Barefoot Shoes and RA

[purplecyclist]

I went to an NRAS online gathering about getting back to exercise and walking a few weeks ago it was inspirational and really helpful. Ali from the Kington walking hub was the guest, she has had RA for 24 years and walks lots now, and rather than orthotics she uses wide shoes that give toes plenty room and barefoot shoes with no rocker or insole. it is a very different approach and certainly works for her. It is available as a recording on her website

here is the link kingtonwalkinghub.com/blogs... well worth a listen

My question is have any other folk with RA tried flat, flexible shoes with a wide toe box, often called barefoot shoes? Did they help?

I was diagnosed with RA in Dec and swollen feet and ankles have slowed me down a lot, though I need to walk for work. Been trying podiatrist recommended more support, more rocker, more insoles, more pads under the foot.

The approach with barefoot shoes and strengthening my feet and spreading my toes appeals though it the opposite of the podiatrist advice. Has anybody tried?

[Fruitandnutcase]

A couple of people in my Pilates group have just bought barefoot shoes - can’t remember the make but they are widely advertised.

They both like them and find them very comfortable but I have had plantar fasciitis in the past and still have spinal problems and I know I need very supportive shoes all the time. We were talking about them after our session and I said although I liked them I felt they would not be good for me and I was surprised that our teacher who is a physiotherapist agreed with me. I wear very supportive ECCO lace ups, ASICS trainers and I have a pair of Sketchers for wearing in the house.

[purplecyclist in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

that is really interesting that you have been talking about them with the Pilates folk. Apparently spreading your toes out also improves balance which would be good for pilates too.

[medway-lady]

Not barefoot but Gabor rolling soft are great. As you say wide toe box and supportive. I don’t use insoles though.

[purplecyclist]

this is the link tot eh NRAS meeting hope it works this time

kingtonwalkinghub.com/blogs...