CategoriesFashion

Trends Spotlight: Bohemian and Preppy

As we settle into 2022, the new year brings with it a chance to freshen up your wardrobe with the latest trends. Two trends in particular that gained attention in 2021 and show no sign of stopping down are bohemian and preppy style.

Trend Spotlight: Bohemian

Bohemian, also know as ‘boho’, is a trend that originated from hippie culture, consisting of a lack of structure, various earthy colours and patterns, and vintage influence. Boho style comes from a place of practical fashion, with flannel, jeans, and leg warmers being popular boho staples.

Boho first appeared in the early 2000s with celebrity influencers Kate Moss and Sienna Miller being popular trendsetters, and the cross-generational appeal of the boho style led to its ascent and lasting hold on popular fashion. Accessories and distinctive patterns are also popular in the boho look, with a pagan influence happening in the more recent boho phase. Boho can be defined as a lifestyle of vintage appreciation with grunge influences.

Bohemian Style: Shoes

The Chelsea Boot has risen to popularity over the last few years for its versatility and utility, as well as it’s timeless style. Chelsea boots are named after the part of London that their popularity emerged in during the fifties and sixties, Chelsea, West London. The elastic side panel makes the Chelsea boot more distinctive than a typical ankle boot, and its simple but unique style has made it an iconic fashion piece.

Chelsea boots are the perfect addition to any boho outfit due to their practicality and signature style unchanged since their popularity in the sixties. Chelsea boots match with jeans and skirts alike, making a great wardrobe staple.

Try pairing Kene Chelsea with a flannel layered over a t-shirt with ripped mom jeans for a modern boho chic look, or with a vintage midi dress with bold pattern distressed denim jacket for a laidback and hipster inspired boho aesthetic.

Trend Spotlight: Preppy

Preppy is a form of fashion aesthetic with collegiate fashion origins, its name derived from ‘university-preparatory’, also known as ‘prep school’, a type of private American school typically for the upper class.

Taking inspiration from college dress codes, and with a focus on quality and classic clothing, preppy fashion takes both the college dress code and nerd culture fashion and builds its own distinct style. V-neck jumpers, argyle print, blazers and blouses are all staples of a preppy wardrobe.

A focus on high-quality is preferred to fast fashion, and looking sleek, structured and coordinated is a must. Tradition is favoured in preppy aesthetic, and individual variants of the preppy style have emerged as people incorporate their own traditions.

British preppy style favours toward Oxford, Cambridge, and British high society inspiration – think bowler hats, Oxford shoes, Cambridge satchels and the classic British tweed. On the other side of the pond, American preppy style constitutes as chinos, polo shirts and sweaters.

Preppy style: Cill Cut-Out Bootie

Cill Cut-Out Bootie is a low-rise ankle boot with cut out sides in a beautiful mahogany brown leather. Cill is the perfect boot to go with a preppy outfit due to its classic and versatile style, additionally, it’s built for comfort!

With a removable insole, Cill offers arch support and is great for sensitive feet so you can be fashionable and comfortable. Pair Cill boots with slim jeans, a loose-fitted blouse and a V-neck knitted jumper for cute preppy aesthetic. For a more structured look, opt for a tie-bow blouse and earth tone blazer.

CategoriesFashion Footwear

Evolution Of Foot Structure and Why Traditional Styles Can Cause Strain

According to The American Podiatric Medical Association, ‘42% of women admit that they would wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort, 73% admit to already having a shoe-related foot issue.’ Sadly, this statistic is not surprising as the majority of women do not know the negative impacts of their daily footwear.


Different Footwear Styles: What Is Causing Strain?

High Heels

high heels

For decades high heels have been the staple footwear style for women which has only resulted in decades of unnecessary foot pain. Whilst it is not totally wrong to wear heels, it is recommended that you don’t, especially for such long periods of time. When wearing heels, your foot is in the plantar flexed position. This position is unnatural for your foot alignment and as your muscles are stretched you begin to feel pain.

