Does anyone know the best trainers to get for arthritis damaged feet ?
Trainers: Does anyone know the best trainers to get for... - NRAS
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Grounsel
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Hi there. I wear Sketchers as they are so comfortable. My consultant told me off last year when I wore my sandals and said they were bad for my feet so I got some comfy flats from Sketchers and they are really nice. Not too fuddy duddy either lol
This such a personal thing. I’ve tried umpteen trainers . I have orthotics and I get trainers with removable insoles so I can fit them in . Yet to find the perfect ones .. I’m going to see a private podiatrist when I can . It will cost but I’m spending a fortune anyway.
Grounsel• in reply to
I've tried loads think they're OK then when I wear them find them hurting . Someone has recommended brooks but I haven't tried them yet.
• in reply toGrounsel
I tried brooks they are ok probably the better ones I’ve got . They come up small might want to go up at least a size I went up a size and a half . Expensive
Grounsel• in reply to
Thanks I will try them a size bigger .👍
• in reply toGrounsel
The brooks site is brilliant. They is a section for fit and type of trainers would suit you . Questions / test shows what’s best for you.
HanaleiBa• in reply to
Go to the Gait and Posture Clinic in London. Simon Costain is a miracle worker. I saved up and finally went. Wish I had been able to years ago!
Depends what you want to use them for & of course how damaged your feet are.If you just want comfortable footwear I can thoroughly recommend Vionic...especially the ones that have stretchy laces....you don't have to bend to tie them! They feel a bit unusual at first....but after a few days I found them like slippers.
If you buy them...or Skechers...from QVC you can try them out for 60 days & get a full refund (except p&p) if they don’t suit you.
I like Vionic too. Great arch support. I love their slippers too. The Simply Feet website had lots of comfy shoes including trainers.
I love Vionics. I wear slip ons. Nice looking sneakers. I also like the flat anke boots. I usually buy from Amazon as prices can be lower. Not always tho. The Vionic website would be good to take s look at.
I’m a QVC devotee..I like the idea of having 60 days to make up my mind if they are right because even though they are often offered at a special offer price they are still a considered purchase.I’m on the lookout for a cream pair for Summer ...I still can’t get used to the idea of what I consider white tennis plimsolls to wear with the dress in the summer!
Thanks 👍
The problem I have is not the trainers - and I've tried lots - but my feet. They hurt over the top of the foot (as well as in other places) where any shoe or slipper goes and secures to hold the shoe on. I've tried laces, no laces, elastic, buckles, every sort of fastening. The problem is not the shoe but the foot. The podiatrist was helpful but said that basically I need surgery to stop the joints moving - that was before Covid, so I think there's not much chance of that for a while.
I've to have support so anything that has good fitting, lace up, strength in the leather & enough room for my orthotics. What was recommended for me by my Podiatrist were Nike Air Max but I couldn't bring myself to pay the price for a pair of trainers. I did an extensive search to find them at the most reasonable price but settled on a pair of Clark’s which she wasn’t happy with... can't for the life of me think what other pair were. I need even more support nowadays so have walking boots, they fasten higher up to support my weak ankles too & have more height than a trainer. I was told not to buy Sketchers or the knitted type, due to lack of support. I suppose it depends what your needs are. Do you see a Podiatrist? If so maybe she/he will guide you as mine did.
I’ve some lovely brown leather ankle boots like hikers from the hospital orthotics department. Some black leather Mary Janes too. They are a bit warm though so only really wear in winter. Just took orthotics over four years to make them. Can’t possibly go there and explain as it was stressful but I got a torn knee ligament in the process due to an orthotist pressing with all his might on my bad knee. I could have written a soap opera around them! 😩
I'm pleased you have custom made, but heck that's a long time in the making. Not a good experience, that must have been some brute to press so hard & cause a torn ligament.
He lunged at me no warning and put both hands over my knee and pressed so hard to make my foot go into some stiff (florist type) foam to take an impression. He was supposed to use the digital device which you simply place your foot on but ... he didn’t. I told him politely when I went in I had a bad knee and wanted to be careful not to aggravate it so to ask me/explain before trying to move my foot/knee/leg in any unusual positions. I told my rheumy who went bonkers on hearing and wrote to him. (Basically said don’t ever go near my patients again!)
How awfu, particularly as you'd said about your knee. They surely know there's very good reason for custom mades, you're not going to be without joint problems are you? I'm pleased you told your Rheumy, & that he acted on it. Just hope that it was followed through, that he does no longer see his patients.
He was moved to an admin job as he’d messed up a lot of people’s shoes too apparently. My physio told me when I went to see him re my knee and explained why etc that he once stormed in his room and dragged out every box of shoes looking for a lady’s footwear who was his patient and had waited nearly a year and was in a wheelchair as she couldn’t walk! He’s very calm normally. My physio said to me .. do I need to channel Mr Angry again? 😆 and I said no my rheumy has told him!
Sounds the right place for him, & patients.
I have found all Nike far too narrow which is a shame. Solomon are a good brand and I’m going to look at theirs next as my hubby wears them and he said for men they are a wider fit. He likes to get a thicker sock in them. The ladies ones look really good.
