Sandles and problem feet

[insmom]

Any one out there have problem feet and have a hard time finding good supporting sandles? I have recently had foot surgery for plantis facitis (sp?) and I really would like to have a comfortable but good support in a sandle. Any one have any suggestions? I am slightly overweight and have a size 11-12 womens shoe size.

 

[Amirah95]

My DH has diabetes and he is always having trouble with his feet (soon a possible amputation of some toes). He bought a lot of Dr. Scholl's shoe pads for his tennis shoes. It was costly, but whatever kept him feeling content while walking around is worth the money. He says he'll never wear sandles in the theme parks because it's too much walking. He bought Speedos sandals to wear around our resort and the pool. Other than that I have no clue!

 

[iceskatejen]

I have some by Clarks--they're slides (no ankle strap). I was worried about them staying on, but they do pretty well (though I've had them slide off a few times). They are very supportive and seem to mold to your feet. My main shoe issue is friction (I blister something awful), but the insole is a really soft, suede-like material and so far, no friction problem, though I've not really walked around in them all day.

 

[patiruss]

Hi,

I also have a problem with plantar fasciitus and my doctor recommended Birckenstocks. I was told that the worst thing for plantar fasciitus is to go barefoot, which I had always done, so I now wear my these sandals instead. I have a couple of pairs and order them online at www.birkenstock.com. I have an unusually narrow foot and my husband has an unusually wide foot and we both can find what we need. Hope this helps.

 

[Amirah95]

Do those Birkenstock shoes have hard soles or soft? Did you ever walk in these all day? If these shoes are the way to go then I'll get a pair for my DH to try out at Six Flags next week.

 

[insmom]

Amirah 95,

If you get a pair for your DH let me know how they work out. I would hate to spend that kind of money and not be able to wear them all day. I know that I can wear my sneakers but sometimes they get too hot or just do not look right with certain clothes. I am going to my foot doctor next week and show him some differnt pictures of sandles-I will let you know what he says as well.

A co-worker gave me a catalog for feet-website is footsource.com. See if anything works there. They seem to be a little cheaper than the berkinstocks, but if they are better I do not know. Good luck

 

[patiruss]

Hello again. First let me say that I am not an expert and that anything I say is just my opinion and my experience. The sandals have a firm contoured footbed. They are touted as being orthopedically correct. For me, I had a short breaking in time and yes I have often worn them all day long. My husband is now breaking in a wide width with an extra high arch support and he thinks they will take a little longer for him to get used to. Given your history, it would probably be a good idea to ask your doctor.
Also, any retail store that I have seen Birkenstocks sold in, have had very well informed sales people with some training in foot health. It would probably also be a good idea to find a retail store and try them on. I think you will know very quickly if they are for you. As well, I would suggest looking at their website for information on their constuction. I agree that they are expensive, but many of the components can be repaired or replaced and mine seem to last a long time. This was long winded, but hope it helps.

 

[Clotho]

If your husband can wear tennis shoes comfortably, there are a bunch of tennis show-meets-sandals designs on the market today. I know Nike Straprunners that were mentioned on here before are in that vein, and if you start there I am sure you can find others. They look really comfy!

 

[stacilee]

Birkenstocks now offer a "soft footbed" on a limited number of shoes. My DH and I both bought them to try out since we have been wearing the regular birkies for years. They are great and took a very minimal time getting broken in - maybe three days wearing. Just got back from 8 days in WDW on our feet all day every day and am happy to report that they were just great, My most comfortable ever.
We buy from: www.birkenstockcentral.com
always have very good service and prompt delivery.
I was not aware until I actually took the time to read one of their catalogs, that they even offer shoes for people with extra high arches. I have wide feet and have always been happy to order my shoes in a "normal" or "regular" width which is wide. My feet- fred flinstone, can't tell the difference.

the narrower footed person would order the "schmal" or narrow. Certain styles do not offer a width selection.

Check out the website and see what you like. You footies will thank you!

 

[magiroux]

I have a very protruding, painful bunyun. I have tryed a zillion different brands and style sandals and sneakers and all cause some degree of discomfort.

I bought a pair of "Merrill's", the cheapest style, on sale at shoebuy.com (free shipping on some shoes and free returns on all).

Not only do these have a strap that perfectly "hides my imperfection" but it has not caused one bit of discomfort. I was shocked and very pleased with them.

 

[cjeong]

I feel for you (the pain can be excruiating). I have had a spur for 18 months and the pain is slowly subsiding. The more I walked, I tended to suffer later.

