Tag Archives: slip resistant shoes

The Slip Resistant Shoe Recipe

Add some leather, a dash of a cushioned insole, a splash of impact zone padding, and a heaping helping of MaxTrax^® slip resistant outsole and we’re on our way to creating our very own slip resistant shoe! So this recipe might not be making it into your kitchen cookbook any time soon, but it’s still important to know what exactly goes into constructing each pair of our safe and comfortable slip resistant shoes. Get the notebooks ready, because we’re about to take you through the slip resistant shoe recipe.

The “upper”

Obviously, there are a few factors that go into making each slip resistant shoe. Material, construction, cushioning and support should all be considered. The “upper” of a shoe is the material that covers the toes, as well as the back, sides, and top of the foot. Uppers can be made of one or more materials, including leather, action leather, suede, and mesh.

Did we lose you already? Allow us to explain. Full grain leather is generally found on dress shoes, and it presents a more “finished” appearance. It’s also easy to clean and very durable. So for those of you who didn’t even know that shoes are supposed to be cleaned, this might be for you.

Action leather is found on athletic or casual shoes (hence the whole “action” part of the name. We know…brilliant). This material is more flexible and more breathable than full grain leather. So if you suffer from sweaty and smelly feet, do yourself (and the world) a favor by trying action leather.

Mesh/Suede tends to be found as accents on work shoes. Suede offers a pleasing aesthetic quality while mesh affords more breathability for dry feet while on the job.

The insole

An “insole” is the interior part of the shoe that the foot rests on. This piece has usually been enhanced with extra cushioning in the heel or “impact zone”. Various levels of cushioning are used to make your feet feel as if they’re walking on a cloud. Note: never attempt to walk on an actual cloud. It will end poorly.

Cushioned insoles have some padding in the heel, and are generally found in low profile Oxford shoes. Full cushion insoles have cushioning in the heel and impact zone areas, and this is typically found in low profile athletic shoes.

Extra cushion insoles are exactly what they sound like: MAXIMUM CUSHIONING ACTIVATED! This is found mainly in athletic shoes. Lastly, impact zone padding is the extra cushioning at the ball of your foot.

The midsole

The midsole is the portion of the shoe between the insole and outsole that provides foot support, cushioning and stability. It’s also commonly referred to as the “footbed” (and who doesn’t need another bed in their life?)

Improvements in midsole technology now allow for more cushion, greater arch support and even ergonomic designs to decrease foot, leg and back pain! This is especially important for anyone with flat feet or high arches, as not choosing a shoe with the proper midsole could lead to pain at work. And trust us, that’s the last thing you need.

The lining

We’ve gone through the meat of our recipe, but we can’t forget about dessert! While some overlook the lining of a work shoe when considering comfort, the proper shoe lining is absolutely important. A mesh fabric lining will wick away moisture to maintain a cool, dry shoe interior. A proper lining means more comfort and fewer odors (win and double win). The lining is there to help your feet out, so don’t forget about it!

Last but certainly not least… our patented MaxTrax^® slip resistant outsole.

That’s right folks, we saved the best for last. Our MaxTrax^® slip resistant outsole is the final ingredient in this recipe for success.

The exclusive pattern developed for MaxTrax^® is intended to give the outsole the highest amount of surface area possible, while still providing deep grooves arranged to help channel liquids. This specialized groove design allows for an essential self-cleaning feature that keeps the bottom of your shoes cleaner than many other slip resistant work shoes.

Using a flexible, soft rubber compound outsole – The MaxTrax^® outsole provides more give upon impact, which allows for a reinforced grip and a better hold on the ground. In our independent Brungrabber Mark II slip resistance testing in greasy, high soil, oily/wet, and wet environments, MaxTrax^® proved itself to be an icon of slip resistance. MaxTrax^® far surpassed the Coefficient of Friction (i.e. the measure of slip resistance) necessary to make a safe step in each test.

