Foot health - wfh standing on hard floor

[AnOldCynic]

Putting this in chat as health topics don’t always get much visibility.

I don’t have any problems with my feet at the moment but I’m aware I should probably be thinking about what I wear/don’t wear on my feet whilst working. Tried googling, got lost so turning to my trusted source of info, MN.

I’m either barefoot, in thick socks or occasionally Birkenstocks/shoes if I’ve been out and am going out again so haven’t removed them. Sometimes stand on my (woefully underused 😂) yoga mat for a bit of comfort.

I’m thinking my feet need some support to avoid problems later on? Not sure what problems though… are there any which might develop? Thinking of getting some shoes/slippers just to wear in the house to counteract any real or perceived issues, or am I just overthinking this 🙄

Just wear something with arch support. Even the dreaded crocs will give you some support.

You are not overthinking it, to a point.

My feet changed over years of WFH after years of heels in the office. To the point that I ended up getting corrective surgery on a toe that hadn't been much of an issue, but was as the position of my feet changed with the lack of footwear.

So I would be aware that you will find they change a bit, and I agree some arch support slippers or something are probably a good idea.

I hate wearing shoes or socks at home, but we have flagstone floors and I find that after a weekend of walking around inside and standing cooking and cleaning, my feet ache unbearably.

I've started wearing crocs inside which I hate as my feet get sweaty, but it's better than feet that hurt like hell all night and when I get out of bed in the morning!

And/or a lovely thick mat to stand on. We have several Totter and Tumble mats at home because the floors are hard and they're fantastic. Squishy but supportive. And warm.

I have a pair of Madrid Birkenstocks which I wear as slippers/house shoes.

I'm just jumping on to see what other people suggest here.

I hear conflicting things:

Either that we need arch support /cushioning etc even indoors.

OR

That it's better to be barefoot for foot strength and health.

I don't know what's best TBH!

Definitely wear supportive footwear as your current way could lead to very painful plantar fasciitis or other nasty arch and tendon issues. Fit flop brand is good.. even the actual fit flops if you are standing rather than walking.

I have texture mats that I walk around on and do feet stretches/exercises. I'm a firm believer that if you don't use it you lose it, which include feet function and mobility. Being in any one position for too long isn't good for the body, regardless of what footwear you have on or what you're standing on, so try to move around every so often even if just to do a few stretches.

I hate crocs 😆.

Heard about plantar fasciitis but don’t really know what it is. So, arch support the important thing, I’ll take a look at some options.

The reason I have the standing desk is that it enables me to move around a lot, it’s done my back a world of good @FlatWhiteOrLatte I agree with what you say. I’ve also bought foam wedges to stretch my calves as I work.

Bought some Birkenstock Zermatt slippers. And promised myself I will NOT go out to empty the bins in them.

Fell into an online rabbit hole of some amazingly ugly squishy orthopaedic shoes but just couldn’t go there