As someone who is on their feet almost all day, I find the health and comfort of my feet imperative. I’ve tried many gadgets, lotions, creams, and doodads to keep my feet comfy. I’ve been under a podiatrist’s care for 4 years now, and there is no substitute for professional care. The items listed below were okayed by my doctor, and several were recommended. But remember- My doctor is not your doctor, and I’m definitely not a doctor, so if you have foot pain that lasts a long time or is getting worse, get a referral to a podiatrist.

Below are items that I use, and I’ve linked them to the places I bought them too. A lot of this stuff comes from Target, which is great because they always have sales and deals going on. Don’t forget to use your RedCard to save an extra 5%!!

Compression socks. They aren’t just for old people. I have wide calves, so these are my go-to. They come in various colors/patterns and sizes, including plain colors, checkered, and holiday designs.

I have about 10 pairs of these socks and I wear them daily.

 

A good foot roller. I have this one from Target, but Amazon sells a few different kinds too. My doctor recommended a kind that goes in the freezer, so it cools your tired feet simultaneously. For me, that’s too many sensations at once. I use mine daily in the afternoon once I’m home from work.

Baby Feet Foot Peel. I have dry feet. No matter how much lotion or bag balm I put on my heels, I get dry, cracked heels. Especially in the winter when it’s so dry. I do a Baby Feet foot peel about once a quarter. It’s kinda gross but kinda cool.

A Toe Stretcher (also called YogaToes). These things are amazing. It’s a tiny, stretchy contraption that goes between your toes and helps stretch out. It’s also great if you wear a lot of narrow toe box shoes.

Epsom Salts.  I soak my feet in very hot water with Epsom Salts twice a week. I like the big bag from Target. It’s a great price.

Magnesium Spray. Some studies suggest Epsom salts can relieve swelling, and inflammation, and ease muscle aches and pains. I use it on my feet and legs each night before I hop into bed. It comes in a lot of different scents. I have this one in lavender.

If sprays aren’t your thing, Astura makes an awesome thick lotion, almost like a body butter packed with Magnesium. It comes in a lemongrass scent. It’s awesome. I linked it on Amazon, but sometimes Target carries it.

Insoles. It’s hard to know what kind of insoles you need without some guidance, as there are so many styles and types based on your foot health. Some drugstores have a Dr. School’s custom fit orthotics machine in them and those are good for figuring out what kind of insoles you need. My doctor provides me with orthotics that slip into my sneakers. I can also buy them on Amazon (They are Cadence brand), but I have zero out-of-pocket for them other than my copay, which is cheaper than how much they cost on Amazon.

My number one recommendation: GOOD SHOES. Yeah, simple, right? Good shoes with a stable heel and toe box wide enough for your foot. That means no pinching or rubbing. Don’t be afraid to size up or go up to wide or extra-wide shoes.

As we age, the ligaments and tendons that provide arch support in our feet loosen and become worn, due to our natural body changes (thanks Cleveland Clinic!).

My doctor recommends New Balance, Saucony, Hokas, and Brooks. I wear New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers most of the time because they come in a double-wide, which my feet have become.  They are costly, but they last me about a year, and that’s with daily wear.  If you don’t have wide feet or an unusual size, Joe’s New Balance Outlet has a lot of great deals. I try to shop there when I can.

That’s only 9 you are probably thinking. The last one isn’t a product or a service. It’s some advice:

Put your feet up! When you are seated at the end of the day, don’t crisscross applesauce. Put your feet up: on the couch, on an ottoman, on a nearby stool or chair. Allow the blood to circulate. Wiggle your toes, flex the muscles in your feet and legs.