According to Healthline: ‘An injury to any of the muscles that support plantar flexion can limit your ability to flex your foot or stand on tiptoe. Ankle injuries, including sprains and fractures, are one of the most common causes of plantar flexion problems.’ It is important to remember that other parts of your body can be injured due to your choice of footwear, especially areas such as your ankles, legs and lower back.

Pointed Toes

Footwear with a pointed toe design can cause many problems. When wearing the shoe, your toes are confined to a small space, similar to high heels the positioning then creates an unnatural alignment. This is backed by Piedmont who says ‘The awkward positioning of your toes can also cause them to contract and eventually curl under permanently, a condition known as hammertoe.’ As well as Hammertoe occurring, these shoes also increase the likeliness of developing Bunions. If left untreated Bunions can then lead to problems such as arthritis and ingrown toenails.

Flats and Flip Flops

flat shoes and sandals

These styles of shoe can cause a lot of pain as they lack a very important feature, arch support. Arch supports help to distribute pressure when standing and walking. Without the correct support, your feet are put under pressure because of your body weight, this then causing pain in sensitive areas of the foot like the ball, heel and arch.

Cincinnati Foot and Ankle Care recommends using supports because ‘Arch supports serve as extra cushions for the plantar fascia, providing elevation and shape for the foot as you walk and run.’ Flat shoes may be seen as a comfortable solution compared to high heels however it is suggested not to wear them too often in order to prevent these conditions from occurring.


Alternate Styles Better Suited For Support

Ankle Boots

ankle boots and heels

Ankle Boots are a style which can be worn all year round. Often made with extra space around the toes, boots are less likely to cause problems like hammertoe and bunions. As well as this, they will support the wearer’s ankle, whilst looking after your feet is a priority it is also important to remember that ankles need to be cared for as they too take a lot of pressure whilst walking.

Wedges

Wedged heels are a great alternative to traditional high heels. With weight pressure evenly distributed across the Wedged heel provide the wearer with complete support, with this stability and comfort are both improved, and you won’t be left with painful feet after walking. This is supported by Dr. James Amis who speaks about the benefits of wedges rather than heels, in the SheFinds article he says ‘Wedges can actually relax the gastrocnemius (or calf muscle) a bit, which in turn reduces the linked tension on the plantar fascia. In most cases, my patients will experience short-term pain relief for their foot and/or ankle ailments when wearing a wedge shoe compared to high heels.’

Trainers

trainers

With people increasingly seeking comfort, trainers have become the most purchased shoe style in the world. Trainers are a reliable are made with the intention of protecting the users’ feet from injury whilst exercising. The tip of a trainer is also often wider to allow help increase stability and movability. Other features often included are arch support and heel cushioning, trainers are constructed in this way in order to minimise pressure on the feet whilst walking.

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CategoriesFashion

Over 40s Fashion

Fashion in your 40s can be a challenge. The fast fashion trends of the youth aren’t your thing, but you’re still a stylish, mature woman in need of feel-good outfits that are practical, comfortable, and look good!

Too often women reach their 40s and end up in neutrals and dark colours, fitting in with the crowd, or want a big change and aren’t sure how to go about it. So, here are some fashion tips for compiling a wardrobe for your 40s:

Be Utilitarian

Comfortable, convenient and functional is a must for wardrobes of all ages. Chinos are a great alternative to jeans that can have a new level of comfort and are available in many different colours and fits. Tie-waist wear adds dimension to your outfit, tie-waist jackets often feature multiple pockets, especially when in a military-style, and can be paired with a dress up or dress down outfit. Tie-waist trousers are a great style choice that are not too form-fitting but add a feminine outline to your outfit. You can find many more examples of utilitarian fashion by looking for functional clothing.

Be Classic

Building a lasting wardrobe that can fit your needs can be a challenge because of the variety of fashion choices available. By choosing classic staples for your wardrobe, you pick the looks that have stood the test of time for a reason. Classic looks also come from a time when the utility was valued and a product that would last a long time was an important feature. You could try classic and traditional coats and jackets in styles like pea coats, duffle coats and trench coats as a great way to add a classic look to your over 40s wardrobe.

