Summer sandals?
 

Hello,

Well it's this time of year again, but unfortunately the warm weather calls for sandals, and for me that is a painful ordeal.

I went out yesterday and tried on over 30 pairs, no kidding, many stores, many sandals, however they all hurt the top of my feet so badly.

The top of my feet is where my neuropathy is very painful! Some felt ok, then after a few minutes they hurt.

Any seams in the soles I could feel 10 times greater than what a person with out neuropathy would feel, I assume that anyway.

For having a disorder that one of my main symptoms is numbness, I sure can feel the slightest seams in any shoes, especially sandals since they are worn bare foot.

I almost fell trying a few pairs on, with out a back strap, the sandal was to large, and due to the numbness in my feet, I could not even tell my foot slid out.:eek:

Well I am afraid the days of wearing cute sandals are in the past, but I suppose there could be much worse things, so I will try not to feel sorry for myself for very long and carry on.:)

I ended up getting a pair of Clark's they are cute sandals, cushioned on the sole so they are comfortable, the top part is bearable, and they were not extremely expensive 52 dollars.

Patty

Hi Patty, the Clark's sound good. The weather is definitely changing and that's something to think about when it comes to sandal shopping.:)

I am the opposite with numbness - I can walk around with a twig in my shoe without being aware of it because I just can't feel it. This of course brings it's own set of problems, and I have to regularly check my feet/ legs for injury otherwise it can easily get out of hand.

But I do understand about the pain thing with shoes, as before I went numb I had 6 months of extreme burning pain. The only thing that worked for me was to carry around several pairs of shoes, and change them often. Rotating shoes really seemed to help me as I couldn't wear anything for very long.

best of luck with your new shoes - I loathe shoe shopping and find it very depressing. I am very limited in the shoes I can wear as i wear AFO's (ankle foot orthotics - they come up to my knees and have to fit into my shoes).

hth

raglet

Crocs has a pair of sandals with just a strap across the arch of the foot and one thin one across the toes. Those work great for me! And then at Walmart the other day I found a pair of Dr. Scholls thong type sandals that have a thick part across the arch that are wonderful, too. The part across the arch keeps your foot from going forward against the part between your toes and causing a sore, too. The Crocs sandals weigh almost nothing. When I first tried a pair of Crocs, the little nubbies inside felt like little jagged pebbles on the soles of my feet, but in a very short time I was totally used to them and they didn't feel that way anymore. I actually think they helped my feet. My feet are very, very sensitive in addition to being numb. Only other neuropathy sufferers would understand that. I can't even stand to have socks on my feet so the less shoe I have, the better.

I DON'T recommend the Curves flip flops from Avon! They're heavenly cushiony and have the thicker strap across the arch so your foot won't go forward against the thing between your toes, but they're an exercise sandal designed to work your leg and buttocks muscles and tone them. I wore mine into Walmart and before I had gone very far, my buttocks were screaming "WHAT were you thinking, woman!?!?!? We're 63 years old and in retirement!" I just couldn't stand it and had to visit the shoe department to get something else. That's how I found the Dr. Scholls sandals.

About 10 years ago - I bought a pair of Dr Marten's sandals.

That was back when they were made in England. They were very expensive.

I could not wear them. The leather above my toes was so stiff it hurt my toes.

I still see them in the closet and ........ wish I could wear them.

A few months ago - I noticed some claw-toe going on (right foot). I put on my trusty old Dr Martens boots - was going to go for a motorcycle ride. I could not walk without pain.

I've had those boots for maybe 15 years and did not want to part with them. I went all creative and altered them ...... it worked. I put some slits above my toes - that gave the room/flex I needed.

Then I went deep deep into toe/foot exercises and got my toes much better.

The boots are not a problem anymore but ...... the sandals still go unused.

Someday i will think of something to fix that stiff edge (thick leather) over my toes. Maybe have a shoe shop sew some soft leather over the stiff part.

I haven't had "cute" shoes for over 20 yrs! :rolleyes:

I currently use Crocs now around the house. But I do have a pair of wide athletic shoes for shopping.

I use Arcopedico for dress-- the stretchy nylon really protects the toes. I have to put a cushion in them tho...they are hard soled.

They last a long time.
Many places sell them. This is what they look like and I don't mean to endorse the site at all:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7328339/c/3.html

I have a high instep, and I think that alone has been difficult for me shoe wise. For the guys, this problem is alot rougher, IMO.
Guy shoes are always uncomfortable looking to me.

