The Anti-Shoe

That’s the tagline for these MBT Lami Shoes ($150 at
Zappos.com). Aesthetics aside, the footwear promises a positive effect—it supposedly stimulates your muscles and strengthens your body with its Mesai Sensor technology. You can even walk with these glorified mary janes on the beach, they say. Just one question: If they’re the anti-shoe, what are they then?

Dr. Hillary Brenner, a podiatric surgeon practicing in New York City, can say good things and bad things about these shoes. “I like these shoes because they allow for good shock absorpotion, improves gait (walking), helps people with mild foot deformities, relieves back problems and joint pain,” she points out.

As for what Dr. Brenner doesn’t like about these shoes: “These shoes are not good for people with underlying orthopedic conditions and geriatric patients,” she says. “Before buying these shoes, I recommend a visit to your podiatrist.”

—Ysolt Usigan

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While it seems like a no-brainer, buy sandals that fit. Wearing even a half size too big or small will cause blistering. "Feet constantly change size, due to weight shifts and aging, so get measured every spring," says Hillary Brenner, a podiatric surgeon in New York City. When choosing your shoes, look for flexible materials such as soft leather and microfiber. Avoid stiff straps that fall across blister-prone ankles or toes. Once you've got your sandals home, moisturize your feet (well-conditioned skin is less likely to blister) and wear the shoes around the house for an hour one day and two the next. "It helps to soften the shoe and mold it to your foot more comfortably," says Dr. Brenner. For extra protection, stick small moleskin patches (available at drugstores) on your heels and across your No toes. The only thing left to do? Apply the perfect polish!

More Than a Pain in the Foot?

Foot pain can mean a lot more than the usual aches from a long walk or standing on the feet all day.

Some foot pains, particularly those that persist for more than a couple of days or even weeks, can be early signs of vascular disease, diabetes or even cancer and should not be overlooked, according to podiatrists.

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Agony of the Feet
Like Avril Lavigne before she got married, your toenails are better with a little edge. Cutting corners sets you up for ingrowns and infections, says Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., an NYC podiatrist. Instead, trim straight across, using a larger version of your standard nail cutter with a straight blade, like the Tweezerman Limited Clipper ($10, available at drugstores). Smooth rough bits with a nail file.