Help for pavement-pounding feet from a local source comes in the form of Sidewalk Shoe Survival Balm, new out this summer from a San Francisco runner in search of a product to protect and soothe her feet in heels.
Packaged in sleek gray plastic in a shape much like a mini deoderant dispenser that can easily slip into an evening bag, the fragrant lavender balm ($18) is the brainchild of Jody Llewellyn, who developed the foot-helper when an attempt to run the New York City Marathon after an evening on the town in heels left her feet less than race-ready.
After testing the balm out in recent weeks, we’re pleased with the results. It reduces the friction and rubbing bare feet often face in unforgiving heels and flats, and it also has a refreshing herbal scent that reminded us of being at the spa. The fact that it’s paraben-free and made from natural ingredients such as jojoba oil and dandelion extract only drew us in more.
Will it suddenly make those six-inch heels feel like slippers after a seven-hour standing session? Uh, no. But is it one more tool in your arsenal when you’re dying to wear shoes with a sub-par comfort track record? Yes.
Available for purchase online or in San Francisco retail locations such as Bath Sense and Heidi Says Shoe Salon.
