My feet hurt after weddings....What kind of shoes do you wear?

[Steven G Webb]

Originally Posted by ClintS

I used to be a Navy Recruit Company Commander (same as an Army or Marine Corps Drill Instructor) and we had to wear dress shoes averaging 14 hours/day and walking/marching our recruits an average of 125 miles per week. Military dress shoes were not made for the kind of stuff, so most of us wore Sears Die Hard Oxfords. These things are actually a lot more comfortable than most walking shoes.

What a surprise that those are still on the market. You and several hundred thousand civilian factory workers have worn these shoes. Thanks for the reminder.

I was previously a peace officer and I hated seeing the insurgence of "sneakers" in uniform. I am also practical. I know we only have one pair of feet and when they hurt it is a signal that something is way wrong. One of the problems with shoes is the fit. I have a B width foot that rattles around like a BB in a boxcar inside a "standard" D width shoe. Proper fit, proper construction and materials are paramount to healthy feet which turns to comfortable feet. Another vote for orthotics too.

Steve

[Rain Lily]

I recommend the kind of shoes that dance you away from the wedding, singing to your feet "No more weddings! That was your last one!" I wore those last Saturday night


I used to load trucks for UPS and had trouble with my feet with all the standing and pounding the concrete. Custom made orthotics did the trick for me, and I wore them even after I left UPS. Way back then, they set me back about $300 but they were well worth it, and if you are going to be shooting weddings for years, I bet it would be worth it for you too.

[Brooks]

Originally Posted by Rain Lily

I recommend the kind of shoes that dance you away from the wedding, singing to your feet "No more weddings! That was your last one!" I wore those last Saturday night

We have a winner!

Another suggestion.... Leave the 5" heels at home. It's the bride's special day, not yours! I keed, I keed!

[ChuckingFluff]

I have Bostonian dress shoes and they are comfortable to wear all day. The best advice I got a long long time ago from some marathon runners is not to wear shoes with any support as long as you can. Barefoot or minimal footwear makes your feet stronger where orthotics support your foot and will make it weaker. When I don't need dress shoes and if it's not cold on the ground I wear those funny looking five finger shoes and my feet have never felt better.

[Ben Myerson]

14

[RocketRick]

Originally Posted by ChuckingFluff

The best advice I got a long long time ago from some marathon runners is not to wear shoes with any support as long as you can. Barefoot or minimal footwear makes your feet stronger where orthotics support your foot and will make it weaker.

This is actually quite good advice. On your days off, and at home in the evenings, try to go barefoot, or at least wear something without much support (such as a pair of slippers or just socks), when you're walking around indoors. You'll strengthen your feet, and they'll not get as sore and tired the next time you stand or walk on them for an extended period of time. Don't go barefoot outside, on the other hand, as you'll risk stepping on something sharp that could injure your foot.

As far as good-looking but comfortable shoes go, I am a big fan of Rockport shoes. They fit well, with plenty of support, and they do a very good job of cushioning your feet. When I wear my Rockports, my feet don't end up as tired as when I wear other brands. From personal experience, I recommend them highly.

[Ed Shapiro]

Army shoes? Many years ago I served with an Airborne Division. My jump boots were the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I suppose that I would look silly wearing those to a wedding even with a proper spit shine- not that they would still fit.

I sometimes find it is difficult for me to find good shoes because of my 14EEE feet.

For those who think wedding photography is a cushy job, I am pleased that the truth is out here in this post. The job requires lots of physicality and strength. I;m still shooting full wedding coverages at 67 years old because I can still do it, however, I don't know how much longer my luck will hold out. I am booked until the end of next year but I will have to see about the following year as it may be my last in the wedding side of my business.

Ed

[Alex76]

Pay for good quality insoles. I also heard Rockports were pretty comfortable and light.

[ScubaDude]

Step 1: Find a nurse.
Step 2: Ask what kind of shoes he/she wears.
Step 3: Buy a pair of those shoes.

[wolfd]

[QUOTE=Rain Lily;1435585]I recommend the kind of shoes that dance you away from the wedding, singing to your feet "No more weddings! That was your last one!" I wore those last Saturday night


Good idea, sis !!!