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How to Tips
Foot Care
PORON insoles vs. Gel insoles? Why PORON is the answer
Burning Sensation in the Ball of your Foot
Flat Heels vs High Heels: The Fit Test
Decluttering? Harmony out of Chaos? Reclaiming your Wardrobe?Storage Solutions?
Foot Care back to top
What are Insoles? back to top
Insoles are products that can be made from many different substances such as gel, leather or a rubber mix, that aim to act as a cushion, pressure reliving device, to help manage mechanical disorders of the foot or simply act as a moisture absorber. Insoles are commonly used as arch supports for the condition known as flat feet, can help to relieve ankle sprains and strains and to relieve discomfort of corns and calluses. Many sports people benefit from the use of insoles as they act as a shock absorber for high impact sports, or add comfort to long distance running.
For everyday use, insoles and Feet Cushions are good for amending shoes to fit, particularly if you are a half size; buying the smaller size will only cause problems such as foot ache, corns and calluses, it is much better to buy the slightly larger pair to allow room for foot expansion when they become hot, and because the size can be amended by using a foot insole.
PORON insoles vs. Gel insoles? Why PORON is the answer back to top
Why is PORON performance urethane so fabulous? PORON is a breathable, open cell material which allows air to escape, keeping your feet cool and dry. It provides less movement and more stability in shoes. On average, Foot Petals designer cushions (all made from high performance PORON) are three times lighter and thinner than gel. PORON performance urethane is non-latex, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Long-lasting comfort & lifetime guarantee.
Why not use GEL?
Gel is solid visco-elastic plastic material that creates more bounce which causes shock and fatigue to feet, legs and lower back. The non-breathable sticky material traps foot sweat and breeds bacteria which leads to blisters, odor and instability. Gel insoles have a limited lifespan of 6 months to a year.
Foot Petals insole products are made from PORON performance urethanes, which help stop friction, prevent blisters and calluses from forming, protect bones and tissue, and provide superior comfort.
Burning Sensation in the Ball of your Foot back to top
Have a terrible burning sensation under the ball of your foot by the end of the day? By the end of the night do your killer shoes give up before you do?
Relieve the burning sensation on the ball-of-foot area by placing Tip Toes in your shoes prior to stepping out. These pretty petal shaped cushions will not only help absorb shock, but will relieve stress and tension on bones and joints. Tip Toes will also prevent "Ugly Overhang" and "Toe Scrunch"! Remember your Foot Petals cushions before heading out!
Flip Flop Blisters back to top
Flip flops always give you a blister between your big toe and second toe? Place Tip Toes inside shoe. Tip Toes will help keep the foot positioned properly and will prevent the foot from sliding forward than add Strappy Strips. Strappy Strips are great for thongs and can be trimmed to line the portion between your big and second toe. This will help prevent blisters and ugly red marks from forming on your feet.
Narrow Feet back to top
Do you have very narrow feet and would love to find a way to wear stylish shoes that are too wide?
Layer Foot Petals cushions. Begin by placing Killer Kushionz inside of shoe and then add Tip Toes on top of Killer Kushionz. Finally place Heavenly Heelz along the back and sides of shoes. This will help take up the extra room inside the shoe.
Different Sized Feet back to top
Are your feet two different sizes so you always have a shoe that is a bit big? What do I do to fill the space in the shoe that is too big?
Layer Foot Petals cushions. Begin by placing Killer Kushionz inside of shoe and then add Tip Toes on top of Killer Kushionz. Finally place Heavenly Heelz along the back and sides of the shoe that is to big. This will help take up the extra room inside the shoe.
Foot Slip back to top
What do you suggest using if you are wearing panty hose with mules to keep feet from slipping and sliding?
Place Tip Toes inside of shoe. Tip Toes will help keep the foot positioned properly and will prevent the foot from sliding forward then add Heavenly Heelz. Heavenly Heelz can be placed along the top of the mule which will help grip and keep the shoe in place. All Foot Petals cushions work great with hosiery.