Now that you know what they’re made of, feel free to check out our slip resistant shoes at www.srmax.com

The Most Commonly Slipped-On Surfaces

It’s true…Americans slip and fall a lot. In fact, over one million Americans suffer a slip and fall injury every year. You’d almost wonder how we get so much done when we’re spending that much time letting gravity take us down. We slip both outside and inside on water, ice, grease spots, floor wax, your toddler’s apple sauce, and anything in between.

Well, let’s all fight back with a “not today, gravity” and identify some of the most commonly slipped on surfaces.

Interior Flooring Surfaces

When a floor is waxed or cleaned, a wet floor sign should obviously be put up. However, people don’t always do things that they’re supposed to do. So if you see the hardwood floor shining back up at you thanks to that fresh wax reflecting the ceiling lights, it’s probably in your best interest to proceed with caution.

Mopping can have the same effect, and in facilities like restaurants or grocery stores that are constantly being mopped, you must always be alert for any slick or slippery areas. The services, wholesale, and retail trade industries combined account for over 60% of injuries from same-level slip and fall incidents.

So if you work in one of these industries, stay alert at all times, watch where you’re walking (that means don’t have your head buried down in your phone), and if you do see a slick spot, throw that wet floor sign out there.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Most outdoor slip and fall injuries are the result of hazardous weather conditions (thanks, Earth). Whether it’s rain, snow, or ice, we love to slip on it. The weather is unpredictable and can change at any time, so unless you plan on never venturing outside again, there’s not much that you can do about avoiding it. Just stay alert and walk slowly if the elements do turn nasty.

But even on a sunny day, the outdoors are the host of several hazards that can cause falls. Uneven sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are just perfect for the unsuspecting person to trip on. There’s no better way to start your day than by tripping on a pothole and watching your coffee go flying through the air. So stay alert, and always watch where you walk.

Entrances and Exits

Oh, you thought that all of Earth’s wonderful weather was just going to stay outside? If only that were the case. When people walk inside on a rainy or snowy day, they track in all of the water from outside and leave it nicely placed in the entryway of the building.

Now hopefully this building has a doormat at all entrances and exits, but if they don’t, these areas transform from doorways to slip-n-slides. And trust us, slipping your way into a grocery store isn’t exactly the most graceful way to do it. So stay alert when entering any building on a rainy day.

Obviously, nothing can protect you from all of these surfaces, but if you find yourself working in slippery conditions more often than not, feel free to check out our slip resistant shoes at www.srmax.com.

Staying Safe While Working on a Cruise Line

As cruise ships continue to become larger and accident reports continue to progress in great numbers, we are left wondering what exactly is being done to better train crewmembers in the event of an emergency at sea or in port. Every crew member should have at least some familiarity with how to properly handle any onboard situation, including how to best evacuate passengers in the event of the vessel becoming disabled, what to do in the event of an onboard emergency, and (most importantly) how to keep themselves safe while on the job, especially when it comes to slip and fall accidents.

Safety is the top priority for both passengers and crew members while on board the ship. As passengers are continuously coming on board for an unforgettable time at sea, crewmembers must enforce safety protocol for everyone on board, in order to make sure that no one’s life is put in immediate danger.

Food for thought: If crewmembers are not following proper protocol to maintain onboard safety, how can they be trusted with ensuring that passengers are kept safe? Here are a few safety tips that crewmembers should follow to guarantee that everyone remains safe and has an exceptional time while on board.

Know the Maritime Laws:

Since each vessel usually flies a foreign flag, it can be difficult to understand the difference between each country’s laws and what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Be sure to learn your cruise company’s requirements,including regulatory maritime and cruise ship laws to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward at all times (and most importantly not endangering anyone).

Participate in Safety Meetings:

Upon each new boarding, crew members should participate in a safety meeting, usually carried out right before your ship leaves port. It is in these meetings that you will be informed of your duties in the case of an emergency, and will be required to know where you need to congregate in the event of an accident or evacuation.