These are the Men's choices... they do have sandals with the mesh. That mesh is really nice and comfy, and durable.
http://www.shoesfinder.com/Arcopedico/index.html

Shoe shopping is torture to me. I have heard others wearing crocs but for me in every weather element I wear nike walking shoes and have them in varing sizes due to swelling. I sometimes in the summer will wear them with no socks which I know is gross but pain control at this point over everything else. I have seen sports shoes that are like sandles but with a thinck strap over and more cushioning. I have read that like flip flops are horrible for the feet and support though

How about SOLES? Can you wear supported flip flop sandals?
They have an orthopedic support built into the sandal.
http://www.solesandals.com/


I bought a pair of Merrels, they are also a good supportive brand.
http://www.merrell.com/us/#store/W/W...yle=W-F-F-S-SA

I wear either NB Hook & Loop Walkers, or Dr Scholl's Velcro walkers (with gel insoles and cushion insoles on top of the gels), when out of the house, all the time.
Different colors and slightly different looks, works for most occasions, other than very formal.
In the house, I immediately change to very soft moccasin type, BR slippers with a rubber sole.

Flip-Flops cause the toes to grip, and the foot to arch- in a manner it shouldn't, every time you take a step.
This puts an undue amount of strain on the muscles and bones of the feet and most podiatrists will say to shy away from them at all costs. (my uncle was a surgical podiatrist at NIH, & private practice)

A good sandal that has an adjustable ankle strap, an adjustable heel strap, and a strap that is adjustable over the toe area, just behind the toes, is preferable.
I need a very soft cushioning insole and padded straps, because of my sensitivity to pressure.
I've many pairs of sandals, but cannot wear any of them for more than an hour or so. I've never found a pair that is soft enough or comfortable enough.
Walking in them for any length of time is painful, to say the least.

Sheep Skin
 

Just spent some time looking for sheepskin electric wheelchair covers on some sheepskin sites, many of them have other medical products..... they had sheepskin for sandals - you might just do a search for such products - looked super comfy....

Kmeb,
Thanks. I looked.
Didn't see any that weren't flip-flop type.
If you find adjustable strap sheepskin, let me know the url.

The one and only
 

Birkenstock for me. It is the only shoe that truly allows my feet to stay quiet. My NB tennis shoes are also okay.

Hi all. I've noticed that Crocs flipflops have two different kinds of nubbies. The old kind (which I like) is more like flat-topped warts, while the newer nubs are pointier (ouch!).

I don't have PN, but do have some foot numbness due to MS. I walked all over Disneyland in my flipflop Crocs (the warty kind!). I understand what Nide44 is saying about flipflops causing the toes to "grip;" however, the Crocs aren't just flat, so you really don't have to work to keep them on your feet.

Nide - I had looked at a lot of sites before we a decision - but this one is close - has the insoles fitted into sandals I know a lot of people with PN wear... heres the url...

http://www.kiwi-sheepskins.com/sheep...hions-misc.asp

This is a great thread!

Hello,
I have a Morton's Neuroma that adds to the pain of PN, a while back my chiropractor suggested I try wearing a pair of Earth shoes. The salesperson told me to try them at home as people with an unsteady gait do not find them safe. Three times I tried them over the week end before deciding to keep them. The sole of the toe section is higher than the heel. It has an uphill sensation. I now walk more without the use of a cain as it works on the leg,thigh and abs while putting more weight on the heel and relieving the pressure on the sole section. The design has a wide toe section and is all leather and made in the USA, price 130.00. The only other shoe I wear is New Balance with a custom insole provided by the VA. I took a good pair of loafers and converted them into a comfortable pair of slippers for wearing in the house. The burning sensation of having my feet encased is something I can only relieve with Methadone, Lyrica medication. At present Iam using salicylic acid to burn away a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot.
Lanny

Oh, you have no idea how much I wish I could find a pair of sandals that fit my foot right... my piggest problem is that they are all too hard...especially on the footbed. I need super cushy sandals and this is super hard to find. I am still stuck in my sneakers or fleece slippers, and I know I'll be dying when the really really hot weather hits.

My daughter called me to rave about "fitflops" she said they are solid yet the footbed is like walking on memory foam. I haven't taken the plunge yet, they also are designed to give your legs a workout so I thought I'd wait to see how she likes them broken in...how sweet of her to be thinking of me and searching the internet for shoes that she thinks I can wear. I can't have pressure on the tops of my feet at all and in the heat that is coming up it will be my most miserable time of year coming up.

