European Sizing

Workin' Wednesday :) 

A More Accurate European/U.S. Sizing Conversion Chart

European sizing is approximately “3/4's” difference between each size as compared to U.S. whole sizes, and they are usually cut for a generous fit. If you are between sizes, you should find a different style better suited to your foot shape. The following conversion chart is by far the most accurate of any I have seen or used; particularly if you are truly interested in the proper fit and function of European shoes. Upon first try you may feel that the size suggested is too BIG, but if you give your feet the chance to adjust to the joy and health benefits of a roomy fit, you will ultimately appreciate your shoes, and your toes will wiggle with glee....as it should be...

 Women:

 35 = 4 2/3

36 = 5 ½

37 = 6 1/3

38 = 7+

39 = 8-

40 = 8 ¾

41 = 9 ½

42 = 10 ½

43 = 11+

44 = 12-

 Men:

 41 = 7 ½

42 = 8 1/3

43 = 9+

44 = 10-

45 = 10 2/3

46 = 11 ½

47 = 12 ½

48 = 13

49 = 14+

50 = 15-

Labor Day Weekend

I wish you all a relaxing holiday and will be back Tuesday with my usual shoe and feet antics. 

Love and Sole,

abigail dagmar

Love Over Shoes

 Thoughtful Thursday :)

I once fell in love over a pair of shoes...found a soul mate, in fact. You could accuse me of having a foot fetish because he did have lovely feet. I could wax poetic about his high insteps and charming toes but I will spare you those details. Besides, I don't think I actually have a foot fetish...

I happened to be working the afternoon he came into the shoe store to find some quality shoes he could wear to wait tables. He explained that his feet were wide and that sometimes made it difficult to find shoes that fit well. I measured his feet and headed back to the stock room hoping he wouldn't notice how flushed with color I became when I looked in his eyes. In all honesty, I wanted to help his feet first and foremost but, I will admit the connection I felt with him was immediate and true.

Of course, I fit him with a pair of excellent work shoes that treated his feet beautifully. He purchased the shoes and left the store. As he walked away he repeatedly looked back over his shoulder to catch my eye. We would certainly meet again. Time passed and much of that time was spent together learning, loving and always wearing superb shoes. I will always look over my shoulder with love, fondness and gratitude of having shared a life with him and those perfect feet of his.

4-2, abigail dagmar

Workin' Wednesday Wolky Roll Clog Review

Did I mention how C_O_M_F_O_R_T_A_B_L_E  these shoes are? I managed to keep the review short and sweet....but make no mistake...I could expound on the virtues of this unique clogs for decades and everytime I slip my feet into them my sole sings!

Ingrown Nails...OUCH!!!

 Tips on Tuesday :)

You will notice this is a fairly lengthy post....so if you are not currently suffering the pain of an ingrown nail, just read through “Cause 1 & 2” so that you can be proactive about avoiding this kind of pain. If you are in the midst of an ingrown nail situation, I hope you will find this post helpful in knowing what to do and what to expect.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, try and avoid ingrown nails in the first place. Not only do they hurt like a @$^}#%*!..but they also make for a very grumpy you. You are not going to like learning this lesson the hard way...I know some folks only learn through experience, but please trust me on this one.

Ingrown nails are mainly caused by 2 things; one of which you have total control over and the other very little control.

Cause #1: Wearing your shoes too short and/or pointy consistently over time. Stop it!!!

Cause #2: The shape/direction in which your toenails grow(genetics).Avoid cutting your nails really short.

If you happen to be in a situation where you already have a painful ingrown nail(s) I strongly recommend the following:

1. Make an appointment with your podiatrist now! It often takes at least 1-2 weeks to get on the schedule.

2. Until your visit with the doctor wear open-toed footwear and soak your foot for 40 minutes 3-5x a day in warm Epsom salt water. This helps minimize pain and infection. If you arrive at the doctors office with an infection you will end up with more total visits to get it all resolved. A podiatrist can't do everything possible while an infection is present and will also likely prescribe antibiotics and more Epsom salt baths.

3. Your podiatrist should be able to help you figure out which of the two main causes is responsible for your predicament.

4. If you have an ingrown nail because of Cause #1, the podiatrist will likely numb the affected area with a shot...often with Lidocaine...and get to work on cutting the nail properly and relieving your pain. After the numbness wears off, your toe may be a little sore but the intense pain of the ingrown nail will be gone...HURRAY! Make sure to follow all care instructions and attend your follow-up appointment.

5. Buy longer shoes!!!!! Go to a shoe store that still actually measures feet and avoid suffering from ingrown nails again.

6. If Cause #2 is the issue, the podiatrist will likely numb the affected area with a shot...often with Lidocaine...and get to work on cutting the nail properly and relieving your pain. After the numbness wears off, your toe may be a little sore but the intense pain of the ingrown nail will be gone...HURRAY! Make sure to follow all care instructions and attend your follow-up appointment. Thus, in the short run your issue is resolved, but you must consider the long run if you don't want to become a regular at the podiatrist's office. During your follow up visit you will learn if your nail shape is likely to cause this situation again. In which case, having the edge of the nail permanently removed would be recommended (and not as bad as it sounds). Be sure to attend all of your follow-up visits. If this is not the case, have the podiatrist show you how to properly trim and shape your nail to avoid future recurrences. AND of course make sure your shoes are long enough.

May you live long and without foot pain,

abigail dagmar