your guide to healthy happy feet

your guide to healthy happy feet

share our passion for comfortable shoes At Hotter we are passionate about creating the world s most comfortable shoes, but the secret comfort features we build into every pair will only work if your shoes fit correctly and work properly with your feet. Our Happy Feet Guide is designed to provide a wealth of information about looking after these miracles of biological engineering as well as giving you the advice you need to purchase the right pair of shoes so you can walk, wander, stroll or saunter in the utmost comfort. At Hotter we consider ourselves shoe experts - we know our shoes inside out. We know that for them to work to their optimum, and put a smile on your face, it s vital that they support and cradle your foot, give space for your toes to stretch, that we use the best quality leathers and that we include soft and supportive cushioning. Each year we make 1.3 million pairs of Hotter shoes in our UK factory and we put the utmost care and attention into every single one. Crafted to cradle and support the foot, designed in the UK to the highest quality standards, Hotter Comfort Concept shoes really can deliver happy feet. I hope you enjoy reading our guide and find lots of help, hints and ideas about how to make your feet happy every day! Best wishes Stewart Houlgrave, Managing Director We spend half our life wearing a pair of shoes, which is why they must be designed and made properly and why they must also fit well and be comfortable. 2 Call for comfort 0800 525 893 or shop online at www.hotter.com 3

the secret of Hotter Comfort Comfort can mean anything to anyone a roaring fire on a winter s evening; a big hug from your loved one or wrapping your hands around a mug of hot tea! features and benefits of Hotter Shoes At Hotter we believe nothing can be more comforting than the feeling of being barefoot and walking on air and nothing beats the feeling of putting on your first pair of Hotter shoes. Because comfort is so important, every aspect of a Hotter shoe is given individual attention to guarantee the ultimate, lightweight comfort feel. Some elements you ll see straight away beautiful soft leathers, padded heels but we keep some discretely hidden away, so the only way to tell is when you slip the shoe onto your foot and we know that s the moment you ll break into a smile! Imagine cut through the sole of most Hotter shoes and you ll find millions of air bubbles, each one designed to contract and cushion your foot as you walk, and all combined to make our shoes the lightest you ll ever find. You are literally walking on air! We discretely hide some of the depth in our shoes so, just like Dr Who s TARDIS, they are bigger on the inside than they appear on the outside! This clever design means that your shoes still have sleek, stylish good looks, but they have enough space for your toes to wiggle and stretch. Padding around the ankles and tongues of our footwear means our shoes hug your feet it s a gentle yet secure feeling. And you can rest assured that we only use the finest quality leathers and nubucks in our footwear, natural products with natural linings so your feet will stay fresh all day long. Insoles are removable in most shoes and even on some of our sandals a huge bonus if you need to insert an orthotic or simply if you want to take them out to air your shoes each night. Our shoes are made in our UK factory on British lasts for British feet and we build a contoured footbed into every pair which is designed to mould to the shape of your foot, giving a lifetime of additional underfoot support. We offer shoes in half sizes and extra width fittings, so we can help you get the perfect fit every time and you ll find lace-ups, slip-ons shoes with buckles and touch-close fastenings in our Hotter collection. And finally, we promise that every time you return to Hotter, you ll find something new, exciting and incredibly comfortable to fall in love with. A E Feature A Soft Leather Upper B Smooth internal seams C Cushioning polyurethane sole D Contoured footbed E Extra toe depth F Generous fitting G Removable insoles H Padded tongue and collar H B F G D C Benefit Doesn t rub tender joints Allows foot to breathe Prevents rubbing on skin Shock absorbing and supportive Lightweight Hard wearing Contoured sole to support foot and enhance comfort Allows toes to move normally and prevents rubbing Comfortable fit all day Plenty room to keep feet comfortable Cushioned protection for extra comfort Antibacterial and hygienic Allows easy insertion of orthoses Allows comfortable adjustment for a perfect fit 4 Shop online at www.hotter.com or call for comfort 0800 525 893 5

