Keeping Your Feet Healthy and Happy for Black Friday and Beyond

I recently sat down with Santa Monica based podiatrist Dr. Steven Rosenberg and received advice on how people can save their feet while they shop this holiday season. With Black Friday only two days away, I thought I would share what he had to say.

I know you’re probably more concerned with picking out the perfect outfit for Thanksgiving dinner that’ll allow you to gorge the most amount of food possible than you are currently with picking out a Black Friday outfit. Still, planned-out attire can make the difference between being a Black Friday deal diva and … well, not being one.

I’m sure many of you are just like me. We step out the door without giving a second thought about the shoes we are. But it’s a thought we should give. Sometimes, when wearing improper shoes, we’re left with burning feet, sore body parts and a bad attitude. That is certainly no way to go about the holidays.

When I sat down with Dr. Rosenberg, he had some really good, easy and inexpensive ideas. He suggested bringing along a change of shoes—like a pair of sneakers—so that you can switch when your feet get sore. Since Black Friday weekend is a long, dragging heap of shopping madness, it’s important to prep for long-distance walking. You can also add some inserts into your shoes to provide additional support and cushion. He gave me a pair of his patented Instant Arches, available at Shoes.com and FootSmart, which definitely felt great.

In the spirit of giving, I thought I’d share some of my favorite shoes for every holiday occasion, whether you’re out shopping or getting ready for the party of the year. When substituting style for comfort is not an option, there are ways to keep your feet healthy (and fashionable) all day long.

These are a few of my current obsessions, available at Bloomingdales and Macys:

The winter calls for boots. I like to throw on my UGGs when I go shopping or walking around on a cold night. They keep my feet warm and comfortable. When I’m in the mood to dress up, I grab my Frye boots—which deliver on every level and help me stand out in a group.

Right now, I’m also loving these new Asics because they make a statement, but provide comfort when I’m walking for extended periods of time.

Of course, I can’t forget about those shoes made special for this time of year. I always lean toward cheetah, which is why these Jessica Simpson Mary Jane’s are a must-have.

Aside from discussing ways to save our feet this holiday, Dr. Rosenberg and I also talked about some great home remedies to help those tired feet after long days of searching for the perfect gifts. My personal favorite was getting a foot massage to loosen up those tight and sore muscles, but unfortunately, not everyone has a professional foot masseuse at home. But there are other solutions: Try stretching your feet by pointing and flexing, just to stretch everything out. You can also run a warm or cold bath, depending on the weather, and soak your feet for a bit. The last suggestion he gave was to put on a fuzzy pair of slippers or socks and let your feet completely relax. These slippers, also from Macys, are perfect!

Now you will be able to shop till your drop, with no pain this holiday season! Tell us what pair of shoes is your favorite to shop in below!