Prioritise Quality

Quality clothing that looks and feels like a quality piece will make you look put together and sophisticated. You can pair one quality piece with a more relaxed outfit and look put together and stylish. Having one great quality jacket is a great way to add sophistication to an outfit in a hurry, or a great pair of shoes that stand out. In maintaining quality, keep your clothes and shoes in top condition by researching the best techniques for maintenance such as oiling leather or dry cleaning.

Search For Smaller, Independent Retailers

High street stores tend to tailor towards fast fashion and trends for younger consumers who make up the bulk of the fashion market. By shopping with smaller independent shops, you will find stores that tailor towards slow fashion and timeless classics. Some styles for over 40s might include midi style skirts and dresses, alongside patterns and colours such as floral and earth tones.

How Can Uufey Shoes Fit Into Your Over 40s Wardrobe?

Uufey offers a range of classic designs with boots, sandals and trainers with orthotic comfort. Orthopaedic footwear also aids in the prevention of foot conditions so could be used as a preventative measure for later in life. Kene Chelsea Boots and Sarah Zest Ankle Boots are some of our top picks for an over 40s wardrobe addition because of their versatility and classic style.

CategoriesHealth

5 Natural Remedies for Foot Health

5 Natural Remedies for Foot Health

When it comes to foot pain, your plans for the day can often grind to a halt. In some cases, this may even be for weeks or months. The good news is there are many natural remedies for most common foot ailments with science-backed evidence supporting improvement to foot health.

Read on to learn about these simple, holistic remedies for foot pain that doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis, bunions, and more.


 Essential Oil Foot Soak

Tea tree oil is an essential oil popular for its use as a natural anti-fungal treatment. A foot soak with tea tree essential oil can aid and prevent fungal nail, treat odour, and help with cut and wound healing. Tea tree oil is very strong and should be adequately diluted, use no more than 4 drops in a foot bath with warm water, or risk eye and respiratory irritation. For sore feet and tight muscles, try eucalyptus essential oil for its anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing benefits. Add 5 drops to a foot bath and soak for 20 minutes. This oil is a gentler oil and can also be mixed with a lotion or moisturiser and applied directly to the feet. 


 Epsom Salt and Sea Salt

An epsom salt foot soak can aid in pain relief and exfoliation, as well as having anti-fungal benefits. To exfoliate using Epsom salt, use the salt as a scrub on the dry areas of the feet whilst damp. Talk to your doctor about Epsom salt foot baths if you are pregnant or have any underlying health conditions and stop immediate use if you suffer any side effects such as itching or irritation. 

Sea salt can also be used as it too is beneficial for the skin, is exfoliating and aids in circulation. Sea salt also contains trace minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can be good for the skin. A high-quality Dead Sea salt will contain the highest trace mineral content. Choose a coarser grain for more exfoliation and a finer grain for more sensitive skin. 


Honey

Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal, being used as a natural aid for healing wounds for centuries. Using honey on your feet is a gentle and natural way to keep fungal outbreaks at bay whilst mistrusting and soothing dry and cracked skin. Some ways to use honey on your feet include:

  • adding honey to your moisturiser or foot cream.
  • making an overnight honey foot mask with runny honey and lemon. 
  • using honey as a massage lubricant before rinsing with warm water.

 Doctor Fish 

Pedicures by Red Garra fish, or “doctor fish”, have become a spa trend in recent years for their use in nibbling away the dead skin of the feet. In this spa treatment, feet are placed in a tank of the fish whilst they nibble away, leaving smooth, exfoliated skin. This trend has come into some controversy though with concerns about sanitation for flesh-eating fish and the use of cheaper, less tactful, fish being used over the expensive Red Garra in some treatment facilities. Before you go for this treatment, be careful to fully research any spa facility and read reviews. 


Remedy 5: Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is a great way to hydrate the skin and aid in the prevention and treatment of cracked and dry feet. This thick oil helps create a barrier to ‘lock in’ moisture to the skin. Additionally, coconut oil is naturally an anti-fungal. To apply coconut oil, massage the oil all over the feet until warm and then use your thumbs in up-and-out T-shaped motions to massage the oil deep into the skin. Coconut oil is best used after feet are washed to prevent and replenish dryness. 

