Standing on A Cloud of Comfort
Aug 11, 2009 | From the kitchen of Rose
When I was a child, I couldn’t help but notice that all the other little girls’ mom’s wore pretty shoes while mine wore sensible oxfords or orthopedic models. Actually this was because she was a dentist and in those days, before the advent of electronic multi position examination chairs, dentists had to stand on their feet all day. It was also because my courageous mother had been crippled by polio but she didn’t allow this to stop her from choosing a profession that was physically demanding. She was, in fact, the only woman in the entire dental school at the time.
Though I didn’t have the problems with my feet and legs that she suffered, I never-the-less was strongly influenced by her approach to support and comfort. This has stood me in good stead as now so many of my friends are undergoing foot surgery for bunions and other problems. But catering to your feet has more ramifications than just your feet. Happy feet make for a happy back, happy body, and happy soul. And shoes are not the whole story.
For years, while teaching classes and testing recipes, I have stood on an industrial rubber mat. In fact, when I taught at Rich’s department store with Shirley Corriher, some years ago, I purchased portable anti-fatigue mats for each of us as the marble floors were the absolute worst surface to stand on. Another benefit of a mat, incidentally, is that when you drop a glass or ceramic bowl it doesn’t break!
Last year, when we were in the midst of photographing the cakes for my upcoming book, I noticed that the food stylist and her assistants were standing on an anti-fatigue mat that was actually attractive—no gorgeous. I stepped onto it and discovered that it was also far more cushioned than my industrial one. It was love at first stand! Liz’s assistant Jan Fort explained that her friend produced these gel-filled mats and I immediately called and ordered one for my kitchen.
https://www.gelpro.com/shop/basketweave/gel-mats/truffle
A few weeks ago I discovered that the mats, called GelPro Mats, have become so popular they are now produced in larger sizes so I promptly ordered a second longer and wider one for my 7 foot work area in living room. The gel mats come in several colors and designs. My favorite is the brown one called “truffle” in the basketweave design that looks woven but this is a clever illusion as it is merely an imprint so dirt doesn’t catch in the lattice-like design, making it easy to clean.
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hector in reply to comment from Sherrie
01/14/2010 07:00 PM
i think a new color is out, and for Rose!
http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/25655-GelPro-Flora-Chefs-Mat.aspx
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Sherrie
12/18/2009 09:50 AM
I just purchased one from Costco in Canada--and I can't wait to try it out. (Going to wait until after Christmas incase someone has bought me one!)
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Roseanna
08/24/2009 10:22 PM
I am glad to see the info on the mats. They are on my list along with the new KA paddle. I wear Mephistoes most of the time. They can take a lot of punishment. I can walk 4-6 miles most days and then bake in them for many hours. They cradle my bunioned feet very well. They are pricey but last and last and so worth it.
A
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ButterYum (Patrincia)
08/22/2009 01:59 PM
Back to the mats... how do you clean them? Are they heavy?
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Rose
08/12/2009 12:55 PM
thanks--of course that's what i really meant!!!!
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Anonymous
08/12/2009 12:52 PM
Bad shoes/support might not be the root cause of bunions, but they do exacerbate them and there are a world of other foot disorders that can develop. The advice given is still sound.
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Rose
08/12/2009 11:21 AM
thanks sparky. that brought tears to my eyes. i understand completely and i kept thinking how hard it is to see one's little girl suffer in any way. it always made me feel sad for my grandmother when my mother told me she had to leave her handkerchief with her to have her scent when she left her alone in the hospital before surgery (she had many because of the polio and in those days they wouldn't allow mother's to stay--so cruel).
anyway, my husband has told me that his liability doesn't cover his wife's giving out medical advice!
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Anonymous
08/12/2009 11:18 AM
Sorry Rose for being so grumpy about this topic. I apologize for suggesting you were being smug. It is really obvious to everyone what a caring and thoughtful person you really are as evidenced by all you kind and timely replies to queries and comments on this site. Take care,
Sparky
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Rose
08/12/2009 09:10 AM
Apologies Sparky. I stand corrected that shoes cause bunions. It was not the proper example of what the wrong type of shoes can do. and believe me--i feel lucky--never smug. i'm always trying to persuade my friends who wear the wrong shoes at food shows, standing on cement blocks covered by thin carpet, to wear different type of shoes. No one ever looks down at those shows anyway!
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Sparky
08/12/2009 08:34 AM
FYI bunions are mostly hereditary. My in-laws have terrible bunions- I do not and my young daughter(age 11) already has them. Doctor says it's hereditary. I have no doubt that could shoes will help her remain comfortable for longer although I was told the disease would progress no matter what we did. So don't be too smug when you're friends are having surgery for bunions and you are not you're just lucky.
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Rose
08/11/2009 09:01 PM
rachelino, that's an excellent question. i was astonished to find that i could stand and walk indefinitely in chefwear and dansko clogs. i also love nikki runing shoes which are the exact chape of my feet but usually wear them outside more than inside.
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Rachelino
08/11/2009 08:45 PM
Rose, what shoes do you wear for long hours of baking and cleaning?
I have eyed these mats for a long time and now am definitely going to pick one up.
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Emilie
08/11/2009 05:36 PM
FYI, there is also a long thread on these mats at the Cooks Illustrated BB, and everyone is singing their praises. One has been on my wish list ever since I saw it mentioned there. And FWIW, Bed Bath and Beyond carries a limited selection of them and their coupon reduces the cost by 20%.
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Bill
08/11/2009 05:09 PM
Rose: As you know, I'm an orthodontist (like your mom) and I still stand. With the high volume of patients, and the short visits involved in adjusting braces, I find it easier. Also, when I started practicing I bought a practice from a very elderly Dr. and the chairs were ancient. They worked, but they didn't tip back far enough to sit while working...so although I have all new modern equipment now...I still stand. And I often wear sneakers. I'm going to look into putting these alongside my dental chairs...as well as one in the kitchen! Thanks for the tip...you're the best.
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hector
08/11/2009 04:59 PM
that is a great tip, i am just about to think about this. for now, i've been using my yellow clogs. i think as long as i replace my clogs twice a year, the cushion is good! you all should be reminded that according to Nike, you should replace your running or walking shoes every 12 months even if they still look brand new! the rubber hardens with time and no longer provide appropriate support!
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Crazy Cake Lady
08/11/2009 03:51 PM
I've been eyeing these for a while and am glad to see that they now have the designer sizes. Must add this to my Christmas wish list. :)
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Christina
08/11/2009 03:41 PM
Oh my, this is great. I think I need one for my kitchen as well!
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