Arch Support Shoe Recommendations Needed - Flat Feet

[pamickey]

I had stress fractures in 4 bones in my foot last year and will probably have issues for quite some time. I was in a cast, then a cam-walker boot (which I wore at WDW before Christmas). I then started 6 weeks of physical therapy and was released to wear flat shoes. I don't know if I will ever wear heels comfortably again and I do not walk in my bare feet.

My PT recommended 2 brands of shoes for the support that I need - New Balance in a high number and Merrell. I now have New Balance 609 walking shoes and Merrell black shoes for work, along with some Easy Spirit walking shoes. They are working out ok as long as I rotate them each day. The Merrell shoes came from an outlet near me and the store sells replacement insoles. They have the machine that will test your pressure points and recommend the proper insole, which sells for about $50-$60.

Dealing with foot problems can really change your lifestyle. But you need to find something that will work for you so that your feet don't limit the way you live your life.

Terri

 

[JerseyJanice]

One word for the flat-footed who are going to Disney:

Birkenstock

QVC has good prices and selection on Birki sandals. Check out their website at QVC.com.

I have a couple of pairs in the cross band style and find them therapeutic. Fyi, I've been diagnosed with plantar fascitis too.

 

[SpecialK]

I've been severely flat-footed since the day I was born and the shoes that cause me the most pain are Birks. Not enough give in the sole. Crocs have been great but I just can't get next to wearing them in public.

I am still searching for the perfect shoes.

 

[Christine]

I've been severely flat-footed since the day I was born and the shoes that cause me the most pain are Birks. Not enough give in the sole. Crocs have been great but I just can't get next to wearing them in public.

I am still searching for the perfect shoes.

I've had the same issues with Birks. They really hurt my feet.

 

[PrincessV]

I've had the same issues with Birks. They really hurt my feet.

Me three. Though it's not just Birkenstock - it seems with a lot of shoes with good arch support, the arch doesn't line up with my arch. I also have a really high instep, despite nearly no arch, so the same shoes that don't align with my arch tend to hurt the top of my foot, too.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I was at the podiatrist yesterday, and they had the cutest shoes they are now selling, as well as crocs and "Dr Comfort" I think. The brand name is Aetrex, so I picked up a flyer, and when I got home I searched the internet for other stores in my area. Not all Aetrex styles are available in EE wide, which is what I need. All their shoes have anatomical footbeds and look like they would be very comfortable. I have also worn "Finn" shoes which are German and they are great, but pricey at appx $200/pair. I also have a pair of "Aravon" sandals I got last week which are made by New Balance, very comfy, molded footbed.

 

[jemmouse]

PF sufferer along with heel spurs...I have custom made orthotics and I wear them in my Brooks Ariel gym shoes. I have an extremely flat foot, and am an over pronator. I am currently in PT 2-3 x a week so far I am getting better. But I do LOVE these shoes, good luck...Oh and from my knowledge CROCS for a flat foot person are supposed to be horrible, at least that is what my docs told me, and I also did try it, and YIKES the pain was not worth it....

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Me three. Though it's not just Birkenstock - it seems with a lot of shoes with good arch support, the arch doesn't line up with my arch. I also have a really high instep, despite nearly no arch, so the same shoes that don't align with my arch tend to hurt the top of my foot, too.

That's my problem too--that is why my feet prefer a shoe with no arch. I really hate shopping for a show tht is comfortable for that very reason.

My feet were duck feet growing up. They have developed an ever so subtle arch--but they are still pretty flat.

I've never owned real birks--I've had fake ones and it took a long time for my feet to get used to the form. I've never gone to the expense of real ones and I guess I'll keep on with that.

 

[teskak]

I buy Kumfs - they are a New Zealand brand that are specially designed for orthotics. Actual fashion shoes that are good for work + also recreations that have good arch support anyway, but the insole is removable to take the orthotics.

