Footwear and vestibular issues
 

Has anyone found footwear which helps with balance. I made the mistake once of putting on a pair of slippers that had a cushion of about 1/4 - 1/2 inches. Within 15 minutes of wear the slippers I was extremely sick.

I was told that the proprioception signals from my feet would be confused and send confused signals to my head and eyes. It was remarkable how quickly that happened.

I also tried a pair of flip flops which had a cushion on the bottom to a mall and was sick in a very short time.

Apparently the best is to go bare foot, but since this is not possible in public places I was looking for something that would minimize my symptoms.

Anyone else experience this?

I feel dizzy and off balance every time I change my shoes. It is worse with higher heels.

Wow, out of balance on high heels. Talk about a double whammy.

Glad I don't wear them often.

They look a bit odd, but what about those five finger shoes? They seem to be the closest thing to going barefoot.

Hi!
I found that having a really good orthotic helps. Unfortunately I had to stay away from cute shoes for a long time and wear running shoes or sneakers with my orthotics:0

I tried a bunch of cheaper kinds but ended up with these expensive but awesome ones years later:
http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/the...-no-color/5033

Basically the reason these are so expensive is that when trying on other orthotics it is easy to roll forward/backwards. These plant you firm on the ground due to the support.

If anything just try a Dr. Scholls type pair first. Good Luck!

I haven't experienced a problem with footwear myself. One thing you could try are the "tone up" or "shape up" trainers made by Sketchers or Nike.

These are the one with the curved sole but are supposed the help with balance and posture. I did see one which had "micro instability" pads in them to promote balance.

I am sure they will be a bit extreme to start with but may work well if you persevere with them.

I agree. I used mephisto sandals which are stiff but provide support. Barefoot is best...i got plantar fascitis from doing that inside! :(

Ahh. Footwear and balance. Glad you brought up this topic.

I have the same problem with footwear affecting my vertigo.
I find barefoot is best.

I have tried all manner of different shoes, but find that the less between the bottom of my foot and the ground the more stable I feel. I know this might sound strange but even thick winter bed socks affect my balance if I wear them around the house. I haven't been able to wear my joggers for years. Heels are totally out - even really low ones.

What I do find is that the actual thickness and stiffness of the sole of the shoe is what affects me the most. I found some flexible espadrilles with a very thin sole made with a soft material upper. I can wear them without difficulty. I've also bought some non-slip stick-on pads for the soles because some of my "flip-flops" [as you call them in other places :) ], are troublesome because they are a bit slippery and I need to feel stable to walk anywhere.

[Strangely enough, I also have a major problem in the shower because the shower floor is moulded in one piece fiberglass and tends to flex under my feet and adds to my instability. ]

LOL @ Mark and his high heel comment.

Look for an athletic shoe that has a wider outer sole base than the upper. Asics and New Balance are known for this shape, though I'm sure there are other brands. You also don't want to wear a shoe that is too heavy. New Balance tends to be recommended by physical therapists for the wider sole of the shoe and also because it is generally easy to remove the insole if you use a prescription orthotic insert. You can also go into an athletic shoe store and ask an experienced sales person what shoe is most recommended for balance by physical therapists. If they don't immediately know then try a different store. An experienced sales rep at a shoe store should know what people are being sent to find. Having a good fit is important. Don't worry too much about the appearance to start with. If you are walking with normal use you should need a new pair in 6-8 months. Err on the side of caution on this side too. Better to have a supportive shoe until you get your balance back even if you normally go a while before replacing shoes. Good luck.

Footwear
 

As a former fitness instructor we always knew NOT to recommend the shape up or toning shoes for anyone that had any balance problems. Like someone recovering from a stroke or injury. You are MORE likely to fall when you are wearing those because they are less stable. The idea is that you engage more muscles to stay stable. Our brains don't need any more tricks thrown at us.

I say find a very comfortable shoe, perhaps new balance or any quality walking shoe that feels good on your feet and then enjoy your walk.
Su seb