Hello,

I have had neuropathy in both feet for approx 4 years, my number one symptom, is numbness, however the numbness with tender to touch pain exists up to my knees.

It appears to be progressing slowly, I have a few flair ups of unusually more numbness, or pain at times.

My question is this, I would like to know what sneakers will give me the most comfort for walking, and boots for hiking.

I have been trying to walk a mile a day, since I live in WNY, where we have snow, I am also interested in comfotable hiking boots as well as the sneakers.

I wear clark sandles in the summer, they are great.

The cost is not an issue, if the sneaker and boots enable me to walk, hike, and be active with the highest level of comfort possible even with my neuropathy.

Thanks for your input.

Patty

I wear Ryka sneakers; in particular, the Versa model which is a Mary Jane style which closes w/ velcro. I love them! I just bought 2 more pairs from their website, which happened to have free shipping. They cost about $60 which is really a bargain since they enable me to walk for about a mile without the usual excruciating foot pain. The first pair I bought a year ago @ Filene's and once I knew which style suited me, I could order them online.

I own a pair of LL Bean boots which provide good traction but I don't wear them much so I cannot vouch for their PN'ability. I am terrified of walking around in snow or rain so I mostly stay home in the winter.

Good luck in your shoe quest!

Thank you for the information, I will look into those options.

Patty

New Balance Velcro Walkers have been good for me for the past 5 years.
The style that sells for about $60-$65, I haven't tried the more expensive $80 or so, as the others work well.
Also the Dr. Scholl's Velcro Walkers fit well too. I switch between the two.
I also remove the innersoles & arch (I have flat feet) and use full gel innersoles topped with a foam cushion innersole because my feet are sensitive and need cushioning.

i second the new balance velcro walkers, i got a pair recently and they have a lot of room in the box which is what i need and the adjustable straps help deal with the swelling that i get in my ankles and feet. if they get too tight they are very easy to loosen.

I also use the New Balance Velcro Walkers and have been for the past several years as a result of PN. Tried lots of shoes and none beat these. I pay $65 thru L L Bean - shipping is free when I use my L L Bean credit card and there is no sales tax. PLUS, L L Bean guarantees them for LIFE with no questions asked....period!!!

The athletic shoe I can wear is the Brooks Addiction. I got a double wide and there is lots of room for feet. Plus I need the motion control and support. I wear orthotics with mine. Its a hard job to find the right shoes.

Karli

I wear my sandals! I get VERY Grumpy in toe covered things. VERY GRUMPY!
IF feet get wet? They dry. If feet get not too cold? They warm up. I am not going to expose myself to pain in the toes if I don't need it. Ergo. It's all in the timing? Except for last year - THAT was an exception to everything.
Soo, ya either lie or obfuscate about your 'choice' of footwear! WHO really should care? Only time it'd be an issue if'n you were a top of the line MODEL! IF that's the case? I'll betcha, there are a hundred ladies here looking for 'socially accepable shoes' and will likely find you some!
Otherwise? Frumpy is OK by me! Yer feet hurt? So, you are in comfy shoes! Ergo, you aren't distracted, thus smarter because your feet don't hurt! IF I were in business? I'd do business w/ you any time! Because I know your feet at least are happy... the rest is 'other business'.
Happier feet and soon! 's!!! - j

I have seen Crocs with a lining on their web site. I do remember -25 couldn't do it now! I wear Birkenstocks year round, they have roomy toes, arch suppot, variety of styles. I think they have a web site?

That's what I've heard (about the crocs), but the back (heel) is still uncovered, and we get 3-4 feet of snow frequently (and often we get even more than that), so I can't have anything that is opened... my socks would get wet and cause issues. I can't wear anything with an arch.. I have flat feet and have read that with PN, avoid the arch if you don't have one. I went to the hospital today for a bone scan, and the ladies were talking about boots that look like/are made from sweater material.. I don't know if I would be able to use those or not, but I'm going to check it out.