I recently got an email in my inbox for the Vionic Orthaheel line of shoes asking if I have heel pain, knee pain, back pain, leg pain? My answer: All of the above! I started to wonder if this company made shoes just for me, or studied my feet one night when I was sleeping. Well, it wasn’t that creepy, but it made me think how much I need these shoes.
I got a pair of the Women’s Mojave Sandals to try out. They’re a slip-on sandal with securing straps on the big toe and three more straps across the top of the foot, but no strap behind the heel. I worried I’d have some struggle to keep them on my feet when hustling along, but I’ve worn them on several brisk walks and they don’t slow me down one bit. There’s actually more comfortable than some of my walking and running shoes.
Orthaheel shoes are designed to reduce pronation. The shoes do this by providing biomechanical support and stability along three planes of motion. Those are frontal, sagittal and transverse. Orthaheel calls this Tri-Planar Motion Control system, which is designed to support and provide stability to help regain dynamic foot function.
The shoes are recommended as recovery shoes to wear after running or other workouts. This is to prevent the pain caused when you get home from running, and put on a pair of flip flops or walk around barefoot, which can cause foot problems and pain for the lack of support.
I’ve been wearing my Mojave sandals almost daily. They’re great for walking around the house and outside the house. I have worn them in the kitchen when I’m cooking, a task I usually do barefoot and regret later on.
The sandals are sturdy in construction. They have a rubber outsole and sturdy straps secured with a hefty Velcro. They’ll hold up for the season, and well beyond that. The Mojave sandals will be great for travel. They’re lightweight. If I wear them on the plane I can easily slip them off at security, or hope to maybe keep them on when I go through the machines. If I opt to wear other shoes on the plane then they’ll pack easily. Shoes typically take up so much room in luggage, but these will minimize that issue.
I find that the support in the Vionic Orthaheel sandal I can stand and walk for longer periods without experiencing some of the pain I generally feel while on my feet.
There’s a number of sandals, shoes, and even slippers in the Orthaheel line. This helps get you through the day and night between time out of the house and even walking around the house in more comfort.
Pros:
• Footbed provides support for post-run recovery
• Helps avoid foot pain
• Able to stand for longer periods of time without pain
Cons:
• Sporty style is difficult to dress up (though dressier options are available)
Where can I buy these shoes??