Hi all I'm hoping that I can get some suggestions about footwear or shock absorbing insoles. I have a bad knee (waiting for knee replacement op) and now have lower back pain. I'm going away soon and expect to walk lot more than I do at home. Any advice appreciated.
Shoe and shoe insoles: Hi all I'm hoping that I can get... - NRAS
Shoe and shoe insoles
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Chrissycl
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I couldn’t be without my wedge type sole Skechers trainers. They might not be as flashy or fashionable as some brands, but I’m very happy with them as can’t get one foot in the slimmer brands, and they have to support under my arch and heel or I’m unable to walk any distance. Fitflop are also great for underfoot support and width. Some modern and attractive styles. I also have knee and foot/ankle issues. When I say wedge, is isn’t a huge wedge but is a supportive (but not hard) wedge type sole of about 2 inches. Both of those brands are suitable for wider feet which is essential for myself. Some of Skechers also have removable washable inner soles which are like a light but quite effective orthotic. You could put your own custom made orthotic in them.
Also can the hospital provide tailor made orthotics/shoes for you, via a referral from your rheumy for appointments with an orthotics specialist? Worth an ask. Hope you can find something that works for you.
Thank you that is very helpful
I just amended my post to add a bit more info.
You're most welcome
I second that. I also use both Skechers and fitflops. Nothing else comes close to support, they are like slippers. In fact my slippers are also Skechers. There are lots of good offers on previous ranges, but they are still good value for money. I have had recent foot surgery and live in them at the moment. 🤪👍
🩷 Fab aren’t they?! I have just got some lovely adjustable Velcro double strap sandals from Fitflop and have some of their grey felt wedge slippers. My feet are very compromised and those two brands keep me being able to move/walk. My feet just sink into the ground otherwise. Hope you’re doing well after your foot surgery 🩷
Unfortunately one of the toes has failed, so the 3rd toe goes under the straightened 2nd toe. He’s already suggested it needs further surgery. My follow up isn’t till august. I think I’ll need to request they bring it forward, or the surgery on the second toe will be undone. Reluctant to havd further surgery, just because it took 11 weeks to heal. Every wound on that leg takes forever. When I gashed the shin last year it took 10 weeks. Yet they tell me I have good pulses. 🙇♀️
Vionic make lovely trainers with a removable insole & a zip….no bending down fiddling with laces..,just tie them up once & you’re all set. They have nice colours too….I don’t want to walk around in white…looking as if I have lost my tennis raquet🏸Yes, I do know that is a badminton raquet..but but it’s the best I could finger! Happy shoe hunting!
I was advised no to Sketchers as no support but we are all different and it might be dependant on the problem. I have had left foot surgery to correct my turning foot and plates put in. My foot depends normally but surgeon was very definite about Sketchers. I usually go for Gabor and the rolling gait range is great. I also have walking boots by (although no longer able to long distance rambles) Dr Martyns (pink) which are very good. As are Pickolinno's and I have a lot of shoes. Whist in Cyprus I wore Wauldhause a German brand that is very good and really it'd be best to go to a really good show shop. In Kent we have The Golden Boot in Maidstone it is extremely good and they fit them properly and can also deal with foot problems. If you can get there it'd be a really worthwhile visit. Look them up on line they do have good advice and some good ideas. I have something like 40 pairs of shoes and sandals plus boots and do sort of collect them. Some pairs are now coming back into fashion like platform sandals so it pays not to throw good shoes away. lol
Skechers have got so much better in the last few years. I couldn’t wear theirs too till they started doing the wedge type sole. Loads of great supportive sole trainers, especially their Walk on Air and many other styles are “relaxed fit” , which is EE-EEE. These are my lifesavers and aren’t anything like as clunky as they look but they’re the best I’ve had in 35 years of foot issues and I’ve wasted a lot of money on trainers that weren’t right. For me, Skechers and Fitfop have better support than all my custom made shoes (and my Orthotist agreed!) The Fitflop sandals (“Lulu”) are also so fantastic for comfort and are an adjustable fit and supportive sole. Keep your feet stable. I’ll post the photos of the sandals separately.
Photo of black training shoes
They look really comfy. I might have a look at those!
Hope they help!
Yes the Sketchers lòok like my hokas which are expensive
I’ve seen those German shoes and trainers in Austria. Superb.
I'll have another look as my feet aren't painful anymore anyway. I got FitFop too ! as a winter shoe. My view is you can't have too many pairs of shoes! I also have some nice trainers by Gabor with zips in navy blue. Trouble is they just won't wear out. XX
Sadly had to give away my Gabors as they were too slim fit and my left foot is flubbery! xx
I might like flubbery, it sounds delicious like jelly or wobbly pudding in German.