Obtain certificates in Basic Firefighting, Survival at Sea and Basic First Aid:

Once on board a vessel, crew members are expected to know how to operate lifeboats, where the boats and rafts are located, how to launch them, and know about the different fire-extinguishers on board and what kind of fire they are used for. Basic First Aid is also required to address any type of non-life threatening injury while onboard.

Acquire a pair of Slip Resistant Shoes:

In order to help keep crew members accident free, slip resistant work shoes are a great asset to each worker’s uniform. With a slip resistant sole, crew members are kept safe at work and experience a decrease in slip and fall injuries when it comes to working around unseen spills.

Other sea-worthy tips:

There’s actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you’re on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes (there’s a history lesson here that this writer knows nothing about).

By protecting yourself with slip-resistant footwear, you are being a more effective team member. When you aren’t worried about slipping at work, you can do your job more adequately. When you aren’t worried about getting injured, you enjoy your time at work even more. Your overall health isn’t something to wager with, so by wearing the right safety footwear, you can protect yourself.
While you may be unaware of the risk that you are taking, you’re setting yourself up for an accident waiting to happen. By wearing proper slip resistant work shoes, you can do yourself a favor and help to reduce the risks associated with improper workplace footwear.
Foot injuries are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, safety shoes are designed to prevent those types of accidents from doing some serious damage.
The right pair of safety toe boots can protect you from falling objects, punctures, lacerations, sprains, and even falls. That’s a list that you that don’t want your feet to be a part of. With a pair of steel toed boots, these injuries can be prevented. You’ll also be saving yourself a trip to the doctor’s office and a few weeks with your foot wrapped and elevated.

These are just a few of the many safety recommendations for cruise ship workers when it comes to staying safe at sea and at port. It is crucial for us as crewmembers to understand that our responsibility is ensuring the safety of everyone on board (including ourselves), as well as our duty to protect passengers per maritime law.

For more information on work safety tips, visit us on our website at srmax.com.

Slippery (Resistance) When Wet

Slips and falls can occur almost anywhere at any time. Didn’t see that grease spot on the kitchen floor? There’s a slip and fall right into the refrigerator. Missed that patch of black ice while walking into work in the middle of January? Now you’re laying on the sidewalk with a freshly sprained ankle.

If you work in slick and slippery environments, you may find that meetings between you and the ground are becoming more and more common due to slips and falls. Not wanting to hurt yourself and miss any time from work, it’s important to know just how to handle slippery conditions. Here are some of our tips.

Take slooooow steps (and learn how to do the shuffle)

There’s no need to rush over slippery spots. Take slow, small steps whenever you need to walk across potential slip hazards. Slowing your steps down also means that you can use your feet as “probes” to detect just how slippery the surface in front of you is.

Always watch where you’re stepping before you actually take a step. If you’re walking slowly, your reaction time will be more responsive to changes in traction. If stepping is too dangerous, do the shuffle! Keep your feet on the ground (at least one foot apart) and just glide and dance your way across that spill. We wouldn’t recommend practicing your ice dance routine, though.

Bend your knees, and walk flat-footed

Life is all about balance, right? Well, the same is true for walking over slippery surfaces. You’re going to want to make sure that you are as centered and balanced as possible. While walking, slightly bend your knees and try to walk flat-footed as much as you can. This keeps your center of gravity over your feet to maintain that perfect balance. To help with this, point your feet slightly outward.

Remember, none of this has to be too drastic. We don’t want you squatting down like a crab and walking sideways with your feet pointed out. Just get your feet directly underneath you and keep them flat while taking (slow) steps.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane…balance beams!

Remember when you were a kid on the playground walking along the balance beams? You didn’t keep your hands close to your sides to keep yourself balanced. You extended them straight out to your sides!

