Any doctor will tell you than an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We wear our seat belts to protect ourselves and we eat our vegetables to take care of our bodies. There are many ways that we prevent hardship in our daily lives. This conventional wisdom holds true for our feet as well! Some may think that a little foot pain is okay or even normal but we are here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way! Our feet communicate with us, telling us when something is wrong. Pain is a signal from our feet to our brain that something isn’t right and it’s our job to listen!

Foot pain can be caused by many different issues but can most commonly be solved by wearing properly-fitted shoes with adequate support! Food pain from ill-fitting shoes is NOT normal and can lead to more serious problems down the road. The longer you wait to remedy the problem, the longer it will take to heal and, chances are, the more expensive the treatment will be. If you begin to develop corns or bunions or even plantar fasciitis, proper footwear can often correct the issue before it becomes serious. However, waiting until the problems become more acute means often a few doctor visits and more expensive foot support, in addition to longer healing time.

So, do yourself (and your feet) a huge favor. When you begin to notice regular foot pain, come down to Cobbler Bill’s and get on the road to good health! Listen to your feet! They will tell you what they need!

Cobbler Bill’s has you covered! Bring them into us for an expert stretching! We will take your measurements and stretch your boot to fit you perfectly. Transform those ill-fitting boots into the perfect pair!

We don’t just stretch out the calf. We can also stretch width, length and in-step! With all the measurements tailored to fit your unique pair of legs and feet, you’re sure to step out in comfort and style!

Stretching generally costs $30 for length and or width, $30 for in-step and $50 for calf. Bring in your pair today for an estimate!

Happy Holidays from Cobbler Bill’s! We hope you all have wonderful plans with family and friends this December. We are very grateful for such a great year and we have you to thank. Thank you for your business and thank you for being part of our community!

We wanted to let you all know that we have many items that are just perfect for holiday gifts, whether it’s stocking stuffers, a gift for a loved one or friends and co-workers!

We have a large, colorful selection of socks and slippers, to keep all types of feet cozy and dry this winter. We, of course, always carry a wide variety of high-quality shoes so you can bring your lucky loved one into the store for a custom fit, before gifting them a pair. Is there someone on your list that you are just not sure what to get them? You are in luck! We have Cobbler Bill’s gift certificates that can be purchased for any amount. Just come visit us at the store to purchase one.

Have a great Holiday Season, and Best Wishes from Cobbler Bill’s and our staff!

Finn Comfort produces some of the healthiest and most luxurious hand-made walking shoes on earth. Finn Comfort footwear provides extraordinary orthopedic support and exhilarating comfort while promoting good health and well-being.

Try one of these fantastic pairs of Finn Comfort Shoes:

This premium women’s oxford is made of high-quality leather with a rubber sole and a perforated “classic comfort” footbed. The heel measures approximately 1 ½ inches and the fit is always true to size.

A high-quality women’s slip-on shoe, with a removable orthopedic footbed provides instant comfort in rich leather, grounded by a durable, shock-absorbing sole.

Don’t miss this opportunity!! This event is one day only! Mark your calendars and come to Cobbler Bill’s: Friday, November 18^th!

Oct 27^th-Nov 12^th ONLY!

We love to support worthwhile organizations and we also love to save you a little money, when we can. Here’s a way to do both! Bring a pair of new or gently used shoes into Cobbler Bill’s to donate to the VA (Veterans Affairs). When you bring them in, you will receive $10 OFF any pair of shoes that retails for $150 or less OR $20 OFF any pair of shoes that is over $150!! Don’t miss out on this chance to donate to a very worthy cause and save some money on a new set of footwear!

The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides patient care and federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. Since Bill is a US veteran of the Vietnam War, we believe strongly in supporting this organization and all of our honored veterans. Help us sponsor this great cause by donating your extra shoes!

This promotion is just in time to coincide with our new fall selections. We have several brand-new styles available for you to choose from. As always, we will offer our expert services to help you get properly fitted for your new shoes.

This is promotion is only available for a limited time! Come in between October 27^th and November 12^th to donate shoes and take advantage of these savings.

KEEN: NoPo Lace

Rugged, weatherproof and sustainable: it’s only natural that the NoPo Lace should be designed and built in KEEN’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. Waterproof leather and KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane keep weather out, while the lugged outsole features a direct-attach construction that requires no adhesives. NOTE: These shoes come in men’s sizes, only.

