MEN with foot problems...

[Wetherdad]

I see all these posts from women that have foot problems and what works for them, but I never see any posts from men that experience similar problems so I am wondering if any of the guys out there have some opinions to give.

I am heading to WDW late april/early may with the family....I am a big guy 6'2'', 315lbs. I have plantar fasciitus and I am a pronator. I have seen several podiatrists over the years and each had their own opinions and none of them have really been able to get me totally comfortable in my shoes. I am a correction officer and I am on my feet all day long so I know that my feet will be screaming during and after each day in the parks. I was prescribed orthotics and found that they made my feet worse (yes I "broke them in" correctly) Over the years I have found that Bates makes a tactical boot, in 9" and 6" that my feet somewhat agree with, but I am not trying to wear boots in disney. The best luck I have had with sneakers are New Balance 1123 motion control sneakers. They are on the heavier side but do exactly what they say they do and control my pronation and provide good support and decent comfort. What else is out there that works for MEN with foot problems? I have heard Brooks Beast sneakers are good but I cannot find them in my area (N. Central MA) and I don't want to order them online without trying them on. I see there are some women who swear by crocks, but I am not sold on that idea either. So, suggestions...?

 

[artie_h]

I am a man probably larger than you with neuroma's and diabetes. In speaking to both an endocrenologist and podiatrist, Croks were the best solution. Just make sure you buy them large enough and break them in like any other shoe. They make some specifically for diabetics which protects the feet while giving the proper support and comfort.

 

[housetomouse]

I have heard Brooks Beast sneakers are good but I cannot find them in my area (N. Central MA) and I don't want to order them online without trying them on.

I know you said you don't want to order them without trying them on first, but Zappos seems to carry that shoe, and they have free shipping and returns. A lot of online shoe companies have this policy now. I think Piperlime does, Nordstrom does, etc. I just looked at Nordstrom.com, and they carry that shoe too, and Nordstrom has a tremendous return policy. I recently returned a pair of boots that I'd had for 6+ months and worn and they didn't work out for me (it was no fault of Nordstrom). They didn't bat an eye, it was amazing. REI also has a great return policy, if you find a shoe there that works for you. Best of luck finding a shoe that works!

 

[Heluvsme]

I'm writing on behalf of my husband who wanted me to tell you CROCS!!!

My husband is 5'10" and 305 pounds. He suffered from horrible plantar fascitis and osteoarthritic knees prior to Crocs. He started wearing his Crocs around the house (can't wear them to work) for about 3 months prior to our trip 2 summers ago.... by the time we left for our WDW vacation he was feeling so much better!!! No Plantar Fascitis detectable!!

We were at the World for 8 days.... 46 miles of walking according to my pedometer, and he did fabulous!! He alternated throughout the day.... he'd start out in Crocs (with socks to absorb moisture), then at our afternoon break going back to our resort room, he'd switch into his New Balance tennies, and his feet did fine!! On days he was feeling sore he'd take an Aleve, but he only had to do that really on 2 of the days.

He wears 2 kinds of Crocs...the regular Beach and Caymen... and then he has an Rx pair... we thought the Rx pair would be great, but turns out the Beach were the best for him, with the Caymen coming in a close second. The Rx sit in the closet floor,

Good luck!!

 

[BDL]

I see all these posts from women that have foot problems and what works for them, but I never see any posts from men that experience similar problems so I am wondering if any of the guys out there have some opinions to give.

I am heading to WDW late april/early may with the family....I am a big guy 6'2'', 315lbs. I have plantar fasciitus and I am a pronator. I have seen several podiatrists over the years and each had their own opinions and none of them have really been able to get me totally comfortable in my shoes. I am a correction officer and I am on my feet all day long so I know that my feet will be screaming during and after each day in the parks. I was prescribed orthotics and found that they made my feet worse (yes I "broke them in" correctly) Over the years I have found that Bates makes a tactical boot, in 9" and 6" that my feet somewhat agree with, but I am not trying to wear boots in disney. The best luck I have had with sneakers are New Balance 1123 motion control sneakers. They are on the heavier side but do exactly what they say they do and control my pronation and provide good support and decent comfort. What else is out there that works for MEN with foot problems? I have heard Brooks Beast sneakers are good but I cannot find them in my area (N. Central MA) and I don't want to order them online without trying them on. I see there are some women who swear by crocks, but I am not sold on that idea either. So, suggestions...?

I'm a bigger guy too (also from MA). And I haven't found anything better than the New Balances. Have you made the trip to Brighton to go to the New Balance Outlet? It's right by the Stockyards.

 

[sbell111]

The only thing that has worked for me is New Balance with gel insoles swapped in.

 

[seus-mouse]

My DH has quite a few kinds of footwear to switch out to keep comfortable. After all the different ones he REALLY swears by the Dr. Scholls brand top siders we found at a church sale. He says the insert is just very well done

Hope this helps.

 

[nadira36]

Not a man, but I can recommend a few things - though they aren't quick fixes, they are more likely to be good fixes. First, the problem isn't really your shoes, partly your job, but mostly your body.

The reason you get PF is b/c the your achilles tendon isn't stretching out enough from the amount of time on your feet. Your muscles also aren't likely getting enough blood flow due to being on your feet. Gravity takes it's toll (after 8 years as a nurse I know all about that )

Unfortunately, the shortening tendon causes your calves to bunch, and shortens your other tendons, then it moves up into your lower back next thing you know you can barely move...but even that can be reversed with time and effort...and yoga

simple stretches can work, but a yoga routine works the whole body so that it all balances out - otherwise you stretch your calves and Achilles tendons and then your quads and hamstrings bunch, then your gluteus, then your back. it all snowballs and really feels very crummy.

So yoga - if you're like me and have no intention of taking a yoga class in public, I'd recommend the yoga zone DVD for flexibility and conditioning - the guy in it talks you through the positions and has attractive women showing the moves for both beginner non-flexible people and those that can touch their foreheads to the floor in ways that shouldn't be possible. IMO it's the best 100% beginner DVD out there and no one has to see you do it. PLus you feel better. My DH won't admit it in public but he's started doing it after I hounded him (and got wii fitness) and now he does it religiously and no longer needs to wear his knee brace.

 

[alexb]

I used to wear running shoes all the time when I would be on my feet for an extended period of time. I started wearing Merrill shoes and I find them to be really comfortable and my feet don't hurt after a day of walking in them.