Chefs, Cooks and foot problems - Page 2

#16 03-20-2001, 06:51 AM

Just one more occupational hazard. My feet and knees hurt so bad after my shift is over, I really can't do anything else except go home and sit. Was thinking of trying Birkenstock shoes. I heard many surgeons wear them when there on their feet for hours in the O.R. Has anyone tried those shoes, or have another good shoe suggestion?

Pastachef · #17 03-20-2001, 12:22 PM

My podiatrist told me to always wear cross trainers or running shoes and to avoid walking shoes for my problems. I was born having a couple of bones in both feet that were too short. I have constant pain with tendonitis, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, and a large mass in the middle of an arch, both of which have fallen. Now my doctor says my ankles are going on me

I am interested in what clogs do for cooks. What do they do for the feet? Don't they make you clumsy when flying around the kitchen? I've heard about the clogs several times and from several sources, but never kound out why they are supposed to be so good. Now my podiatrist believes I have peripheral neuropathy from a back problem. But my back hurts nowhere nearly as much as my feet.

Marzoli · #18 03-20-2001, 01:57 PM

My classroom has a concrete floor and I used to wear cross trainers all the time because of sore feet, legs, and back. Then the school made a rule: no tennis shoes for teachers. So I got Dr. Martins! They work as well for me if I get the lace up oxford and put in the insole to snug up the fit--British sizes are awful! So far, the powers that be haven't complained. I guess they think I just have big feet and wear men's shoes.

The Docs last through an entire school year--they look pretty rough, but since kids walk all over my feet in the hallway all day, I guess that doesn't matter. I noticed that Rick Bayliss had on what looked like Docs in the cover photo on one of his books.

#19 03-23-2001, 01:04 PM

Although I'm not a chef or even a cook I do spend anywhere from 8 to 10 hours on feet when at work. One thing I have found to make my feet feel better after coming home from a shift is to simply roll them around on a tennis ball. I know it sounds strange but it really helps me. Other than that, only a good pair of shoes can help you. BTW, if you don't have a tennis ball handy (or footy) you could probably use a can of soup or vegetables or something like that. It sounds strange but really does help.

W.DeBord · #20 03-23-2001, 04:58 PM

My two solutions...

1. Change shoes 1/2 way thru the day, my feet feel refreshed just changing them. I've never found one perfect pair of shoes...except if I think about it I have custom made foot beds in my ski boots and I can stand in them all day with-out foot problems.

2.This is gross, but...I rest one foot on the bottom shelf of my table while I stand on the other and rotate thru out the day as much as possible. So each foot gets a rest now and then. I do wash the bottom part of the table throughly and don't ever store food that could contact it directly.

CampChef · #21 03-23-2001, 06:12 PM

A couple of answers and thoughts concerning clogs. I've worn them for almost 15 years, and found that they vary widely by brand and materials. I started with a pair of Danskos with backs, and after cracking the soles on three pairs in two years, decided they weren't for me even though they felt great. They use a poly sole. I'm a big guy (6'3" 240) so shoes need to be exceptionally durable. I then tried Birkenstocks with the same results, they either ripped out or broke. I then found the most durable comfortable clogs ever made: Bastad from Sweden. The soles are alderwood with a nonslip bottom, and they last forever. I don't get the ones with backs, because once you get used to the clogs, the backs are just there for looks anyway. A bonus, at the end of the day, while mopping the floor, I just mop my shoes, too. In reference to walking funny or running out of them, I never have done either. I can do a pretty much dead sprint after my kids through grass, although running over gravel is a bit hazardous. The only problem I have, is that Bastad soles are rather high, so with shoes and toque, I'm a little over 7' tall. So I have been on the search for a clog with all the characteristics of Bastad, but a little lower. But so far no luck. I highly recommend clogs for the kitchen, they make you feel so good!

Mezzaluna · #22 03-23-2001, 10:50 PM

CampChef, I have to agree about the Bastads. I wore out about 5 pairs during my teaching years. Then, for some reason, I quit wearing them and started wearing 'lady' shoes (heels). My arches fell and I have bunions now. I also have had 2 cortisone injections for plantar fasciitus (extremely painful, but effective). Now I wear Merrill clog-type shoes made for snow. I took out their insole and added a gel insole and arch support. They work great for walking, but not so good for standing. Maybe it's time to revisit the Bastads!

Marzoli · #23 03-26-2001, 09:58 AM

After all the talk about feet and clogs--and a serious backache--I went out and bought a pair of Doc Marten clogs. Exit bachache!

Linda Smith · #24 03-30-2001, 10:38 AM

Has anyone out there tried reflexolgy? Most major ballet companies have a reflexologist on staff. If it works for them it works for us. I go regularly and it is great - 45 minutes of quiet relaxation while someone rubs your feet.

CWK · #25 04-05-2001, 12:30 AM

I have to agree on Dr.Martens shoes as far as comfort goes.The sizes are a little diffrent than american but once broken-in they are just what I needed.I have one flat foot and one foot with a near perfect arch so I can tell ya buying shoes without going to a doctor is no easy chore.I think they are worth the money and they look good too.
Bill