There’s a good reason why Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet has such a sunny attitude. The podiatrist and star of the TLC hit “My Feet Are Killing Me” lives near Los Angeles, which means she can spend her winters walking barefoot along the beach. Although, “it does get cold at night!” she offers.
She also knows many people must deal with decidedly unhappy feet during the colder months. “People always have their feet covered to stay warm,” she says. “But you still have to take care of them and treat them.” If you ignore what’s going on down there, she adds, “When the summertime hits, you’re going to be scrambling.”
Of course, dry and smelly feet are only some of the issues that Vincent-Sleet treats in her offices. (She just opened a new outpost in Long Beach, California.) “My Feet Are Killing Me” viewers have also seen her fix an array of clubfeet, extra digits and bunions. And though the series is currently on a production hiatus, “People stream it and watch the reruns,” she says. “So they still want to talk to me about the cases.”
To avoid a visit, she recommends eschewing structurally unsupportive — albeit totally cute — shoes year-round. “You need a good shoe with a level of cushioning so you’re not carrying all your weight,” she says. “Just because a shoe feels comfortable in the store for 15 minutes doesn’t mean it will feel comfortable when left to your own devices!”
Ahead, Vincent-Sleet shares some of her footwear picks with CNN Underscored.
“You still need support when you’re doing things around your house or just running to get the mail,” she says. “And you want to keep your feet cozy and warm.” She likes these fuzzy Crocs slippers that are lined with comfy faux-shearling and have a raised rubber heel.
Vincent-Sleet is a fan of these sneakers from Asics. “I like that they’re made with a gel cushion on the sole and have great arch support,” she says. “When you’re in them, you feel like you’re bouncing.” For those with wider feet, she recommends looking at shoes from New Balance or FitVille.
The foot-savvy already realize that compression socks stimulate blood circulation, making them especially beneficial to have on long flights. Vincent-Sleet singles out these stylish, moisture-wicking socks from Wellow because they gently wrap around the feet, ankles and legs without the uncomfortable tightness. “I find them to be easy to put on and less constricting,” she says. “And you’ll still help your veins!”
For a sleek yet sensible option, Vincent-Sleet picks these knee-high boots with rubber soles from Vionic, a brand she has worked with. Equestrian-inspired, the boots are crafted from water-repellent leather and finished with a side zipper for easy on-and-off handling. “You still put your inserts in, and it has a cute baby heel!” she says.
It’s (literally) not pretty, but it’s a fact: People tend to get bacteria-bred athlete’s foot in the winter. The solution? This soothing cream that relieves burning, itching, cracking and scaling.
Vincent-Sleet, an MBT ambassador, wears these American Podiatric Medical Association-approved sneakers for “walking and standing.” Each pair comes with an insole made from high-quality foam that creates a layer of orthopedic padding and extra cushioning. Plus, the shoe’s heel sensor aids knee impact and “helps propel you forward,” she notes.
While she notes that most Mary Jane shoes are so flimsy that “you might as well be walking barefoot,” this pair is an exception. Created by a fellow female podiatrist, these shoes feature insole technology, a block heel and a rounded toe to allow room in the toe box. “If you’re going to invest in a good heel without sacrificing fashion, this is the one,” she adds.