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First Steps For The Sole

According to certified pedorthist David Putnam, 90% of people are wearing shoes that do not fit properly. He can help you become part of the much happier minority


By Josh Bailie | July 9, 2010


Nearly every activity we do starts with our feet. They’re the foundation to something as basic as walking to the fridge or something as intensive as playing a huge basketball game (hey… it’s March Madness after all!).

Given feet’s massive workload, they usually aren’t valued enough. After all, a quarter of the bones in the body are in the feet. Many also fail to appreciate how feet can greatly affect their knees, hips or back.

That’s where certified pedorthist David Putnam comes in. He runs Foot Solutions Halifax, which is taking part in the “Step In To Health” program, a month-long, nationwide campaign offering free foot assessments and computer-mapping of your footprint.

“If you are not comfortable walking, you tend to walk less, gain weight and stay home more,” he says. “Walking improves your overall health; just getting out and meeting people, even strangers, helps keep your mind active. We believe in ‘Better Health Through Your Feet.’ If your feet hurt it is hard to be happy.”

Putnam says when cities started paving roads, pouring concrete, and laying tile and hardwood floors, everything got boring for our feet.

“Our feet hit the exact same spot with every step. The damage we do is so small per step that you usually do not notice, but it is cumulative and that is why we normally develop problems later in life.”

Sources of pain can be quite veiled, so it’s good to see a pedorthist like Putnam. I had to stop playing backcatcher in baseball because my knees were giving out. I did a year of physiotherapy only to discover from a pedorthist that the arch in my foot was too high, significantly contributing to the stress on my shins and knees. I’ve been wearing proper shoes and orthotic shoe inserts for a year and a half now, and my knees are feeling the best they have in years.

Putnam explains that Foot Solutions works together with your family doctor or other healthcare professional to identify the cause of any pain you’re feeling. He also stresses having realistic expectations.

“Without my eyeglasses I cannot see very well; when I put them on my vision and quality of life improve dramatically. But what happened to my eyes? Nothing. Orthotics and good shoes are like eyeglasses – an aid, not a cure.”

Like anything good, it also takes some work on your own end to make it rewarding. “Many times, to effectively solve the problem, a lifestyle change is required, such as stop going barefoot at home,” says Putnam.

But the first step is to come to Foot Solutions and assess any current issues or see if any could arise. The Step In To Health promotion makes it that much easier. Now, all it takes is getting over the ego.

“Men usually suffer in silence, and what some women won’t do for fashion!” Putnam says.

He knows how we tick, and he knows how feet work — there’s no better candidate for an assessment. •

Foot Solutions Halifax opened in 2005 and is part of Foot Solutions, a worldwide company with more than 240 franchise locations and 22 in Canada. Putnam’s Foot Solutions is at 287 Lacewood Dr., Unit 109B, in Halifax. Foot Solutions Halifax can also be reached at 902-405-3668 or footsolutions.com/halifax.  

Photo courtesy of Aetrex and Foot Solutions Associates



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