Monday, September 29, 2014

Plantar Fasciitis

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... From time to time I will have a Guest Blogger here.  Sometimes it is just easier for someone else to explain things other than just shoes.  So, today please let me introduce you to my friend The Shoe Psychiatrist.



The Shoe Psychiatrist .. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments that I deal with on a regular basis.  I have listened to more people describe their symptoms that when I got it I knew exactly what it was.  I can tell you from experience - it is not something that you ever want to have.



What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot.  This tissue is called the plantar fascia.  It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot, and when it is inflamed it hurts.

What are the Symptoms?
The most common complaints are PAIN and STIFFNESS in the bottom of the heel.  That pain can be sharp or dull and the bottom the foot could also burn or ache.  The pain is usually worse as you try to take your first steps in the morning, after sitting or standing for a length of time, when climbing stairs or after intense activity.  The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.  There can also be some mild foot swelling or redness.

What are the Causes?
Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused.  Studies also state that Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles, foot arch problems, long-distance running, sudden weight gain, and tight Achilles Tendon increase your chances of having this problem.

Plantar Fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case.  Heel Spurs are seen in people with and without Plantar Fasciitis.

What Are The Treatments?
Picture 3 - Morning Stretches

OH, that is a very good question andthere is a very long list of answers.  I start by telling you what I do.

My Suggestions:
1... Get a good pair of shoes.  Get shoes with good arch support and cushions (like SAS® Walking Shoes).

2... Do some stretching  
Picture 4 - Step Stretching

exercises.  I do stretch exercise before I even get out of bed (See Picture 3). 
Through out the day I step on the edge of a step and then lower my body up and down.  This pulls and helps loosen the Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscles (See Picture 4).  This really helps me.




3... If my feet are really inflamed I might take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Tylenol, Advil or Mortrin. You might want to check with your doctor first about this.

Other Treatments:
1... Resting as much as possible for a week (who can do that?).
2... Apply ice to the painful area.  Do this at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes, you may want to do it more often in the first few days.
3... Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heal area or other shoe inserts.
4... Use night splints to stretch the fascia overnight and help it to heal faster.

IF THOSE DON'T WORK a Health Care Provider may recommend:
1... Wearing a boot cast for up to 6 weeks (looks like a Ski Boot).
2... Custom Made Shoe Inserts (orthotics).
3... Steroid Shots or injections into the heel (Ouch).
4... Foot surgery may be necessary.

In almost all case Non-Surgical treatments will improve the pain and help your feet heal.  I have never had Plantar Fasciitis more that 3 months, but for some treatment can last from several months to several years.

I have not had Plantar Fasciits for over 6 years now.  Why you ask?  It is because I replaced my shoes with the best supportive shoes I can find (SAS®) at the firest sign of back, knee, or foot pain, and I continue with my stretching exercises on a daily basis.

MY ADVICE:
1... Your feet take you everywhere you go - take care of them.  Always wear proper fitting comfortable supportive shoes.
2... If you are in or near the Nashville, Tennessee area go see my friends at Ensor's Comfort Shoes.  They have been helping people with Plantar Fasciitis since 1993.


Read my Blogs at:   ..... The Shoe Psychiatrist







Friday, September 19, 2014

Toast of Music City Readers Choice Awards 2014

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... Some might complain at placing Third and not First or Second, but not us.  We were the only Local Family Owned Small Business to place.  That is a good thing.

We won this award just a few days before we changed our name to Ensor's Comfort Shoes.  We will still continue to sell SAS® as our main line - because we believe they make the best product, and they are made right here in the USA.

We would like to thank our customers that have kept us in business since 1993, and everyone that voted for us.









Sunday, September 14, 2014

SIDE GORE for Men by SAS®

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... Side Gore is the Slip-on version of 'Bout Time.  As you can see this great style can be used for either Casual Wear or as a Dress Shoe.  The genuine moccasin construction of this style wraps the finest soft supple leather completely around the foot.


SIDE GORE in BLACK

Side Gore comes with all of the SAS® Bells and Whistles. Those include the SAS Selfset® Foot Bed, the SAS Tripad-Moc™ Construction, the Soft Step™ Heel, and the Lightweight Flexible SAS Supersoft® Sole.

Add in the padded tongue and collar, the firm heel counter, and the EZ™ Gore and the package is complete.



SIDE GORE in CORDOVAN

Side Gore is available in the following colors:
     Black and Cordovan.

Side Gore is available in the following Sizes and Widths:
     Slim 8-15, Narrow 7-15, Medium 6-15, Wide 6-15,
          and Wide-Wide 6-15.


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com





MADE in USA

TIME OUT for Men by SAS®

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... I have mentioned our Top Selling Men's Style by SAS® in several blogs, but now I feel that it is time Time Out has a Blog dedicated to it and it alone.  I refer to Time Out as our "Awwww Shoe."  That means that no matter how your feet feel prior to trying a pair on they will say Awwwww.

With it's Added Depth and Wide Toe Box - Freetime is recommended by Podiatrists, Orthopedic Doctors, and is Medicare Approved for Diabetic Feet.