Crocs!
 

Swear by them....last summer I tried a Birkinstock sandle, "Arizona" is the style name. Ended up with major red swollen feet and horrific pain. That was it, my husband and son have long complained about the lack of style in the Crocs...but less so now. Come winter I just add socks.....love my Crocs!!!

Oh gosh no! Those are the same as the Avon sandals I was talking about. I don't recommend them at all! It's true that the footbed is very cushy, but the way it works the muscles clear up to your waist makes them very painful for some people. I'm one of them!

Oh, and the reviews I've read say that one of the sandals is tighter across the top than the other on the Avon ones and I found that to be true.

Hi I just wanted to reply that I got my FitFlops a couple of days ago, for me they are wonderful, helps my lower back alot, and since my PN is on the tops of my feet the thong this is wonderful.
I also just received my Earth shoes, I got the Mary Jane tennis shoe style, haven't worn them out of the house yet, but they give my foot tops plenty of open space and they are incredibly light weight, again takes the pressure off my lower back....the down side is my ten year old granddaughter hijacked them today to wear to school.....her feet are as big as mine already. She is going to have her momma's feet!

Last year I bought a cute pair of Dansko sandals, and they felt like pillows on my feet!
http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230...s_A7254D7F.jpg

This year 15 minutes in them and my feet hurt.

I have recently bought my first pair of Keens
http://img01.static-nextag.com/image.../617044907.jpg
and my first pair of these:
http://www.famousfootwear.com/produc...es_is72278.jpg
I figure it is past time for giving my feet several different heights of heel to keep my Achilles stretched.

I wore Doc Marten's Mary Janes for years. It actually caused me pain when I had to get rid of them, I loved them so much!

It is doubly difficult when you have big feet that need special shoes, and you don't want anything UgLy!

Whoa... people are soooo different!

I could never wear any of those 3 styles! My instep is way too high.

My PN in my feet is also worse on the top of the feet. I'll have to check those out....:)

I am looking at this one:

http://www.footsmart.com/P-FitFlop-W...als-72188.aspx

Jannaw, is this the one you have?

I need a stretching band across the top instep, or it will make my toes hurt and go numb. Is this band on this style stretchy? Do you think?

I have more issues with the soles of my feet. Not the heels, like plantar fascitis, but the bottoms being unable to tolerate certain styles. So I look for comfort on the bottom . . . and some support. Surprisingly the birks have a good arch in them. Danskos have taken such good care of me that I have 5 pairs right now, and wanted a sixth . . . like this limited edition style . . .
http://shop.advanceweb.com/images/pr...Dansko_med.jpg

But when I tried them on they did not fit as well as my others, or maybe it was a warm day and my feet had swelled. Either way, I didn't plunk down any $$ for them that day! Some seem cut differently even though they are the same style.

Ah, shoes ... what are those again?

In winter I wear sandals with sox, in summer, just the sandals.

I need adjustable straps and lots of room in the toes. I've had good luck with a brand called Propet, and I love the site www.zappos.com because they ship to you for free and will pay the return shipping if the shoes don't fit.

These are the styles I've been living in for several years now, and I wear a 1/2 size larger than I measure to protect my toes from bumping into things, they're called Sandal Walkers:

http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/575562500/page/1.html

Specifically:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11786796/c/1676.html
(lots of colors and textures)

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10527810/c/1640.html
(wore these all winter with sox)

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/24617680/c/43.html
(I've worn this, but less flexibility)

For folks who can actually wear enclosed shoes, I used to be able to wear these in comfort:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/37987181/c/4661.html
(lots of colors, including solids)

MrsD, pretty similar to the ones I got, http://www.footsmart.com/P-FitFlop-W...als-72140.aspx
I received my MaryJane earth shoes this week and they weigh almost nothing, the money I've spent in search of shoes....I think I'm going to be happy through the summer with what I've got.
Janna

How is that strap across the top instep? Does it bind, or give?
I have major problems right where that strap goes.
How is the toe thingy? Does it get blistered? I am not a great fan of flip flops with toe thingies. But I like the sole as described. For $50 it better be good!

The Propet walking shoe (the white one) looks nice. Comes in wide too
and no ties! Good for my left foot! I am considering this one!

I am having good luck around the house inside and in the garden with
my Crocs. They have been working well so far.