I do often describe my bigger ankle as being like blancmange! 😝
I have a pair of Gabor trainers, with the side zips which I love. They don’t have the same amount of room in the toe area, as Skechers and fitflop. I too had too many shoes. I actually binned loads recently, or gave to charity, as I can no longer wear high heels, or many of my sandals. It sounds like my Gabors might be the same as yours, they are navy with the zip and have a subtle pattern on the sides. When hubby was painting recently he came across a stash of shoes, hidden away, because it wasn’t the season for them, he couldn’t understand why I needed so many shoes 😂😂
I know what you mean, I could not wear heels for a while but after my left foot was straightened a few years ago I could and do. Not tottering high work type heels but nice and attractive ones. Shoes have always given me great joy when all else is grey bright and cheerful red shoes make me smile. My husband has no idea how much I spend on shoes but he plays golf and I don't really know how much that costs but I've a hunch is a fair bit more with subscription to club, golf holidays etc. lol xx
I recently saw a podiatry and he was a definite no on sketchers said comfortable but not enough support. I have ankle and knee issues and of course the toes. I wear fitflops but no to to any backless ones now. Hoka are good wide feel very balanced he also said dr Martyns like you have.
The old Skechers trainers had very little support under foot but the newer ones definitely have. I can’t wear the standard Skechers .. but their “workwear” trainers (see photo posted) and also “walk on air” styles are a lifesaver for me. I’d not be able to walk more than a couple of metres or go anywhere without them. As I said, better than the orthotic shoes I had made.
Last year someone on here recommended a brand called Fitville but I haven’t tried them yet but they are recommended for people with wide feet and diabetic/swollen foot issues as lots of theirs are adjustable Velcro straps and wide fit.
I have recently bought Fitville trainers and I've found them to be very comfortable. I'm able to walk much further without too much pain. They are reasonably priced too. I've just bought a second pair because I love them so much. They seem to have good shock absorption as well as being very roomy.
Thank you, they do look really very good.
When some brands say wide .. it’s not wide enough for people with fluctuating feet or permanently puffy ones. 😑 Skechers relaxed fit and Fitflops are definitely wider than most. I shall try some Fitville, thank you for your comments on them, and yes, they seem to be reasonably priced. I bought two pairs of Skechers “workwear” trainers and a “walk on air” pair too.
I hope you like them 😊
I remember the Golden Boot 😁😁😁. I’m from Maidstone originally and was fascinated by this shop and its sign outside as a child. My parents moved up to Whitby when I was three and stayed up north but we had lots of family holidays In Maidstone visiting family.
It's still going strong and such a wonderful shop. Anyone with foot issues in a reasonable travelling time would be well advised to pay it a visit. From many hundreds of pounds for Jimmy Choo to good old Clarks they've got them all. My son lives in Loose.
Fitflop Lulu sandals
Black ladies sandals
I have these two colours and lots of other fitflops I like the trainer ones too which I have
I’m a Fitflop addict. Can’t help it. 😀
OoooI like those
I wear Skechers too and have got about 10 pairs of their trainers in varying styles. They fit my poor old, painful feet -no padding on the soles and a blooming great bunion on my right foot and bunionettes on both. Honestly, you’d think one bit of you’d work!
Have Fitflop Winter boots with their lovely, thick wedge-like soles which I could wear to bed they’re so comfortable. I also wear Gabor toe-post sandals which are really comfy and suit my feet and though I wouldn’t do any proper walking in them they're great with a summer dress or crops.
It’s horses for course though and if I find another make in a shop which are immediately comfortable - Moshulu also great for boots - I’ll buy them. Sometimes though, whatever I’ve got on my feet they just bloody hurt!
Me too, have my fave brands but if something fit and felt right I’d buy it whatever it was.
Podiatry will make sure you are wearing correct size shoes that they are supportive recommended insoles if you need them. Most of us wear the wrong size shoes apparently I discovered one foot was bigger than other . I have uggs a big no from him.. Recommendations here from others are good.
My podiatrist told me not to wear Sketchers but recommended. ASICS . I took her advice and honestly what a waste of money, they were expensive and my feet are so painful when I wear them. Can’t even get the laces tied . They are now in the bin, back to sketchers and Carvela trainers which suit my feet better. Won’t listen to another podiatrist again, she said my feet won’t benefit from insoles, another wrong advice as I purchased a pair myself and they certainly help. I came away from that appointment thinking that she had really helped me, I had to take a selection of my shoes with me. She told me to stop wearing most of them. Mmm!
