I recently started doing street fairs this summer, which are great for Svengali Pitches. But those concrete sidewalks can be very tough on the feet from standing up all day.

I recently found a good solution that I wanted to share -- a portable "indoor/outdoor" mat that I picked up for about $8 in the camping section of a sporting goods store. It's about 4' long by 1-1/2' wide, is very flexible and rolls up into a very compact bundle. While it's not very thick, it does offer a much softer and resilient surface. Definitely a good thing to bring along -- your feet will thank you!! SETH

Thanks for the suggestion Seth. Do you happen to know the brand name of the mat you got? Just curious....

Thanks,

David

Sorry, but I don't know the brand. The mat was rolled up in a paper sleeve that had the brand name, but I discarded it.

Fortunately, my guess is that any sport goods store should carry something similar, it appeared to be a "stock" item. SETH

Good shoes along w/ inserts help me for long days of balloon pitching. Also less to cary home at the end of the night. But if you are still looking sport/camping area of wal-mart has a lot of odds and ends you might try

Shoe inserts really helped I compared with and without. They are great.

I second the shoe inserts, thanks for mentioning them.

In my experience, the ones that seem to hold up the best are the "Spenco" brand, available in many drugstores and also over the Internet. I like their 3/4 length ones that have an arch support and a heel cushion all in one. They run about $20 a pair and will last a very long time. SETH

Forgot to post a link for the Spenco inserts, click HERE for more info.

It's tough to do a good thumb palm if your feet hurt! <grin> SETH

Another thing I do to help my feet besides inserts is I wear the same brand of shoe alot, once I find a good performing shoe that I think goes well w/ my look I buy a extra pair or two, different style/brands of shoes wear different and put different pressure points on ur feet. But if you need different shoes for another gig just swap ur inserts.

Gentlebeings, let me share Good Ol Doc Darrow's Patented Prescription for Trade Show Bunions and Busker's Blisters! The cost is miniscule, the benefits are vast and you will thank me until the day you die and maybe after!

Part one: GOOD shoes with SOLID insoles! Nothing takes the place of good, supportive shoes! Look into running or training shoes if your character will allow them.

Part Two: Dr. Scholl's Gel Inserts. Yesirree! These babies baby your feet like a loving mother's caring kiss! If you ain't gellin' by the end of the day, your dogs will be yellin'!

Part Three: Support Hose - no Skippy, I do NOT mean a garden hose that stands up to water the lawn on its own, but socks that are designed to support your feet AND calves! Wear these, live them FLAUNT them! Without them, your legs will ache after a long day pounding the concrete.

Part Four: And here's the REAL secret - BANANAS! That's right! A FOOD! These are a rich source of POTASSIUM, which is an anti-spasmodic chemical that your body needs! If you're allergic to bananas, take a potassium suppliment, IF your doctor will allow you to (ALWAYS check with your REAL Doctor when doing ANYTHING like this as I am NOT a real Doctor, nor do I play one on TV, folks!). Also Calcium is another goodie which will help. Milk, lettuce and vitamins will help there, too.

Part Five: a whirlpool bath for your feet. These are available for about $30US at most CVS and Walgreen pharmacies and will do WONDERS for you.

Trust me. These little things are LIFE SAVERS! And they also apply to Trade Show, Bar, Restaurant, Strolling, Busking and other "on your feet for long periods" magi!

Lee Darrow, C.H.

I bought mats to stand on ... like what bar tenders stand on. They help a lot! Mine are foam puzzle mats for kids to play on, lighter than what bartenders use thus easier to transport.

-JoeJoe

After years of standing on my feet, I found out two things, either get foot operations, or purchase Finn Comfort shoes. I have used mats, and still do. I have used Spenco inserts and still do... But all those remedies aer only temporary. Good shoes are the secret. Finn Comforts are not cheap. averaged price is around $300 a pair. They are made in Germany and their feature is a replaceable cork type insert that provides insole foot support. Most foot problems are due to America's shoes no longer offering arch support.

Two stores around Sacramento...