CategoriesSustainability

Are Sustainable Shoes Worth The Investment?

Are sustainable shoes worth the investment? Research from thredUP has found that ‘73% of apparel is sent to landfill or incinerated, 95% of which could be reused or recycled.’ With the increasing number of shoes and garments being sent to landfill it is important to look into creating products that are long-lasting and will remain apart of someone’s wardrobe for many years instead of being thrown out.


Quality over quantity: The problem with mass production

Statistics shows that in recent years, shoe production increased to over 20 billion pairs being made annually. Having mass produced products leads too many to have the mindset that garments, or shoes are easily replaceable. Mass production leads to low quality items which are often disposed of only after being worn a handful of times.

Businesses create mass quantities of products because they want to ensure that they can make the most money from each passing fashion-trend, yet they overlook the impact they are having when encouraging consumers to clear out their closest and buy a new range of products to stay ‘on-trend.’

Over production is an extremely big problem, especially because most shoes which are created, are done so through unsustainable production methods.

However, it is not only down to the big corporations to take responsibility, research by The Guardian states that ‘One in three young women, the biggest segment of consumers, consider garments worn once or twice to be old.’ If this mindset is tackled and people urged companies to make higher-quality products that where longer lasting it would have a significant impact on reducing environmental issues.

Looking for a change: Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion

Fast fashion is a term used a lot within society which refers to how the fashion industry is producing products at a fast pace, resulting in low quality garments which are often discarded quickly as consumers are hoping from trend to trend.

Fast fashion leads to many unsustainable processes, for example ‘open-loop’ production cyles are often used and can result in polluting water and surrounding land. Rather than recycling or reusing materials. According to Access Government, ‘As an estimate, it takes 200 tonnes of water to produce 1 tonne of dyed fabric. This requires sourcing fresh water and releasing water that is tainted, rendered toxic, undrinkable or otherwise polluted back into the ecosystem.’

‘Unlike fast fashion, slow fashion is an attempt to convince consumers to buy fewer clothes of better quality and to keep them for longer.’ – European Parliament

Slow fashion obviously is a term that opposes the results of fast fashion, it tackles the whole manufacturing process from design to the consumer. Slow fashion incorporates eco-friendly materials, and it encourages businesses to source more sustainable processes. With more traditional methods being used throughout production it does result in less garments being created; however they are of a higher quality than those involved in fast fashion.

What people may consider a downfall of slow fashion is that due to the traditional techniques and less quantity, the price of products may seem higher than usual. However, it is always good to remember that when paying for a slow fashion product, you are paying for higher quality and lifetime wearability. Research by Edge fashion intelligence also states that ‘Consumers in the United Kingdom have an estimated $46.7 billion worth of unworn clothes in their closets.’ Slow fashion encourages consumers to truly look at what products they are buying and if they are suitable for donation. Sharing and reusing garments is an impactful way in which an individual can act to help tackle the climate crisis.

The Impact: How change benefits more than just the environment

Slowing down the rate at which products are being created will help to reduce pressure on the climate and limit the negative impact on the environment is extremely important. Another increasingly fashionable way to reduce the negative impact of the fashion industry is called ‘Circular Fashion’ this is the process of simply recycling old useable garments and the materials are re used in another production process, this limiting the number of products in landfill.

Benefits for the environment:

  • According to Edge Fashion Intelligence ‘using recycled cotton saves 20,000 litres of water per kilogram of cotton, a water-intensive crop.’ This not only helps to reduce water waste but helps to save on materials.
  • An even smaller benefit yet will have a great impact is that slow fashion encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ or recycle garments. This minor change will help to reduce problems caused through the shipping process.

Benefits for garment makers

  • Putting an end to ‘sweatshops’ to protect workers. Due to the decrease in production rates, these dangerous working environments will be forced to close.
  • Whilst many people worry over garment workers losing their jobs due to less production, the United Nations Alliance on Sustainable Fashion reports ‘the fashion industry employs over 75 million people worldwide.
  • Business transparency, the slow fashion movement promotes fair-pay and healthy working conditions, putting an end to the terrible working and living conditions for garment workers which have previously been overlooked.

