flat feet

cdstormer

I seriously have some of the flattest feet on the planet, and have since about age 8. What really stinks is that now that I'm 40, and carrying extra weight my feet hurt. I have issues with tendonitis of my ankles due to pronation, and I have something called Hallux limitis which is a problem with bone spurs at the base of my right big toe. I have gone to a podiatrist who had me get custom orthotics for my shoes. I also have started the policy of minimal barefoot time ( I love being barefoot, but my feet really can't tolerate it anymore!). Instead of taking of my shoes immediately after I get home from work and going barefoot, I keep a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on at the door and go with it. Chaco sandals really have a nice arch, and sanuk flip flops feel wonderful on my feet.
Anyone have any suggestions of other shoes? Helpful hints about exercise? I could use all the help I get!

ArroganceInStep

I have flat feet as well, not quite as bad but I know where you're coming from I think. Low impact cardio is the way to go, as you've probably gathered that running is a bad thing. Swimming and cycling are king but you might be able to get away with the elliptical depending. Also you can do higher intensity lifting to make up for the fact that your cardio is low impact.

As for shoes I bought a pair of shape ups a while back. I don't really buy into the fact that they make you burn more calories walking, but I did notice that they had a TREMENDOUS amount of support and made my feet hurt a whole lot less.