I would recommend any shoe that supports your arch well. The Birkenstocks are great. I had orthotics made personally to fit my feet and I wear them all the time with any comfortable laced up shoe eg runners (sport shoe). What every you do - do not go bare feet.

My suggestion:
1) A plastic bottle filled with frozen water to roll your heel on (to dull the pain)
2) Stretch the achilles tendon (the back of your ankle area)
3) Rest
4) & time will heal (say 18 months).

Best of luck.
Chris

 

[Amirah95]

Since this thread started I've been looking for shoes for my DH because he is seriously having problems with his toes mostly and we do need to invest in a pair of good shoes for him before we leave for Disney. Keep the suggestions rolling!

 

[beattyfamily]

Ecco Cosmos are my favorite sandals/shoes ever! They are adjustable and are like walking on air and there is NO break in time.

They are amazing. If you go to www.zappos.com and find them you can see all the reviews. There are many and they are all good.

I used to get blisters every WDW trip and now I don't get them anymore.

They are expensive (unless you get them on ebay, which I have) but they are WELL worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clotho]

Sorry if I already posted this here (so many topics overlap), but I love Ecco's, too. I got Ecco Fym's and am in love with them!

 

[LisaZoe]

My friend is a hairdresser so she's on her feet all day. For years, she's worn Birkenstock's in a variety of styles. On her recommendation, my mother tried a pair and loved them (she had problems with blood clots in her legs after cancer treatment so needed to walk but most of her shoes weren't comfortable enough for her with her bunions).

As other posters have noted, there is some "break in" time to allow the insole to conform to your foot however once that happens, I've been told they are wonderful. It looks like there is a think layer of cork that has enough cushion for comfort without being too soft to give support.

When I was younger I wouldn't wear them because they are not terribly attractive but styles now are much better. Also, I'm older and definitely think comfort is much more important than style I have a hard to fit foot (very wide) so have been thinking it's time to try these for myself. I know there are much less expensive versions available at discount stores but they don't hold up as well as the Birkies. My sister wore hers when she did gardening and just hosed them off when they got muddy - they lasted for years even with that treatment.

 

[jann1033]

I have an overabundance of foot/leg problems and found what works best for me is forgo sandles entirely and stick with a good thick absorbant walking sock ( got mine at gabriels for $1 a pair what a bargain!), scholls gel insoles and a good walking shoe ( nike air are good for me) I bought a pair of tevas but my feet did well in the aformentioned and I never tried them due to my neurotic fear and anxiety about them starting problems !

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by Amirah95
Do those Birkenstock shoes have hard soles or soft? Did you ever walk in these all day? If these shoes are the way to go then I'll get a pair for my DH to try out at Six Flags next week.

I have worn Birkenstocks to the parks many, many times - also in other cities where I had to walk a long, long time.

The footbed is suede over cork with a rubber sole. They tell you to wear them for a couple of weeks so that the cork conforms to your foot. I have not had any problem with wearing them right away. I know they do make a few styles with a soft padding for the insole.

I prefer the sandals made of Birko-flor - it has a soft felt like lining to the straps. The all leather ones are too stiff for my tender feet.

The only time I ever had a problem was with a pair of Birkenstock's that only had one strap - they look like the old Dr. School's sandals. They were fine for 90% of the day but by late evening I could have used a little more support. No blisters but my feet got tired. I've never had a problem with the 2 strap, 3 strap, or clogs.

If you have a car I recommend that you check out the Birkenstock outlet at the Orlando outlet malls.

 

[turnlisa]

I just wanted to thank beattyfamily for posting the Zappos site! I got on there Saturday night and found a pair of Propet sandals that I liked with good reviews and ordered them. I am not a shoe person so even spending $30 for sandals seemed ridiculous but after last year, I am desperate. Zappos upgraded my shipping for free so I received them today -- and I LOVE THEM! They are so comfortable that I don't feel like I have sandals on. Thank you so much for this great tip!

 

[flipturngirl]

I the same have trouble with my feet. Find a good shoe with a good sole. to no it is good sole u bend the toe to the heal and if it will not bend it is good and if it does then they will not last long.

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by flipturngirl
I the same have trouble with my feet. Find a good shoe with a good sole. to no it is good sole u bend the toe to the heal and if it will not bend it is good and if it does then they will not last long.

lol! I just heard the opposite on "The View" tv show, they said you "need" one that will bend since your foot bends... so guess that is up in the air agree about the good sole though, a nice cushiony bottom ( of the shoe, not anatomically speaking) helps