Benefits for the consumer

  • Long-term money saving, people may find that certain sustainable products cost a little more than usual however this is something that will in the long run, save you some money! Rather than buying a pair of shoes which are of low quality and then having to replace them a month or so later, you can rely on sustainable shoes to be wearable for a good amount of time.
  • Shoe shopping is a task which we all do, so why not do your part to help the environment whilst picking up a fresh pair of trainers. When you buy an eco-friendly product, you get instant gratification that you are doing your part in creating a more sustainable world.
  • Slow fashion also helps to increase mindfulness, a previously mentioned statistic discusses the amount of clothes left unworn in wardrobes across the UK, this is an astonishing statistic which shows that consumers need to consider what they are buying before completing a purchase. Being more mindful also allows people to recognise what clothes they no longer need and can donate to those who may need it more.

    Uufey’s guarantee: our approach to creating sustainable shoes

So, ‘Are sustainable shoes worth the investment?’ The answer is YES, and this is something we care about deeply at Uufey Shoes. We acknowledge that that the fashion industry is one of the main causes of climate change and it is important for businesses like Uufey to take a stand and ensure that we are doing everything within our power to create a sustainable product that leaves little to no impact on the climate.

Uufey shoes create environmentally conscious comfort shoes. All materials involved within manufacturing are ethically sourced. Our amazingly talented employees in Spain handcraft each shoe to provide ultimate style and comfort for our customers. Uufey sustainable shoes are built to last in order to reduce overproduction and bring lasting comfort for years to come.

CategoriesHealth

How to Improve Circulation in Your Feet

Cold and numb feet aren’t always a sign it’s time to put the heating on this winter, sometimes it can be an indication that you have poor circulation in your feet. Good circulation to your feet is important for foot health and functionality, but circulation impairment is a common side effect of age and an all-too-common sedentary lifestyle. Other symptoms include the feeling of ‘pins and needles’, dry and scaly skin, pain and aching, and changes to the appearance of the foot such as engorged veins and discolouration. 

Ways to improve circulation in your feet

Whilst minor circulation symptoms can be self-managed, if symptoms are persistent and problematic you may want to seek medical help. Impaired blood flow can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as atherosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis or diabetes, or lead to other effects such as blood clots and impair healing to the feet and legs. Here are a few ways you can help improve circulation in your feet:

Move, stretch and exercise

It doesn’t matter the amount you’re able to exercise, only that you do it. Any amount of movement to get the blood pumping will aid in circulation to the feet, be it a walk, a jog or a yoga session.

Avoiding long periods of immobility will help in circulation, even if as simple as taking a stretch break every hour at the office desk. Ankle rolls, heel lifts and knee ups are all simple ways to get the blood flowing to your feet even from a seated position.

Leg elevation will also improve circulation, this can be as simple as sitting on a recliner chair, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, aligning your legs straight vertically on a wall and holding in the legs up the wall yoga pose. 

Keep your feet warm 

Try extra thick socks and a heating pad to counteract the effect of poor blood flow on your cold feet. Try a warm foot bath to encourage blood flow to the feet, using a moisturising foot cream afterwards to combat dryness. Herbal remedies for your foot bath can include:

  • Epsom salts for exfoliation and relaxation
  • Red ginger, that has been found to reduce circulation pressure

Wear compression socks and correct footwear

Compression socks and foot support sleeves inhibit veins to expand with excess blood and cause stagnation, and so help to keep blood in circulation. If you’re new to compression socks, start with a pair less tight than necessary and build your tolerance. For footwear, wearing comfortable shoes that don’t put strain your feet, orthotic footwear will help with this, giving your feet space to move around and correct alignment to aid in foot pain.

Stay hydrated 

The recommended daily minimum water requirement for a healthy woman is 8 cups of water. Your blood is around half water so staying hydrated keeps your blood functioning optimally, aiding in circulation. Keep water with you throughout the day and make a habit of staying hydrated. Remember to drink more to match your activity level throughout the day. 