TIME OUT in BLACK
Time Out is designed to fit and follow the shape of your foot and is made on an exclusive SAS® Walking Shoe Last.  The initial fit of Time Out should be wide enough to stay comfortable across the ball of the foot yet roomy enough in the front so the toes are not cramped.


This leather shoe has Extra Toe Room, a padded tongue with an elastic gore stitched to the lining to hold the tongue in place.  It comes with a No-Bite™ Padded Collar, a firm heel counter and lots of ventilation to help keep your feet cool and dry.  It also comes with the SAS EZ Lace™ System.

TIME OUT in WALNUT
The SAS Selfset® Foot Bed liteSAS Green Odor-Resistant Tripad® Cushions are located under the main pressure points of the foot.  This material never loses its shock-absorbing ability.

The SAS Selfset® Foot Bed literally molds to the shape of the foot.  On the underside an Arch Cushion helps maintain the contour and height of the arch.  This Foot Bed is removable, washable, replaceable, and without provides easy accommodation for orthotics.


TIME OUT in BONE


The SAS® Lightweight Supersoft® Sole has a wide 
base for stability and maximum shock absorption.  The sole is made out of long-lasting, molded polyurethane containing millions of tiny air bubbles to cushion every single step.  This includes the SAS Soft Step™ Heel that helps reduce heel shock.

Everyone deserves to try a pair of these shoes on.


Time Out is available in the following colors:

     Black, Bone, and Walnut.

Time Out is available in the following sizes and widths:

     Black:    Slim 8-15, Narrow 8-15, Medium 6-15, 
          Wide 6-15, Wide-Wide 6-15, and 3Wide 6-13.
     Walnut:  Slim 8-15, Narrow 8-15, Medium 6-15, 
          Wide 6-15, and Wide-Wide 6-15
     Bone:      Slim 10-14, Narrow 9-14, Medium 7-13,
          Wide 7-13 and Wide-Wide 7-13


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com





MADE in USA

Friday, September 12, 2014

FREETIME for Women by SAS®

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... I have mentioned our Top Selling Women's Style by SAS® in several blogs, but now I feel that it is time Freetime has a Blog dedicated to it and it alone.  I refer to Freetime as our "Awwww Shoe."  That means that no matter how your feet feel prior to trying a pair on they will say Awwwww with delight.
FREETIME in BLACK
With it's Added Depth and Wide Toe Box - Freetime is recommended by Podiatrists, Orthopedic Doctors, and is Medicare Approved for Diabetic Feet.
FREETIME in WHITE
Freetime is designed to fit and follow the shape of your foot and is made on an exclusive SAS® Walking Shoe Last.  The initial fit of Freetime should be wide enough to stay comfortable across the ball of the foot yet roomy enough in the front so the toes are not cramped.
FREETIME in BONE
This leather shoe has Extra Toe Room, a padded tongue with an elastic gore stitched to the lining to hold the tongue in place.  It comes with a No-Bite™ Padded Collar, a firm heel counter and lots of ventilation to help keep your feet cool and dry.  It also comes with the SAS EZ Lace™ System.
FREETIME in MOCHA
SAS Green Odor-Resistant Tripad® Cushions are located under the main pressure points of the foot.  This material never loses its shock-absorbing ability.
FREETIME in NAVY
The SAS Selfset® Foot Bed literally molds to the shape of the foot.  On the underside an Arch Cushion helps maintain the contour and height of the arch.  This Foot Bed is removable, washable, replaceable, and without provides easy accommodation for orthotics.
FREETIME in RED
The SAS® Lightweight Supersoft® Sole has a wide 
base for stability and maximum shock absorption.  The sole is made out of long-lasting, molded polyurethane containing millions of tiny air bubbles to cushion every single step.  This includes the SAS Soft Step™ Heel that helps reduce heel shock.
FREETIME in TEAK
Well, if you made it though all of that then you can see why I call Freetime the "Awwww Shoe."  Everyone deserves to at least try a pair of these on.  Chances are that if you drop in and see us in the Fall/Winter time you will see me wearing a pair of these in the next (and last) color shown below.
FREETIME in CHARCOAL NUBUCK
Freetime is available in the following colors:
     White, Black, Bone, Mocha, Navy, Red, Teak, and
          Charcoal Nubuck.

Freetime is available in the following sizes and widths:
     Black:     Slim 6-12, Narrow 6-12, Medium 4-12,
                    Wide 5-12, Wide-Wide 5-12, 3W 5-12.
     White, Bone, Mocha, and Teak:
                     Slim 6-12, Narrow 6-12, Medium 4-12
                     Wide 5-12, and Wide-Wide 5-12.
     Navy and Red:
                      Narrow 7-10, Medium 6-10, and Wide 6-10


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com





MADE in USA

TWIN by SAS® for Women

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... Twin is another slip-on shoe from SAS® that packs a lot of punch.  One of the best things about Twin is the hand laced moccasin construction that wraps the soft leather completely around the foot. That hand laced construction leaves soft gathers around the toe area which is perfect for those that have sensitive toes.