Now, do the same thing when walking across a slippery surface. Keep your arms extended to the sides to maintain your balance. And if you haven’t read a single word yet, remember this tip: Never keep your hands in your pockets. Not only will your balance be poor, but if you do slip, you won’t have your arms out to protect yourself. Hello, missing teeth.

Handrails are there for a reason

Those cute little handrails next to steps aren’t just there for decoration. They might be the one thing that keeps you from slipping and falling, so use them! If the stairs are slippery, use any railings that you can find to keep yourself balanced and upright.

If there aren’t any railings insight, try to use a wall, counter, or other surfaces nearby to grab onto while walking across the slippery surface. If all else, fails, take the balance beam approach we mentioned earlier.

Are slips common at your job? Then wear the proper footwear!

If you work in an environment where slips are a regular occurrence, then it’s important for you to have on a pair of slip-resistant shoes at all times. Interested in checking out some of our own styles? Feel free to browse through them at https://www.srmax.com/

Five Steps for Launching a Successful Corporate Shoe Program

If you’re thinking about starting a corporate shoe program for your company, you’re smarter than people think. A corporate shoe program is a great way to keep employees safe and happy.

These programs allow employees to pick the style and color of their pair of slip-resistant shoes, and they prevent accidents from happening in the workplace. That means a reduction in the volume of workers compensation claims, and fewer lost days from work due to an accident.

That’s a whole lot of winning right there! Now that you understand why these programs are so great, here’s five steps to get a corporate shoe program started for your company:

1. There’s a form to fill out

You’ll need to fill out our (very simple) ‘Start a Program’ form found here. After we receive your form, an SR Max® representative will contact you within two days to complete the account set-up process. If we need any additional information like banking or credit references, we’ll get that from you at this time.

We’ll also set up the process for your associates to order directly or through a coordinator at your office. We want to make this as easy as possible for you. The only stress should be on your feet, and even that will be gone after your new slip-resistant shoes arrive!

2. Give us the ‘deets’

We’ll need to know the specific needs of your shoe program. For example: does your company or industry require slip-resistant shoes? Or are you just doing this because you’re super smart? Do you want only slip-resistant shoes made available to employees? Which of our many colors and styles would you like to make available to your employees?

Now is also the time to tell us about the job duties your employees perform daily. We can recommend the shoes that make the best fit for your company.

3. Configure your payroll deduction

Typically for payroll deduction orders, you’ll need the employees:

First and last name
Employee ID
Store location or department
Style number
Size and width of the shoe that they wish to purchase

Orders can come through your management team or directly from your associates. That decision is entirely up to you. Orders may be placed online at www.srmax.com using your SR Max® account number, or they may be called into SR Max® toll-free at (877) 776-2933.

If you do decide that you want all orders to go through your management team, SR Max® can provide order forms for your associates to fill out and submit to management.

**4. This program isn’t just for you**

No one creates a corporate shoe program for only one person. That would be weird. So let people know about your new program! Our team at SR Max® can help create break room posters, catalogs, and online ordering options so that you can spread the word.

Here’s a helpful tip: include information about your corporate shoe program in any new hire packet. You alone are not a corporation, so make sure that your corporate shoe program is successful by letting your company know about it.

5. Kick back and wait for the shoes

Unfortunately, we don’t have the technology to beam your shoes to you instantly. However, once your employees’ order has been processed, the shoes will ship out to your facility manager or associate. For online orders, you will receive an automated summary of the order, as well as an e-mailed shipping confirmation from UPS once the shoes are on their way.

Congratulations! You’ve created a successful shoe program. Enjoy the safety and style that your employees will now have while you save the company money with the payroll deduction plan.

Are you ready to start a program with us, or want more information? Check us out at www.srmax.com to learn more!

Helpful Tips for CNA’s

Nursing assistants are crucial parts of the overall nursing team, and their job is incredibly important. You’re on your feet nearly all day caring for residents and patients in a nursing home, and many of them can consume most of your time and attention.