• in reply toNeonkittie17
I’ve got some Solomon. No matter how hard I try I can’t get on with them. Mine are very stiff hard sole and I find them narrow. My orthotics do not fit well even when I sized up 🥺
Neonkittie17• in reply to
I looked at them in a shop and they seemed quite springy underneath but you don’t know till you walk in them. They didn’t have my size so I never tried them on.
• in reply toNeonkittie17
My hubby swears by them he walks mikes every day . Which is why I bought them but no flex in the soles for me . They keep looking at me and every now and then I take them out and give them ago . Had them 12months and still haven’t given up 😂
Neonkittie17• in reply to
Yes they’re my hubby’s faves too for running. My hard soled walking shoes .. think they are Merrells and nice and wide .. feel like walking on concrete with bare feet. I’m flat footed too so feel everything. I kept trying with those too.
I usually buy sketchers but you may need to seek advice from a podiatrist if you have damaged feet
I’ve got some brilliant black suede and leather wider fit (E) (as one foot slim and one goes puffy) with Velcro from Clark’s and they are gorgeous, and they still have them in the Unstructured range. Then a wide fit pair of attractive black suede and leather wedge trainers from Fitflop. Just got at Christmas, reduced from £99 to £70. It isn’t a high wedge but has great support. Their soles/wedges are excellent for me as I can’t go flat/let my heels drop.
Thanks but don't think they'd fit I would need extra wide ones now .
It you need wider then E then maybe not Fitflop. I don’t think Clarks do trainers wider than E. They should do. They do EE and a few EEE shoes, but never seen extra width trainers.
These are EE+ - I’ve not tried them myself, but I have other Pavers shoes which are great! pavers.co.uk/products/ladie...
Thank you.❤️ I have tried Pavers as some lovely styles although they are wide enough with an E for me they weren’t supportive enough and too low under the heels. It’s really difficult for me to get the shoes that are right. I ended up giving two really nice pairs of Pavers away to a very delighted friend! I don’t need EE. My left foot foot can be between D & E and the other is a C so I have to use different inner soles in them and often two in the right foot which is kidj slimmer. I’ve big box of various orthotics and inner soles! x
Thanks ee is extra wide .
Yes I only need E for left foot and C for the right .. hence my problems! (Buy two pairs of shoes or adjust with inner soles!)
I like Scetchers too and they have some in a wide fit if needed, like I do.
Me too
I have to wear men’s Sketchers, fortunately I have managed to find some in Sports Direct, I have to try them on though, so not ideal at the moment, as we can’t go and shop for them. I like the knitted type as they are softer on my upper foot. I have lost count of the amount of shoes, trainers I have tried that haven’t suited me. I have had triple foot fusions on both feet and they are deformed. All best wishes to you. X
Yes I wear mens too a bit more width . But colours not so good .
I find FitFlops very comfy - they have a range of trainers, not just flip flops!
Must have a look at them . Not so good when you can't go to shops and try them on .
I know...hard to tell what’s what online. If anyone has Amazon Prime you can do Prime Wardrobe and try things for free for 7 days before buying.
There’s quite a few FitFlop Rally Trainers on Amazon at decent prices, and Skechers.
But I must say that I buy most of my branded trainers on eBay (new!) - which works well once you know what you’re after.
Hope you find something really comfy x
Hi Grounsel, when my feet were at their worst, the only thing I could bear to wear was Clark's Un Loop shoe. I did a fair bit of research into shoes and saw the shoes suggested on another RA forum.
Apparently, they're the go-to shoe for nurses who spend a lot of time on their feet. (Also, the shoes come in an array of colours.) As far as trainers go, last year I bought a pair of Clarks 'Ladies Elasticated Fastener Sports Trainers Step Allena Bay'. I don't know if they're available this year, but I just checked and it looks like there are some for sale on Ebay and elsewhere. The pair I have are very comfortable. The material is elasticised so fits to my feet no matter how swollen they are.
Hoka Clifton 7. I tried them ALL. These are the absolute best and every doctor or podiatrist I show them too is like “oh, yes, Hoka. Those are GOOD.” 
They are expensive, but worth it. I use them with inserts so even better. They are the top choice for runners with knee problems and injuries, too.
Also - because I just spent too much money on this top podiatrist so want to share what he told me with the entire world to make up for it LOL - scientific studies and real world are 100% clear that wearing flats or high heels are the worst. Period. Don’t do it. It’s a 1/2 inch to 1.25 inch heel you need. I think this is why top brand comfort shoes like Riker, etc. always have a bit of a heel either built in or cushioning that acts as a heel. And if you have foot issues you should always wear shoes even inside. I am originally from California so go barefoot or wear flip flops. That’s the worst thing. Who knew? Fitflop is a website to go to for shoes like this. But, when I checked my shoes, many do have a slight heel built in - I mostly buy comfort brand shoes for those with foot issues. I only buy a pair or two a year and splurge on cute ones :). Good luck!
