‘OUCH, MY FEET!’ The Right Way to Break in New Shoes
Inspired by TheKitchenGirl.com
If you love to run, hike, or take long walks, then you’re probably familiar with the “new shoe dilemma.” It happens in your head and goes something like this:
“I really need new shoes; my old ones are falling apart!”
5-INGREDIENT CHICKPEA SPREAD
“Are you sure? They’re expensive.”
“I’m sure.”
Slather this vegan chickpea spread on your favorite bread, top it with sliced veggies and sprouts, and pair it with an icy glass of lemonade for the perfect summer lunch.
“But what about the break-in period? It hurts! You can wait another month, right?” The break-in period is the uncomfortable 2–3-week period when your shoes feel new or stiff and don’t fit quite
Ingredients
• • •
1 tsp Dijon mustard
•
1 15-oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise (DIY or store-bought)
1/8 tsp salt
right. You might even end up with sore feet or a blister. Unfortunately, it’s crucial that you suffer through this rough patch to ensure you’re not stuck with falling-apart, unsupportive shoes. Here are three ways to make the process less painful. 1. Start slow. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should break in new shoes over the course of a few days. Start with one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then, if your feet still feel good, increase the time frame until you’re comfortable wearing them all day. 2. Rotate your footwear. A 2013 sports medicine study found that runners who rotate between two pairs of shoes can lower their risk of running-related injuries by 39%. After your new shoes have made it through the “slow start” process, consider keeping your old ones in rotation for a few more weeks so you’ll be less likely to hurt yourself. 3. Listen to your body. Having proper footwear is crucial to the health of your feet, knees, hips, and lower back (your weight distribution starts in your feet, after all!), so pay attention to how those areas feel during the break-in process. Are you still walking differently after a day or two in your new shoes? Does a part of your body ache that didn’t before? That’s more than the break-in blues! Your new footwear could do long-term damage to your body, so invest in a new pair or visit a podiatrist or physical therapist for help. Want to learn more about the fickle relationship between humans and shoes? Check out “These Shoes Are Killing Me!” an episode of the “Freakonomics Radio” podcast that aired May 19, 2017.
•
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, combine all five ingredients. With a potato masher, crush chickpeas and mix all ingredients together. 2. When the mixture is smooth, spread it onto your favorite bread to make a sandwich, add a dollop to salads, or scoop it with crackers for a delicious summer snack.
“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
3
425-497-8180 | WWW.PTPRO.BIZ
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator