Toe post/flip flop type things - how do they not hurt?

[TheStraitsofWTF]

Loads of shoes I like the look of this year have toe posts- every time I've tried this type, it's really rubbed and been sore. Have I got freaky feet (be nice, now), or is there a trick to breaking them in?

I hate them too. I also think they are bad for your posture/back as (in my case anyway) I can feel myself tensing from foot to lower back to keep them on, balance, and walk properly.

I can just about tolerate flip flops on the beach for occasional use.

I have a huge mole (like a coco pop!) next to my big toe so I don't get on with toe posts either I'd really like some fitflops for the summer

Argh. You were supposed to come up with the wonder solution. The ones I like have lots of strappage, so it wouldn't be such a struggle to keep them on. Hmm.

I think it's just a case of getting used to them.

In some parts of the world it's all they wear, so it can't be bad for posture and back if you are used to them.

I spent my whole childhood in flip flops so have no problems walking in them now. Unfortunately the downside is my feet are very wide and I can't go for too long in normal shoes before getting the urge to rip them off and run around barefoot

Yo have to keep wearing them and after a while the rubbing stops

msboogie, do you have any skin left by then?

yes, don't you just get blisters/sore bits? I have several beautiful pairs of toe-posty shoes and I would love to wear them, but they HURT

This isn't looking good for me, is it? Here, have a look:

these

and also

these.

Someone on here mentioned the cure last year. Apparently you 'lubricate' the bit between your toes (where the toe post rubs fits) with Compeed.

What, like a plaster? Or is there a gunk?

I can't cope with them either, though I have thought of trying some with a pair of these

Oh, found it! Blister stick. Ooh - senua... am dithering now.

Can't quite see how they work, rusty.

Gunky stuff: it's called compeed overnight cracked heel cream

I have heard about gel thingys that you clip on the toe post bit. Theyre like the gel cushions that you put at the front of your heels to stop the balls of your feet hurting.

Unfortunately, I have given all my toe post sandals away (all worn a maximum of 4 times) cos they hurt too much, and now I sort of begrudge buying more to see if these things work.

Let me know wontcha?

YY rusty, thats them.

the key is actually the footbed of the shoe/flipflop ie. the bit you walk on

if it is slippery, your foot slides and rubs on the toe post as you walk

if it of non-slippery stuff, it really helps a lot

many of these kind of shoes have wood-like, smooth, shiny footbeds and they are baaaaad

you need the spongier, squashier type...much better

You want me to be your guinea pig, Betty?

Oh, I don't know. The blister stick thing looks ok. Maybe I should buy v cheap flip flops to test first. But I want the red ones. Now.

The toe post goes into the slot at the front. I might try getting some & try wearing a pair of DD's sandals when she gets back from university - she has lots of toe-post sandals; they don't seem to bother her.

Oh, oh, AF - they're suedy, I think - that might be ok. Look at the links, all of you, and tell me I don't want them anyway.

def a case of wearing them in - I love mine as they have a little wedge heel and so are really comfy all day. However, even as a veteran flip flop wearer I still need to try them on before purchasing as some arent well made or dont suit my foot and I just know they will cause much pain. The trick I think is to try on lots and not to but over the internet.

suede is gooood

you don't slide on suede

I have lots of flip-floppy shoes and glads

I find them comfortable (can't wait to get into them in summer....) but you have to choose carefully

hang on, will look at links

Gah, winston. Damn you and your sensible advice.

Haven't read the whole thread but vaseline between your toes works a treat

erm, sorry, neither of those links are to my taste