Change your diet

A high blood pressure can worsen circulation, but you can lower your blood pressure through health eating and weight management. Eating leafy greens, legumes, fatty fish with health omegas, and switching to dark chocolate are some dietary choices to lower your blood pressure. Further lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and avoiding stress will lower your blood pressure and positively effect your circulation. 

CategoriesHealth

Herbal Remedies: Ways To Treat Foot Pain From The Comfort Of Your Own Home

According to the Orthopaedics Associates, ‘Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It’s neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care- including ill-fitting shoes- that bring on problems.’ It is important to consider what steps you can be taking to improve your foot health. Read on to learn about simple herbal remedies that you can do in your own home.

The benefits of herbal remedies at home

Using herbal remedies to tackle foot pain is increasingly common. If you are feeling pain in your feet, it is always important to see a doctor as it could be a symptom of an underlying problem. However, if you want to generally look after your feet or try to minimize pain until seeing a doctor then herbal remedies may just be the perfect solution.

There are multiple benefits of using these remedies, the main being how simple and easy it is for someone to try. As previously mentioned, most foot problems are due to a lack of proper care. Using a spare 20 minutes from your day to relax and take care of your body is essential to ensure you remain of good health and lower you risk of any further health problems occurring.

How foot baths can change your life

There are various techniques and herbal combinations that you can try to soothe the pain you are experiencing. The most common being foot baths with various herbs, oils and salts. Soaking your feet for 20 minutes a day can increase not only influence physical health but also mental health. The warm water helps your bodies muscles to relax and increase white blood cell activity, your body needs this as it boosts your immune system and can help to prevent future sickness.

Soaking your feet with Epsom Salts

One of the most common treatments that can help tackle foot pain is using Epsom Salts and warm water. The salts help to reduce inflammation and relax muscles, this is important when trying to increase manoeuvrability and relieving stress from damaged nerves.

Experimenting with Essential Oils

It is important to note that essential oils should be diluted before being used, it is not recommended to apply oils directly to your skin without diluting. There are many sources of information that can help with direction for each oil and how to mix them for the best outcome.

Whilst it may be a little confusing at first, adding essential oils to your footbaths can be a great way to improve your foot health. Lavender is often known to help with relaxation, however when mixed with other oils it can help to alleviate pain. Another example is Cedarwood essential oil is known to have benefits such as being an anti-fungal and helping skin conditions such as acne. However, when used with oils such as Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary, it can help ease pain from arthritis.

The Kitchen Cupboard solution, Cayenne Pepper

Another at easy yet surprising remedy is having a footbath, mixed with Cayenne Pepper. Soaking your feet again in warm water and adding half a teaspoon of the pepper powder can help to relieve aches and pains in your feet.

Master massage techniques for muscle relief

Another at home remedy is to invest in a foot spa. This works the same as a foot bath as you need to soak your feet, however these machines can include massage features which will help to reduce pain even further as your muscles are actively being targeted. These machines help to reduce inflammation and have been proven to help those with poor circulation in their feet.

Another solution, rather than using a foot bath you can massage essential oils into your feet. Massages are a great way to target specific parts of your foot, as well as strengthening your foot muscles.

A commonly used massage technique is to simply knead your knuckles / closed fist into the base of your foot, gradually working from the ball of your foot to the heel. The motion combined with increasing pressure helps to relax your muscles and targets pain in the arch of your foot.

Finding the perfect fit

As briefly pointed out by the Orthopaedic Associates, wearing ill-fitting shoes can have an impact on your foot heath and result in experiencing unnecessary pain. Buying shoes is a common activity, for those who care about the health of their feet you may shop cautiously and try to find shoes that look comfy. However, this may be a major problem! Many footwear brands are aware that the public are seeking comfortable shoes and as a result will release ‘comfy-looking’ shoes however you may be unaware that actual comfort and support is sacrificed because they want to reach a certain aesthetic.

With Uufey Shoes this is not a problem you need worry about! Our footwear is built with comfort as the primary focus. People do not need to sacrifice their comfort for the sake of fashion, they are two elements that need to be considered hand in hand. Uufey Shoes have a range of products to suit women from any fashion standpoint.

Enjoy reading this content? Read on to learn more about orthopaedic shoes.

