For The Good Feet Store’s first location in New York, the arch support specialists chose Little Neck to add to their hundreds of other locations across the world
Since opening in July, visitors in search of relief from foot pain and related ailments have made the trip from Manhattan, Staten Island and New Jersey. Store employees say that their arch support technology has been able to dramatically improve the quality of life of people who adopt their arch support system.
For some, foot pain gets in the way of spending time with loved ones, and for others, the source of lower back pain brings confusion and frustration. But experts say that properly caring for your feet — the foundation of your body — can have a dramatic impact. And alternatively a lack of care can lead to problems manifesting in other areas of the body.
“The most we do for the 2% that we stand on every day is buy new shoes and get pedicures. That was like the first like ‘aha’ moment. My 2% is holding up my 90%,” said Tasha Jenkins, the store’s manager and one of their “arch support experts” who has acquired a wealth of knowledge on arch support since the store opened in July.
She pointed out that most people don’t even realize that their feet have four arches — the Inner Longitudinal Arch, the Anterior Metatarsal Arch, the Outer Longitudinal Arch and the Transverse Arch — which all meet at the hollowing of the foot. And when someone may complain of chronic lower back, knee or hip pain, it could be from fallen arches, also known as flat feet, or plantar fasciitis, painful inflammation across the bottom of the foot.
Many of the clients who walk through that door have already seen a podiatrist, who has recommended injections or surgery for their pain. But a switch in shoes can serve as an alternative holistic treatment. The store draws in people from all walks of life and all ages, including parents, bus drivers, nurses, grandparents and even young kids. Those who work in industries where they spend most of their time on their feet are also common customers.
At the front of the store in Little Neck, the arch implants and some shoes are on display. Toward the back, a handful of intimate spaces designed for consultations and foot evaluations are situated across the aisle. A TV plays customer testimonials.
During the evaluation process, the arch specialist will take into account how often you work out, how much time you spend on your feet at work and even what kind of socks you wear. They will also take note of any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, whether it’s directly affecting your foot or in your knees, hips and back. The evaluation process is free and takes up to an hour.
“This is our house and we don’t want our guests to do anything,” said Jenkins, who described the support and care she offers during the evaluation process.
Good Feet offers three types of inserts: the reformer, the maintainer and the strengthener. Each has a different goal for retraining arches to their optimal health and cannot be purchased individually. The set of three, which is a custom fit to the length and width of your foot, can cost anywhere between $1,650 to $5,000 and come with a lifetime warranty.
And while Jenkins reinforced that they are not a shoe store, the company is partnered with Brooks, another shoe brand that emphasizes arch support, and also sells some of their shoes and compression socks.
After 30 days, clients will come back to compare their before and after scans and discuss progress made. To maintain arches, and reduce pain, Jenkins recommends wearing slippers at home and avoiding shoes without any arch support.
You can make an appointment for a consultation online. Walk-ins are also welcomed at the store at 254-57 Horace Harding Expy. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday.
