Birkenstocks?

[rowantree]

Anyone tried birkenstock sandals? I have very high arches, arthritis in my toes and possibly my heels and plantar facilitis. So, very painful feet, a lot of the time! I'm wondering if birkenstock sandals are good, as they have a footbed. But they have no heel, and a low heel seems to help me.

[Hidden]

Haven't tried them, but my disability is my feet so wear Crocs, spacious and comfortable, also I can put the Orthopedic made insoles directly into the shoes/boots.

[kebsa]

i don't have plantar fascitis but i have arthritis, i also have lymphodema which means my foot swells a lot ( i am an amputee)- Now i am wheelchair dependent but i need a good stable fitting shoe to make transfers safe for me- the birkenstock brand of footwear has been one of my choices.

my only point would be that i would not assume that just because a paticular shoe has a footbed, it will be comfy (remember those old wooden shaped "health sandals quite some yrs back!! basically the foot \bed is designed on the anatomically ideal shaped oot and for those of us with problems such as high arches or flat fett, we definitely do not have perfect feet! Birkenstocks are great and they make many different styles- with birkenstock and any of these kind of shoes it is still a case of getting them properly fitted and getting a design that is suitable for your problems. you can sometimes find these shoes a bit cheaper by goinging on line and looking fo styles that they are clearing- if you do that i suggest its worth trying to find then in a local stockist- try them on physically so you can be sure of the sizes eetc - then go home and order them where you saw them on line- bit cheeky i know but they are not cheap when you are on limited income

as for crocs that have been mentioned, they are what i wear most of the time at present, infact more recently i have been going for the croc look a likes due to budget- the cheapies are fine for me but i have noted that they seem spongy in the heel - i only stand for those few moments so maybe thats why- but i suspect it would be the same if i were walking in them and if so that would mean you are placing far more weight through the rear of your foot than normal- i think it maymake things like achilles tendon problems and plantar fascitis worse-

why don't ou lok at birkenstocks on line site to see what a big range they actually have, i had never seen such a range in store- usually oly a couple of styles

good luck

[rowantree]

Thanks. They don't do many non leather styles though! I'm veggie. I will try them instore first. Might get some others with a bit of heel, and space for insoles. Plastic cheapies from the cheap shop maybe. But they need to look smart too, for work. Don't think I could wear crocs for work!

[beaton in reply to rowantree]

In the same boat,ie feet and veggie. I find Hotter are good but again leather. I was told crocs although v.comfy are bad for the feet. I guess you pays your money and takes what suits.

[hamble99b]

birki's do mould to your feet after about an hour.

thy feel strange at first, so wear them around the house for short periods, until you're used to them.

flyflots are good too.

sandra.

[Hidden]

I've found using memory foam insoles very helpful. They mould to the shape of your foot supporting the arch and bits that may be sore. They also encourage proper posture.

I have been advised to wear ankle boots to keerp my ankles in line which then keeps my hips and knees line. And have been told that the fit of the boot around the toes does not really matter as long as the ankle is well placed (takes a bit of wriggling to get right) and thec laces are tighed tightly but not overly tight (to prevent any heel movement). So I use walking boots. I have lightweight trainer style for everyday and sturdier walking boots for serious walking.

May be worth visiting a scholl shoe shop to get ideas, advice on fit, insoles etc. Theres also a german company reiter ? (spelling) who do comfort shoes with built in soles. They do fabric styles.

[Boozybird]

I can't wear birkies as I need all round support for the foot and you end up clawing your toes to keep them on as they are essentially flip flops.

[Nanuuk]

My friend lives in birkenstocks & swears by them. I live in fit flops & mbt boots/sandals/trainers for the springy soles.

Good luck.

[rowantree]

Memory foam insoles are not enough for me. They just squash down to nothing. I have gel insoles which are quite good. They may not stay in Birkenstocks I suppose. I guess I will take my custom insoles with arch support, and my gel insoles, for heel pain, with me to the shoe shop!

[KittyBoo]

I have used Birkenstocks for a long time now but when my feet are causing me problems I always go back to a pair of Teva walking sandals.

They are so comfortable and have straps around the ankle for additional support.

The pair I'm using are over 15 years old and I've had to have new velcro added on the strap once.

I bought them from an outdoor /hiking type shop and I love them.

Mine have got a shaped footbed so there is support for your arches and toes.

I only mention this because there is a style of Teva that is flat like a flit flop.

When I'm in pain with my feet or back, these are what I wear - even around the house.

[McCord]

I wear Swedish clogs at home and Doc Martens (I think it's called Air Sole) when out. Both are extremely comfortable and the clogs have even improved my pain levels and gait. As for non leather versions I don't know...why not contact the makers for a vegan friendly version?