With some exceptions (and of course, we each have our preferences!)... but MOST of us really should be wearing good shoes! My spine was curving and twisting once (way too much stress at the time...) went to see a rheumatologist (thought I was arthritic...) turns out my spine was out of whack. She said we're going to do two things: 1) You're going to go get some Rykas (shoes designed by women for women's feet... BEST shoes I've ever worn!!) and 2) physical therapy. Well, BOTH worked! I find that whenever I'm wearing poor shoes, my feet/back/hips/knees/toes.... it all hurts!
just do an online search: Ryka shoes... (I only WISH I had stock!!)

Lots of suggestions here. Thanks for sharing! I will check out those women's shoes~ :)

The idea from ksdot417 ( 2 layers of carpet pad under a runner) sounds like an inexpensive idea worth trying, ie. I will try it! I also bought a rolling elevated chair for my quilting.

I've worn Z-coils too. Really helped feet, knees and back. BUT...the exposed coil got tangled on a cord and I fell landing on mostly my left hand. To make a long story short...spent 2 months in long term hospital after 3 surgeries and more than a year in PT. Arm is still limited in range of motion and is very weak. So the moral of the story is to either buy the coil cover-ups(expensive too) or be very careful.

I bought the util-a-mat from Sam's. 8 tiles is around $22. They fit together like puzzle pieces. I have them on both sides of my longarm, by my ironing board and cutting table. They work great and are inexpensive.

I wear Spiras. They look like regular athletic shoes, but they have coils INSIDE the shoe. They are not cheap, but I can only go without them for awhile. Crocs make my hips ache at night! Anyone know if the interlocking mats (like they sell at Sears..and they come in colors for kids play areas too) work on carpet? I stand at the long arm and am limited w/o more support. Maybe its time to get my carpet replaced!

I bought an anti fatigue mat at Bed Bath & Beyond last week - it was marked 69.99 but must have been on sale because I got two of them for 69 bucks with tax! They seem to be working well.