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Do you wear shoes while quilting? (I know this sounds weird)


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ummm....i developed plantar fasciitis....and then....I tried standing without my left foot touching the ground...that didn't work real well....then my muscles atrophied a bit in my left leg from just trying to use my right leg the most...then my ankles, knees, and back got stiff....then I tore the plantar fascia...so now I wear my shoes whenever I am on my feet....after much physical therapy....and shoe inserts....I am mostly ok and not bothered much....but I do wear shoes with good support and Birkenstocks are my main ones....I also do my calf stretches and exercises in a warm therapy pool to keep everything movable....so...I really support problem solving the pain and addressing it before you end up like I did...tried to tough it out way too long.......I also did get a floor mat....oh....and I found crocs really did not have the support that I need for standing for periods of time...I am also considering a saddle stool...but as I quilt for myself and not fancy stuff at this time....I really don't know I need one yet.....but someday....I can only dream that I will be good enough to need one  LOL   .Lin

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I have my machine on a wood floor upstairs.  I often wear flip flops when I'm quilting in my pj's, but when dressed, I wear sketcher go run 2 shoes.  I also workout almost daily, swimming/weight machines and eliptical.  The extra arm work really helps me to be able to quilt nearly all day and not have shoulder pain.  And, I'm no spring chicken either ;) .

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Our machine is on concrete and we put down the colorful, rubber squares 1/2" before we got started.  They worked well but after a while my feet hurt in my shoes.  I have Birkenstocks, Crocs, Dansko, but the very best for comfort for me is the Skechers Work Slip Resistant Shape Ups.  They are the ones with the curvy bottom.  I keep them in my quilting room because, in my opinion, they are a fright to look at.  They were recommended to me by a hair stylist.  She said that you have to get used to wearing them, but she has had no back pain since she got used to them.  I don't quilt all day but I feel like I could in these shoes.  I love Zappos.com too because they are free shipping both ways and great to work with. 

Hope that helps,

Joan

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I quilt barefoot.  I actually don't wear shoes inside my house.  That being said, my DH insisted I wear slippers yesterday because of our snow/ice storm.  I tripped going up a set of hardwood stairs.  Once I determined I was OK, I took off the dreaded slippers and gave them back to him.  Right now I am ready for the roads to clear so he can go back in to his office.  He tried this morning and couldn't get up the hill we live on.  

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I have anti-fatique mat AND I'm supposed to wear my tennis shoes for the support, but sometimes I forget (actually would rather go barefoot) and then I pay for it later.  I also have magnetic insoles in my tennis shoes and that helps my legs.  Crocs don't have enough support for me to last all day without pain.

 

That was definitely not a weird question to ask.

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I spent 27 years standing on moving metal decks (ships) in combat boots so my feet and joints have taken a beating.   I'm only 5FT tall, so when I need a little heighth to reach the back of my machine area I wear Crocks but most of the time I'm in my bare feet.  I also use the cushy mats. 

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I use the cushy mats and sock feet.  I actually wish my table would go up higher.  I am 5'6" and don't think it is high enough.  Maybe I need to rethink.

 

Last year I made the big 50 and just thought the aches in my lower back and legs were from getting "older"  - well maybe not.  I am going to try crocks and see if that may help.

 

Very helpful posts - thanks!

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I do it all...I wear my crocs, my Danskos, any and all of my other shoes.  I have anti-fatigue mats, the Body Right Posture Pleaser and the saddle stool.  I've come to the conclusion that at my age and present physical condition I'm going to hurt doing anything for any extended period of time so I try to use good posture and I change positions often.  I take breaks.  I stretch.  I quilt a little bit then I'll sit and piece a little bit.  And when I'm tired...I stop.  I've stopped making myself "push on".  I don't ignore pain.  It's your body's way of telling you to change something.  Recently a back specialist asked me what I wanted to accomplish from my treatment with him.  I told him I wanted to wear high heels and ride on the back of my husband's Harley.  I know I have to modify that so I'll wear my comfy type shoes and we'll buy a trike...lol.  Do what you have to do to make your life work for you.      

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