Fed up with foot pain? These stylish yet supportive shoes could be the solution

As you age it’s not uncommon to suffer from some kind of problem with your feet, from a little bit of pain to something more serious and debilitating that makes it hard to stand for long periods or go for long walks. It’s no surprise really, after being on the go for years.

Conditions can range from plantar fasciitis which refers to the pain at the bottom of the foot, on the heel and around the arch of the foot, to bunions which is the bulging bump on the side of your foot. In other cases you might develop corns and calluses or Achilles tendinitis which can lead to terrible pain behind the heel.

Some of these issues are hereditary, however others can be worsened by wearing incorrect shoes which don’t support your feet properly. Corns can form when people wear shoes that are too big, while some designs cause extra pressure in certain parts of the foot. Meanwhile, those with bunions could worsen their condition by wearing tight fitting and pointy shoes (sorry ladies, those pretty high heels could do more harm than good!).

And now, with the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to take a look in your wardrobe and address your shoe situation. We can do away with the boots for the time being and swap them for lighter and more breathable shoes – but keeping in mind that it should be something supportive so we don’t do more damage to our feet, after all they still need to carry you for many more years!

One of the most essential items in any shoe collection is a pair of thongs for those beach visits and days when it’s just way too hot to wear anything covered – because let’s face it we’re in for some pretty warm days this summer. But, the only problem is lots of thongs have minimal to no support at all and if you’re wearing them all day you could end up with sore and aching feet.

That’s where the Neat Feat’s Zori shoes can help. Zori is derived from a type of traditional Japanese footwear which are said to provide the ultimate comfort and support for all-day wear. They are lightweight, water-resistant and the grip sole helps prevent slipping – which could come in handy when you’re running after the grandkids.

But, most importantly, they have features which help to minimise aches and pains. The high arch preserves foot structure, the heel cups prevent heel strike and the metatarsal support leads to limb balance. The special thong design also helps to promote good posture, prevent curvature of the spine and prevent the tendency of pronation. And they’re breathable so there won’t be a build up of moisture.

You can purchase these supportive and comfortable thongs on the Starts at 60 Marketplace for $49.95 (down from $61.30). They come in four different colours to suit your style – black, tan, blush and brown. But if thongs aren’t your thing, there’s also the Neat Zori Orthotic Slides which have the same great features, but a slightly different design.

These supportive slides will cost you $59.95 on the Starts at 60 Marketplace – which is a saving of $21. They are made from high quality rubber, with padded straps and have proven orthotic benefits including arch, heel and metatarsal support. Meanwhile, the stabilising insole helps to reduce foot, leg, back and hip fatigue. They really have it all!

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.