In a job as important and challenging as this one, we’re sure that you’ll take all of the tips you can get. Here’s a few from the people who want to take care of your feet:

Obviously…Take care of your feet!

So we’re a bit biased when it comes to the most important part of the human body. However, for a CNA who spends most of the day on their feet, the foot really is important. Patients aren’t the only injured people in hospitals; employees can slip and hurt themselves as well, so you should take care in making sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Having a pair of slip-resistant shoes is a great preventative measure that you can take. There are plenty of spills inside hospitals or nursing homes, so feeling confident and safe in your work environment is the first step in doing your job well. You also don’t want to come home to throbbing foot pain at the end of each day, so getting comfortable shoes with enough padding and support is necessary as well.

Keep a journal with you, and write until your hand falls off

Not actually…trying to do this job with one hand would be interesting. A CNA will spend the day doing so many tasks and juggling multiple patients. Unless your brain has a portable hard drive stored within it, you’re simply not going to remember everything.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a small notebook to write down what needs to be done for each patient, and any other reminders for yourself or questions for your supervisor.

This notebook can also be used to write down patient tendencies and other information about your day-to-day duties. Just write it all down so it becomes impossible to forget! In addition to kicking forgetfulness to the curb, writing lists can also reduce your level of stress due to the fact that it gives you a chance to collect yourself and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Ask ALL the questions

In this profession, there’s no such thing as “too many questions.” You’re handling the health and well-being of real people. If you don’t know how to do something, it’s a wise idea to ask someone who does rather than winging it on a real live human being.

Learn from your supervisor and observe everything that they do before you attempt it. Ask previous CNA’s what they have done in similar situations too. Learning from those who have been there before is the best way to start gaining experience. And remember: THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS especially when you are in charge of someone else’s care.

Organization = Relaxation

Well, maybe not relaxation… but it will certainly make the daily duties a little less stressful!

A CNA is constantly running around in and out of rooms, taking care of several patients at a time. Even that sentence was a mouthful, so it’s hard to imagine what this job is like without actually doing it. If you don’t stay organized, the job will get the better of you.

Arrive to work a few minutes early and start planning out your day and prioritizing certain tasks. These tasks can be written down in your handy notebook that we talked about earlier. Also, gather all of the supplies that you need for each patient before entering the room to care for them.

Lastly, when you’re taking the vitals for various patients, make sure you document each of them immediately following the tests. This allows the patient records to stay up-to-date and all of the other practitioners can view the records quickly as well. Like we said, this job requires a lot of organization, preparation, and documentation.

Don’t forget about the most important factor in this equation: YOU!

To do this job, you need to take care of yourself. Whether this is by taking care of your feet, hands or anything else, always ensure that your health is the priority. If you’re sick you can’t provide the care that your patients need. Especially if you’re in a nursing home for the elderly, you cannot come to work with any type of bug because these patients are particularly susceptible to illnesses.

While this job is a handful, it is extremely rewarding being able to help so many people each day. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to come home each day and kick your (well-taken care of) feet up on the couch and relax.

For more tips and information about the products we offer, check us out at srmax.com.

Why You Should Take the Time to Get a Shoe Fitting

If you’re over the age of five, you probably know your own shoe size. You may not think that you need help getting your own shoes properly fitted by a professional because it’s common sense, right?

One would think.

But, there’s actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you’re on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes (there’s a history lesson here that this writer knows nothing about). Let’s meet some demons that you’ll need to avoid:

The Piercing Pincher

Picture this: You arrive at work for your first day with your new pair of slip-resistant shoes. You’re feeling confident, safe, and looking great with all of the stylish swagger that your shoes provide.

Flash forward five hours: the toe of your shoe is so tight around your big toe that you’ve lost all feeling in it. Does your big toe even still exist down there? These are the questions you’re asking yourself while praying that the minute hand on the clock ticks faster to your next break.

