Help - Comfy slippers and sandals in the UK? - NRAS

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Help - Comfy slippers and sandals in the UK?

bernese1225 profile image
43 Replies

Hi Ladies, can I ask what slippers and sandals you wear? My feet and ankles are so painful at the minute. I’m currently wearing vionic full slippers but they have a fur lining and are so uncomfortable in this heat. They’ve also stretched and my feet are slipping in them. I’m waiting for an appointment for a steroid injection in my right ankle and need a good pair of comfy slippers with support in the arch.

Searching for sandals is being a nightmare too. I’ve ordered numerous ones online from vionic and Clark’s but they were too painful to walk in. Maybe it’s just a pipe dream that I’ll wear lovely shoes again. I current wear running shoes that I put my biometric insoles in for everyday use. I’m going to a party in September and was hoping to wear a dress but I can’t wear trainers, any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊

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43 Replies
Ruth12345 profile image
Ruth12345

Hi. I wear sketches but can't wear insoles in them as they have memory style insoles. Variety of styles but non glamourus that I have found. Hope someone knows more for you.

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5 in reply to Ruth12345

Hi Ruth - I have a nice pair of Skechers which my podiatrist ripped out my memory foam to put in my insoles. It worked fine for those fortunately.

Ruth12345 profile image
Ruth12345 in reply to Hessie5

Thank you. There is a thought. My podiatrist said not to wear them or anything with memory foam. He said they were not supportive enough, hence I don't wear them when I go to see him. Very nice chap though.

Juliachoo profile image
Juliachoo

Hi, I swear by Skechers shoes, boots, trainers & slippers & crocs summer sandals.. I did buy some Skechers sandals with diamanté this year too & they are soo comfy..xx

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridge

It’s such a problem finding comfy shoes and slippers. I like Vionic for slippers and sandals as I can’t wear orthotics in them and they do have arch support.

For a wedding recently I bought myself a jumpsuit and wore it with rose gold sparkly platform trainers so I could wear my orthotics. Perhaps a similar outfit would work for your party ... a Vivienne Westwood look!

Meanwhile check out the Simply Feet website. Also Semler shoes have very wide fitting but are expensive. Vionic make a fluffy slide slipper (no back or front) which would be cooler than you have got.

Happy hunting!

bernese1225 profile image
bernese1225 in reply to Lolabridge

Thank you so much, I love the idea of a jumpsuit! It’s been years since I’ve had a night out and I’m totally clueless on how to dress myself now 😊

RAlife2018 profile image
RAlife2018

Crocs black thong sandal, bottom is super soft and helpful; top fabric is soft leather.

Juliachoo profile image
Juliachoo in reply to RAlife2018

I wear crocs Capri v diamanté & have silver & black, love them xx

mccaffs2014 profile image
mccaffs2014

Skecher flip flops,trainers and boots, croc flip flops and you could try Heavenly Feet. I find these comfortable. I hope that you find something for your party.

I’ve found the fitflop brand good for me if I find them very supportive. Theres a sale on now 😉they do some very glam sandals. Their slippers suit me

Phillylou profile image
Phillylou in reply to

Fit flops every time ! I now only go for non toe post cos I find they hurt too much . The cushioned sole helps with plantur facilities, heel spurs, the wedge helps with Achilles tendonitis and the most important factor THEY ARE STYLISH. Too many supposed wide fit or orthopaedic sandals are gross . Give them a go. I have 9 pairs , different colours.

in reply to Phillylou

I agree with the all Phillylou says only thing that works for my Achilles and heel spurs

Always wear Sketchers. I did order a pair of wedge heeled sandals £43 (Blue/Black or Dusty Pink) from Littlewoods online, but unfortunately for me, they were far too wide. Had to send them back, but they were nice. 👍

LesBev profile image
LesBev

Hi. I love Sketchers and Nike trainers but recently bought a pair of Croc sandals. Just two bars over the top but the hold they give is helpful and the texture on the soles of bare feet takes your mind off painful toes a bit.