which shoes to choose There are numerous health conditions which affect the feet, and it s important that you wear the right style of shoe depending on your symptoms. The following suggestions should act as a guideline as each case will be different. Diabetes Approximately 1.8 million people in the UK have diabetes, and a further one million have the condition but are unaware that they do. People with diabetes are unable to regulate the levels of glucose in their blood. Diabetes may be controlled by diet, medication or daily injections of insulin. Good control of diabetes is vital to prevent long term complications. The feet may be affected in two ways - the circulation of blood to the feet may be reduced, impairing healing and increasing the chances of infection, and the nerves that give sensation may be damaged. The feet may be numb, and changes may occur to their structure, such as an increase in arch height or clawing of the toes. The choice of shoes is very important, as potential problems may be avoided by wearing the right type. Hotter shoes feature plenty of depth throughout the shoe, and many have a removable cushioned insole. There s a wide range of attractive styles that feature adjustable fastenings such as laces or straps Footwear features to consider. Choose shoes that have plenty of internal space and a soft upper to prevent pressure on the toes and joints. A lace or fastening will hold the foot securely and prevent excess movement. A sole that provides good shock absorption is ideal. Smooth internal seams are essential. Hotter styles to consider Leap Festival Painful Heels If you suffer from sharp pain in your heel, you could be suffering from a common condition called plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that runs underneath your foot, connecting the heel bone with the base of each toe. This important structure helps to support the arch of the foot and tightens during walking to help lift the heel off the ground. Pain in the plantar fascia has a number of causes. You may have recently taken up a new activity or sport. The condition is particularly common if you are overweight, or have tight calf muscles, meaning that more strain is placed on the plantar fascia. Finally, people who stand for long periods, or have very low or very high arched feet may be at increased risk of developing this problem. Plantar fasciitis occurs when excessive strain is placed on the tissue, causing pain and inflammation. The strain tends to occur over a number of weeks and months, and is rarely attributed to a sudden accident or injury. The most common site is the front part of the heel, but this stabbing pain can occur at any point of the plantar fascia. The pain is at its worst first thing in the morning, but often occurs during the day, especially after periods of sitting or standing. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to treat the condition yourself. It s important to rest the affected area to prevent further damage and using an ice pack for a maximum of 15 minutes, 3-4 times per day will reduce the pain and inflammation. Footwear features to consider. Choose shoes with a cushioning sole that will support the foot and rest the painful area. Hotter styles to consider Paradise Major 6 Call for comfort 0800 525 893 or shop online at www.hotter.com 7

which shoes to choose Corns and Callus The skin on the soles of our feet is thicker than any other part of our body. This helps to protect the bones and joints of the foot and allows us to walk comfortably. However, if excessive pressure or friction is placed on the skin, it may thicken to protect itself, this is known as a callus. If a callus becomes very thick, it can irritate the tissues around it, causing pain and inflammation. Corns tend to form over areas of very high pressure such as the tops of the toes or on the ball of the foot. The most common type is called a hard corn, which is an area of compressed skin, often within a larger callus. Other types include soft corns, which form between the toes - these have a whitish appearance due to the increased moisture in that area. To treat calluses, apply a good quality moisturising cream to the feet daily and use a foot file or pumice stone once or twice a week. Corns are very difficult to treat yourself, so its best to seek advice of a podiatrist. Footwear features to consider. Choose shoes that fit correctly. If a shoe is too tight, it can press on joints and create pressure points. Equally, a very loose fitting shoe can slip up and down on the foot, rubbing on the skin. If your shoes have laces or straps, check that these have been fastened correctly, as this may be the cause of the problem. Look for shoes that have cushioned soles - these provide extra protection and comfort for the feet. Hotter styles to consider Sunrise Easy Bunions In the normal skeleton, the big toe is lined up with a long bone in the main part of the foot called the metatarsal. The problem begins when this metatarsal bone starts to drift away from the rest of the foot. This may be caused by poor foot function, for example if the foot rolls in excessively (pronation). As the tendons which control the movement of the big toe no longer work correctly, this causes the big toe to be pulled towards the second toe. If a bunion becomes painful, it s best to seek advice from a registered podiatrist who can provide specialist insoles (orthoses) and protective devices to relieve pressure and pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the bunion. Footwear features to consider. Choose shoes that have sufficient width to prevent pressure on the joint - if a shoe rubs the bunion it can create a sac of fluid over the area called a bursa which can become painful and inflamed. If the second toe has become damaged, extra depth in the shoe may be needed to prevent rubbing on the top of the toe. A soft leather upper will readily adapt to the shape of the foot, preventing pressure on sensitive areas of the foot. Hotter styles to consider Stream Shake 8 Shop online at www.hotter.com or call for comfort 0800 525 893 9

