Vionic Shoes: SparkPeople Tested, SparkPeople Approved?

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Are you one of the 75 percent of Americans who experience minor to serious foot problems? Would you like to try to alleviate some of your discomfort but the thought of trying an orthopedic shoe makes you cringe? What if we told you that we tested a shoe that can be both comfortable and stylish? Would you say "no way"?
 
Vionic wants to change your tune with its brand of shoes that help support natural alignment from the ground up and relieve heel pain*, helping to promote a more active lifestyle. Their footwear and orthotic inserts are also endorsed by noted integrative medicine expert, Dr. Andrew Weil. But what about their style? Comfort? Variety? How are they to wear to the gym? To work? Out on the town? Around the house?
 
How are the shoes REALLY?
 
There was only one way to find out—we had to try them for ourselves. Vionic sampled a variety of their shoes to both SparkPeople members and staff. Each participant was able to pick out the shoe that worked best for his or her personal situation from vionicshoes.com. Participants were able to wear the shoes around for a few weeks and then turned in their feedback.

The results? Well, we just had to share them with you:

What interested you in participating in the Vionic Complimentary Shoe Program?
 
"I was interested is seeing how well they fit and how comfortable they were."
- Texastitcher, SparkPeople Member
 
"I wanted to see if orthopedic shoes could be both fashionable and comfortable."
- SPELIZABETH1, SparkPeople Staff

"I read that Vionic shoes help with knee (and back pain), so it seemed like a natural fit for me." 
- Jeremym, SparkPeople Staff
 
"To see what my foot felt like after being on my feet for long periods of time. I am usually in a lot of heel pain." 
- akanaga, SparkPeople Staff
 
"I was looking for a pair of comfortable walking shoes." 
- mattd63, SparkPeople Member
 
Have you noticed any difference while wearing your Vionic shoes?

"They did not exacerbate the hip pain I already have and they are very comfortable!"
- SPELIZABETH1, SparkPeople Staff

"While wearing these during my treadmill sessions, I have noticed that I do not experience any cramping in my calves. I used to experience stiffness in my knees after sitting for a while, and I have noticed that this has not been an issue when using these shoes."
- mattd63, SparkPeople Member
 
"Yes! I've noticed that my heel pain, especially in my left foot, has subsided quite a bit!"
- Jlono5, SparkPeople Staff
 
"My knee pain is less than it was, and my back feels better, too. The only thing I have done differently is wear my Vionic shoes!" 
- Jeremym, SparkPeople Staff
 
"These boots are awesome. I love how they fit. They are the most comfortable boots ever." 
- Nolahorserider, SparkPeople Member
 
"The exaggerated arch in the boot really relieves pain. At first it felt strange, but then I got used to it and feel pain free when I wear them [now.]
- akanaga, SparkPeople Staff
 
"I have noticed that my knees don’t feel as sore after walking when wearing my Vionic shoes." 
- lysngr, SparkPeople Member
 
Would you recommend Vionic shoes to a friend or family member?

"Yes—they fit very well, the size was great and they are very comfortable."
- Texastitcher, SparkPeople Member
 
"Yes, I would recommend them to friends and family. In fact, I am riding my horse and camping this weekend and plan to show them off!" 
- Nolahorserider, SparkPeople Member
 
"I would recommend Vionic shoes to anyone. They are light weight and very comfortable to wear. They feel great all around, and they are nice simple shoes in a design that is difficult to find." 
- mattd63, SparkPeople Member
 
"I absolutely love my Vionics and want to get a pair of sandals, slippers and dress/casual shoes to feel the variance with my walking shoes!"
- Jlono5, SparkPeople Staff
 
Final thoughts on Vionic Shoes:

"These shoes are stylish. No one knew they were orthopedic shoes unless I mentioned it!" 
- 1DAY-ATA-TIME, SparkPeople Member

"I cannot believe what a difference my Vionic shoes have made!" 
- Bluecafe, SparkPeople Member

"These totally surprised me with the quality, comfort and fashionable look!"
- SPELIZABETH1, SparkPeople Staff

"They feel amazing!" 
- Nolahorserider, SparkPeople Member

* Provides short-term relief of moderate non-traumatic heel pain.


About Vionic Footwear
Vionic footwear merges unparalleled biomechanical technology with versatile, modern design fit for every occasion. Developed by Phillip Vasyli, renowned Australian podiatrist and founder of Orthaheel® Technology, Vionic shoes help restore natural foot function and relieve heel pain, promoting a more active lifestyle. Vionic’s footwear and orthotic inserts are also endorsed by noted integrative medicine expert, Dr. Andrew Weil. With premium materials, artful construction and streamlined silhouettes, Vionic’s men’s and women’s collections provide standout style with exceptional comfort and functionality.
 
For additional information about Vionic with Orthaheel Technology, please visit VionicShoes.com.
 
Source: 
Your Podiateric Physician Talks About Foot Health. American Podiatric Association, 2007. www.apma.org/files/ProductPDFS/Foot_Health.pdf