Hope you find something soon. Lx

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Fly Flot slippers & recently invested in FitFlop trainers, glam rose gold. Not particularly supportive but, hey, it's summer, our feet need to breathe. Crocs for gardening in, comfy & I can run them under the tap. Today I was in TK Maxx & treated myself to some Scholl Bioprint Sandals, £12.99, don't you just love a bargain, & the instep is surprisingly perfect for my stupid feet.

I was at a wedding last Friday & whilst I wore some nice wedges I did take a sparkly pair of toe thongs to change into, I wasn't alone! Also quite a few younger ladies were in jumpsuits with fancy trainers, can't say I particularly thought it weddingy but it's fashion I suppose. Having had a dressy jumpsuit when they were last in fashion & the palaver of going to the loo I'd not entertain one again but many do get on with them.

bernese1225 profile image
bernese1225 in reply to nomoreheels

I forgot about going to the loo 😂

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to bernese1225

Honestly, what a faff... & that was pre RD days! I had a Liz Claiborne one & even though it was nice fine fabric boy was it hot.

in reply to nomoreheels

Just rmeinded me of the body suits and faffing. I was at a wedding we were all huffing and puffing in the loos trying to do up the poppers! Its a bit like spanx once on great but not for weddings and so damn hot! Ah those were the days!

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

You absolutely CAN wear pretty trainers with a dress...it’s all the fashion according to the fashion mags!

Skechers have some lovely styles in their range now...look on QVC!

Not cheap but I tried a pair on of the feels like a 'barefoot shoe' which I replied for the price I will go barefoot then but...............they are so comfortable for me.

vivobarefoot.com/uk/womens/...

WomblingFree profile image
WomblingFree in reply to

I think I’d go barefoot too 😂

Kaz13A profile image
Kaz13A

I wear walking sandals ( Merrell ) which I brought from "Go outdoor " camping shop, excellent I'm sure you could look on line. Gabour sandals for smarter occasions are also excellent my feet are agony and can barely walk some days so I feel your pain for sure .

Pooch22 profile image
Pooch22

I wear sketchers go walk for slippers and for casual Plus they are washable which helps. I wear hotter shoes for smarter but need ones with a thicker base as some aren’t quite as padded. Seasalt have some shoes in wide with an air sole which are pretty comfortable and stylish but I haven’t tried them for walking or a full day as yet, I usually stick to Skechers in summer and hotter shoes or walking boots in the winter when wet for walking.

lolamylo profile image
lolamylo

Sketchers for me -I mostly wear trousers and occasionally long skirts so what is on my feet is not noticed-I do like some of the sandal Sketchers range. Other wide fitting choices are limited and make me feel unattractive and very very old!! Perhaps we should all get together and design comfortable, arch supporting but pretty shoes in all colours-Anyone up for it?

bernese1225 profile image
bernese1225 in reply to lolamylo

Oow I’m up for that...wide fitting, arch support, cushioning for heel and metatarsals, secure ankle fasteners on sandals, full slippers in breathable, washable fabric, removable insoles so we can fit our own biometric ones, higher at the heel incase our insoles have heel support...there’s definitely a niche in the market.

pino99 profile image
pino99

Skechers, they have trainers, sandals and slippers. I love my slippers, but had to get them on Amazon and have never seen them on a shop. Be very careful with fitflops, they are comfy but the wobbleboard caused huge damage to my ra knees. Never again.

lupus_01 profile image
lupus_01

Sketchers and crocs for me. For other shoes i use gel innersoles to provide a cushion.

You have my sympathy bernese! I had problems with my feet & found it very difficult to find anything to wear at all. I also have size 8/9 feet & Skechers only go to size 7. I wear Rohde shoes & sandals etc. They are expensive but very comfortable. I only wore sandals for 2 or 3 years but am now able to wear their clogs. I can wear a strap round the back of my heel but can't wear a fully enclosed shoe.

Good luck!

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz

Hi I wear sketchers boots in winter and trainers in summer with gogo mat insoles and I also wear ugg shoes and boots but I live in my Birkenstock’s have loads of them so comfy. Can’t wear heels anymore 😂

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply to Nuttyshirlz

I buy them mostly from Qvc cus you get 30days to return

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5

Hi - I am in the same boat as you as have posterior tibialis tendonitis in both ankles. Lost the ability to tip toe - it's been debilitating, all caused by this evil disease of RA.

