Hi. I can relate to the shoe issue. I wear Nike walking shoes every minute I am up even when I go to the bathroom in the night. Other shoes and let me tell you I have tried many cause extreme pain and walking with no shoe is impossible. I too hope one day to be able to work and this is a concern. There are some shoes by Merrel that look like they have strong support but come in like black or tan so looks more professional.With those they have strap ones that are not enclosed but not quiete like a flip flop. My mom said Clark makes one too. I know for me anything takes time to adjust as I am so sensitive. There was a time I could not wear socks for the ankle/foot pain and now I can but getting to this point was filled with tears and extra pain. I am thinking it is the same with shoes. Even when I switch to a different walking shoe I end up in a flare up. On a side note and we are all different so talk to your doctors but ace bandage to me would increase the pain in the long run. Now I understand about air because it used to feel like a gun shot to me with a wind blow and I still hate it but it is less sensitve. I used to wear an airboot in the start of this and it actually made my rsd worse cause it did not allow me to be mobil and I wonder if the ace bandage is making your range of motion more limited and in turn increases pain. Now again please follow your body and needs and I know how it is a catch 22 but in the long run I am thinking. Do you have a pain doctor who is working with you and are you on meds/treatments? Very key. I understand feeling alone and people not understanding. My only advice is to focus on the people who do and that the people who are hurtful have issues they take out on you. If you want an email buddy I am here too. Many thoughts for better times ahead