health update orthoses Many of us now wear orthoses as a treatment for our foot conditions, but what are they and how do they work? If you have ever experienced aches, pains or twinges in your feet and legs during walking or exercise, this may well be due to the way you are walking. Biomechanics refers to the complex series of movements that make up walking and any anomalies in this process can lead to pain - not only in the feet, but elsewhere in the body such as knee and lower back. Podiatrists can examine your walking characteristics to identify these biomechanical problems, and check to see if the joints and muscles in your feet and legs are functioning normally. They can then prescribe a course of treatment to help resolve your condition that will commonly include corrective devices called orthoses. Orthoses are designed to alter the way your feet and legs work, restoring more normal function and relieving stress on the painful areas. They can be manufactured from a number of different materials, ranging from soft foams to rigid plastics, and are normally designed to fit slightly behind the balls of the feet - although some can be manufactured Comfort features such as deep toe boxes, soft leather uppers and cushioning polyurethane soles meet the criteria Hotter demand for healthy footwear to the full length of the foot. Hotter Shoes feature plenty of depth even in some sandals and may have a removable, cushioned insole. There s a wide range of attractive styles that feature adjustable fastenings such as laces or straps. Footwear features to consider. For orthoses to work effectively, it s essential that the shoes in which they are worn have the following features: Extra depth at the toe and the heel to allow the foot to fit comfortably into the shoe. Shoes with a removable insole have increased depth, and so are preferred by podiatrists when fitting orthoses. An adjustable fastening to hold the foot securely in the shoe. Slip-on shoes are less suitable, as they may press on the top of the foot with the orthoses in place. A low heel height of no more that 4 centimetres (1 3 4 inches). Hotter styles to consider Tone Abbey 10 Call for comfort 0800 525 893 or shop online at www.hotter.com 11

the quest for perfect feet Your feet are probably the last thing you consider when thinking of how to optimise your health, yet simply taking the strain off your feet can really give your whole mind and body a boost. To keep your feet in tip-top condition, why not follow Hotter s step-by-step guide: Wash your feet daily using warm soapy water, 3-4 minutes is long enough to soften nails and hard skin without removing the skin s natural oils. Dry your feet thoroughly using a soft towel - pay particular attention between your toes. Trim your nails straight across using toe clippers or scissors. Clean the nails, taking care not to damage the softened skin. Use a pumice stone, foot file or rough skin removing cream to get rid of hard, rough or calloused skin. To prevent feet becoming cracked and dry, massage feet with a moisturising cream. Why not massage calf muscles at the same time to maximise this relaxing experience. Spray feet with a refreshing spray. Try a light sprinkling of foot powder to maximise that feeling of freshness and dryness. in the know meet our expert panel Foot health advice and tips from leading UK specialists Alison Wishart Podiatrist Podiatrist, Alison Wishart talks about how Our feet are a marvel of biological engineering and gives her top tips on looking after your feet. Anita Williams Podiatry Lecturer Podiatry Lecturer, Anita Williams discusses How does rheumatoid arthritis affect foot health? and answers your questions. Gillian Jorden Physiotherapist Physiotherapist, Gillian Jorden chats about how Happy feet are effective feet and gives her recommendations for fitness and flexibility. 12 Shop online at www.hotter.com or call for comfort 0800 525 893 13