My podiatrist said similar, no to sketchers and suggested ASICS running shoes. They cost £90, and were worth every penny, I can walk further in them than any other shoe I have. They are not very elegant but I wouldn’t be without them if I plan to be on my feet for a hour or two.
Mine too he was happy with fitflop and hoka he recommended Atics. I couldn't find any they were expensive and more walking boots and uncomfortable I hike but less than used too interesting I have some M&S leather walking shoes wide super comfy don't think they do them any more
I agree Skechers are great. I had a toe fusion last year and I still have pain. Skechers GoWalk are just heaven to wear, they have thick soft soles . They look ok too. I’ve worn them with long dresses as well as jeans.
I have recently developed problems with my feet as I’ve been going through a massive flare. I’m on the waiting list to see orthotics for insoles, but in the meantime I bought Skechers Arch Fit trainers. They push my arches up a bit and pad my feet. I couldn’t be without them now. They fit well too. I like the look of the other Skechers someone posted, the workwear ones. People have mixed views on Skechers, but my RA nurse seemed ok with me getting some and she has seen how bad my feet are.
My orthotics fit inside my arch support sketchers which is handy
I have bunions, RA in both knees, and hips and OA in both feet with significant restricted movement of both big toes. In addition I have severe muscle scarring inside the calf of one leg following a severe muscle rupture that went untreated during the pandemic.
After two years of physio and several appointments with podiatrist and MSK I now have bespoke orthotics which help. The podiatrist says firm shoes , low wedge with ankle support are vital. He agreed Sketchers were good as long as they are leather as the mesh type offer no support. I mentioned other brands that are mentioned in the other posts and he said it’s about support, support, support. Any type of slip on, loose shoe, mesh, sandal or slippers are to be avoided. Of course we’re all different and our footwear needs will vary. I wear my orthotics inside my leather sketchers and they help, I wear them in my suede, low wedge Van Dal ankle boots and they help but not as much as there’s no support in the suede. I think that proves the podiatrist point.
I’m unable to use crutches or sticks due to RA in my elbows, wrists and shoulders so getting my footwear right means I can walk with less pain. Another tip is to use foam powder puffs under your heels inside your shoes to give you lift and comfort.
Edit: insoles bought online didn’t help as each foot requires a different type is help
I have some little Pedag heel lifts and some other brand too, which are not too big to intrude in the footwear. Powder foam puffs a great idea too! Over the years I’ve collected a lot of inner souls and devices but the best inner soles online for me were Pedag. There are so many though so you need to know what you want and it’s not as effective for someone who needs a daily orthotic. I use the Pedags in shoes my orthotics won’t fit into.
Thanks for that I’ll check them out 👣
I got told by the podiatrist that sketchers were not supportive for bad feet
I was told my style of Skechers are fine and my podiatrist had some of them on herself in the wedge sole style as they have a lot of support. Early style Skechers had low soles but now they have redesigned for much more underfoot support. My feet have improved greatly since wearing my wedge type sole “workwear” Skechers.
Think I need to try them then
sketchers Arch support wedge style recommends by my podiatrist and comfortable for me, well.., less painful than others shall we say
Yes it’s a relief to get something you can walk in without cringing with every step. When you can do a bit more walking you can build up the muscles in your feet and legs.
That’s my hope too. I have a guided steroid injection in the big knuckle joint of the worst foot in August 🤞
I find Skechers to be very good.
I like Relife boots and trainers they have built in shock absorbers I can wear them for hours with no issues. I also was wear Skechers, was told by one podiatrist that they were no good and another said they were great who knows which one is right. If I find something that works for me I just go with it I’m the one who needs be comfortable and not in pain not them.
Exactly! What works for you you’ll keep doing/wearing.
They are made by Pavers and I also wear pavers as they are wide enough to accommodate my orthotics and a reasonable price compared to some brands, after-all we needs several pairs at least don’t we 😉
I use Josef Seibel, their strapline is the European comfort shoe. They even do sandals with backs that allow for my orthotics. They are comfortable and plenty of room for wonky toes. Someone had recommended Hotter shoes but they didn't accommodate my toes even though they were 'wider'. They are wide, but they don't make the toe box high enough if you have dorsal exostosis (a bunion on the top rather than the side) or hammer toes.
My friend told me about Hoka trainers and they have excellent support. They are for hill walking and support the ankles. The only downside is that they are expensive but believe they have a sale on. I used to always have sketchers and still use them around the house but for going out I wear Hoka, my friend also has arthritis and was recommended to try them by her podiatrist. The only thing is I would go up a half size.