Uncomfortable Flats back to top
Sometimes my flats can be very uncomfortable when I am walking a lot in them. What can you recommend to combat this feeling?
Layer Foot Petals cushions. Begin with Killer Kushionz which will help absorb shock and cushion each step then add Amazing Arches. Amazing Arches support arches and give shoes the "perfect fit." Finally place Heavenly Heelz along the backside of the shoe to prevent the shoe from cutting into the foot, which causes blisters and irritation.
Toe Pain back to top
Do you have this wonderful pair of peep toe shoes and the pressure of the shoes on your big toes is unbearable?
Place Tip Toes inside shoe. Tip Toes will help to keep the foot positioned properly and will prevent the foot from sliding forward than add Heavenly Heelz or Strappy Strips. Heavenly Heelz and Strappy Strips can be trimmed to line the inside of the peep toe. This will help to alleviate the pressure on the big toe.
Half Size Too Big back to top
The shoe you want only comes in whole sizes. You bought a ½ size smaller. So you bought those fabulous pair of heels that are a ½ size too big! Well don't put them into the shoe graveyard at the back of your closet. A simple solution is to place a Tip Toe, then a Killer Kushionz on top. If they’re still too loose, use either Strappy Strips or Heavenly Heelz upside down on the top of the shoe and at the back of the heel to prevent slipping. The more cushions you add the tighter the shoe will fit. If the shoes are too small, avoid adding extra cushions!
Heel Slip back to top
Does the back of your shoe slips off your heel every time you take a step? Place Heavenly Heelz inside the heel area of shoe to help grip and prevent the heel from sliding off. Also works great with hosiery and will help prevent snags.
Foot Slide – Toe Overhang back to top
Feet slide forward and hang over the front of your sandals? Place Killer Kushionz or Tip Toes to help grip and cushion the foot and prevent "ugly overhang".
Toe Scrunch back to top
Do your toes get scrunched when you wear pointy and open toe shoes? Place Killer Kushionz or Tip Toes to help grip and cushion the foot and prevent "toe scrunch".
Sling Back Slip Out back to top
Place Strappy Strips inside the strap to help grip and prevent straps from sliding down. Also works great with hosiery.
Strap Blisters back to top
Sexy, strappy sandals cause ugly red marks and blisters on your feet. Place Strappy Strips inside the straps to help absorb shock and eliminate friction, which cause blisters and irritation.
Clever Clogs Fit back to top
Your clogs will not stay on and your feet cramp trying to keep them on. Place Heavenly Heelz on the top and underside to help grip and keep shoe on.
Slippery Shoe Soles back to top
Do your new shoes have slick soles which have no traction?
Place Sole Stopperz to the bottom of soles. The slip resistant, petal shaped traction will help you strut on wet or slick surfaces.
Wood Sole Pain and Calluses back to top
Do your wood-soled shoes hurt your heels and cause calluses?
Place Haute Heelz on the bottom of heel area to eliminate pain while helping to prevent calluses from forming.
Sweaty Feet back to top
Sweaty feet slipping around the inside of your shoes?
Place Killer Kushionz, Tip Toes or Haute Heelz to help grip and prevent feet from sliding. This open cell, high performance urethane is breathable and will help keep feet cool and dry.
Athlete’s Foot back to top
Love working out, but hate it when you get athlete's foot?
Don't wear 100% cotton socks when working out, or walking long distance. It’s much better to wear a blend of cotton, nylon and spandex because the nylon will stay drier and the spandex will keep the shape. Cotton is breathable but with these additions you'll stay dry, sleek & chic - because nobody wants soggy soles!
Swollen Soles back to top
By the end of the day, do you have hot and swollen soles? To reduce the swelling of tired and achy feet, use a cool gel-formulated moisturizer. Massage into your feet after a long day. Place gel moisturizer in your refrigerator to keep cool. Slip on a pair of Petal Plusheez spa socks to lock in moisture!
Ingrown Toenails back to top
How do I prevent ingrown toenails?