This horrible scenario could have all been avoided if you had been fitted by a professional. They would know exactly where your big toe should be within the shoe while standing, and they’d feel it and double check with you before you ever leave the store or shoemobile. Next time, do this and don’t end up questioning whether your big toe is still there during your first day in your new shoes.

The Stinging Slipper

“But they felt ok when I tried them on in the store!” Those are the famous last words of someone who tried on shoes and didn’t bother to test them out by walking around the store on a carpeted surface before buying them.

Imagine: You’re walking into work with your new pair of shoes on and notice that they’re a bit big and slip when you walk. Oh well; you’re late for work and need to get inside to start your shift.

Flash forward three hours: the dinner rush is in full swing and your new shoe demons have created two or three blisters across your feet the size of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot! If one more customer asks you to walk the entirety of the restaurant for an extra napkin, you’re going to place the shoes in the parking lot and run them over and over until they become a part of the pavement.

Now, if you had gotten your shoes properly fitted by one of our experts, you would know exactly how long and wide the shoe should be to fit your feet. Our expert would explain to you that the ball of your foot should rest on the widest part of your shoe and would also have you walk around the store in the shoes to ensure that they don’t slip. Next time, do this and don’t end up making your new shoes a part of the pavement outside.

Any questions? Feel free to visit our sizing and fitting page here to read about specific shoe sizes and width letters.

What to Expect when You Visit an SR Max Shoemobile

Just imagine a store full of over 1,200 pairs of our best and stylish slip resistant shoes….on wheels.

While you’re recovering from your mind being blown due to the sheer awesomeness of this concept, let’s walk through what a trip to one of these magical stores looks like. You may have heard of our shoemobiles, or even seen one driving around or parked near your place of work before, but what really goes on inside these shoe stores on wheels?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the best pair of slip resistant shoes that fit your feet perfectly.

Big Wheels keep on turnin’

Our SR Max shoemobiles are available in select locations across the east coast, and they always carry at least 1,200 pairs of shoes. We have shoes in stock from brands like Crocs, Skechers Work, Converse, New Balance, Rockport Works, and others. When you first step foot into the shoemobile, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly SR Max^® employees ready to fit you for your new pair of slip-resistant shoes. You’ll be asked about your work environment and what kind of slip resistant shoe you’re looking for specifically.

Decision time

After this, our slip resistant shoe expert will give you a few options that he or she feels will best fit your needs. You’ll be able to select the brand and color of your shoes, and then our SR Max employee will size you and give you a pair to try on. Once you have the shoes on, our expert will quickly work with you to ensure that the shoes fit your feet perfectly. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare to arrive at an eight-hour shift on your feet with new shoes that pinch or rub your feet the wrong way, so we take great care in this step of the process. We’re not sure what walking on a cloud feels like, but we want you to feel something like that.

Make it official

After you’ve found the perfect pair of slip resistant shoes, you’re set! Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a brand new pair of SR Max slip resistant shoes. You’ll be asked to sign for your shoes and then you’re free to go on your way (not that you weren’t ever free before. Our shoemobiles are not prisons).

It’s as easy as that! Next time you see one of our bright green shoemobiles parked near you, make sure to stop by and check it out. With over 1,200 options, you’re bound to find something that you like!

Want to learn more about SR Max? Check us out online today!

Weird and Fascinating Foot Facts

Every day our feet endure whatever it is that we put them through. Whether it’s double shifts at a restaurant, long hours in the hospital or a harsh warehouse shift, our feet get us wherever we need to go. Click the link below to download the PDF file of this infographic.

foot-health-infographic.pdf

Looking to learn more about our slip-resistant shoes? Check us out at www.srmax.com

A Quick Guide to Healthy Feet

Each day we rely on our feet to get us where we need to go, and often we don’t think twice about it. Whether we’re standing for hours on end, walking around, working or even resting, our feet are constantly supporting us. They do so much for us, but how much do we really know about them? We’ve compiled some of our best information on feet, and how to take care of them. Read on to check it out!

