Several years ago, I started having pain in my left foot. The pain in my arch was bad enough that I hobbled around for months. I diagnosed myself with Plantar Fasciitis. 😏 My foot ached so bad. I remember vacationing in Florida that Winter in my furry winter Crocs because they were the only shoes that I could wear. Five minutes after being in the 70-80 degree weather…. ummmm…. NO! The furry crocs weren’t going to cut it. I immediately stopped at the “Crocs” store and bought a pair of Croc flip flops for the remainder of our trip. They worked for a while. 😕
Shortly after my self-diagnosis, I started having muscle spasms around my sciatic nerve. The pain got so bad, that I could no longer sit upright. I had to either stand or lie flat on my back because the spasms in my Piriformis muscle squeezed my sciatic nerve at the same time. 😣
I started seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis… who then diagnosed me with Piriformis Syndrome. 😕 It was one of the darkest times in my life. I had to have someone take me to the appointments while I was “transported” in the backseat. Not even kidding, I cried when I got into the car every time….. In fact, I cried every single day… multiple times. I could only sleep flat on my back the entire night. And there was a pay back for resting that muscle each night. My piriformis muscle “woke up” with me each morning the moment I stood up. The pain was excruciating. I dreaded standing up every morning. I tried EVERYTHING.
I noticed that not only did my hip hurt, but the outside of my ankle, the outside of my knee, and my hip all hurt on that same side. I mentioned this to my chiropractor. She had me stand up without shoes and socks and noticed that my arch had dropped on that side. Which meant, my arch dropped inward, forcing my ankle, knee, and hip outward. That’s why I had that much pain.
The key to healing was to lift my arch back up to relieve the pressure, and of course, keep my muscles flexible. I literally had relief in my ankle, knee and hip a few days later. But my sciatic nerve was so inflamed that it took a few months to calm down. Initially, I could only wear tennis shoes with a support to keep that arch lifted but was longing to wear flip flops again as we were smack dab in the middle of summer.
Flip Flops for Aching Feet
I started searching around the web for flip flops for aching feet and discovered Vionics. They are a little on the pricey side but decided to order my first pair in this neutral color just to try them out and see if they were doable for me. I was basically ready to pay whatever it took to stop the pain. They worked…. 🎉 They held my arch up high enough to keep the pressure off of my sciatic nerve. I ended up ordering another pair just like them in black.
I am so happy to have found them years ago. And since then have bought several other pairs… including some mocassin type slippers to wear around the house. They have come out with the CUTEST styles recently. Also…if you are a QVC person, lots of times they have them on easy pay, too.
Let me know in the comment area if you’ve ever tried them. Or chat with me over on Facebook and Instagram. I love to hear from you.
SHOP VIONICS
Sherry says
I’m so glad you found comfy flip flops and shoes! I have been wearing Vionic flip flops for a few years and I totally concur with you…they are amazing!!
I recommend Vionic shoes to my patients (I am also a chiropractor). This brand is definitely worth the price you pay!!
Danelle Harvey says
I totally agree. The first time I saw the price, I about had a heart attack. But they are completely worth it.
Cindy [Mack] says
Pain is a beast! I’m so glad that you can get some relief!! I have flat feet and my cheapie flops prove it! 😄😩 they are worn flat on the inner side and still thick and nice on the outter. I will check these shoes out! Thank you! ~Mack XX
Lisha says
Yesss! Vionics saved me from plantar fasciitis several years ago. Now when people tell me they have heel pain, etc., I tell them to ditch the cheap flip flops and get Vionics. So worth the $$$
Danelle Harvey says
I completely agree. I about had a heart attack the first pair I bought because of the price but they are soooooo worth it. I look at people wearing their flat $2.00 flip flops and cringe at how much pain they will be in later… when they are old like me. 😂
Becky says
The ONLY flip flops I can wear with my plantar fasciitis. They are seriously the best! In AZ I wear them six months or more out of the year. I’d love to try out their other styles of shoes too 🙌🏻
Danelle Harvey says
I would love to, too. Keep me posted. I love some of their new styles.
Edie says
I’m pretty sure I just had one of those AH HA moments like Oprah use to talk about! I won’t go in to my back story, but I get it about the transporting in the back seat stuff. I TOTALLY GET IT! So, I am going to try these shoes…..just because you said so. I’ll report back!
Darleene says
I am so glad you recommended the Vionics. I have spent so much on insoles and pain shots, and I have to say Vionics are the best. If you’re limping around and suffering you have to get these shoes.
Danelle Harvey says
Oh my gosh….. I hear ya. I LOVE my vionics. I can’t even begin to tell you how much better my hips are.
Anne says
Vionics are the best! I’m 73 and love to walk but most athletic shoes are so heavy my legs can’t take it. But, my daughter-in-law who was a shoe rep for years turned me on to vionics and I have since purchased two extra pairs just to have. Love, love, love them!
Danelle Harvey says
Oh my gosh… Me too. There is nothing worse than hurting feet.
Kaz says
I’m totally going to buy a pair. I work from home 4 days a week and I LIVE in my slippers that give no support 😩. I live in Australia so if you send me an me an affiliate link I can use I will totally use that…if possible 🤷♀️.
Danelle Harvey says
Awww.. I would be these would be so much better. I cannot wear flats whatsoever. And bless your heart for thinking of me. If you go through one of the links in my blog, I will get credit.