Don't pull hosiery tightly across toes. Instead, leave at least ¼" of room at the front of the toes so that the toes can wiggle easily and are not bent after pulling on tights, socks or leg wear. It's also a good idea to pull hosiery away from toes before putting on shoes. You never want to interfere with the normal toe-grip action that is necessary to take a step and to walk well. There should always be at least a ¼" of extra length of sock at the end of toes - as your toes will naturally pull them tighter just by walking.
Pump Bump back to top
How do you prevent "Pump Bumps?"
A "pump bump" is a big bump caused by constant pressure from a shoe cutting into the skin. They are usually found on the back of the heel, on or around the Achilles tendon, or on the top of the foot behind the toes where edge of pumps hit the foot.
To prevent pump bumps make sure the top line of the shoe isn't pressing against the heel tendon. Avoid buying shoes that feel tight in these areas by using these 2 simple "fitting rules:"
Rule #1 - You should be able to slip your pinky between the shoe and your foot at the back of the heel when you are sitting.
Rule #2 - You should also be able to slip your pinky in between your foot and the top of the shoe, just behind the toes. If you cannot do these two things, then your new shoes will eventually cause too much pressure that could hurt, cut off circulation and possibly lead to blisters! At the end of the day when we feel so happy to kick off our shoes - that is the circulation that is cut off. You should never feel that way!
What to do if you already have "pump bumps"?
Eliminate the cause by applying Foot Petals Haute Heelz into your shoes to raise or lift the heel and irritated area higher and away from the back of the shoe. Also, try applying Heavenly Heelz or Strappy Strips to ensure that the shoe fits snugly but stays on the foot and does not cut into tender areas.
If you have too tight shoes but cannot give them up, take them to a shoe repair shop and have them professionally stretched.
Flat Heels vs High Heels: The Fit Test back to top
Flats vs. High heels: How to fit shoes properly?
Do the "double pinky test!" We have all bought cute flats only to find that they are almost more uncomfortable than our high heels! Why?
Your foot moves differently in flats with each step. Flats allow your foot to fully spread out with each step. The arch is our natural, built-in spring (kind of like a built in shock absorber) and it absorbs 3-5 times our body weight with every step. To test this theory, sit down and trace your foot...then stand up and trace it. The difference is how much space you need inside your shoes.
Step #1 - When trying on flats, make sure that you can fit the tip of your pinky between the back of the shoe and your foot while sitting. That's how much space your toes will need to "spring forward"
Step #2 - Make sure that you can actually wiggle your toes inside the shoes. If your pinky toes is smashed, get a bigger size Comfort Tip: To prevent feet from sliding around in shoes and to absorb the shock from these fabulous but often thin little shoes, add Killer Kushionz to the bottom and Heavenly Heelz to keep heels secure.
Why does this happen? In high heels, your toes will not "grow or spread" with each step because your foot will stretch out at least one full size.
Boot Slide back to top
Feet slide forward in your boots?
Boots: To prevent feet from sliding forward in sexy boots this season, use Killer Kushionz - not only will they help to absorb shock to heels and balls of the feet but will also keep feet firmly in place, PORON also helps to keep feet dry.
Note: To prevent getting "boot snag" on your favorite tights or funky fishnets, place Strappy Strips along the top edge of boots, so they don't snag the calf area of your favorite leg wear.
Boots Loose at the Calves back to top
Calves too skinny for your boots?
Skinny calves? To get the "perfect fit" on knee length boots try placing Heavenly Heelz at the top edge of your boots to fill in the gap on calves - great for boots with dresses.
Decluttering back to top
Create a relaxing clutter free home
When you walk around your home do you feel relaxed, in control and surrounded by things you love and that reflect your life today? If not, then your home is probably being taken over by clutter.
Letting go of clutter can make your life flow so much more freely so that you have more time to enjoy yourself.
Decluttering? Harmony out of Chaos? Reclaiming your Wardrobe? Storage Solutions? back to top
What is clutter?
