Health experts have sent a stern warning to Aussies preparing for a summer holiday in Europe to re-think their shoe choices this year.
And it’s bad news for anyone who is a fan of Jellies, trendy sandals, thongs or any form of poorly structured flat shoe.
Sydney podiatrist Dr Sean Fitzpatrick spoke to FEMAIL and cautioned Australians going to Europe to also steer clear of thong brands like Havianas as they ‘will place an increased workload on the foot and thus increase the potential for fatigue and pain’.
This can then lead to long-term issues with the feet and lower legs like stressed joints, severe pain, achilles issues, plantar fascitis, tightness and pain in the lower back, knee or hip.
The resurgence of Jelly shoes, which were created in France in 1946 and huge in the 90s, are unideal for holidaymakers – especially if tourists have lots of walking planned.
Not only are they unsupportive, they can uncomfortable after long periods of wear and offer little to no support of important feet mechanics.
The PVC often used in making the shoes can also lead to blisters and even fungal and bacterial infections in hot weather.
‘Jelly shoes are not something that is endorsed or recommended by a podiatrist – a more reasonable alternative is a Birkenstock,’ Dr Fitzpatrick said.
‘From a podiatrist’s point of view, Jelly shoes are not something that is endorsed or recommended by a podiatrist. A more reasonable alternative is a Birkenstock,’ said dr Fitzpatrick
Dr Fitzpatrick regularly treats people for the musculoskeletal injuries that can result from improper shoes
However, he does recommend Brooks Glycerin and Adrenaline or Asics Kayano trainers to his patients as the best solid walking or running shoes on holiday.
‘For more trendy options on days with less vigorous walking or hiking, brands such as Frankie4, Bared and Department of Finery are great,’ he added.
‘It is recommended that you try all shoes on before purchasing to reduce the risk of potential fitting issues such as blisters, corns or callouses,’ said Dr Fitzpatrick.
Department of Finery Studios is the brainchild of Melbourne designer Melissa Butera.
Butera’s ‘continual undercurrent of Italian design nostalgia’ runs through all her footwear collections making them a fashionable and supportive footwear option with a distinctly European sensibility.
Once you have the right shoes on, you also need to make sure they are still in good walking condition by checking for signs of wear or tear.
New shoes should be well broken in before being subjected to the added activity of a busy holiday.
Dr Fitzpatrick recommends Department of Finery Studio shoes from Melbourne as a good ‘trendy’ option for days when you won’t be walking as much
Dr Fitzpatrick also warns those intending to go barefoot.
‘Short periods of walking barefoot is okay, however if you are out sightseeing, good supportive footwear is strongly recommended,’ he said.
The Sydney podiatrist regularly treats people for the musculoskeletal injuries that can result from improper shoes such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma and Achilles tendinitis.
‘We use a Zebris force analysis treadmill that accurately assesses an individuals movement patterns. This allows us to identify any underlying mechanical issues or weaknesses,’ the doctor said.
‘For treatment we offer shockwave therapy, high powered laser, dry needling as well as foot orthotics and strengthening advice.’
Dr Fitzpatrick further recommended packing a tennis ball and rolling it on the soles of your feet.
Dr Fitzpatrick said thongs such as Havianas will place an increased workload on the foot and thus increase the potential for for ‘fatigue and pain’
Travellers have been sharing their own sore foot solutions on Reddit, with many agreeing that a humble tennis ball is ideal as it’s light to pack and comes in handy for massaging tight spots on the sole of the foot.
Others mentioned that a tennis ball can double up as a way to ease the tight kinks in shoulders and backs that come from long flights, lugging heavy bags and sleeping in different beds.
Simply place the ball under any tense spot and drop your body weight down into it for an effective muscle release.
Practicing a ‘simple legs up the wall’ yoga pose at the end of a busy sightseeing day can further help relieve travellers tired legs and swollen feet.
Those looking to show off their new Jelly shoes around Europe this summer shouldn’t despair.
You can still pack the less practical footwear and just limit the amount of time you wear them, try not to do too much heavy walking when you have them on and keep more comfortable and practical alternatives to slip into afterwards.
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