Thank you all for your suggestions, it's not my feet that's the problem it's my knees that need the help. Could do with shock absorbers being fitted .lolBeing 68 years old and with RA and OA I dont suppose I should be surprised , but will now go look at some trainer type shoes instead of my usual casual. Shoes.
I use compressions splints/ bandage to support my knees and they make a massive difference to ability and pain levels. The tube bandages are washable, easy to get on and off, fit under trousers and leggings and fold up to fit in handbag or pocket when down from the top of the mountain 😜
However shoes ate important for stability to knees it was more my knees that were the issue before I had podiatry
But shock absorbing shoes on your feet will also help your knees
I find the best shoes for me are ECCO GoreTex lace up walking shoes. They are very expensive though but they really support my feet and they seem to help my low back ache. I wear them all the time with dresses and with trousers. Comfort is what I’m after, I’m not bothered if people think they look odd and clumpy with a summer dress.
I also have a pair of ASICS trainers unfortunately they are dayglo orange which is ok with denims but not for every occasion and they are not GoreTex so I can only wear them when it is dry and sunny.
I’ve got a pair of slip-on Sketcher shoes that I use indoors instead of slippers but they don’t have enough support for me when I’m walking outside.
If I’m doing serious walking I have very comfortable and very lightweight GoreTex Meindl walking boots that I bought from Cotswold Outdoors.
If you are having knee problems I would definitely recommend a pair of Nordic walking poles - mine are Leki ones - plus a session in how to use them properly. They take a lot of the weight off your knees and hips and also help your balance.
My left knee is up the creek, so my left foot is a mess too, footwear is a bane I end up wearing Fitflops sandals even in winter if I can. In the end I think due to individual issues we all are trying out what works for us.
Info in this thread very helpful thanks. 😊
A physio told me to buy rocker sole shoe. But i wasn't able to find one large enough for my feet. And i have haflinger sandal or shoes. It mold to your feet.
Gabor Rolling gait go up to a 9 x
No i couldn't find xxxtra wide shoes on their web site. Can you gave me a link?
Will try when going in as in garden now. It’s. Warm xx
I found on their website that they have three width. H is the biggest is like xlarge or DD ou EEE in america . But i need larger. I stuck with the width of a size 8 man shoes but in a smaller lenght. So i usually don't fit in women shoes. I need men shoes that start at size 6 and extrawide for men because they are bigger for them. I'm looking for the altra shoes but it seam that all the company are making their shoes smaller as years goes by. I use to be able to wear keen wide shoes but they are too small now. New balance just built 2 models my size. My podiatrist told me it's the company that don't do shoes big enought not my fault but i'm stuck with the problem. To ride my horse i pay for custom boot that fit my orthotic and my wide feet.
That sounds difficult I’m an 8 wide in Clarks but Gabor 7 as they come up big.
01622 752349 for Golden Boot I've just checked a big online presence you should be able to Google. I'd urge you to ring and ask for advice. xx
Shoe Shop
I only wear the lace-up Skechers or Vionics now as they give me good support, not the slip-on type that give very little. Lace-ups are also adjustable if your feet are likely to swell with a lot of walking.
I have a pair of custom-made orthotics that I put in all my shoes (having taken out the supplied insole). I got a pair of the Arch Fit Skechers off Amazon and they were reasonably priced and have been excellent. I also have a pair of those Skechers Workwear Max Cushion Elite that Neonkittie recommended (also off Amazon)- they are very good too. Happy hunting!
I saved quite a bit of money by getting my Skechers from Amazon. Approx £15 each pair. x
I swear by sketchers with memory foam insoles. I’m able to walk quite a long way
Ailsa-NRASPartnerNRAS
hi Chrissycl
Simplyfeet.co.uk gives you lots of options for footwear/insoles and footcare but if you need something bespoke, suggest you ask your team for a referral to a specialist rheumatology podiatrist.
Ailsa, NRAS NPC
I agree and I have bespoke as well, but as it took them 4 years at the hospital to make them 🤦♀️ (too long a story!) I had to find my own alternatives.
Yes Ailsa I agree that Simply Feet stock a wide range of different makes, including wide fittings. I’ve bought Vionics shoes there.
Hi Chrissy
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my feet are deformed and with dropped arches very painful.
Have tried numerous insoles that podiatrist recommended or supplied and frankly none helped. Now only wear Fitflops ( sandals and trainers) or vionic footwear, and frankly both are amazing. Can walk miles and pretty much pain free .
Hope that helps and enjoy your break 😊
I recently bought the new Slip-in skechers. They are fantastic., so supportive and comfortable!!
I have the same problems as you,I ware Sketchers trainers and have bought some sketchers work shoes, they were more expensive but are very comfortable.
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