I ordered the footsmart catalog, gives dozens of idea and has foot ware designed specifically for PN. Their prices are high I think, but it gives good ideas. I love my fit flops and sandals for the next several months. For the winter months you'll find my in my black suede top crocs that are slip on or ya can use the back heel strap, they keep my feet dry easy to slip off when the burn comes on. That being said, I have about 500.00 worth of shoes in my closet that I thought would work and they don't, guess I should have a garage sale!

I did the same thing before I finally found shoes that felt right. Even trying shoes on in the store made no difference - you can't wear them around the store for an hour or so. I have some pairs I only wore once - for about 2 hours.

I imagine we're not alone. Maybe we could all get together and open a 'gently worn' shoe shop.

I second the Birkenstocks, although you have to be careful breaking them in.

Socks,, in the moring if its cold,, its heavy socks, yesterday it was heavy wool socks for a while till it warmed up then I had to go to light socks,, shoes,, I took my sons,, tehre more paddded and again this morning,, heavy wool socks,, then back to light socks,, until I walk across the kitchen floor and there might be a small stone or somthing there,, and it feels like I stepped ona boulder,,

I have neuropthy and heel in each foot. Can't were socks. The only shoe i have found is a pair of slip on that is fur lined. I too am looking for something better. Anyone use the z-coil or mbt? Thanks for any reply.

when my feet were painful (now numb - oh so preferable) - I used to always have a spare pair of shoes or sandals or whatever with me. I could never wear anything for long, but provided I kept changing shoes I could at least vaguely tolerate having shoes on my feet.

What I loved best was cold wet shoes - in the winter I could go for walks on the beach because I would imediately go stand in the water, get my runners and socks good and wet, and every time they started to dry out I would go stand in the water again. Man I got some weird looks, but it worked for me.

These days my feet are totally numb so it's now more of a case of keeping a very close eye on my feet as I don't notice cuts and injuries to my feet.

raglet

NB 570 series Velcro Walkers and Dr Scholls Velcro walkers -
both have roomy toes and I use gel insoles (I take the factory ones out)
and foam cushions on top of that.
Very sensitive feet when they're not numb.

For my athletic shoes, I use men's shoes (for the width).
I usually try on many styles, and now I have a New Balance one.

I am experimenting with the new orthotics from Dr. Scholl's, that come with the machine that you stand on which evaluates you in the stores now.

I tested out at #320... and have had them for about 2 weeks or so, and I am breaking them in. At first they affected my legs, but now I don't have that aching anymore. I think they are helping my feet when I do long distance walking (errands).

I only wear them for that.

For all but the worst of snows... I've also fussy toes issues and if ANYTHING TOUCHES THE TOES? I get very buggy. I'd found a perfect sandal a few years ago but it's been discontinued. I am now using velcro strips to add to the strap length of the old sandals as I've had some swelling issues. [Can find 'em at Home Depot or Wal-mart if you look on the supports for the shelves? Where they put all the 'weird things'.
I can't wear a scuff as I'm more likely to walk out of it and not notice? Until it's too late.
A friend had given me a present of chenille socks a few years ago and they are perfect! Wish I could find more like them! Non binding, soft, non-irritating and have good toe room so there's no pressure on those 'toes'. Keep the feet warm when they're always cold, and breathe when they're hot.
Does anyone know of a 'custom' sandal maker? That's where I'd go and actually draw my dream footwear!
There is no one perfect shoe for all of us. But I'll bet that IF we all put in our 'requirements'? We could give some manufacturer an opportunity to 'create' our best footwear! Of course, there would have to be 3 different models for both men and women? Slippers, casual and almost socially acceptable. You get my drift.
Good luck in Your GREAT SEARCH! 's - j

Gee.... -j,
I'm from the '60's & remember when there were scores of 'em.
Anywhere in the 'Hippy' section of town!!
Today, the old time fairs, Renaissance fairs, etc.
have custom bootmakers that do custom sandals.
Betcha yer local Y.P. or smaller phone book
has a custom bootmaker or two.
Pricey, but good quality.
Also look in the crafts shoppes areas in inner harbors and historric sections of towns/cities, on the East & West coasts.
Dunno about 'Middle America' ?