CategoriesHealth

Muscle Strengthening: Improving Stability and Increasing Mobility

According to Bellevue Podiatry, ‘the muscles in our feet are critical in saving ourselves from falling. These muscles weaken over our lifetime, so they require a simple strengthening program tailored to your feet to keep them doing their job as best they can.’

The importance of strengthening the muscles in your feet

Your feet are one of the most used parts of your body yet are highly overlooked when trying to increase health and improve self-care. Strengthening the muscles in your feet is extremely important, if your feet are not looked after then many problems can occur as a side effect.

For example, weight is something that can massively affect your feet. If you are actively going about your day but not taking care of your feet then they it is likely they will become weak, your body may find it hard to balance your weight as you’re moving around and as a result have an overall effect on a person’s mobility. Ensuring that your feet are happy and healthy means that you do not have to worry about such problems and can go about your day in comfort.

3 introductory exercises to help strengthen your feet

Big Toe Stretches

You will find this exercise useful when you take off your shoes at the end of the day. To do this exercise first sit down and position your foot on the opposite thigh (as seen in the image).

Now gently use your fingers to manoeuvre the big toe up, down and outwards, holding the toe in each position for up to 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise multiple times and then again on the opposite foot.

Toe and heel walking

These exercises are simple and will be an easy way to slowly increase stability. For toe walking all you need to do is walk using the ball of your foot for 20 seconds, if you do this multiple times throughout the day it will help to steadily improve your balance.

Heel walking is simply just the reverse of toe walking, where you walk on only the heels of your feet for 20 seconds. These may be tricky at first depending on your current mobility however if repeated daily you should slowly begin to see signs of improvement.

Tennis ball rolling or using a massage ball (available in the Uufey accessories pack)

This again is another simple exercise; however, you will need to use a tennis ball, massage ball or something of that shape that is able to maintain shape under slight pressure.

To do this exercise, sit down and lay your feet down flat on the floor. Next place a tennis ball on the floor and roll your foot on the top of it. As you increase and decrease pressure, this will massage the bottom of your foot and loosen any muscle knots and relieve soreness.

This exercise also helps to increase blood circulation and treat foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.

Targeting other areas of the body

Whilst it is incredibly important to do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your feet, it is also good to recognise that other areas of the body such as your ankles, lower legs and even your back may need to be exercised and strengthened. Foot conditions often cause problems in these areas and so it is good to check and ensure that they are in good health before any major exercise routine changes.

If you are experiencing pain in these areas, or severe pain in your feet then please seek medical advice before your condition worsens. Medical professionals will be able to create targeted exercise regimes that are better suited for you and current situation.

The impact of Uufey on your foot health

These exercises usually take around 10 minutes of your time, so what about foot support throughout the rest of your day? This is where Uufey steps in. It is extremely beneficial to find footwear that will be supportive for your feet, our shoes are built with this in mind.

Uufey Shoes feature 3 zone comfort technology to help provide stability, balance and comfort for your feet. Our products include arch support for the base of your foot to relieve muscle pain and provides ample space for toes so they can move freely. This is a great alternative to wearing poorly fitted shoes and risking potential foot problems such as bunions.

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CategoriesFootwear Health

Suffering From Bunions: The Search For Footwear Solutions

According to Harvard Medical School, ‘women are 10 times more likely to develop bunions than men.’ This is due to weaker ligaments and often wearing more pointed shoes, e.g. high heels.

So, what are bunions?

Bunions are a foot deformity created when a person’s foot alignment is adjusted, amongst many reasons this can happen through wearing ill fitting, pointed shoes which force the toes to be squashed together. As the big toe is squashed to take the shoes form, the bone is forced outwards in a diagonal direction resulting in a person having a lump on the side of their foot.

Bunions are a common foot problem. According to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research it is estimated about 23% of adults between the ages of 18-65 will suffer from the condition.

What happens if they are left untreated?

It is extremely important to stop any problems from worsening. If a problem is not treated then it can lead to further foot conditions. Bunions are formed when bones in your toes are moved and the range of motion if effected, this can lead to suffering from problems such as arthritis.

