So... after standing long hours on concrete with the associated pain in my back, legs, etc. I ask everyone here... what shoes or other devices have you found to reduce or eliminate these issues? How much did you spend? How effective is it? How well did it wear? My back thanks you already.

Dustin,
Hi there. I have had to deal with this problem also. especially having to wear high heels and such! ow. not sure what to do with open toe high heels still but if you are in sneakers or the like make sure you get some gel inserts. the memory pads didn't seem to work that good so I wouldn't suggest those. The gel pads make it 50% better though and by the end of the day that adds up ;) if you are in one spot you might consider investing in a foam pad to take with you and put behind the table you are standing also :)

hope this helps!

You get used to it. It will happen everyday that you work an 8,10,or 12 hour shift. Eventually you won't think about it.

Get used to it? You're crazy. I can get it bad, like bad enough I can't sleep. Now I may have other problems but remember everyone is different and can't all walk it off. Plus it can get worse over a long term. Fortunately, I don't need high heels.

I have heard about ez coil shoes, look funny but supposed to work well. I may look at investing in a pad though.

I realize this is a very old discussion, but I thought I'd open it back up and look past footwear :)

I pile pillows at the bottom of my bed at night so that I can sleep with my feet up - by the morning they're as good as new (regardless of my footwear choice).

For my back, I have a small shiatsu pillow that plugs into the wall.. I use that for one or two rotations (it shuts itself off after a certain amount of time) and it helps a lot.

Anyone else have a good solution for foot/back pain?

I had to invest in an anti-fatigue pad from staples, Dr. Scholls gel foot pads for high heels and Lifestyles anti-fatigue shoes. When I get home, I soak in a hot tub with epson salt and use a massager for my lower back

You definitely get used to it! You can invest in some of those magnetic (Japanese) footbeds. They really work!!! Good luck!

While I was on the road, my partners and I once stopped at a Brookstone's and sat until closing in thousand dollar massage chairs. I have to admit, I was initially creeped out when it felt like an invisible child had a death grip on my little phalanges, but it definitely worked out the kinks. It would probably be frowned upon to map your route on tour according to the Brookstone's website. *sigh*

First, find some good shoes. If you don't have good shoes to begin with, then buying any type of insert won't help! Dr. Scholl's GEL inserts work great. I bought mine at Walmart for $8 and my feet have thanked me.

Now, I've been doing promotions for 7 years now and my feet have gotten used to it. Although, I will admit that if you're on any type of sloped concrete (even if a slight angle), your feet will hurt due to the uneven surface. But, for the most part, your feet will get used to it.

Someone else mentioned it above, but buying some sort of foam carpet for the ground works great. Restaurant supply companies have the Rubber mats you can buy and they will save you!

Food for thought. Hope all is well!

Be safe out on the road...

-the charles

New Balance for sneakers, I also like the Nike edge cross trainers with full length air (no visible air pockets)!!! Make sure you have more than one pair of shoes for events, as you will wear them out and loose the support that the soul offers, and u might not even realize as the shoes can still appear new. Stretching and getting some blood flow throughout the day will help. I have flat feet and can tell you like the other vets, you do get used to it. Even after standing all day, I will get in the gym to make sure I use some other muscles and keep flexible.