Hi,
My son works overnight stock at Target, and it's starting to get to his feet. I wonder if anone has any advice.

He says that good inserts help somewhat, but I'm thinking that there must be other options.

Hoping that tseekins might see this. As a postman, I'm sure he logs his share of footsteps. Any other career walkers feel free to chime in.

hj

 

good work boots or shoes. regular off the shelf department store boots and shoes just don't cut it.

 

Locally we have this outfit called "the good feet store" which touts custom-made orthopedic inserts, supposedly fitting any brand or type of shoe. If there's something similar in your area I'd at least check them out.

Also look at uniform shops that specialize in nurse shoes. Their situation is similar to a Target store, walking on tile covered concrete for hours on end. FWIW I have a pair of Redwing work boots, cost a ransom but are worthless working, walking or standing on concrete.

I do see a lot of people wearing the Sketcher brand sneakers---a bit pricey IMHO but seen on a lot of feet of "servers" or waiters/waitresses.

HTH

 

Thanks guys

hj

 

I have a pair of Redwings....steel toes, electric hazard, etc. I'm on concrete, up and down C grade dirt all day... no problems. They are on the high side ~ $200 US. Worth it to me. Go through a pair/year.

 

Thanks for the invite! I just saw this one.

Is he required to wear steel or safety toes?

The thing that makes a marginal shoe better, a good shoe great and a great shoe phenomenal is a great pair of well padded socks. Knowing when to replace the socks is also paramount as we tend to get attached to things that are expensive.

I wear Rocky postal shoes at work. I walk about 14 miles per day on grass and other hard surfaces. Look for a shoe that is rated for "severe" duty. Most shoe makers build a shoe with such a rating. Woolverine, Red Wing, Rocky, Thoroughgood, Danner, etc. That will be evident by a tag sewn into the side of the shoe that states SRUSA on the tag. These shoes will be spendy but his feet will thank him later.

The thing that ensues after the foot pain is leg pain and lower back pain. Great shoes will help to prevent this agony.

If the shoes feel worn out, the out sole may not be the issue. It may be as simple as replacing the insole.

Never stack insoles on each other inside shoes as your foot will sit too high in the shoe and make it easier to roll an ankle.

Hope this helps a little.

 

Thanks again everybody and a special thanks to 't' for the in depth report!

hj

 

Tim is spot on about the socks
I wear a thin pair of white socks inside, next to my foot, and a thicker pair of socks over them
Socks only last about 6 mths, and need to be replaced.
I wear Red Wing, Wolverine, or Herman Survivors
NEVER wear sneakers or tennis shoes on concrete for an 8 hour shift of walking on a hard surface