Altra trainers .I have damaged feet and work all day on my feet . They are zero drop heel to toe, have the widest toe box and are highly cushioned . They recommend the paradigm model to me . I live in them or Olympus model .
Thank I will try them .👍
Definitely Sketchers. Soooo comfy 👍😊
The only shoes/trainers I can get to fit my deformed feet and support dodgy ankles (replacement ankles & fusions refused - too young!) are Hotter Leanne. I have bought various pairs over the last 4 years. Caveat: Hotter have changed their width descriptions and the wider width I used to buy was too narrow and I had to go for the widest width.
When RA decided to attack my feet, everyone recommended that I wear trainers and I bought a pair of Asics Dynamic Duomax. These helped a lot but I have a pair of Mobils lace up walking shoes and, with an insole made specifically for my feet, these are even better - not so clumpy on my feet and therefore easier to walk in. I hope your feet improve soon.
Sketchers
I wear Oboz walking shoes, they were only shoes I could reasonably comfortably wear at one point. They are not very glamorous, but a robust walking shoe with removable insoles.
I ware HOKA flipflops all the time. Had them for a few years, got two pair. I broke my foot back in 2017ish and have RA. HOKA are a running shoe. There flipflops are for recovery after racing and long runs. I found them ideal for flair-ups and sore feet. I wear them while working when i can, on holiday and everyday at home. I have a lot of experience with managing pain in my feet. Am a ex fell an mountain runner and ran for over 2 years with a broken foot and RA thinking i had gout, I still run a fair bit specially now my meds are working. HOKA work for me, very rare i were trainers unless am out running or the shops. I also hear Sketchers are good. HOKA are a little expensive but there soft an robust and very light which matters with really sore feet. Hears hoping you find that comfy shoe
So glad to hear about the Hoka flip flops. I have just been instructed by my podiatrist to get Hoka shoes as I have had 4 stress fractures in 3 months (despite excellent bone density) and I thought I might get the slides for at home so happy to hear your thoughts. Thank you!
There very good Susie. I dont actually wear Hoka for running, i wear Inov-8 suit my feet better. I run off road, crosscountry etc. The pavements an roads are a little to hard for my joints now days . As soon as am back home am straight in my HOKA,. Love them 👍
I know people say sketchers but I find they offer no support and make me worse. They may be comfy but they're no good to actually walk in.For walking I wear vionic. They offer good support that makes a world of difference. Wish they did more stylish designs though.
I have a section in my wardrobe full of shoes that felt great in the shop but when I wore them for a few occasions they just didn't work . I spent some time in hospital trying to get my RA meds correct and while I was there the brilliant physiotherapist put a small teardrop shaped insert in my shoes - just under the main part of my feet . The difference was miraculous and I wore the shoes until they literally fell off my feet . I tried removing the "teardrop" and putting them in another pair of shoes but to no effect .
Another physiotherapist gave me some inserts but they didn't work either .
I now have a pair of Sketchers , black , with memory foam soles which I wear all the time . Not very attractive but comfortable.
I find it most comfortable to walk around home with just socks on . Totally impracticable outside of course . I was surprised to see that this wasn't recommended.
I may try some of the shoe suggestions mentioned .
The only footwear I am comfortable in is Sketchers. Have now been wearing them for many years. Shoes sandals and even flip flops. Never ever wear anything else. They can be quite expensive but the sales are very good. Now have six pairs
Sketchers are fab. They do laced trainers, slip-ons and they do half sizes too in lots of colours. You can throw them in the washing machine too. Been wearing them for years. Also, Hotter are worth a look as they do many of theirs in regular and wide and are also extremely comfortable. Good luck!
I've recently purchased some skechers trainers for a bit more support around the ankles, (I normally have their slip on shoes,) they also have built in instep supports, so far I'm pleased with them, hope this helps, best wishes Sarah
I've got Skechers trainers and Skechers ankle boots for the colder weather. I think they are wonderful and extremely comfy.I actually enjoy walking in them and would definately recommend.
I invested in a pair of NAOT sandals last summer which were really comfortable. It is cheaper to buy them through the UK stockists but they are quite pricey (about £80)
I like Sketchers too, very comfy and not fuddyduddy at all.
I would suggest Hotter although I haven't had any trainers, but have found their walking boots very comfortable and I tend to wear those all the time during the winter, even if just cycling rather than walking, as they are waterproof, warm and comfortable. You could also try Merrell (I might have spelt that wrongly though). I had some sandals a few years back and they are amazingly comfortable; I even managed to traipse round London in them.
Hi Grounsel, I would reiterate what has been said about seeing a podiatrist. I tried loads of different trainers/shoes until I got some insoles made then I could wear most types as long as they are a bit wider than i would normally have.I was lucky to get mine on the NHS but i am thinking of going privately to get another pair made.
Sketchers are wonderful,if you go to their web site you'll be surprised how many styles and colours you can choose from. It's like walking on air for me...rather than feeling every painful step , which is the case with most other shoes, again , for me. RA in toes and balls of feet, but Sketchers make walking less of a struggle. Hope you find your comfy X
Thanks will do 👍
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