Clutter is things you no longer use or love. It’s things you liked ten years ago but your tastes have changed. It’s those gold shoes that you wore once and can’t bear to part with because they cost £100. It’s dead computers and TV’s. It’s piles of unopened junk mail and old newspapers. It’s hundreds of plastic water bottles and cardboard boxes that just might come in useful one day. It’s lipsticks that are finished or nail varnish that has dried. This is clutter.
So how do you deal with clutter?
Don’t panic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to walk away and relegate it to another day. Here’s some tips to help you on your way to creating harmony from chaos.
Start today!
Procrastination is the major obstacle to decluttering. So start now.
Choose a small area to start
Let’s say you decide to sort out your underwear and sock drawers. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Put on some upbeat music and you’re ready to go. First completely empty them and give them a quick clean. As you pick up each item ask yourself why am I keeping this.
Are you keeping old holey knickers and socks you no longer wear because they used to be your favourites? Either decide to mend them or let them go. If you find odd socks spend 10 minutes checking everywhere their mates might be – if you fail to find sock heaven its time to send the partners to meet them there.
Maintain the Momentum
Well done. You’ve made a great start. If you feel energized then keep going. But always work on one area at a time and finish it before you start somewhere else. Decide to do a set amount a day – but never too long. Remember one person’s clutter is another person’s treasure so get the rest of your family involved in sorting out their stuff too.
Letting go of Old Stuff
Once you have decided to let things go, it’s crucial to get them out of the house as soon as possible. Unwanted items can be given to charity, friends or family or recycled. Or you could sell them at a car boot sale or second hand clothes shop or advertise in your local newspaper.
How does it feel?
As you put things in the bin or charity shop bag, you may feel great and feel a huge sense of relief. Or you may feel guilty that you are wasting money by throwing things away. You may also feel guilty that you are letting go of unwanted presents or baby clothes. I know many people feel it is wrong to ever discard a photo, even if it is blurred or brings back unhappy memories.
People are often scared that the minute they part with something they will need it and consequently hold onto copious junk. Believe me it takes a while to get used to a newly decluttered home. All these feelings are a completely normal part of the decluttering process. They often stem from how our family responded to clutter. Many of us will come from families where hoarding is a common problem.
So how do you cope with these feelings?
- Sentimental items. Be sentimental but selective. Choose a beautiful box in which to keep sentimental items. Keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will use them. Put photos into albums only keeping the best ones and let the others go.
- Broken things. Give yourself a deadline for broken items to be fixed, if not discard them.
- Presents .If someone gives you an unwanted gift and there is no polite way to refuse, accept gracefully and respect the other person’s feelings. But remember it is your home and if you do not like something, it will drag your spirits down every time you look at it. So dump the guilt and let it go.
- Paper. Be ruthless with paper. Put junk mail straight into the recycling and decide how long you will keep newspapers. Most of us have kerbside recycling so on that day go though your house and gather up any newspapers read or unread. Remember no-one has time to read everything.
- Fear. The “what if” thoughts are some of the hardest to deal with. Sometimes called clutter thoughts. A friend recently bought a new kettle. Then the thought crept into her head, what if the new one breaks down. Perhaps I will keep the old one. A useful tip is “one in, one out”
If you really feel panicky about letting go of something then store it for 6 months in the loft or shed. Put the date on it. If you haven’t used it in 6 months then give it away.
Storage
Once you have decluttered and decided what to keep, then it’s time to look at storage. To maintain a clutter free home it is essential that everything has a home, so it’s easy to find. So store like with like, such as all vases together. We use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time so put this 20% in the most accessible places. Treat yourself to useful storage items such as a filing cabinet, clear shoe storage boxes or a pretty box in which to keep those sentimental items.
The Benefits
There are so many benefits to decluttering and letting go of old stuff. A more relaxing home where you can find things when you want them. Enjoy the lighter, happier feeling you get when you look around. Next time you indulge in a little retail therapy you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you own and what you actually need.
