The Positive Thread - 2024

Kwik

Animals are Blessings
Top Cat
Joined
May 29, 2023
Messages
10,693
Purraise
21,882
Location
South Florida
This weekend I realized the pain in my feet might be partly because my sneakers were going on 2 years old. I didn’t have time to shop and it looked like Kohls didn’t have any Asics in the store in my size. So I found the newer version of what I was wearing (knowing Asics fit me well in a running shoe style) and ordered from Amazon.

It’s amazing how quickly I could feel the difference in how my whole leg feels aligned again. I didn’t realize I was over pronating even with arch supports. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner that I might need new shoes.

The next best part: they are light purple (kind of a pinkish purple). And the next: they were on sale for a really good price! :thumbsup:
You know what we horse people say" no foot,no horse"

I'm glad you realized- gotta take care of those footsies
 

iPappy

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
5,986
Purraise
19,023
This weekend I realized the pain in my feet might be partly because my sneakers were going on 2 years old. I didn’t have time to shop and it looked like Kohls didn’t have any Asics in the store in my size. So I found the newer version of what I was wearing (knowing Asics fit me well in a running shoe style) and ordered from Amazon.

It’s amazing how quickly I could feel the difference in how my whole leg feels aligned again. I didn’t realize I was over pronating even with arch supports. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner that I might need new shoes.

The next best part: they are light purple (kind of a pinkish purple). And the next: they were on sale for a really good price! :thumbsup:
Several times I have gotten new shoes, and my back/legs felt so much better and for some reason I throw the old pair on again and wonder how the heck I even walked in them!!
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,394
Purraise
24,455
Location
near Boston
I have been using a knock off version of Birkenstock sandals for years. This is during the summer. I love them. My feet/legs feel so comfortable in them. Last spring, The knock-offs were really in bad shape; after all, they were at least 8 years old.

I finally broke down and bought the real thing.. Yup, real Birkenstock. I love them. The arch support, the foot bed, are all perfect to me. I found my knee and hip pain was not as bad. So, I am hooked.

I bought a pair of low clogs and a pair of slippers. They best ever. The clogs are a bit big; but I can wear heavy socks with them. The slippers, are my favorite ones: warm, comfortable...

They are maddeningly expensive, but work so well.. so between these and New Balance sneakers, I know what to wear and what sizes, in the styles.
 

MoochNNoodles

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
37,222
Purraise
25,376
Location
Where my cats are
I wore knockoff Birkenstocks this last summer and loved them. Normally I wear Merell sandals all summer because they are excellent also. I have a pair of NewBalance I save for trail walking. A New Balance store sold me them after trying on a bunch when I was having so much foot pain that id gone to a podiatrist. I kind of regret them but they were SO expensive.(DH wore NB for YEARS for work. And so did my nurse aunt who had been injured at work when I was a kid.) I think the issue is mostly that my foot shape does best in a running shoe with a moderate sole. Anything with stitching across the toes seems to fit wrong. The thick soles get heavy and bulky feeling on most surfaces.

I’ve also got a large foot for a woman, changed by my pregnancies. Fortunately stores are carrying size 11 and 12 more and more! It’s AMAZING going in to a store and finding things in my size again! With the foot pain I usually have to try things on; but that was hard if they didn’t have anything in an 11. I’ve even been finding good TRENDY things I can wear in my size. Priority 1 is not having foot pain; but it’s nice to look put together and match my age. :lol:
 

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
20,696
Purraise
51,291
I finally broke down and bought the real thing.. Yup, real Birkenstock. I love them.
I was on my feet a lot when I was teaching and wore Birkenstocks at least 75% of the time. I had several pairs and still have them. I swear they never wear out. I also have their sandals. They're made to last but if they need to be resoled there are several shoemakers who specialize in it.

Normally I wear Merell sandals all summer because they are excellent also.
I have one pair of Merrell sandals that are so old I'm afraid to tell you how long I've had them but they're still in great shape. :thumbsup: I have two pairs of their shoes too since they're so comfortable and still in style.
 

MoochNNoodles

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
37,222
Purraise
25,376
Location
Where my cats are
I have a couple pairs of the merrels that if someone could redo the insole I’d be set! They are like a suede material and I’ve worn it off and it cracked at a seam. The sole and straps are perfect. Sometimes the expensive shoes are worth it. An investment I guess.
 

Kwik

Animals are Blessings
Top Cat
Joined
May 29, 2023
Messages
10,693
Purraise
21,882
Location
South Florida
I have been using a knock off version of Birkenstock sandals for years. This is during the summer. I love them. My feet/legs feel so comfortable in them. Last spring, The knock-offs were really in bad shape; after all, they were at least 8 years old.

I finally broke down and bought the real thing.. Yup, real Birkenstock. I love them. The arch support, the foot bed, are all perfect to me. I found my knee and hip pain was not as bad. So, I am hooked.

I bought a pair of low clogs and a pair of slippers. They best ever. The clogs are a bit big; but I can wear heavy socks with them. The slippers, are my favorite ones: warm, comfortable...