Did you know??

It’s rare that two feet are exactly the same; one of them is often larger than the other.
There are 250,000 sweat glands in our feet that can excrete up to a half-pint of moisture daily.
Each foot is made up of:
- 26 bones
- 107 ligaments
- 19 muscles
- 33 joints
On average, Americans encounter 1.4-foot problems each year.
The average adult takes 4,000 to 6,000 steps a day, take that, Fitbit!
Impact, compression, and puncture are the most common types of foot injuries in the workplace. This is why proper footwear is extremely important.
Because of feet being their largest at the end of the day, 8 out of 10 Americans experience foot problems as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes due to feet swelling as the day goes on.
The average foot gets two sizes longer when a person stands up.
Standing in one spot is far more tiring than walking because the demands are being made on the same few muscles for a longer length of time.
Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders can often show their initial symptoms in your feet; be sure to pay attention to them, as your feet depict your general health.
Surveys suggest that two out of every three workers suffer from some form of a foot problem based on their shoe choice. This could easily be from a slip and fall injury, not having comfortable work shoes, or simply just not following the OSHA Safety Programs protocol for protective footwear.
The height of your arches in your feet can affect the direction your ankles roll; this is often referred to as pronation.

How Lacing Can Address Foot Issues

Your slip-resistant shoes are highly significant in your workplace. While you are running around and performing your daily tasks, it is important to have the correct lacing for your shoes. There are multiple ways to lace up your shoes, solving several foot problems that you may encounter.

Toe Problems

If you have toe problems, it can cause several pains in your work shoes. A simple lacing can alleviate some of that pain. When you are lacing up your shoes, create a diagonal lace going from the bottom to the top. Lace the eyelets with the rest of the lace.

High Arch

Individuals that have high arches may have a hard time with normal criss-cross lacing. By straight lacing your shoes, the pressure on the shoe’s tongue is released which allows relief to your foot.

Top of Foot Pain

Pain on the top of your foot can be very aggravating, especially when you are trying to work. When lacing up your slip-resistant shoes, skip an eyelet so you leave space in the lacing. This will cause less pressure on the top of your foot.

Another way to handle foot issues is to purchase an insole for your slip-resistant shoes. This will allow your shoes to have a more comfortable insole that molds to your foot.

The Secret to Treating Achy Feet and Legs

As we all know, working on your feet all day can do a number on your feet and legs. Whether you’re wearing restaurant shoes, medical shoes, or slip-resistant boots, making an extra effort to take care of your feet and legs can go a long way towards you staying healthy and comfortable.

The most commonly reported issues of prolonged standing are discomfort, fatigue, and swelling of the legs and feet. Much of this pain and discomfort can be prevented by wearing comfortable work shoes for the job and following a daily foot care routine.

Choosing the Perfect Shoe

The recommended heel height for any shoe when standing for a long period of time is between a quarter of an inch to two inches. When picking out the perfect slip-resistant shoe, be mindful as to what type of arch support that the shoe provides. Proper arch support will help reduce the amount of soreness and weakness in your legs and feet.

Confirm the Fit

More often than not, people will wear shoes that are too small for them. Having shoes that fit properly will prevent you from developing blisters, losing circulation in your feet, and will enable better comfort while on the job. In order to avoid painful issues, it is recommended that you try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their most swollen. By doing this, you are saving yourself the headache of having to re-evaluate your shoe size down the road.

Stretch!!

The muscles in your legs can become stiff and uncomfortable as you stand or walk throughout the day. Stop every hour or so to stretch, loosen up and lengthen your tightened muscles. The following stretches are excellent ways to loosen up your leg muscles throughout the day.

