This post is sponsored by ABEO®, all opinions are my own.

I’m curious: what do you think of when you hear the word ‘orthotics?’

Does it conjure up an image of an old woman, maybe your grandmother, wearing her not so cute, chunky shoes due to her back issues? Maybe it’s an old man hobbling down the street with his plaid pants, scaly cap and cane? Well I’m here to change that image sister, because the term ‘orthotic’ is really just another term for arch support and the biggest mistake we make is waiting until we are an old woman or man until we fix it.

Listen, back issues aren’t just for grandparents ok?! I for one can attest to that one…

There I was, moving the furniture in my office around (I wanted my desk under the window so I could get more light you see… ) when I felt something in my lower back ‘go’ and I just like that, I couldn’t move. I suddenly understood what it meant all of those times I had heard people say they ‘threw their back out.’ I somehow lowered myself to the floor, where I remained for a full 45 minutes.

It was humbling I’ll tell you that much – and it made me realize I had to do something about it. I knew my shoes weren’t helping the matter so when ABEO®asked me to partner with them to try their shoes, it couldn’t have been more perfecttiming.

Now don’t get me wrong, I had the same image in my head at first, like was I going to have to wear chunky old people shoes now? But when I went to The Walking Company’s website and checked out the selection of ABEO styles I was pleasantly surprised that they were really cute!

VISITING THE STORE

When I went into the store I was greeted by just the nicest two girls. I told the one that was helping me my issues and she actually told me that she was going to determine my arch type and match my foot type to my footwear choice.

There was this mat underneath a large tv screen and she had me do a series of walking across it and standing on it until the screen showed a 3D image of my foot. The three red spots are apparently my pressure points, which she explained are always changing. They depend on your activity level at any given moment and how long you’ve been on your feet. I also learned that I have a high (and long) arch. When you have a high arch what happens is you put a lot of pressure on your heels and balls and over time, that causes problems (yeah, back problems…) 

TRYING THEM ON

After getting a bit of an education, I picked out some styles and tried them on. There were several pairs I really liked, but the one that really caught my eye was this scrunchy bootie called FAITH. When I put them on and walked around, I felt like I was walking on clouds. I then looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe how damn cute they were!

I also tried on some flat booties, a pair of sandals and sneakers, which I am DEFINITELY coming back to get. Working out with crappy sneakers is likely a major reason I’m in this mess. But I decided to go with the booties because I wanted something I was going to get a lot of use out of for fall and that would go with every outfit and the Faith booties were it.

The sales associate also showed me the 3D custom removable inserts they had and showed me how they work.

I also tried on some flat booties, a pair of sandals and sneakers, which I am DEFINITELY coming back to get. Working out with crappy sneakers is likely a major reason I’m in this mess. But I decided to go with the booties because I wanted something I was going to get a lot of use out of for fall and that would go with every outfit and the Faith booties were it.

The sales associate also showed me the 3D custom removable inserts they had and showed me how they work.

She had me turn around and put my hands clasped behind my back. Then she told me to try to stand there and resist as she pushed my hands toward the floor. As she did it I completely lost my balance and stumbled backward. She then had me step on the insert and try again. To my amazement I felt like I was planted to the ground. I didn’t move an inch as she pushed. These things really work!

  

MY NEW KICKS

So now it goes without saying you will be seeing a lot more of this beauties this fall – I will be styling them up for the gram ASAP!

And not to be dorky but…I definitely feel like I’m doing something good for my body and not having to sacrifice fashion ya know?

Have you ever tried orthotics or have you always just thought they weren’t cute enough to bother? Hopefully my experience will help you change your mind – it’s never too early to take care of your back (and your feet!)

XO,