You have to be so careful to get the right footwear as the wrong one causes further damage. You need something that does not bend or fold and supports the ankle.

That is my dilemma. I just bought some Birkenstock which takes getting use too, and a pair of Rieker’s which I was told are good for arthritic feet.

Good luck with your search. Hessie 😌

Padders2 profile image
Padders2

Hi bernese1225, my podiatrists recommended Crocs as slippers and I currently use walking shoes for everyday. As to comfy sandals, for a special occasion I will wear nice sandals and suffer.

What about Padders and Hotters, have you looked at those?

StormySeas profile image
StormySeas

I’ve just bought some Timberland ‘Los Angeles Wind Ankle Strap’ sandals as they have a huge thick sole and I’m finding them very comfy. Am hoping I’ll be able to wear them all day. Can’t post a pic here but will do so separately.

I usually wear trainers and a pair of Sketchers as slippers.

I think you could wear a nice pair of trainers to a party, you can get great colours and styles now X

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

I watched something called idealworld.tv the other afternoon & they had some espadrille type cushion foot summer shoes that looked very comfy....for £11.99!!!

They had a sling back......not the strings you tie up the leg like real espadrilles. Might be worth a look....on it’s ch22 on my TV.

I was interested to read about where people buy attractive, comfortable shoes. I looked at the websites of all the companies mentioned. Sadly, I found nothing suitable. Plenty of places say they sell comfortable shoes, but their idea of a wide fit ends at E. The ones that go above E hardly ever make a shoe that is nice to look at. It's sickening.

Recorder500L profile image
Recorder500L

widerfitshoes.co.uk These are the only shoes that I can wear. I take a size 6EEEEEE they go up to EEEEEEEE (8's after your size). They have become more fashionable over the years. Shoes, slippers, casual fabric shoes and sandals. You don't pay VAT on them either if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis and add it to the appropriate box. Take care.

emmajoyce profile image
emmajoyce

Hello there. HOTTER are great. My feet like yours , so swollen and I feel ugly. Went to Hotter 4 years ago and definitely recommend them. So comfy.

Alberta69 profile image
Alberta69

I live all year round in my birkenstocks. I was told about them in my gait clinic a few years ago and although the first pair took a while to get used to, I have no trouble with new pairs. I have them in lots of colours and often get compliments about the more colourful ones. It helps as they are considered more fashionable these days. I wear the older pairs as slippers and garden shoes with baggy socks. When I'm going through a good patch I can walk for miles as the support is so good. Only time I can't wear them due to bad weather I wear my trainers with a custom made insoles. I do have one pair of dressier sandals for more party occasions but am limited only as I know I will be on a fair bit of discomfort the following day. I really miss being able to buy a pretty shoe!

Arthurthecat profile image
Arthurthecat

I converted to Fitflops since 2014. They do beautiful sandals (some in their sale on their website currently). I buy the shoes in the sale. They also do lace ups, boots, ballerina and all kinds of slip ons. Their slippers have lovely thick soles and last many years- though a gulp price. I think the phrase was ‘caffeine for feet’. Mine are 5 years old and still have that effect! I have tried to break away and have had some successful ´Heavenly Feet’ purchases but not yet beaten the reliable comfort of the Fitflop brand. Sound like an advert but discovering them transformed my ability to walk reliably in comfort. They do an excellent sale and return service and I regularly try some and they aren’t quite right and have hassle-free returns.

bernese1225 profile image
bernese1225 in reply to Arthurthecat

I ordered 3 pairs last night. My daughter kindly paid for 1 pair. You’re right they do have some beautiful ones on sale. Fingers crossed they work for me 😊

Penelopebham profile image
Penelopebham

White trainers are the height of fashion. Or black fit flops are smart enough

Penelope43

thelmar profile image
thelmar

My podiatrist wears Skechers. Pretty good recommendation!! By the way she also suffers from RD.

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