As well as bones moving, your toes are squashed together which means you are more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails. In more severe cases the lack of stability from bunions can lead to chronic pain in your ankles, legs and back.

How are they treated?

According to Dr Moy, ‘a forming bunion can be slowed and, in some cases, stopped. Using orthotics or customised shoes which help slow or stop bunion development.

Finding the right footwear is essential. Many of today’s footwear designs follow those that we have seen in the past – stylish and fashionable, yet overlooking the importance of comfort and structure. Pointed shoes that leave no room for toes will only increase the chances of suffering from these foot conditions.

It is recommended to wear wider fitted shoes, that give your toes space to move naturally when walking. As well as using the correct footwear, it is also recommended to do foot exercises and use toe supports, as they will help to strengthen your toes. 

If bunions begin to cause pain, it is likely going to be because your foot has rubbed against your shoe and has caused irritation. It is recommended to take inflammatory medication or herbal remedies which may ease the pressure on your foot. If pain persists it is important to seek medical help from a doctor or podiatrist as severe cases can hinder walking or exercise activities.

Finding the correct footwear

Wide toe footwear is a solution that can help to prevent foot problems like this from worsening. Uufey Shoes are designed with this in mind. Our range of shoes feature arch support to help with foot problems like Plantar Fasciitis, and may help to prevent the development of other foot conditions. Uufey Shoes provide adequate space for your toes and feet to move naturally.

Uufey Shoes are built with 3 zone comfort technology to help with stability, balance and comfort. Increasing stability and movement within your foot can help to prevent bunions. Our products also include an orthotic insole which will help realign your foot to a more natural position.

If you would like to learn more about the importance of wearing the right shoes, you can watch our interview with Nurse Debbie on our IGTV or YouTube channel.

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CategoriesFashion Footwear

Dressed To Impress: What To Wear This Autumn

Dressed to impress: What to wear this autumn

A wardrobe essential for everyone should be a trusted pair of ankle boots as they are a great option when elevating your outfit, so why is it that they are so popular during the autumn and winter months?

Here’s the answer: Comfort! Ankle boots are a great fashion statement in the winter months because they can enhance almost any outfit and keep you feeling cosy and comfortable despite the changing weather.

Autumn and winter fashion: Nature inspired colour palettes

As the colder seasons approach you want to be wearing warmer, earthier colour tones. As nature evolves and leaves begin to brown, this will inspire what colours we wear so during autumn. An autumn-inspired look colour include a variety of colour shades, with the most prominent being shades of brown complemented with oranges or deep shades of red. Pair these colours with neutrals such as white, grey, cream and black for a dynamic autumn look.

As the season changes, the colours we see in fashion do too. For example, during winter you are likely to see a lot deeper, richer tones like emerald green, sapphire blue and burgundy. These colours are often paired with lighter tones like white or cream for a colour contrast or complemented with darker shades of grey and brown.

Outfit check! Incorporating Uufey into your Winter wardrobe

As briefly mentioned, ankle boots popularity soars during the winter months as people seek comfort and support, these are elements that are built into Uufey products as we want to help people look after themselves.

Pairing the Cill Cut-Out Bootie

The Cill shoe is an extremely versatile addition to your wardrobe as it can complement many outfits. Pair your Cill with a long white sleeve t-shirt, brown corduroy dress and black tights for a playful autumn look.

Keep cosy with Kene

Pair your Kene with Jeans and a Chunky Knit jumper or cardigan for a staple Autumn look. Pair with an additional colourful peacoat to keep you warm, whilst the Kene will look after your feet, with it’s cosy faux fur lining.

Style your Sarah-Zest

Our Sarah-Zest range comes in 3 different colours: Black, Burgundy and Navy. Black ankle boots are an extremely useful addition to your wardrobe as they can be paired with any look.

Pair your Burgundy ­Sarah-Zest with a dark grey or black pair of leggings, simple block coloured t-shirt and playful cardigan for an amazing Autumn inspired look.

Following the seasonal colour palette, for a cute Winter look, you could pair your Navy Sarah-Zest boots with a pair of jeans and cream chunky knit jumper.

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