Get Up, Get Running!

Well it's almost the end of January, which means...well we have almost survived an entire month in 2015 so that's great. The weather has been surprisingly warm for this time of year so that's even better.

The start of February is a test for a lot of people. A test to see if they can stick to their fitness and healthy New Year's Resolutions. If you're struggling with the fitness part, or just think you don't know where to start in terms of what you need, we can help!

While we can't make you get up and do your workout every day we can make it easier to do so. How many of you are still using your running shoes from 10,15 or 20 years ago? If you answered yes, there's your first problem. Dusting off the old running shoes may seem like an easy and affordable way to get started, but it's not good for your feet and could actually cause you to have to spend more money in the future. You should be buying new running shoes every 300-400 miles of use. Even if you weren't an active person that many years ago, it's good to get a fresh start with a new pair that you know will fit and know will work for you.

So you walk into Canadian Footwear. There's more than five choices for your running shoes. So many colours, shapes, and styles. How on earth do you pick just one pair? Where do you start? We can help with that! We talked to our fit specialist, Dennis, who gave us the basic run down of the different types of running footwear we carry.

Walking Shoe

A walking shoe has the ROLLBAR technology in the back of the heel for support and stability. The arch support in the shoe keeps the foot lined up and walking straight. If you pronate or supinate it will keep you lined up straight. These shoes come in many different widths, including extra wide widths.

Stability Runner

A stability runner has a harder compound in the outsole. If you pronate when you walk, this runner will help keep you lined up straight. It also has a harder heel strike in the back, so it's able to handle the impact that comes from running. This is also designed to allow the runner to spring forward with power and efficiency.

Neutral Runner

A neutral runner is good for beginner runners or if you're just looking for a shoe to wear to work/casually walk around in. There is nothing in the outsole but it gives you good cushioning. A lot of these runners feature a lightweight mesh to provide more breathing room for your feet. These are generally lighter than most stability runners, and they're good with an orthotic to help support the arch in the foot.

So now you've got some basic information to get you started. But which one of these is the best for a beginner runner? If you have no problems with your feet, you can start off with a neutral runner. If you experience pronation in your feet, you are best to start with a stability runner to avoid injury or pain in your feet/legs.

As always, you can come by our store anytime to ask more questions about our running shoes! We carry them in New Balance, Saucony, Etonic, and North Face so you've got plenty of options to choose from! You can visit us online at canadianfootwear.com to check out our selection as well!

Let's Blog About Bogs!

Well this is a nice surprise! I'm sure we all remember last year around this time, we were all crying every morning because we had to walk outside into the polar vortex. No matter how many layers you had on or how many pairs of socks you fit into your boots, you still felt like every part of your body was frozen for those few minutes you had to be outside.

Not this year! In fact, we're at quite the opposite this week. Temperatures are sitting between 0 and -10 every day. The sun may not be shining all the time, but we don't have to spend seven extra minutes getting ready in the morning because all you need is a light winter parka.

The problem with this weather is your choice in footwear. It's still winter which means yes it is still cold, despite it being a little warmer this week. But now, the snow is turning to gross brown slush, which will pretty much ruin any pair of non-waterproof shoes. And if you wear your -40 degree boots, your feet will be sweaty puddles by the time you get to where you're going.

So is there a solution to this? Of course there is, and we can help you with it!

Have you heard of Bogs? If not, they're going to be the best thing you'll hear about all day. What are Bogs? They are a fantastic combination of a winter boot and rubber boot. Waterproof, cold rated from -10 to -40 degrees Celsius, and stylish! The better part? We carry them in men's, women's AND kids! Your whole family is set!

So let's break each of them down. For the men. Well, we know lots of men don't like super flashy, out there shoes, so we've kept it simple. Plain black, perfect to go over your dress pants. No it's not the most fashionable, but it sure beats having splash stains on your dress pants going into your 9 am meeting, don't you think?

Women...well we know you like variety, and we know you like colour. So we gave you both! We've got a mainly black boot with some coloured patterns. Perfect addition to any outfit and again, avoiding mucky pants.

And kids. We all remember how "fun" it was when our parents bundled us up in the morning with our ski pants, jackets, scarf, tuque and mitts. We would go outside at recess, play for 20 minutes, and come home with soaking wet pants and boots. While we can't help you with the wet ski pants, bogs make a great addition to the winter wardrobe, especially if kids are walking to and from school. They are cold rated up to -40 degrees Celsius, waterproof, easy to take on and off, and can be used in Spring AND Winter! A versatile pair of boots is great for kids.

So a quick recap...why choose Bogs?
- waterproof
- cold rated from -10 to -40 Celsius
- easy to get on and off
- different colours/styles
- Max Wick moves sweat away from your foot to keep your feet dry
- non marking sole

There's no better time than now to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Yes it's cold (well not today, but generally), but there's so many things you can do like skating, skiing, and tobogganing that you can't enjoy in 30 degree weather. So get your Bogs, get out and enjoy Winnipeg!

You Asked...We Answered!

Have you ever had questions about shoes, footwear, or foot care? We know you do, and we want to help answer your questions!

Here are some commonly asked questions we get and the answers from our fit specialists and Certified Canadian Pedorthists:


Q: How often should I get my feet measured when buying shoes?

A: Every time! Your feet are always changing and if you only buy shoes once or twice a year, it's very possible that your feet have changed over time. You want to make sure you have the right fit to avoid rubbing, blisters, ingrown nails or swollen feet.


Q: I've noticed my feet are swollen when I walk for long periods of time. Is this normal?

A: That's something that should be looked at. It could be related to diabetes, arthritis, or poor circulation. They're could be rubbing inside the shoe along the sides or even at the end of the shoe, so the shoe being too short. Compression stockings may help as well.


Q: What kind of socks should I wear to keep my feet warm outside in the winter?

A: Any kind of sock made of acrylic, polypropylene, and wool. These will keep your feet dry and warm. Avoid things like cotton that cause your feet to become wet once they start sweating.


Q: How do I know if I need insoles or orthotics?

A: You would need a referral from a physician or podiatrist. We do a full proper assessment; check range of motion, and watch the patient walk to determine whether the patient requires custom made orthotics. Sometimes an off the shelf insole is all a patient might need.


Q: If I have orthotics, how often should I be replacing them?

A: It depends on body weight, medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis that's definitely going to determine how often people should replace orthotics. But general rule of thumb is every 3-5 years orthotics should be replaced.


Q: I have a bigger shoe size (13 women's). Can I find shoes in your store?

A: Of course! We carry up to a size 17 and we have multiple widths in our shoes. Come into our store to check out our selection.


Q: How often should I replace my running shoes? I'm a pretty active runner about 5-7 km four times a week.

A: Statistics show us that 350 to 400 hours is the maximum time and then runners start to lose their integrity. So this depends on how often/how long you run for. If you're a frequent runner, you might look at buying 1-3 pairs of runners per year.


Q: I have very flat feet. Do I need to be wearing insoles or orthotics to prevent problems later in life?

A: Orthotics would probably benefit somebody with flat feet. Not everyone with flat feet requires custom orthotics. If you're having foot pain or discomfort in your feet arches, knees, lower back definitely a custom orthotic would benefit a patient with flat feet.




Thank-you all for your questions! Of course if you have any other questions anytime, feel free to stop by any of our three locations or call our Foothealth Centre! We are happy to help you and fit you anytime!