I do not have flat feet - but excessive inward pronation so my ankles roll inwards and these shoes I can wear all day at work and walking around with no problem

 

[PrincessV]

That's my problem too--that is why my feet prefer a shoe with no arch. I really hate shopping for a show tht is comfortable for that very reason.

Yep, ditto. Which is why I was so shocked that Danskos feel so good! It's a pretty significant arch, but it seems to hit in just the right place for me. But I can't wear any of their shoes that come across the top of my foot because they're too tight. I stick with Mary Jane styles.


I also have another good one now to throw in the mix: Fit Flops! I tried them on and it was like they were made just for me - dreamy!

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

OP Here.

I was recommended a shoe store in our area that caters to runners. The workers were so knowledgeable about flat feet, pronation, etc., that I felt I learned more from them then the podiatrist!

They had two tests that they ran on my feet. First, I stood on a squishy flooring and it scanned my feet. Then on the computer screen it showed the "hot spots" or pressure points, as well as where my arches fell. Then, I walked barefoot on a treadmill for about 15 seconds. They videotaped my gait and played it back on their computer, stopping it at something like 72 frames per second. With this they were about to see where my feet turned, how I hit the ground. It was a really interesting and informative test. And, it was free!

They helped me try on about 10 pairs of shoes. I settled on the New Balance 1012. They are so comfortable and have support all the way around. When I wear them out and about my feet are not swollen or painful. Of course, I need to get used to them and wear them around the house. I notice a big difference going barefoot all day. I'm a stay at home mom, what can you expect? lol

 

[ugadog99]

PS: I don't know how anyone can recommend Crocs for those who need support/orthotic.

My feet are flat as a pancake and hurt pretty much constantly. New Balance in a high numbe and Crocs are the only two shoes I've found that I can actually wear and not be miserable later. For flip flops, I do love the Yellow Box brand because they do have a bit of an arch in them. Can I wear them all day? No, but I can wear them for a while, have cute shoes, and not ache when it's over.

 

[malampsdisney]

I ordered a pair of Dansko that were so cute, in the smallest size... still too big!!!! I believe they run a big larger/roomier... So, darn, I can't wear them. I had to send them back to Zappos!

PS: I don't know how anyone can recommend Crocs for those who need support/orthotic.

I Absolutely love my dansko sandals. Tried so many other sandals of different makes. You must go to the store and try them on....they really have "different" sizing. I am usually a 39, but needed a 41. I go to outlet just outside of kennett square, PA. They let you swap the lefts and rights of different shoes within in the same size because each one may fit a little different. It is also CHEAPER! I only wish they made sneakers! Still looking for a good pair for WDW. Flat feet, plantar facitis release surgery, and micro tears in my tendons.

 

[bumbershoot]

OP Here.

I was recommended a shoe store in our area that caters to runners. The workers were so knowledgeable about flat feet, pronation, etc., that I felt I learned more from them then the podiatrist!

They had two tests that they ran on my feet. First, I stood on a squishy flooring and it scanned my feet. Then on the computer screen it showed the "hot spots" or pressure points, as well as where my arches fell. Then, I walked barefoot on a treadmill for about 15 seconds. They videotaped my gait and played it back on their computer, stopping it at something like 72 frames per second. With this they were about to see where my feet turned, how I hit the ground. It was a really interesting and informative test. And, it was free!

They helped me try on about 10 pairs of shoes. I settled on the New Balance 1012. They are so comfortable and have support all the way around. When I wear them out and about my feet are not swollen or painful. Of course, I need to get used to them and wear them around the house. I notice a big difference going barefoot all day. I'm a stay at home mom, what can you expect? lol

Glad you found some nice shoes! How are they doing now?

Went to Roadrunner, yes? We went there a month ago...hubby is absolutely in love with his new shoes. I had three shoes in the running, and chose one pair that might possibly have been NOT the best choice, but I'm still giving it a chance.

I have funky things going on with the bones in my feet, and it's possible that I just have to get used to my feet being in better alignment...or I might be taking advantage of their 60 day return policy if they just keep feeling funny.

Anyway, it was fun being there.