If you’ve been following along thus far, you know I went out seeking a pair of shoes that would alleviate the pain I’ve been experiencing from my current pairs of shoes.
What I stumbled on was a shoe brand called Finn Comfort where they claim the most "luxurious, healthy and comfortable" shoe on EARTH. There was talk around the store of Finns fixing knee and back pain and an exercise benefit to wearing them.
Curious as ever, I had to pick up a pair of their Finn Comfort Dijon
This is day 3 of my journey. As such, since these shoes are rather particular as far as break in and adjustment, you should take a look at the first two days of the review:
Part 1: Review of Finn Comfort Dijon
Part 2:Review of Finn Comfort Dijon Day 2
My observations from day 3 of breaking in the Finn Comforts:
Unlike yesterday, there was no aching in my feet or lower legs. I took this as a good sign that the break in period is just about done. Since I am trying to be thorough for you, my dear readers, I am paying far more attention to the feelings and outcomes of wearing these shoes. I’d never pay so much attention otherwise.
But I still find it interesting some of the early effects of these shoes.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve walked with emphasis on the outside edges of my feet. This is a family trait according to my mother. The Finns seem to be adjusting that as I notice that I’m stepping more squarely with the ground as I walk.
And speaking of walking, these shoes almost feel better walking than they do just sitting at a desk typing. There is a spring-like effect feeling almost ‘bouncy’ as I step. I remember this same bounce feeling from my first pair of Doc Marteens years ago. And I like it. Maybe my dreams of slamming a basketball aren’t dead after all. 
I still feel a slight ache in my right foot around where the various supports are pressing into the muscle. I am right handed and I am sure I favor that side as I walk. Coincidence? It’s not a big deal for me, but for some of lower pain tolerance may feel like switching their shoes for a day.
One concern I do have is heel pain. If I am doing an abundance of walking during the day, then my right heel can get in trouble. There have been evenings where I don’t want to exercise because it feels like my heel is crushing a bone.
So far, I see no lessening of the heel strike effect with these shoes. However, time would probably be the best judge of whether they help or not.
Oh, and this small observation… I noticed my toes on both feet are spread further apart when I have my shoes off while standing. Perhaps this is a benefit to my overall balance? Dunno. I certainly wasn’t tripping and falling beforehand, so this may be a mystery that is never unraveled. Like Stonehenge, scientists may be puzzled for centuries over whether these shoes improve my balance.
Well, that’s all for today’s shoe observations. If anything interesting happens between today & tomorrow I’ll post the next follow up. I think however, that I should return to this review in a couple of weeks to give a final opinion. These are expensive shoes and regardless of style, you’ll want to make sure the technology you are purchasing is worthwhile. Otherwise you can just grab something you like the looks of…
So if you haven’t already, subscribe to my RSS feed so you’ll be alerted to the next post in the series…
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I, personally, would refer you to http://www.solesupports.com. The shoe is only one component of a quality gait cycle. A quality custom-made orthotic is the only way you can truly personalize the shoe-to-foot experience with an exceptional outcome. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the review from your perspective!
Dr. Macs last blog post..Interview Time!
Dr. Mac, thanks for the info. The Finns do seem to be adjusting very well at this point. But if I start to feel pain again, I’ll look into an orthotic.
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