Why sandals typically hurt.

More often than not, wearing flat, unsupportive shoes can cause foot pain and lead to long–term damage to our feet, back, knees and hips. The biggest offenders are super flat sandals and shoes with little to no support. See, a woman's foot is neither flat nor uniformly shaped. Yet oftentimes, our irregular-shaped foot rests on a flat, uniformly shaped surface that does not match the shape of our bones. 

Our foot is neither flat, nor uniformly shaped.

This mismatch in shape results in unnatural and undue pressure on the ball of the foot, the heel bone and the soft tissue of the foot (including the plantar fascia). This increase in pressure can: 

* Cause heel pain; 
* Aggravate plantar fasciitis; 
* Lead to knee, leg and lower back pain; 
* Induce foot fatigue; and 
* Trigger biomechanical issues and poor posture.

The image above is a screen capture from a MoCAP motion study comparing the biomechanical effects with and without the FLEX® and HEEL-CUPPING® technologies.

And flip flops are even worse! In most flip flops, our toes tend to squeeze the toe post trying to keep the shoes on the feet. This over-gripping can aggravate existing toe conditions like bunions and hammertoes.

So what's a girl to do?

#GoForGoldieLou, of course!

Technology built into the sandal.

Our scientifically-superior sandals feature two technologies, which are built directly into the footbed. Combined, these technologies improve the bio-mechanics of the shoe allowing for optimal foot flexing and proper support the foot. This results in a more natural walking motion, less foot fatigue and significantly more comfort.

FLEX® depression at the ball of the foot and HEEL-CUPPING® contour.

Patented Insolia FLEX® technology. 

Our FLEX® technology dramatically improves foot flexion and efficiency with a precisely-engineered asymmetrical depression in the front of the foot bed. This depression allows the ball of foot - the foot’s pivot point - to flex naturally eliminating the need to over-grip the footbed or toe post while walking. It also allows the foot to push off efficiently and lift the body while moving forward. This movement increases the efficiency of walking so much so that testing has shown to reduce oxygen demand and improve stride length. It also allows the arch to naturally rise on its own creating natural arch support.

The multiple benefits of our FLEX® technology.

Patent-pending HEEL-CUPPING® technology.

Our HEEL-CUPPING® technology is derived from careful analysis of the heel bone. It features a subtle contour in the sandal footbed that matches the irregular shape of the heel providing an immediate sensation of comfort. It also features an asymmetric forward edge that relieves pressure on the plantar fascia.

Placement of our FLEX® and HEEL-CUPPING® technologies in the GoldieLou footbed.

Significantly more comfort.

After slipping into a pair of our Goldie Lou sandals, you may experience an instantaneous relief of heel pressure and foot discomfort. Or you may experience a more subtle change, but will now wear these sandals longer without strain and pain. To appreciate the benefit of our footbed, multiply the decrease in pressure (below, feet on right) by 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day.

Multiply the decrease in pressure (feet on right) by 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day.

The technical team. 

Both the FLEX® and HEEL-CUPPING® technologies were developed by a podiatrist, who was a pioneer in in-shoe pressure-mapping and is now a world-renowned speaker on the biomechanics of human gait, as well as engineered by mechanical engineer, turned rocket scientist. 

The design.

While it may look classic, our Barbara sandal is scientifically superior, and the perfect sandal for on-the-go style.

It’s microsuede footbed is incredibly soft, breathable and easy to wipe clean and features a thick, classic silhouette upper strap with a soft, wrapped toe post. We want our sandals to match your style so we’re offering them in three colors - the fire red (which I absolutely love), the platinum and the black. With it's flattering style, thick strap, and comfortable toe post, you will wear these sandals from day to night without worry! The Goldie Lou Barbara sandal comes in whole sizes US 6 through 10. The sandals arrive in a custom Goldie Lou shoe bag - perfect for storing your sandals at home or on vacation.

#GOFORGOLDIELOU