the way - these cost me about 25% of what the podiatrist charged.

Over the years I've tried numerous custom orthotics, both those ordered by prescription and those done at home by the method you mentioned. All worked somewhat but I didn't find true relief (and I think healing) until I changed my footwear.

My wife, OTOH, has had far more foot problems than I including extensive foot surgery. She has also tried custom orthotics with limited success until she found someone who apparently really knows what he is doing. She has returned several times for small adjustments which have made a big difference. The Oofos don't work at all for her due to the need for side support.

JKJ

[Brian Deakin]

In addition to the range of excellent advice provided I would suggest seeing a chiropodist to identify if there are any issues with your feet that require remedial treatment
Further the chiropodist may be able to provide a diagnosis so you have a greater understanding of why you are experiencing symptoms and what strategies and practical steps( forgive the pun) you can take

[Rob Luter]

I use the 4x6 ft x 3/4” horse mats from Tractor Supply.

Me too. Effective and reasonably priced.

[John K Jordan]

I use the 4x6 ft x 3/4” horse mats from Tractor Supply.

I've bought 3/4" 4x6 stall mats from several sources including Tractor Supply and all seem to be made of recycled tires. I like to buy a pallet of 25 at a time and use them widely around the farm.
A stall mat has to be hard and tough or a 1200 lb horse would destroy it. I tried one over concrete in the shop. The material are much too hard for mats to provide useful cushioning. At least for my feet.
The best I've use are much spongier and more cushiony mats I bought when on sale at WoodCraft.

BTW, here is one hint that helped me many years ago when I had to stand on concrete at a job. I took a different pair of shoes and changed shoes at least once during the shift. Changing the pressure points gave my feet a "lift."

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

I get plantar fasciitis flare-ups every now and then. For me, it’s because my calf muscles have gotten too tight. Regular calf stretches can fend off a flare-up if I catch it early, or if it gets too severe, I sleep with an ankle brace that pulls my toe up.

I get PF in my feet as well. But oddly it develops in late winter and early spring ever couple years. I have a skin condition on my feet and wear "good quality" flip flops from April/May to November, with no feet problems. I often walk miles in a day wearing them. In fact, while on vacation two years ago, I walked approximately 6 miles a day in them. No PF problem

[Dave Carey]

John Jordan - I took your advice on Oofos some time ago and love them. Thanks. Also have PF issues and it took me forever to realize the problem was tight hamstring/achilles tendons. Stretching is the key.

[John K Jordan]

Good to hear! I do my "intense" isometric stretches at least once a day. My wife and I have a superb foot surgeon to thank for making me understand that. (He's a novice woodturner too, almost no free time to play but plans to come for some serious lessons when he retires!)

[Reed Gray]

When I asked the people at the store where I get my mats from about the horse mats, they said that they are fine if you weigh about 1500 pounds. Too hard for us bipeds... Some people do like them.

robo hippy

[Jen Joy]

I have benign tumors in my feet so they're always a pain. I really like Hoka One One shoes, which are stupid expensive, but if you buy from REI you have good return options if they do not work out.

[Ricc Havens]

I have benign tumors in my feet so they're always a pain. I really like Hoka One One shoes, which are stupid expensive, but if you buy from REI you have good return options if they do not work out.

My nephew a Doctor of Physical Therapy who lives in Germany just told me yesterday that he and other PT Docs recommend the Hoka One One shoes. So I plan on checking them out when I can get to the retailer in our region who carries them. They may be expensive but the pain of money leaving my wallet doesn't last near as long as the pain from my plantar fasciitis!! :-) :-)

[George Yetka]

I bought rockler mats 3 total one for table saw/bench/miter saw. I bought them all on sale. Paid less then 100 for them they seam to do the trick. I bought them for the cold. my garage in the winter gets down to 30 and cold concrete made it hard to work like that. I now have no issues with the cold in the garage.

[Dan Gaylin]

John’s Oofos suggestion has been really helpful to me. The one problem with them is that they are open clog type shoes so wood shavings can be annoying. I found some shoes that feel very similar to me and have the same benefits (although not quite so much). You can find them here:
Skechers Men's Equalizer Double... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WL5QS6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[John K Jordan]

John’s Oofos suggestion has been really helpful to me. The one problem with them is that they are open clog type shoes so wood shavings can be annoying. I found some shoes that feel very similar to me and have the same benefits (although not quite so much). You can find them here:
Skechers Men's Equalizer Double... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WL5QS6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share



Those look good! I just ordered some to try in the shop along with a pair of the Hoka One One walkers. (My wife got recommendations on the latter from her foot doctor.)

[Ricc Havens]

Those look good! I just ordered some to try in the shop along with a pair of the Hoka One One walkers. (My wife got recommendations on the latter from her foot doctor.)

LEt us know what you think of them. I recently developed plantar fasciitis. Just narrowed the cause down to a new pair of Sketcher brand walking shoes. I originally thought the heel pain issue was maybe caused over time from my right leg being 1/2" longer after hip replacement in 2013 and my body finally saying enough of this. But, my nephew a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Germany said to change my shoes. At first I scoffed and said no that's not the problem. These are new shoes and a good brand.

But, I quit wearing those Sketcher shoes on wednesday and used an old pair of Merrill hiking shoes. And, today I have very little heel pain left after weeks of heel pain I thought was due to my hip replacement/leg length issue.

[Gordon Stump]

Here is what I discovered. Extremely happy.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/jungle-moc-leather-2-wide-width/39619M.html?dwvar_39619M_color=J000439W&details=complete#

[Jeremy Treibs]

I wear Merrell Moab 2 hikers on a normal basis. In My shop I use Dura Cal interlocking kitchen mats.

My thought process was that the normal smooth mats become very slippery when covered in sawdust. I love my mats.

https://www.rubbercal.com/rubber-flooring/dura-chef-interlock-rubber-kitchen-mats.html

[Dan Gaylin]

This is all very interesting. First, in deference to the OP, I have tried mats and don't find them as helpful as the right shoes. Also, I often turn outside and a mat is another thing to take out and bring back in. As far as shoes, my experience with Merrells versus Sketcher is the opposite of some here: I am a life-long Merrell fan and wear them for walking, running, hiking. I have multiple pairs. They indeed have helped with my plantar fasciitis. But when it comes to tiredness, aching feet, and sore back after a day in the workshop turning, I have found the Oofas and the Sketchers that I sent a link to in my post above to be far more effective than my Merrells. For me a night and day difference.

--dan

[Dueane Hicks]

I get PF in my feet as well. But oddly it develops in late winter and early spring ever couple years. I have a skin condition on my feet and wear "good quality" flip flops from April/May to November, with no feet problems. I often walk miles in a day wearing them. In fact, while on vacation two years ago, I walked approximately 6 miles a day in them. No PF problem


I couldn't walk ten feet in flip flops!