Footwear

kosi1977

Hi folks, hope you're all well. I would like to find out what kind of footwear people wear? I use to wear piedro boots as a youngster and then after leaving school I began to wear ordinary shoes. Although most shoes, slippers and sandals fall off my slender feet each time I took a step! Nowadays I wear trainers 24/7 because my balance isn't great and I feel much safer in them. On average I may have at least 10 pairs of shoes but I can't wear them anymore. Any tips on good footwear??

Geniedebs

I will admit to having trouble finding shoes. Clark's or Marks and Spencers are shops were I can buy decent, stylish footwear, although they tend to be expensive. 

jose2

Hello @kosi1977,just saw your post , I too have trouble with finding the right shoes,due to neuropathic pain in legs and feet and also find if shoes are too heavy I drag my feet ,can't pick my feet up properly and trip up all the time.A few years ago I discovered Sketcher's ,they can be a bit on the wide size ,but I find they are  one of the lightest shoes on the market to date.Got them in lovely styles and colours. 

CockneyRebel

my footwear of choice are rigger boots. although heavy they are easy to put on and off

cr

Lynne53

I have problems finding shoes I can walk in and then affording them. They are invariably in the high price bracket wherever I get them from. I had an ankle fusion blast year and my foot has not gone back to original size so none of my previous footwear is any use. I've spent a small fortune trying to get something that stays comfortable however long I have them on. 

Grymcent

I've found its very dependant on your unique condition combination. 
IE: I need massive cushioned soles (recently discovered the brand new skechers on the go 3),but I also need fabric ankle support - snow / winter boots - but there is no combination that exists out there yet! 

Good hunting 

Government_needs_reform

Also to add if you like me and If you have problems with lower limbs legs and feet and bending, I use slip on type shoes and slippers without laces. Makes it a little easier without the need for bendining down.

sleepy1

Getting good comfortable footwear is really difficult, especially if you can't get out much to try shoes/boots on and very hit and miss buying online.  Slip on's are good to get on but can slip off to easy when moving around and add to balance problems.  
I have some that have an adjustable velcro strap across the top, they are a size bigger than my normal feet (I used to have) but depending how my feet feel at the time by selecting the right socks I can usually make them fit.

My tip would be buy the best quality walking socks (ironic I know) and bigger shoes.
Hugs Rosie

dottydotty

sleepy1   Bigger shoes ,  works for me too  .I wear socks in the winter and suffer with  swollen feet in the summer ,  I also check the soles on shoes , I go for a texture d/  patterned sole for better grip .

thespiceman

Hello every body there are solutions to your problems.  Please consult your GP.  I believe I mentioned this before on other posts.

I have a genetic disorder of hands and feet.  For years shoes, boots not working to help my feet.  So through GP.   Went to a consultant in my teens.  I have fallen arches and go through a lot of pain.

The consultant advised me what I need to have.  Referred to a NHS out sourced footwear specialist.  This was a company called Peacocks.

Based in Newcastle I was being supplied footwear by them.  Still am, get boots and soles adapted.  You are allowed two pairs a year.  Whatever you need, as they are suited to your needs.  They measure and fit.

They will tell you.  

There must be other companies doing this in the country.

Have a chat with you GP, is the answer if that helps.

I do not pay anything towards cost.  I assume if it is free for me.  I assume same for others.

Never paid anything, mind you if they did say so.  Quite happy to do so.  Last a lot longer.

Take care

niceboots

Hi, I have cp and mainly wear hiking boots/shoes, they offer a good amount of support and are pretty hard wearing, they are also quite spacious and open up quite a lot making them easier to get on and off. I also wear trainers as they go over my splints easily. I have wide feet, so with my splints on they’re even wider! 
I wear piedro boots when I need smart shoes for at work, however they have stopped making the ones I wear, and the ones that are specifically designed for afos are £180. So I’m starting to struggle to get smart shoes, I have had my piedros re-soled, but the replacement soles have no grip, which makes my feet twist inward as I walk ( not ideal) so I’m going to have to shop around for alternative smart footwear. Other similar makes on the market are even more expensive than piedro for adult sizes (close to £300). Unfortunately my local orthotics service won’t fund me footwear as I get the support I need from my splints, so according to them there’s no clinical need for specialist footwear. Despite me needing smart shoes for work!
good luck finding shoes, it can be really hard! Are you seen by an orthotist? That’s often the best place to start.

susan48

I was unaware that gps can refer re footwear, I too have fallen arches and need strong support with footwear, my last walking shyes/trainers cost my family £80. 
If I don’t have foot support I’m in pain, knees, legs muscles.
will try to ask my gp

Matilda

The only 'shoes' I am able to walk in are flip-flops in summer and sheepskin boots in winter because both have soft footpads and put little or no pressure on the rest of my feet.  I wear trainers for driving but can't walk comfortably in those.

thespiceman

Hello @susan48 Please can I say try your GP .  As I said went the other day loads of ladies and gents having shoes made.

Many of them with leg, feet problems.

I am having boots made with straps I can not do laces anymore.

I wish you all the success 

Take care

susan48

Thanks spiceman,
i will ask when I’m next at gp, next week, vitamin b12 injection due . It is painful but helps with energy 

smiler43

Hi I've been looking for slippers need support as have  balance problems i have a four wheel walker and wheel chair if needed. 

kosi1977

Many thanks to everyone for responding to my post on footwear. It's quite interesting finding out  what everyone chooses to wear on their feet. I guess we all have different needs for unique footwear. I hope this topic has helped everyone to express their views and are able to consider the tips which have been made by the group.