KEEN: NoPo Boot- a brand-new style!

Designed and built in KEEN’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, the NoPo boot is a native of Old Town’s sidewalks, the Gorge’s steep trails and the Pacific Northwest’s weather. As a result, it’s refined, rugged and weatherproof, thanks to full grain leathers, lugged outsole and KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane. NOTE: These shoes come in men’s sizes, only.

KEEN: Toyah Mary Jane

This Toyah Mj shoe features a feminine Mary Jane style on the top and a tough, no-nonsense KEEN outsole underneath. Ready for whatever urban adventures life can dish out, this casual shoe offers practical style that’s comfortable enough to keep you smiling through a day on your feet. The oiled nubuck leather upper features accented top stitching and classic KEEN toe protection. The comfy anatomical footbed and active outsole provide amazing support.

KEEN: Toyah Lace- New color in olive!

Feminine lace-up style on the top and a tough, no-nonsense KEEN outsole underneath! Ready for whatever urban adventure life can dish out, the Toyah offers practical style in a shoe comfortable enough to keep you smiling through a day on your feet. This shoe also features oiled nubuck leather upper with accented top stitching and classic KEEN toe protection and it has a comfy anatomical footbed and active outsole to provide the support you need.

KEEN: Erickson Hiking Boot- New style!

Built for serious backpackers, this fine technical boot is crafted from premium waterproof full grain leather, and finished with metal speed laces, a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and a cork an EVA heel cushion for unmatched comfort over long miles.

NEW BALANCE: W1140SBI – new style!

This New Balance updated running shoe has an innovative stability system to help prevent overpronation and support the large-framed runner. An ENCAP® platform supports a healthy gait with a firm foundation and greater height on the medial side, then a top layer of softer cushioning enhances comfort—plus an extra share for the lateral side discourages overpronation. A stylish synthetic and mesh upper adds reflectivity, while its welded construction eliminates seams to prevent chafing.

NEW BALANCE: Aravon Farah

The Farah is crafted with premium tailored leather to provide rearfoot stability and cushioning to keep your feet in sublime comfort all day long. It has breathability at the ankle and toe box, as well as premium leather upper for comfort and durability. This shoe provides arch support, heel support and much much more!

NEW BALANCE: Aravon Ferren

The “sporty” lace-up Farren Oxford features both a sleek and athletic upper for a superior look and feel. A Full Ground Contact Outsole provides stability and support. It has breathability at the ankle and toe box, as well as premium leather upper for comfort and durability. This shoe provides arch support, heel support and much much more!

It’s been a long day and your feet hurt! Both you and your spouse or partner did everything you could do for your achy feet.  You both wore your best sandals and shoes with good arch supports and you even tried to give your feet a break, when you could. But now, both of you are just looking for a little extra foot relief at the end of the day.  How about some mutually reciprocated foot massages?

There are several ways to give a proper foot massage but if it’s your first time, you should remember you’re not an expert and should defer to the person whose foot you’re holding.  That said, it can’t hurt to try! You both deserve a little extra care.

What follows are a few techniques which can be done in a series for increased foot comfort:

• Stroking: Hold the foot with both hands and apply a firm stroking motion with both of your thumbs.  This technique stimulates circulation and warms the feet.

• Ankle Rotations: Roll the foot gently, with both hands, until any stiffness in the foot recedes. Try rolling it in both directions.

• Toe pulls and squeezes: Gently pull the toes out, one at a time. It’s very calming to the feet and body.

• Toe slides: Insert your finger between each of the toes to relax the feet.

• Arch press: In this, you use the heel of your hand and roll it along the arch of the foot in the arches of the foot.  This technique reduces tension in the arches of your foot.

• Stroking, repeated: This step is identical to the first step described above, and is the final step.

Now trade places! You can keep going back and forth, or even massage each other’s feet at the same time, until you both feel some relief and relaxation. These should be a great way to start your new massage schedule. Feels like living in the lap of luxury, doesn’t it?  Have fun and enjoy!

Some articles have blamed footwear for running injuries and therefore praise the merits of going barefoot. However, this generalization does not apply to all shoes for all people. Whenever we use a tool (shoes, in this case), our body adjusts accordingly. The biggest problems we see are from shoes that are the wrong tool for the job. For example, wearing work boots for running or wearing the wrong running shoe can contribute to injury. Additionally, wearing poorly-made shoes or shoes with an improper fit (or a combination of both) can increase the problem.

