Question of the day: What do plantar fascitiis and a fallen arch have to do with Vionic Shoes? I will give you the answer in one word: RELIEF.
And yes, folks, that IS the truth, and I’ll give you a little history behind my answer. Right about the time I was up to my eight mile run as I was training for a full marathon in the fall, I started feeling this pain in the bottom of my foot. Of course, being a runner, I didn’t tell anyone or complain out loud about it for a week, which then turned into two weeks, three weeks, four weeks…. you get the idea. Suddenly, about the same time I hit five weeks of being in quiet but excruciating pain, I woke up one morning and knew I couldn’t take one more minute of pain. I first checked with my very mediocre health insurance company (provided without cost by my employer) and found a doctor in my plan. As it turns out, right before my appointment another runner highly recommended this same doctor, so I went in feeling pretty confident with the choice.
When I arrived at the doctor’s office, they first had some x-rays done and then I met with the doctor. Surprise! I had the foot diagnosis so common to runners that I had heard of it over and over and just never had it apply to me – plantar fascitiis. Crud. Just in case that diagnosis wasn’t bad enough, the doctor added one more thing – a fallen arch on my right foot.
The prescription? absolutely NO running for two weeks minimum, and get prescription insoles. I felt the dread rise in my throat knowing I was training for a full marathon and was struggling to stay on track as it was. This just ruined everything and I was bummed. As the doctor babbled on about these prescription insoles that would range from $400 to $600, I stopped him dead in his sentence and informed him there was no way I was paying that kind of money so he could save his prescription. He then sent me on my way with $50 insoles they keep at the front desk that my insurance may or may not cover (which they didn’t as I learned later on).
He asked me how often I wore sandals and I wanted to say “duh, I live in Florida, what do you think?” but I was polite and honestly answered “every single day”. He said he kind of figured that and recommended that I head straight to the Florida store (aka Bealls) and pick up sandals by a company called Vionic. I had never heard of them before but I thought I’d give them a try.
Now, flash forward a couple of weeks and guess what? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Vionic sandals and when I posted on social media about my new find, so many of my friends chimed in with their love of Vionic sandals too. I guess it was one of those “best kept secrets” that I didn’t even know about. Ugh! Little by little my foot is feeling better – I don’t know if my arch is still fallen or not, but time will take time. I really believe I owe it to the Vionic shoes. This is the week I’m going to start trying to run again. I’ve taken a medical deferral on the full marathon, but intend to do a couple of half marathons this fall since it is running season here in Florida.
I was browsing around Vionic’s website one night and saw they also carry really nice heels, wedges, flats, loafers, clogs, mules, boots, slippers, and sneakers! I couldn’t even believe it! After a conversation with Vionic, they were kind enough to provide me with a pair of their Tourney Walkers to review and share with all of you today. They are beautiful, comfortable, and I’m really glad I gave them a shot.
I have worn the shoes a couple of times so far and they’re great. The breathable patterned textile upper is complemented by an action-lacing system and durable, flex-grooved outsole. They have printed mesh uppers with a firm, yet flexible, removable microfiber-covered EVA orthotic insert. The outsole is durable rubber.
The Tourney Walkers and other Vionic active footwear feature Active Motion System (AMS) technology, combining our podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper.
Be sure to head over to Vionic’s website, or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest!! In the meantime, I’ll be continuing the process of healing this pesky plantar fascitiis with the help of my Vionic sandals and shoes!
I was provided with a pair of Tourney Walkers without cost in exchange for my very honest and unbiased review.
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