The Benefits of Birks

Many years ago, when I was straight out of college and working more than 40 hours a week in retail, I developed the dreaded heel spur. The medical profession calls it plantar fasciitis, but I called it torture! Desperate, I went to a doctor, convinced I would have to have cortisone injections in my feet.

My doctor looked at my pretty, blue sequined flip flops and told me that a lot of my problem was my shoes. They were cute, they showed off my pedicure, but they were offering me no arch support. To add injury to insult, with every step I took, my flip flops were smacking against my heel. It was adding to the inflammation.

The doctor suggested different exercises for my feet, wearing athletic shoes for work and alternating them every few days… and then he recommended Birkenstocks.

The first day I wore my first pair of Birks, I couldn’t understand what all of the fuss was about. They were ok, but the foot bed of the shoes felt odd. Then I did some research, and discovered that the bed of the shoe takes a day or two to conform to the contours of your foot. So I wore them around the house for a few hours. By day three, I was a lifetime convert!

Birkenstocks not only have a foot bed that supports your arch, they are also designed in such a way that the soles of the shoe don’t slap against the bottom of your foot. They are the most comfortable shoes ever! I have about 8 (ok, more like 14) pairs of them now. I usually try to treat myself to a new style every summer. I even have Birkenstock clogs for cold weather.

Birkenstocks now come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and price ranges. And while some of them can be a bit pricey, they all seem to last a really long time! I still have my first pair, which are now more than 15 years old.

For the record, I followed my doctor’s suggestions. I did the foot exercises and ditched the flip flops, and I haven’t had any pain from my heel spur in years! So if you have foot problems, or even if you just want to prevent them, I highly recommend trying a pair of Birkenstocks. I’m currently shopping for my next pair. ~ Jackie Farley

Why Shop Small?

Can you believe that it’s almost Christmas? It seems like this year has flown by! The official holiday shopping season starts soon and there are a couple of “big” shopping days. One of those days is near and dear to our hearts. It’s Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2019.

And I know what you are thinking, what’s the big deal about Small Business Saturday? Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to draw attention to small businesses during the busy Thanksgiving shopping weekend. The impact you have on your community by shopping small is outstanding. By shopping locally you strengthen your economy, create better jobs, get better service, and help keep your local community unique.

As an integral part of the community, local businesses see the value of supporting local schools, libraries, sports and non-profit organizations. They are more likely to donate time and money to support local education and enrichment. Small businesses are often manned by their owners or by residents. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for your neighbors. These combined financial contributions help to strengthen the local economy.

Small businesses are able to give better service since they work to serve the local community. The people working at these businesses are a part of the community and get to know their customers and their products. They are able to make buying decisions and carry a wider array of products based on input from customers.

Where we shop, eat and play makes our community unique. Our one-of a kind businesses are a part of the distinct character of Hinton. Our town is one of a few across the U.S. that still boasts of a soda fountain, and locally owned restaurants and stores with an Appalachian flare and hospitality. When you shop local, you support your community and ensure these special businesses will be around for future generations to enjoy.

When you shop small, you make a big difference.