So far, the scientific research is still out on whether running barefoot (or in minimalist shoes) holds any benefit over having well-fitted running shoes. In a New York Times article on the subject, Benno Nigg, a professor of biomechanics at the University of Calgary and a well-respected footwear researcher had this to say: “There is no direct evidence that running shoes cause injury or that barefoot running reduces injury.”*

However, a local podiatric physician and surgeon, Dr. John Mozena, has noticed an increase in patients that have sustained injuries from running barefoot or in minimalist shoes.  “He says that running barefoot can lead to numerous injuries such as Achilles tendonitis –inflammation of the Achilles tendon – or stress fractures. Others claim bodies are built to run shoeless — and do so without hurting themselves.” (Oregon Live. 2011*)

For the moment, the research is still being done to decide how safe it is to run barefoot. In the meantime, we recommend finding the proper shoes for your feet that will help prevent injury and protect the feet while running. What do you think of the new fad? Leave us a comment!

* Reynolds, Gretchen. Phys Ed: Is Running Barefoot Better for You? October 21, 2009 http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/phys-ed-is-running-barefoot-better-for-you/

*Sanchez, Tatiana. Barefoot Running:You’ve heard the Hype but do you know the facts? June 23, 2011.http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/06/barefoot_running_youve_heard_t.html

Come in to Cobbler Bill’s between July 5th and July 23rd for big savings on select shoes! We will have several of our favorite styles and brands on sale: up to 50% off! Come in early to see all the selections we have on sale- some closeouts won’t last all three weeks!
Several of the brands on sale are:

FINN COMFORT -These sandals and shoes, made in Germany, have exhilarating natural comfort, while promoting good health and well being.

BIRKIS – High quality, German-made sandals that are excellent for wider feet and offer more cushioning than the traditional Birkenstock.

DUNHAM – These fine-crafted sandals and shoes have been made in New England for 100 yrs. They also incorporate New Balance technology.

KEENS — This Portland company offers great shoes and sandals with outstanding support and are also committed to making a positive difference in their community and the environment. Note: only KEEN sandals are on sale.

OLD FRIEND – Men’s Romeo slippers: sheepskin slippers are made with comfortable, durable styling (available in men’s wide sizing).

ACORN — Mocassin slippers withsoft and warm fleece uppers and fully lined in cozy micro fleece: for both men and women!

SOCKS ARE ON SALE TOO!! – Smartwool, Wigwam, and Thorlo socks are on sale. If you buy 6 pairs you get the 7th pair (of equal or lesser value) totally FREE!

Since 1975, Cobbler Bill’s has been committed to providing customers with proper shoe fit, comfort, style and the elimination of foot pain. Come join us in celebrating 36 years of helping people get pain-free feet!

Diabetes can lead to two major problems for the feet: nerve damage and poor blood flow. Nerve damage in your feet is dangerous because you may not realize if your feet are in pain, are hot or cold. As diabetics lose sensation in their feet, they tend to wear tight shoes, so they can feel their feet more, which then exacerbates problems like calluses and corns. This is why it is even more important to wear shoes that fit well, to minimize any possible foot discomfort. Taking good care of your feet, by keeping nails trimmed and calluses, bunions and corns to a minimum, is another important step toward healthy feet. If there is nerve damage, a callus could go unnoticed. Untreated calluses can turn into ulcers, or open sores on people with diabetes. Ulcers can lead to more serious foot problems; it’s best to see a doctor immediately under those circumstances.  Wearing comfortable, properly-fitted shoes greatly minimizes the instances of calluses, bunions and corns, as well.

Poor blood flow (or circulation) can lead to serious complications like sores and infections so having roomy, comfortable shoes is important to increasing circulation, as best you can. Good shoes also help add incentive to get out and exercise, which can greatly improve blood flow! Even a daily walk around the neighborhood, in comfy shoes, can really help. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting good exercise, eating a low-fat diet and to “walk in good, sturdy, comfortable shoes*” for better blood circulation in the feet.

Of course, it is so important to work with your doctor to improve your health and maintain your diabetes with medication, diet and exercise. However, good shoes can be a major step towards maintaining good health. Come see us today to get the right shoes for your needs.

* http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications.html