Heel spurs/plantar fascitis (sp?)...what shoes w/o socks?

[PatsMom]

DD and I both have FP and tendonitis in both feet. I also have issues due to a severe ankle fracture a few years back (took four hours of surgery and lots of hardware to re-attach everything). We both swear by a combination of Crocs and Birks. When she has to wear a sneaker, she likes her New Balance. I prefer Avia. Next Disney trip is in October and we plan to try the Crocs exclusively but bring our Birks and sneakers just in case. But in August I don't want to wear shoes and socks.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Oh, this condition is just so frustrating! I have worn flip-flops in the summer for more years than I care to admit to (!) but just this summer, the first time I wore them all day, I developed an excruciating case of PF! Now that the initial flare-up has subsided, I have found that I can wear the Crocs two-strap sandal for a couple of hours without harm, or any other regular sandal, but any more than that causes a flare-up. When that happens I have to revert to my sweaty-but-well-supported New Balances or else my ancient Tevas. For our September WDW trip, I am taking the Tevas, New balance, and I am ordering some of the Crocs Rx this weekend. Hope they are as good as advertised!

 

[beattyfamily]

The worst part about all of this is I can no longer wear my very comfy Teva Pretty Rugged sandals. They were the first pair of shoes that didn't cause blisters. However, my first PF flair up was at Disney wearing my Teva's. They just don't have enough heel support.

I haven't given up on sandals though. I will find the perfect PF sandal if it kills me!

Right now I've been wearing my Ecco Cosmos and they've been great. Even got the OK from my doctor (he inspected them).

Soon, I will get my first pair of sneakers in at least 5 years. Not looking forward to it though.

 

[arminnie]

I used to have PF, but have had NO problems for about 5 years now. Birkenstocks are still the very, very best for me to wear. I can walk for miles in my Birks w/o having foot problems.

I've been wearing Teva Mush flip flops all summer. They are good but do not have the support for LONG days on my feet. I've worn them to walk 2-3 hours, but go to the Birks for all day walking.

 

[Elmo888]

This has been a great source of info. I have a few questions...

For those of you that have tried Crocs RX Relief - where did you get them? I like zappos.com and shoebuy.com for their free shipping and free return shipping (I would like to try them), but they don't seem to carry them.

Second, my family doctor diagnosed me with PF in April or May. It has been better at times, but hasn't gone away. And it is in the front part of my foot, beneath my toes, not in my heel. I've tried orthotics (drugstore brands), but nothing has helped. I bought new walking shoes, and that helped a little (Ryka shoes). After reading these posts, I'm starting to the think that I need to go to a foot doctor. Also, after reading someone's post about hereditary, I am remembering my mom having foot surger when I was a kid. Maybe I need to talk to her, too!

Anyway, any help would be great, and thanks for all of the insight, so far (who knew that I would find PF info on the disboards???...the disboards are great!).

 

[billwendy]

Hi -

I was diagnosed by a podiatrist in May - but it started for me back around Black Friday - lol!!!! Whew, hurt shopping all those hours!! What worked for me was icing my foot every night, stretching it and then taping the bottom of my foot with athletic tape in a certain way - then the doc gave me an Rx for an anti inflammatory, which helps so much!! but i still definately feel it though! I wear crocs exclusively - scutes on the weekends and then caymans or off roads for work.....havent tried the Rx's - do they have holes?

hope you feel better soon!
Wendy