Calf Raises:

Stand tall on the edge of a step or platform, with your abdominal muscles pulled in.
Secure the balls of your feet firmly on the step with your heels hanging over the edge.
Raise your heels a few inches above the step as you stand on your tiptoes, and hold for a second.
Lower your heels back to even with the platform.
Repeat ten times.

Runner’s Stretch:

Face a wall and place your hands on it.
Extend one leg behind your body.
Push your heel to the floor as far as it will go.
Hold for a moment to feel the stretch and then switch sides.
Repeat three times on each leg.

Foot Care at Home

When you’re in the comfort of home, you can help your feet recover from the day and prepare for tomorrow by trying one of these treatments.

Ice Your Feet: After a long day of standing and using your feet, an ice bath for fifteen to twenty minutes three times per day is one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling, promote muscle health, and protect against injury.

- Massage Your Feet: A nice massage is sure to restore feeling throughout your tired, sore, achy feet. No matter what the reason –flat feet, pregnancy, arthritis, poorly fitting shoes, sprains, strains, or just being on your feet all day long – when your dogs are barking it’s just no fun.

Tennis Ball Massage

Place a tennis ball on the ground and step on it so that the ball rests in the arch of your foot. Roll the ball back and forth across the arch of your foot. For the best results, perform this exercise while standing. This massage exercise stretching and pulls and eventually relaxes your muscles without pain.

Five Finger Toe Spread

In a seated position, cross your left leg, resting your left ankle on your right knee. Weave the fingers of your left hand between the toes of your right foot, interlocking them. Concentrate on spreading your toes apart and holding them there. This will pull and stretch the muscles and tendons in your feet, helping them to relax. Try not to push your toes up or down. Hold this position for 30-45 seconds, then switch to your right foot. Continue with this exercise until you feel your feet begin to relax.

Soak Your Feet: Soaking your tired tootsies after a long day on the job is a great way to soothe your muscles, hydrate your skin, and relieve aches and pains due to standing for hours or walking in uncomfortable shoes. Try these homemade remedies to soothe all of your foot pains.

Hot and Cold Water Therapy

Sometimes plain old water is the best cure of all. Sit in a comfortable chair and soak your feet for 5 minutes at a time in a basin of hot water (as hot as you can comfortably stand it) and then switch to a basin of cold water for 5 minutes. Repeat as necessary.

Essential Oils

Add an essential oil to a warm foot bath to benefit from their healing properties. Don’t know anything about essential oils? Try one or more of the following, all of which are known for stimulating the circulatory system and relieving muscle spasms. These refreshing, soothing (and nice smelling) oils might be just what you need to ease your foot pain and get comfy.

- - Lavender
  - Sage
  - Rosemary
  - Peppermint
  - Eucalyptus
  - Sweet Marjoram
  - Thyme

Epsom Salts

Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a basin of warm water (as warm as is comfortable for your feet). Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. The magnesium sulfate in the Epsom salts will soothe your aching feet by drawing out excess fluids and relieving muscle soreness.

*Pro Tip* Epsom salts can dry out your skin, so follow up your salt foot bath with an olive oil foot massage – which will also go a long way toward relaxing tense, aching muscles.

Vinegar Foot Wrap

Vinegar possesses great anti-inflammatory properties and could be just the ticket to ease your foot pain. Add equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a basin. Soak a towel in the mixture until it is thoroughly soaked through. Squeeze out all the excess water then kick your feet up and wrap them snugly in the wet towel, keep them wrapped for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process 4-5 times daily or as needed.

Cayenne Pepper Soak

Cayenne pepper is loaded with capsaicin – the active compound that makes chili peppers hot to the taste. Lucky for you, capsaicin can also be used alleviate muscle aches and pains. Add one-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a basin of hot water (again, keep it at a comfortable temperature). Make sure the pepper mixes throughout the basin of water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 5-10 minutes.

Elevate Your Feet: By propping your feet above the rest of your body when sitting down, it will help decrease the day’s swelling. You can place them against a wall or on a stack of pillows to do this.