10 Foot Pain Relief Items From a Flight Attendant

I’ve been a flight attendant for 10 years, and after multiple flights on two- or three-day trips, a little self-care is always at the top of my agenda. Obviously, my job requires me to be on my feet, and because I’m not superhuman, they get really, really tired.Over the years, I’ve picked up a few foot pain relief products to make being on my feet all day a little easier: and they’re bound to help you feel comfortable on your next vacation.

Whether you’re walking all over a European city, headed out on a multi-day hike, or exploring a tropical getaway, it’s probably worth checking out a few of my flight attendant-approved essentials for foot relief, all of which are readily available on Amazon. Not only are they practical and even fun to use (a spiked foot massager anyone?), but they’re also pretty affordable: prices start at just $8.

WoolAid Bandages, 30-pack

I discovered these Woolite Bandages recently, and now, I can’t travel without them. Each pack comes with 10 bandages of different sizes and are all made from Merino wool. They are breathable and flexible, so I can wear them without worrying about them falling off when I put them on my feet or ankles to cover a blister. I love that they come in fabric colors that match my shoes, so they are a little more discreet than your average bandage. Best of all, they’re made from a natural, renewable, and biodegradable plastic-free material.  Bottom line: if your shoes frequently give you blisters, WoolAid bandages are a must-have for your carry-on and your medicine cabinet. 

Born Daisy Sandals

While I love a good pair of Havianas, these Born sandals are my favorite when I’m home after long days of flying. The thick sole is trendy, cute, and oh-so therapeutic on my tired feet. Plus, the soft leather straps don’t give me blisters. On day one of wearing them, they felt broken in and quickly became my favorite shoe for running around town. And not to mention, the grip on the bottom is excellent — in fact, I haven’t slipped in them yet.

Superfeet Insoles

These Superfeet insoles are nothing less than life-changing. In fact, I use them both in the shoes I wear while serving drinks on the plane and the ones I wear while sightseeing. They’re even my secret hack when wearing cute sneakers while I’m running around town at sporting events and shopping with girlfriends. They’re easy to trim and customize to fit each pair of shoes, and there are plenty of different fits and comfort levels to choose from, so you know I have them snuck into all my favorite shoes.

Theraflow Foot Roller

There aren’t many things that I look forward to more than my morning coffee and running my feet over this awesome foot roller. It works like a mini acupressure massage — but the best part is that I can enjoy it in my pajamas. It’s small enough to slide under the edge of the couch for easy access and light enough to take with me on a trip if I know I’ll have a layover and need some relaxation time.

Yoga Toes

Spoiler alert — I’m using my Yoga Toes right now. A good yoga stretch always feels spectacular after a long day, and these Yoga Toes are equally wonderful for some much-needed relief for your feet. They fit right in between your toes and give them a good stretch relieving pain and tension that builds up over the day. Flight attendants deal with a lot of nerve pain, bunions, and plantar fasciitis; over time, I’ve found Yoga Toes to be a great preventative tool for these issues and also a great pain reliever. 

Carpe Antiperspirant Foot Lotion

I personally don’t need this, but I did have to buy it for my crewmate. Beyond foot pain, standing on your feet all day can make your feet, well, stinky. After I gave this miracle ointment to her, it cleared up any odor issues she was having fast. If you have sweaty feet, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, but maybe buy this lotion — it will certainly help (plus, your travel crew might thank you!).

Ugg Coquette Slippers

If I’m doing chores around the house, I’m wearing my Ugg Slippers. That’s the rule. The soft liners feel amazing on my tired feet, and this style offers enough support that I don’t feel the steps after an hour of tidying up after being gone. I also love that these Ugg slippers are available in an array of fun colors; the Pink Glow is my personal favorite.

Optp Stretch Out Strap

All the repetitive motions of serving drinks (and looks!) in my high-heeled shoes, plus the occasional rough landing, inevitably cause sore legs and back muscles. After my morning coffee, I love to stretch my back, hips, and hamstrings with assistance from these straps. On trips, I found myself wanting to get home for a better stretch, so I bought another strap to keep in my luggage. I like that this strap in particular has integrated loops; I use them for progress markers and goals. The strap comes with a card for recommended stretches to target specific spots, and I love supporting this small business that’s been around since 1993. 

Octorox Spiky Massage Balls

Sometimes, I get a knot in my back that I can’t reach to rub out, so these Spiky Massage Balls have become a solution to that problem. The three different levels of firmness are nice as not all knots are made the same. They’re great for other pressure points, too, like the bottom of your feet, shoulders, or legs, making them a smart item to pack in your bag for quick relief.

Tiger Balm, Pack of 2

Your grandmother wasn’t wrong: whether it’s a stiff neck, sinus pressure, or sore feet, Tiger Balm is often the answer. I buy the multi-pack so I can keep a jar in my luggage and one at home, and I love that it’s small enough that the TSA doesn’t bother me about it when going through security. Add this magic potion to the Spiky Massage Balls or Yoga Toes and you’ll know why I’m still smiling after ten years on my feet attending flights.

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