Shoes might be more essential than essential oils. They support our walks through life and moods. Our victory laps and walks of shame. As Canadian fire haze greets the East Coast, we meet a new season with unsteady fervor. Summer 2023 means iffy temperatures and orange skies are setting sailing to the resort of uncertainty. That means a race to keep feet on the ground. Marma points- the 107 vital body indications- on our peds with dosha-supporting shoes is the new heatwave pedicure.

A good pair of shoes paired with a marma massage can prevent or alleviate foot, knee and hip pain that accompanies treading through daily living. These are like acupuncture points, with many corresponding to the same area and function. Because marmas are considered the hub of prana, or a life force, injury to any point can lead to unhealthy conditions.

Outside of a beachside White Party, white manifests into water according to Ayurveda. We add a hint of color to these pairs because as loyal readers know, Fashionable $cience is no snooze fest at The BKDWN. These pairs set the foundation for a lifetime of cool Summers… because your doshic energy is the only seasonal trend worth following.

Wedges Without Wedgies

Get high without teetering in a pair of architectural wedge sandals. These Marni’s (ca 2011) have the perfect ankle strap for security and a beautiful back detail (see them in Summer Lab Style here). Despite the airiness of sandals, high temps can contribute to a bit of swelling. Massaging the Gulpha marma points along the outer ankles can help with circulation and water retention that afflicts synovial-regulating Kapha doshas. The reflective detail and Gulpha can also energize forward movement (Prana Vayu) for hesitant doshas.

Loafers Into Perpetuity

A reliable loafer allows the mind to focus on more pressing matters. Find one you like and get them in color options that support personalized Dosha Dressing for life. This white pair from Gucci calms intensely hot days while providing comfort (see the black pair here). They are well-paired with skirts like this lilac pleated midi, playful shorts and grown-up trousers. Hot days might equate to sleepless nights. Massaging the Pada Kshipra on top of the large toe can help with insomnia and ungrounded feelings stemming from Vata-driven Udana Vayu.

Can’t go wrong with a good pair of loafers. They look good with everything and are as comfortable as a good night's sleep. Pada Kshipra alleviates insomnia if done on a regular basis. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Tweed For Tweets

Ballet flats for looking at tweeting birds while picnicking (not that social media cancelation nest). Though yellow manifests as fire, making it pastel like these Chanel’s calms Pitta that can blaze hotter than the Summer sun. Long days of sunlight can cause headaches. Make headaches less of a headache with a bit of coconut oil on the Pada Madhya located on the sole.

A yellow lover indeed, but too much of it can intensify fiery Pitta emotions. Pastel yellow in these ballet flats are perfect to skip through any heatwave. A bit of love to the Pada Madhya provides cooling to those anti-fun headaches. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Boots For Walking

Nancy Sinatra would approve of two-tone mod boots. These Tom Ford’s (ca 2016) are perfect on those oddly cold L.A. days or back-to-the-office AC-happy dweebs. The kitten heels support a walk from lab to a gallery without thought (see them in Lab Style Summer Outfit 2.0 here). To alleviate pain resulting from an escape in stilettos, massage the Parshni marma point on the heel.