14 our feet are a marvel of biological engineering! Alison Wishart Podiatrist, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists Foot pain is not normal, but our feet do more work than most other parts of the body so it s not surprising things sometimes go wrong. Some problems with feet are inherited; some develop through illness, some through the pressure of ill-fitting shoes or poorly aligned bones. Our feet mirror our general health and pain or persistent soreness are warning signs which should not be ignored. Problems in the foot can be the cause of back, hip or knee pain and vice versa. Certain ailments such as diabetes, neurological and vascular disorders, kidney and heart disease and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis can show early warning signs as symptoms in the feet. To keep our feet healthy and functioning well, it is important to wear the right footwear. High heels can be very damaging, causing blisters, corns, calluses and also potentially serious foot, knee and back pain. Wearing them should be limited to short periods of time when not much walking is being done. Shoes must be well fitting. When buying shoes try on several different styles and sizes. Feet can expand by as much as half a size during the day, so shop for shoes in the afternoon or early evening to make sure they fit when feet are at their largest. Shoes are best if they have a lace or strap over the instep rather than slip on. This holds the foot firm in the shoe, (a bit like a seat belt in a car) and stops it sliding forward with every step. As we get older we lose some of the natural padding on the bottom of our feet, some diseases can also cause this to happen, so everyday shoes should have a cushioning sole, which acts as a shock absorber. top advice Inspect your feet regularly. Look for changes in colour and temperature of your feet and nails. Buy shoes with a lace, bar or strap across which is adjustable. Look for shoes with a cushioning sole. Don t wear the same shoes every day. Sitting with your feet up for 20 minutes after a long day helps circulation. Moisturise your feet daily, avoiding in between the toes. Call for comfort 0800 525 893 rheumatoid arthritis and foot health? Anita Williams, Podiatry Lecturer, University of Salford Rheumatoid arthritis is a common severe inflammatory disorder and for many it is chronic and progressive, resulting in reduced activity and limited mobility. The most common problems in the foot are toe clawing, bunions and pain under the forefoot. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis have problems with circulation to the feet and are also more susceptible to fungal infections of the skin and nails. Appropriate footwear for comfort, mobility and stability is part of the management of the foot problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Anita answers your questions An ideal shoe for managing these foot problems should have: A broad and stable heel with a height which doesn t put pressure on the ankle joint or the forefoot. A shock absorbing sole to reduce the pressure on the forefoot in particular. Uppers that are soft enough to be forgiving on the joints and tissues but not so soft that they collapse. Width and depth to accommodate the forefoot but a snug fit around the heel to prevent pressure on the foot. Linings which are breathable and wick moisture away from the skin so that the skin is more resistant to fungal infections. Fastenings (either lace, strap or touch fastening) to hold the foot in the back of the shoe to prevent slippage and damage to the skin. Easy access, meaning that the upper of the shoe has to be able to open up sufficiently for the foot to slip into without squeezing the joints of the foot. Q. What is the best heel height? A. A heel over 4cm will put a lot of pressure on the forefoot and lead to pain and discomfort. However, for some people a completely flat shoe is not helpful, particularly if you are used to a higher heel as this may cause problems in the tendons of the leg. Q. What is suitable footwear to wear around the house? A. If you are active around the house it is better for your joints and foot health to wear a lightweight shoe or a pair of shoes reserved for indoor use. Sugar Contemporary casual with adjustable comfort or shop online at www.hotter.com 15