The strap isn't tight on me MrsD, but then I've got chicken legs and feet...I had to get used to the floppiness of it. It's so hard to find the magic shoe, my black suede top crocs are still my favorite shoes, too enclosed for summer. I'll take slimmer crocs any day over any other shoe, I bought some fleece lined ones on closeout this spring. They are ugly but I'm not in it for the fashion statement anymore. I really, really miss wearing tennis shoes, it's been five years without them now and I lived in my tennies!
It's all trial and error with the feet!

Oh Kitt! I'm so sorry, I miss tennis shoes, this darn PN

I am bumping this up....because I just bought a nice pair of slip on sandals at Famous Footwear.

Dr. Scholl's memory foam called Breakaway. They were in the men's department, because the selections in Women's were slim.

So I found a pair of New Balance athletic shoes, and the second pair is 1/2 off. The sandals are normally 34.99 on sale for 29.99 and I got them 1/2 off of that. So for $15 they are a deal.
Really comfortable! But they are black...no other colors.
http://www.famousfootwear.com/Shoppi...864&pg=1014276
They run a little large....normally I wear a 8.5 or 9 in men's, but these are an 8 medium. They are adjustable with velcro too.

"Shoe" is a four letter swear word!!!
 

I wish oh how I wish I could wear shoes! I have to wear them to walk but taken them off as soon as I'm where I walking to, the other room or where ever. The thing that's the worst is Sunday shoes. Everyone in my church wears nice sunday dress and I'm in big old clunkers. I can't wear sandal's either. To hard to slip on and off with the straps or they have no arch supports. I have really high arches and hammer toes because of PN. They call it "Pes Cavus", the POD does but really it's PN doing it thing.
I've spent hundreds. For work I wear 6E NB walking shoes that are way to big for me. I can't stand anything touching the top of my feet. I look so funny in them. LOL I have a pair of crocks that are way big and I wear them some but the arch isn't high enough.

Two days ago my wife stopped to talk to someone and I finally had to sit down and take my shoes off with ppl all around. Unfortunately I was steaming at her for doing it but of course that's not fair at all. I have a hard time doing what I know I must do. I could have said please excuse me I'm going to get the car and walk off but I didn’t. If my arches weren’t so high it would make life so much easier.

I have a pair of Earth shoes.. they are "vegan".. which I didn't really care about, but hey, good for the environment.

The reason I got them was cause they were on sale, and because they have a great arch support.
Although I don't have CMT high arches (which is way higher than average), I do have high arches, and it literally hurts if I don't have some support.

Even my flip-flops have arch support.
I got a pair for $20 at AE.. its hard to walk in them though, as I'm not so sturdy in the feet/ankles.

They are nice to slip on and take the dog out though.

I wish there was a kind women could get- I wear a 9 W women's so I don't know what that is in Men's...

I wear a 10 W women's.

In shoes I have to get a 9.0 or 9.5 in men's.
But these were 8 M in men's.
I have worn one shoe long ago that was an 8 M men's.
I wear a 42 euro.

Shoe contours are called "lasts". Some run large, some small.

The salesgirl at the store said that the men's Medium is wider than the Women's W as a rule.
Sometimes Famous Footwear has a lot of selection in 10 W for me in the women's section. Yesterday it was dismal...forcing me to the Men's. The men's shoes seem to be a little bit higher, have thicker softer tongues, and provide more support, in general. With Unisex these days, many styles look very much alike. I prefer nylon uppers over leather, because the leather can be too stiff and push down on the top of the balls of my feet when flexing and walking and aggravate the sesamoids over time. The nylon is cooler wearing. I removed the insert they came with and put in a Doctor Scholl's gel insert...that was much much better too.

I had to try on alot of shoes...it wore me out, and the squeezing worked up the pain levels in my feet all day. But I am happy with what I finally found.

I might have to try a pair of these... I am sick of having to wear fleece slippers in the summer- or my sneakers (which I love, but are still hot- esp. with socks on) so these sandals might be good to try around the house in place of the slippers at least. :)

I saw several men's slip ons with the new cushiony memory foam.

The only drawback is that if you have socks on, they slide on the
fabric that covers the foam. Sometimes (rarely) I wear socks with sandals.

With bare feet, that slippage doesn't happen. I asked the salesgirl if she knew how long the soles last...I wondered if the fabric gives out, and frays. And she had no answer for me.
For what I finally paid...it doesn't really matter. All my slip ons that I already have --none of them have fabric on the soles. So this will be a new thing to evaluate.