Barefoot shoes and ataxia

[edfosho]

Does anyone have experience with barefoot shoes?

I can't find much about barefoot shoes and ataxia (or gait issues).

[Cuds]

Hi EdWhen I was in Dallas I spoke to a young man who had barefoot shoes, his physiotherapist had recommended them. I thought I would try them out - I have 3 different pairs now for different weather conditions. There are lots on the market copying the same idea - they look the same but don't perform the same. I will take photos tomorrow and post them for you. I think they help because ultimately they let your feet move more naturally but with more support than being barefoot...if that makes sense? I like them!

[edfosho in reply to Cuds]

Ah awesome, thanks for the reply 👍🏻

I'm thinking about balance and grip compared to normal shoes - can you comment?

[Cuds in reply to edfosho]

Hi EdI get mine from naturcontact.co.uk

I have boot style great for winter and very light ones for summer. They come with removable insoles to help you adapt as your foot muscles strengthen. I used to have more supportive shoes but these did the work making my feet muscles weaker. You do need to get used to them....wear indoors first then increase your time outdoors. I also wear them to go to physio for balance training. Grip is good on wet surfaces as well.

Fur lined autumn/winter boots

[7151 in reply to Cuds]

Look great

[Cuds in reply to edfosho]

These are the light ones .

Lightweight fine weather shoes

[7151 in reply to Cuds]

Thankyou this interests me a lot

[7151 in reply to 7151]

Hi eveyone i remember my physio had à pair on one day andi said they looked realy comfy then nothing more was said ! Since this post yesterday i ve been looking on line they certainly look compfy ( I WANT A PAIR ) here in France we can have 1 pair a year with à prescription orthopédique shoes so i will speak to my docteur early january My feet and hands have become very deformed AWFUL ( dont think its atakia more old age looks like i m defenatly going to have to see a surgeon ! ,its just happend ! I can no longer get my size 40 shoes on so at least at the médical centre for orthopédique shoes a profecional can have a look! Even though i m tempted to just buy a paire on line but as Wobblybee says best to try on🙂

[PatsyIpswich]

No, I think many of us need orthotic insoles so can't consider them.

[edfosho in reply to PatsyIpswich]

See, I was thinking that. I do not use anything (yet), and I haven't seemed professional advice yet.

[PatsyIpswich in reply to edfosho]

In this area you can go to nhs online and book appointment for podiatrist or foot mechanics.

[edfosho in reply to PatsyIpswich]

I'm unsure who I need to talk to. I'm going to the London ataxia centre in February so will speak to them about it then.

[Seagull_48 in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Dear lady, I have a very wobbly gait, but ataxia was not diagnosed my feet started to balance from heels to toes , and neurologist could not explain this. What is your opinion , can orthotic insoles help me. I use usual traines, but they became uncomfortable to me. Thank you for reply.

A Happy New Year!

[PatsyIpswich in reply to Seagull_48]

In my own experience, only ankle boots help by supporting ankle but you should get expert advice 😉

[wobblybee]

🤔 You probably need to try them yourself..there’s no guarantee everybody has the same benefit.

I haven’t tried them but..I can’t balance unless my feet are well supported in shoes with a firm non slip sole.

🙂Merry Christmas 🎄

[edfosho in reply to wobblybee]

Cheers, and you!

[dansybelle]

I've also been wondering about this so would be happy to have some recommendations.

[Sea_]

I love all of them and wore them even before Ataxia

I think being in touch with the ground helps me

Merry Christmas 🎄 x

[Rezzy3]

My physical therapist recommended them a few years back and it’s all I wear. Allowing the foot to spread out and feel the ground supposedly gives better biofeedback. She called regular shoes foot coffins because it caused your foot to simulate being in a cast everyday. If you’ve ever broken a limb, you’ll notice how much the muscles atrophied.

I’ve tried several brands and Vivobarefoot are my top choice. Once I got over the slightly unusual look of the wide toe box, I can’t go back to regular shoes. As for grip, they’re great on a wet boat deck.

One little tip, start wearing them slowly. Maybe an hour or two each time and slowly build up. Your feet have muscles that have been asleep for years!

Have a Merry Christmas!

[edfosho in reply to Rezzy3]

Thanks!

[LJH3]

Hi Ed, I have a pair & they are comfy & the grips good! Think I just bought mine on Amazon! Mention orthotics when you go to the Ataxia centre! I was referred & am awaiting a leg brace to reduce the knee pain from hypertension! Happy NY 👍

[edfosho in reply to LJH3]

Thank you!

[penelope2]

Hi Ed, I was told that normal gait and rocking from heel to toe movement as we walk??? Or try to is important and light supportive trainers help this by a Neuro physio. I try and vary types of shoes I wear. Can't wear wellies anymore though and now crocs hurt, because of the peripheral neuropathy.There is yoga exercises where you gently roll a tennis ball under bare feet when sitting down not in any particular way whatever feels good.

Let us know please what UCLH say.

Have often wondered about those shoes myself.

[7151]

Hi i m seeing my docteur friday i will ask for à prescription in France we have thé right to one paire à year and they do look comfy

[Cuds]

HiI didn't know we could get these with an ordinance....could you let me know how it goes with your Dr please - I live in France! Thanks