happy feet are effective feet Gillian Jordan BA MSc MCSP DIPTP Chartered Physiotherapist, Formerly Principal Lecturer, University of Greenwich If your feet are comfortable in well-fitting shoes then you can use them for the purposes for which they were made standing, walking, climbing stairs and even running! Movement and activity are essential for general health and well-being - after all, our joints and muscles were made for movement and if they are not moved regularly they are likely to become stiff and the muscles weak. Walking is a simple but effective activity and if you can get up to 10,000 steps a day, you ll be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle. What s more, there are ways in which you can make your walk even more effective. top advice Think first of all of your posture and stand taller and straighter, let your arms swing and feel yourself breathing more deeply. Each time you go out for a walk, see if you can go just a little bit further. If you can get to the end of the road, try walking to the first lamp post around the corner, then the second and so on don t forget you ve got to get back though! Check that you take even sized steps perhaps by counting - one, two, one, two. Walking a little faster is a good way of improving fitness, but be sure to stop if you feel discomfort or pain in your calves - if this happens regularly, speak to your GP. Terra Make a splash in colourful waterproofs build up to a healthier lifestyle Even if it s raining outside, there are still ways to improve your strength and flexibility. See if you can stand straighter and taller; breathe gently in and out, let your shoulders relax and make the back of your neck long so that the top of your head reaches up towards the ceiling. Raise your arms above your head and feel the stretch all along your spine. Then gently turn your trunk first to the right and then to the left - this will help to help keep your spine mobile. Whilst seated, straighten each knee in turn, keeping the back of your thigh firmly on the chair cushion. Build up the number of repetitions you can do so that you can manage 20 or more. Active feet are healthy feet! During your walk you can work to maintain and improve your core stability. As you breathe out gently pull your lower tummy muscles in towards your tummy button and lift your pelvic floor muscles - men as well as women benefit from this. Keep them in as you walk but remember to breathe normally as you do it. You will find that you aren t able to keep them contracted for very long so tighten them again at every third lamppost. This will also encourage you to stretch up tall, bringing your back and shoulder muscles into action. As you improve you will find you can hold on for longer and with more ease. Mist Climate control with complete comfort For a stronger exercise, raise your leg and keep it straight, then try bending your ankles towards you and away from you and then circling them - again gradually increase the number of times you can do this. 16 Shop online at www.hotter.com or call for comfort 0800 525 893 17

buying shoes As well as looking after your feet, your choice of shoes is vital to the health of your feet. Correctly matching the shoe s size and width to the shape of your foot is essential. It is also important that the heel, sole and upper, conform to the way your foot moves as you walk and that the shoe fastening holds your foot firmly in place. The shoe should allow your foot to move naturally, enabling the series of complex movements that make up walking to take place. This will ensure that you can walk all day in complete comfort, without tired aching feet as you go to bed. If you are purchasing Hotter shoes through mail order, then you can, of course, try your shoes on in the comfort of your own home. Brady top advice When purchasing new shoes try to follow these tips. Try your new shoes in the afternoon as feet tend to swell a little during the day. Wear the socks or stockings you will be wearing with the shoes. Shoes should feel comfortable straight away. They shouldn t need breaking in. If your feet are different sizes, buy your shoes to fit the largest foot. Measuring your foot width Hotter women s shoes come in two width fittings to work out which will give you the best fit, place a soft tape measure around the widest part of your foot (see diagram) then check the tables below to find out if you need our standard or extra wide fit. Don t forget that all our extra wide fit options are clearly labelled in our catalogue. Shoe Size Measured around the widest part of the foot in millimetres Width Standard fit Extra wide fit 3 212-221 222-230 4 218-227 228-236 4.5 221-230 231-239 5 224-233 234-242 5.5 227-236 237-245 6 230-239 240-248 6.5 233-242 243-251 7 236-245 246-254 7.5 239-248 249-257 8 242-251 252-260 9 248-257 258-266 Widest part of foot All Hotter s men s shoes are manufactured on generous fitting lasts to exacting quality standards and should accommodate the majority of men s foot widths. With features such as deep toe boxes, removable insoles and soft leather uppers they are engineered to give the perfect comfort experience for your feet. Leanne Serene Dew Energise 18 Call for comfort 0800 525 893 or shop online at www.hotter.com 19

At Hotter we are passionate about footwear We are shoe experts, who know that it s vital to support and cradle a foot, to give space for toes to stretch, to use the best quality leathers and offer soft and supportive cushioning. Most Hotter insoles are removable so it is easy to insert orthotics, even in some sandals. Our shoes have deep toe boxes for toes to wiggle and flex. Uppers are made from soft leather or nubuck allowing feet to breathe naturally. Our moulded polyurethane soles are filled with millions of air bubbles so they are lightweight and shock absorbing. All internal seams are smooth so no rubbing. Our shoes look as good as they feel and we offer extra wide fit and half sizes. Hotter Comfort Concept shoes really do deliver happy feet! To receive your Hotter Catalogue and a FREE fitting guide call 0800 468 837 For further hints, tips and advice visit www.hotter.com Please Quote Ref NCBPNB