Shoes as casts
 

Shoes are a big problem for me. A problem made worse by the podiatrist, who convinced me to buy his "no motion" sneakers with toe spring and not enough toe spread, along with special insoles and heel lifts. By turns I'd shuffle, stomp and stumble in those shoes, shoes I was told to wear all the time.

This morning I read a newsletter from Correct Toes that basically stated the wrong "shoes are casts." Eurecka!

What is contraindicated in RSD/CRPS? Casts. I knew I had a problem with shoes and the podiatrist's shoes in particular, but I could not quite figure out what it was about them that was ruinous to my feet. Now I know. A shoe that is like a cast, that prevents normal movement, is too heavy, constrains muscles, hinders normal blood flow, aggravates CRPS.

If anyone has shoe recommendations I am open to suggestions, please. I live in Okabashi sandals, great for the pool, but they aren't the best for walking any distance or using a treadmill.

Here in Belgium, I'd recommend Brako shoes. Their older models in particular were *very* roomy.

At home, though, I don't wear shoes, just loafers and flip flops. I can't move much anyway, at least there isn't much covering my feet.

You could look at barefoot-shoe manufacturers like: Vibram Five-Fingers, Freet or Vivobarefoot. They all claim to make shoes that work with your feet the way they are supposed to work naturally.

I've got several pairs of Vibram Five-Fingers but can only wear them when its very hot. The rest of the time I have to wear 2 pairs of knee-high fleece or cashmere socks with unstructured Ugg boots. I can't walk though so it doesn't really matter whether my shoes are suitable for walking around in or not.

Bio, I can't tell you how many shoes I've gone through in my search for ones that work! I have Goldilocks for a foot.

I am so pleased to read of your progress over the last year. You are amazing! :) I know you will keep getting stronger and the right shoes will help. It is worth the effort to find something right for you and not to settle. I have made a lot of progress but my footwear is still ultra-important and contributes directly to how comfortble I am and what I can do.

I do well in sports sandals that have good shock absorption, a cushioned footbed and multiple adjusting straps. MY go-to shoes that I love and live in are the Ahnu Moonstone (this is a photo only, didn't know if I could post a retail link)http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits...&sh=946&sm=fit

These are flexible, adjust at the ankle, toe and heel strap and are comfy yet sturdy enough that I can walk a mile in them.

I also like the Teva "Tirra". It has a little more arch and no adjustable heel strap but is another good sturdy yet flexible option.

For athletic pursuits, I have two options. The Nike Free Connect TR is a minimalist trainer with flexible sole, low 4mm heel rise and a softly constructed shoe body. No rigid heel back and soft materials make it super comfy. They are great for walking and in the idea family Neurochic suggested but with a traditional toe box.

The other is the Brooks Launch which is kind of a hybrid trainer. It is less rigid than a regular trainer but offers better stability and shock absorption than the Nike Free series. They are good for anything with much impact and block some of the kickback from walking on pavement.

Keep up the good work!

Who else has thicker feet (wider) than they used to have?

I certainly notice when trying to even find shoes that fit me. And once they do fit, my feet look funny (wide and swollen). I definitely don't have the thin feet I used to have.

I've also gone up a size, from a EU size 38 to a 39.

I try not to get shoes that "constrict". No tight fitting shoes for me!

I have Doc Martens-like shoes that fit me quite nicely. Doc Martens is certainly a brand to try out; as the soles *are* orthopedic, and they don't touch your feet in odd pressure point places.

I was able to wick off a substantial amount of fluid with the Bowen Washing Crystals. It shocked me how much fluid had accumulated in my foot and ankle, I can wear my old shoes, but frankly they feel like concrete blocks and my feet do look fatter.

Thank you all for giving me hope that I can find shoes, because I may need them sooner than later. I am now worried that WC may not re-up my Aqua therapy after my recent eval, a change which I know will stall my progress. I tried walking outside today, supported by two canes, so that I could last longer, but the pain impeded me. I have next to no pain in the warm water, so it was quite shocking and upsetting to experience pain exercising.

My plan is to get trekking poles, so that I can move at a faster pace and normalize my gait. I will let you know if I am successful at finding shoes and getting decent poles.

Also, if anyone here uses a balance bike I would love to know about it.