My first wedding cake is for tomorrow, I started baking last night and was on my feet for over 5 hours. My feet and back are killing me. I have a hard tiled floor and I'm usually barefoot. I have cushy slippers, but then my feet get too hot. I hate wearing shoes...period, but I think I probably should be if I'm standing on a hard floor for that long. Am I the only one with this problem. I'm not overweight or anything, so it's not like there's an abnormal amount of weight on my feet. Does anyone have those chef's clogs? If so, where did you get yours?
Ouchie!!
Samantha
I have this same problem....when I was making my spiderman cake, I started it at 9 am...and before I realized it was 8:30 pm and I had NEVER sat down!!!!!! I plan on getting a stool or something, so at least I would be more inclined to sit once in a while. I guess the best bet would be to gather all your supplies in one area and sit down and relax and decorate in comfort!!!! I gotta try it sometime LOL
I'm right there with you Samantha! I'd much rather be barefoot. I have a pair of foam type clogs that I got at Payless. I believe they sell them at Wal-mart also. Although the ones at Payless have arch support...which I need. They are so comfortable & have air holes so your piggies won't get too hot.
I have a pair of foam type clogs that I got at Payless. I believe they sell them at Wal-mart also. Although the ones at Payless have arch support...which I need. They are so comfortable & have air holes so your piggies won't get too hot.
I have a pair of those, too. They're SO comfy!!!!!
You could stay barefoot, and get a stool to sit on once in a while but for some decorating, I find, at least, that I have to stand to do it.
Get you a nice padded rug or something to stand on. You could even put a few layers of non slip shelf liner (like many of us use under our cake's/turn tables and I use it in my car when transporting cakes so they don't slide), under an area rug. You could even use several layers of good cardboard!! You need some cusion under your feet on the hard tile floor!!! Should make a big difference!
elly
I used to work in a kitchen and was on my feet all day on the tile. They got us these rubber mats for us to stand on and they were great!!! She got them in a kitchen supply place.
I was going to suggest those rubber mats, too. I have 2 of them and swear by them. The problem with tile floors is, no matter what kinds of shoes you have on, you're still standing on hard tile. 
The rubber mats I have are from a kitchen supply store, too....they are beveled down around the edges and very thick and cushy...come clean with some soap and the water hose outside...wipe up easy too. Plus they sort of 'stick' to the floor, since they're rubber...they don't slide around. They're about 2'X3', bigger than a door mat. They come in all kinds of sizes, though. When my cake studio is finished, I plan on ordering larger ones...big enough to run the length of my work table and wide enough to fit between the 3 compartment sink and work table. They won't be cheap, but sooooo worth it! 
some mat sources/ideas
note how Uline sells it by the roll (way at bottom of page)
http://www.uline.com/Browse_Listing_1751.asp?desc=Anti%2DFatigue+Mats
http://www.anytimeproducts.com/meg/antifatigue_24_seven_mats.htm
http://www.rubbercal.com/Dura_Chef_Sr.html
Personally, I like the modular systems best...more flexiblity in layout
CROCS!!! I LOVE them. I wear mine when I am doing all of my house work plus cakes!!!
I get the same way, my back just kills me!!! I don't usually wear shoes either, but i've started wearing my running shoes and that seems to help the feet part. For the back, my hubby bought me a back support thingy that isn't attractive, but it sure helps!!!!
Thanks everyone, I can't believe I never thought to put some type of foam or padding down on the floor. I just can't sit down and do the cakes, for some reason, it just doesn't feel right.
Disco, I rarely do my cakes in one day. I started yesterday, will do more tonight and then more tomorrow morning for the wedding Saturday afternoon. I can't imagine trying to do it all in one day!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!! Samantha
The easiest place to find the rubber anti-fatigue mats is in an auto parts store. I got mine at Pep Boys, and they have been a blessing to my feet and legs ever since.
Theresa 
This sounds funny, but you might want to do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back. It's not that you have too much weight on your body, or there's anything wrong with your legs/feet, but your muscles just aren't used to holding that long. I say this from my own experience. When I was in college, I worked at a pizza restaraunt for a while, and had the same problem at first. It helped to work out, and my back/legs got used to the strain after a while as it got stronger. I would also get those shoes you want. There's no way to build up the cushion in your feet .
I just looked up the crocs and they even have sandals. That solves it, after this wedding is over, I'm gonna go get me some. 
Thanks all, Samantha
I found that I would go to bed with feet throbbing so much I could just about hear it! I bought a tall stool with a back on it and also only decorate in running shoes. Yes, I find they are very supportive on ankles as well as cushioning underneath, and now No more throbbing feet!
I use the stool for bits and pieces and stand when I have to.
I have a bed back from a bad fall from a horse. I take Ibuprophen before I start the project, as I know I will be in pain before the end. I try to pause frequently and stretch out my back. I sit when I can. I wear shoes with good support. You wouldn't work in a shop with bare feet or slippers for good reason--support and safety. I hope this help a bit.
Empress 
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