When it comes to footwear and fashion vs. function, go for the latter. According to Roper St. Francis Healthcare podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong, improper shoe support can cause issues like tendonitis, back pain, and inflammation in the knees + hips.
Here’s what your summer sandal should provide:
Stability
Shock absorption
Arch + ankle support
Air flow
Now, the question is: Which sandals are going to best support your strolls?
Sorry to break it to you, but standard flip-flops are a flop when it comes to stability. Many styles are flimsy and not supportive enough, potentially causing strain that could result in inflammation + foot pain.
Waterproof clogs
Similar to flip-flops, waterproof clogs don’t offer adequate arch or ankle support. This lack of stability can cause stress on the tissue and lead to fasciitis or tendonitis.
Plus: Don’t forget to keep them clean. The nonporous material is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Sport sandals
Sport sandals provide better stability and shock absorption from a footbed that follows the foot’s natural curve, plus sculpted heel cups and straps. (Bonus: You can hike in them.)
The main con is the rubber sole that can attract bacteria, fungus, and odor — so be sure to wash them after heavy use.
Cork slides
The best sandal of the summer goes to… cork-bed sandals. The firm sole, contoured footbed + sturdy construction provides stability, protection, and support. And, the cork sole absorbs moisture and wicks away sweat.
Hey, “Birks” have been around for 250 years for a reason.
Golden Hour Yoga | Wednesday, August 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Hotel Bennett, 404 King St. | $0-$25 | Soak in golden hour with this one-hour vinyasa yoga flow on the rooftop observatory at Hotel Bennett.
9/11 Heroes Run 5K | Saturday, September 16 | 9 a.m. | Charleston Fire Department Station 18, 235 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island | $32-$40+ | The Travis Manion Foundation’s 5K race will honor the heroes of 9/11 and all first responders, military, and veterans; and a portion of proceeds will support Berkeley County EMS.
Lululemon Freshfields Run Club | Saturday, September 16 | 8 a.m. | Lululemon, 654 Freshfields Dr., Suite 200, Johns Island | Free, registration required | Lace up your sneakers and join Lululemon every third Saturday for their monthly run club welcoming all fitness levels + paces.
Wellness
Full Moon Breathwork | Wednesday, August 30 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join Community Heart Space via Zoom for a guided session featuring meditation, breathwork, visualization + other mindfulness practices to center yourself and expand your awareness.
Outdoors
Farmer’s Market Slow Roll Bike Ride | Saturday, September 2; Saturday, September 16 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Newington Plantation Pool, 599 King Charles Cir., Summerville | Free | Join Bike/Walk Summerville for a casual group ride to the Summerville Farmers Market.
Fall Gardening Class | Thursday, September 14 | 1-2 p.m. | Berkeley County Library Goose Creek, 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd., Goose Creek | Free | Join Clemson Extension horticulturist Christopher Burtt to learn about gardening in the South and which fall vegetables to plant ahead of the season.
Health
CPR Certification Class | Thursday, September 7 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | CPR Certification Charleston, 22 Westedge St., Suite 400 | $60-$80 | Learn the life-saving skill of CPR + get an American Heart Association CPR certification card at this hands-on training.
Sports
Charleston Battery vs. San Diego Loyal SC | Saturday, September 9 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Patriots Point | $14+ | Bring out the whole family to cheer on Charleston Battery as they take on San Diego Loyal SC.
Cast Off Fishing Tournament | Saturday, September 23 | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Folly Beach Fishing Pier, 101 E Arctic Ave., Folly Beach | $5-$10 | This fishing tournament with multiple prize categories is open to all ages.
Speaking of bees… Putting tobacco on a bee sting will help draw out the stinger. Is this old wives’ tale Fact or Fiction? Find out.
Older Adults
A healthy lifestyle can keep the golden years, well, golden. In honor of Healthy Aging Month this September, do something good for your mental + physical health — like joining a Lowcountry senior center to socialize, exercise, and join a special interest club (think: quilting or music).
Outdoors
Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner. Beat the end of summer blues by spending the day out on the water. Here’s our guide to kayaking + paddle boarding in Charleston.
Stat
Women are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. To help change that statistic, Womanikin created a universal attachment for “traditional” (flat-chested) CPR manikins which matches female body anatomy. The goal? Get more of these in use at CPR trainings to normalize performing CPR on women.
Health
Family history, age, and race are all factors that impact how at-risk a man is for prostate cancer. Besides prevention, regular prostate screening + early detection is the best way to treat the disease. Learn more about who is most at-risk for prostate cancer, and when and how often to screen.