The soft leather upper is padded in the tongue area for instep comfort.  They included a firm heel counter for stability and a No-Bite™ Padded Collar for ankle and heel comfort.


TWIN in BLACK
TWIN has the SAS Selfset® Foot Bed that molds to the shape of the foot, a insole for added stability, and the SAS Tripad™ cushions under the main pressure points of the foot.

TWIN in MULCH

The Lightweight Flexible SAS Supersoft® Sole provided maximum shock absorption and cushions every single step. Add the Soft Step™ Heel with a wide heel base and you have extra stability and greatly reduced shock.

TWIN is available in Black and Mulch.

TWIN is available in the following sizes and widths.
     Slim 6-12, Narrow 6-12, Medium 4-12, Wide 5-12, and
          Wide-Wide 5-12


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com





MADE in USA

VIVA by SAS® for Women

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... IF you like Freetime you will definitely like VIVA (Freetime's slip-on sister).  It comes will all the comfort features that we are used to from SAS®.


VIVA in BLACK
Viva is designed to fit and mold to the shape of the foot. It is made on an exclusive SAS® foot shaped last.  SAS Tripad® comfort cushions give long-lasting all day comfort

Viva is made of soft leather and the tongue area is padded for instep comfort.  SAS EZ™ Gore holds the foot securely in place with no biting across the top of the foot when it is stationary or moving.  With a firm extended heel counter for stability and a No-Bite™ Padded Collar you can feel the support and comfort in this shoe.

Viva comes with the SAS Selfset® Footbed that literally molds to the shape of the foot.  This footbed is removable, washable and replaceable.  Add the Lightweight Flexible SAS Supersoft® Sole (will millions of air bubbles) and the Soft Step® Heel with the wide base and Viva is a winner.

VIVA is available in Black.

VIVA is available in the following sizes and widths:
      Slim 6-12, Narrow 6-12, Medium 5-12, Wide 5-12, and
          Wide-Wide 5-12.

NOTE:  Viva is also available in Teak and Dark Brown Nubuck in limited sizes and widths.  We will be happy to try to Special Order those colors for you.


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com






Made in USA

Saturday, September 6, 2014

SORRENTO Women's Sandal by SAS®

Betty Ensor Thomas .....  Sorrento is another 5 Star sandal in SAS's incredible line of comfortable sandals. New for 2014 this sandal has all the comfort features that we have come to love and expect.


SORRENTO in PRALINE

Let's start with the three adjustable Velcro Leather straps with Hook and Loops that make the center strap adjustable. The heel strap is padded and contoured for better fit and comfort.


SORRENTO in LINEN

Of course we have the SAS Multi-Layered Tripad® Comfort that cushions the main pressure points of the feet.
Sorrento has a broad cushioned foot bed that is covered with Soft Super Suede™ and a cushioned arch support. Ad the SAS All-Day Comfort Sole with the Soft Step™ Heel and we have one comfortable sandal.


SORRENTO in NERO

Sorrento is available in Linen, Nero and Praline.

Sorrento is available in the following sizes:
     Medium 5-11 and Wide 5-11


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com






MADE in USA

Friday, September 5, 2014

DUO by SAS®

Betty Ensor Thomas ..... Of all the Sandals in the SAS® line - DUO is my absolute favorite.  I've strayed from it a couple of times, but I always come back to it.  I can't even remember all the colors that I have had it in (some that are no longer available).  I'm just grateful that it's still part of their "Heritage Collection."


DUO in WHITE

Duo is just a simple little sandal.  It has a front strap with two adjustable buckles and an ankle strap.  It's simple enough to wear with just about everything. 


DUO in BLACK
Even though I have described DUO as a simple little sandal it has all the comfort features that we have come to love about SAS® Sandals.  The soft tumbled leather upper is completely lined, and the backstrap is padded to help cushion the heel. The ankle strap has elastic attached to the buckle that moves with each step you take.


DUO in NATURAL
The SAS®  Comfort Food Bed is made of a Super Suede™ material that is wrapped over a thick shock absorbing cushion to give a comfort foot bed that contours the foot.  Tripad® cushions the main pressure points of the foot.


DUO in DENIM NUBUCK

The SAS Lightweight Supersoft® Sole is made of a long-lasting polyurethane that contains millions of tiny air bubble to cushion every step.  Each sole is molded with an SAS Soft Step Heel™ that helps reduce heel shock.

DUO is available in the following colors:

     White, Black, and Natural in Smooth Leather.
     Denim in Nubuck.

DUO is available in the following sizes:

     White, Black and Natural:  Slim 6-12, Narrow 6-12,
           Medium 4-12, Wide 5-12 and Wide-Wide 5-12

      Denim in Nubuck:  Medium 5-12 and Wide 6-11

Drop by and try a pair of the simple little (very comfortable) sandals on.  I hope you love them as much as I do.


Now you can purchase online at:  ensorshoes.com





MADE in USA