After a year of excruciating heel pain + surgery considerations, I wandered onto several plantar fascitis message boards seeking any/every source of relief. I tried custom orthotics, rolling over a frozen water bottle, arthritis gels, foot soaks, stretches, changed posture, etc. Nope, nada, zilch. At most, an hour or two of relief...then back to excruciatingly normal. Even my beloved orthotics Crocs ceased to be wearable. :(

During a session and in response to my heel pain, a remedial massage therapist strongly recommended a pair of incline shoes, in specific the Dr. Scholl's or MBT's (she was adamantly against the Skechers). I opted for the latter, higher quality option: 'if you're going to this, do this RIGHT,' I deduced. Combined with the custom orthotics implants, she was convinced the combo would work. I, however, was skeptical plus now out of a lot of money on these seemingly gimmick shoes.

First impressions were a tad mixed. Walking was awkward the first week, ditto the need to semi-regularly shift weight for balance. For those who do a lot of stationary standing, you've been warned. Also - and at a risk of stating the obvious: DO NOT RUN IN THESE. Fitness benefits? I'm already in fairly decent shape, thus they appeared minimal (limited to some upper leg fatigue/burn).

On a superficial, level, I was simultaneously worried about the enormous heel looking ridiculous...even more so with my working in a very staunch employment environment. Yes, I got a comment here and there, but followed by admissions he/she likewise owned a pair up incline, fitness shoes. (So much for stereotypes, I gather.) Related and thankfully, the walnut versions are fairly attractive, apt to receive equal compliments as finger points.

Several weeks in, however, and walking became natural. The Tariki became my primary pair of shoes simply because they were so ridiculously comfortable, practical. Most importantly - and in an 'aha!' moment about 1.5 month in - I realized the heel pain was gone for weeks now. Combined with a glass of tonic water at bed (an old school remedy for cramping), the dogs fail to bark.

The social scientist in me experimented with short stints in other shoes. Athletic shoes, standard dress...and foot/heel began to once more lurk. These Tarikis were clearly doing their thing. A constant reminder was the enormous amount of pressure the wedge was taking off the heel. You can feel the thing absorbing the weight of the world, even when seated. Which - by the way - you should do with feet firmly on the floor. Do not sit cross-legged in these.

Rarely do I give a seeming gimmick such a strong endorsement. These shoes, however, are fantstic.