text: I have been drawn to REI Recreation Equipment Inc Regardless that my body could be working in Las Vegas my spirit is in the hiking trails Oftentimes at the District I would stop by REI A visit to REI is stepping inside a toy store for outdoor recreationists I always imagined joining REI to buy quality hiking boots and a camelback to survive the backcountry Never in a million years did I think I would join REI to survive a walk across a suburban parking lot nn Recently I have suffered from Planters Fasciitis abbreviated PF It is an injury where your arch and heel bone weakens This is the Athletes Curse Or in my case the Hikers Curse It is pain that I would not wish on a troll When in fact a few months ago Mary Jane Falls was a challenge recently the suburban parking lot is After an unfavorable visit with Apache Foot Care I upped my fight against PF with Superfeet insoles and Ankle brace I still suffered If you read my hiking reviews you could understand the physical and mental agony this was causing The next method of attack was hiking boots suitable for PF nn On Sunday I drove all over the southeast Valley on the search for PF hiking boots I found zilch in the outlets and Sears REI appeared to be the best option I was in hopes of the boot getting me through a suburban parking lot restoring my left foot and ultimately carrying me up to the summit of Turtlehead Peak nn As soon as I limped in the door a cheerful employee helped me In the hiking boots department another helpful employee intimidated a purchase of hiking boots with thick insoles I was optimistic this was a Christmas present well spent Upon purchase the cashier let me know of the benefits of REI membership without being aggressive nn Discouragingly PF was winning the battle A couple of days later I limped back into REI to return the boots I was amazed by how easy they made the return Keep in mind that I was wearing the boots for a couple of days and returning it The woman at the desk made small talk with me as she returned my Over and above this she informed me of the insoles REI sells My next attack was returning to Foot Solutions for thicker insoles She directed me to Crystal Marie who was exceedingly helpful I am impressed by the selection of insoles O brought the thickest pair nn I would leave REI with thicker insoles in my sneakers and REI membership The lifetime membership includes a yearly check equivalent to of what you spend at REI for a year invites to members only garage sales and advantageous return policies nn I cannot say that the new insoles are a cure for my PF They are a weapon against it If the problem does not improve by January when the new health insurance year starts I will have an xray done on the foot Because Yelp is my journal I will be writing up on this nnnnhttpwwwaafporgafpphtmlnnhttpwwwwebmdcomatozguidesplantarfasciitistopicoverviewnn httpwwwyelpcomlistwalkingonsunshineare nottimetofeelgoodhenderson