They are maddeningly expensive, but work so well.. so between these and New Balance sneakers, I know what to wear and what sizes, in the styles.
So do you see a significant difference between the real McCoy in comparison? From both being brand new that is

I know alot of people will say there's no difference but I've always bought good shoes and only in recent years started buying knock offs- I think you certainly get what you pay for with certain items..do you agree after having made this purchase?
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,394
Purraise
24,455
Location
near Boston
So do you see a significant difference between the real McCoy in comparison? From both being brand new that is

I know alot of people will say there's no difference but I've always bought good shoes and only in recent years started buying knock offs- I think you certainly get what you pay for with certain items..do you agree after having made this purchase?
Yes, I do see a difference in the footbed. The originals are so much more comfortable. I really did not have a breaking in period. Just slipped them on and off I went. The knock offs are close; but do not compare to the real thing. Since my knock offs held up for so many years, I am hoping these will last forever. Now, when I wear shoes with a regular flat sole, I feel as if I am wearing high heels!!

The slippers are great.. you can wear them out and about, but I would not. I keep them just for indoor use. The footbed is a bit more flexible and softer.
 

Kwik

Animals are Blessings
Top Cat
Joined
May 29, 2023
Messages
10,693
Purraise
21,882
Location
South Florida
Yes, I do see a difference in the footbed. The originals are so much more comfortable. I really did not have a breaking in period. Just slipped them on and off I went. The knock offs are close; but do not compare to the real thing. Since my knock offs held up for so many years, I am hoping these will last forever. Now, when I wear shoes with a regular flat sole, I feel as if I am wearing high heels!!

The slippers are great.. you can wear them out and about, but I would not. I keep them just for indoor use. The footbed is a bit more flexible and softer.
Wow,thats great--- slip them on and go,worth every penny👍❤
 

Kwik

Animals are Blessings
Top Cat
Joined
May 29, 2023
Messages
10,693
Purraise
21,882
Location
South Florida

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
20,696
Purraise
51,291
I met friends from college this afternoon. We go way back and I feel fortunate to share memories with them. Although our lives have changed since then our friendship has remained the same. 🤗
 

MoochNNoodles

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
37,222
Purraise
25,376
Location
Where my cats are
DD and I had a little girls time today. We went to Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods before getting lunch. Her girls group is doing a little Secret Valentine exchange so we put together a cute basket gift.

The boys were off early to an event for DS’s boys group. DH came home with a 3rd place medal for the adult event. :lol:
 

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
20,696
Purraise
51,291
DD and I had a little girls time today. We went to Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods before getting lunch. Her girls group is doing a little Secret Valentine exchange so we put together a cute basket gift.
I remember when my daughters were young and they would ponder over which Valentine's cards to buy for their classmates. 💝 Then they'd come home and decorate a Valentine's box to pass them out at school. Please let us know what DD gets in her gift basket exchange.
 

iPappy

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
5,986
Purraise
19,023
I remember when my daughters were young and they would ponder over which Valentine's cards to buy for their classmates. 💝 Then they'd come home and decorate a Valentine's box to pass them out at school. Please let us know what DD gets in her gift basket exchange.
To prove I am a crazy cat lady who started early....
2nd grade. I helped my Mom pick out a box of cards to address to each of my class mates. I went to a small school, so there were quite a few extra cards left over.
I went through those cards. There were a few different cards, and you got so many of each. One of those patterns had a picture of a kitten on it. I squirreled the kitten cards away and kept the majority of them, and only gave those kitten cards to my close girlfriends. Why? I didn't want to take the chance of those kittens going to a "bad home" and being throw in the trash can. The thought of it upset me so badly I made absolutely sure those kitten cards all had "good homes." :lol:
 

Kwik

Animals are Blessings
Top Cat
Joined
May 29, 2023
Messages
10,693
Purraise
21,882
Location
South Florida
To prove I am a crazy cat lady who started early....
2nd grade. I helped my Mom pick out a box of cards to address to each of my class mates. I went to a small school, so there were quite a few extra cards left over.
I went through those cards. There were a few different cards, and you got so many of each. One of those patterns had a picture of a kitten on it. I squirreled the kitten cards away and kept the majority of them, and only gave those kitten cards to my close girlfriends. Why? I didn't want to take the chance of those kittens going to a "bad home" and being throw in the trash can. The thought of it upset me so badly I made absolutely sure those kitten cards all had "good homes." :lol:
That's the cutest little story and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree-did you tell your Mom,surely she would've loved that she taught you so well right from the start❤
 

Margot Lane

Kitten at heart, not a Top Cat
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 24, 2021
Messages
4,968
Purraise
10,460
Caught a nice glimpse of a young bobcat tiptoeing through the mud, so lithe & alive, in his element & utterly curious about everything. If he’d been a kid I’d say he was 12 years old. The tail a dead giveaway: wiggling all over the place! For one second I thought it was Zorro! Then, gone.
 
Top