New Shoes

[salsen]

Tomorrow, or later today actually, I have to tackle the dreaded task of going look for new shoes.  Since neuropathy has been my constant companion for the past eleven years buying new shoes has become a ridiculously difficult task.  Everything hurts and nothing fits like it should.  I have yet to figure out what will work for feet that hurt constantly and scream when something touches them.  I have tried Drew, New Balance, Easy Spirit, SoftSpot, Soft Walk and the list goes on.  Nothing works very well.  So say a little prayer for me on this venture.  I hate it with a passion but know I must find good support and keep my feet covered. UGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And so th torture begins!!!!!!!

[Chickpea]

How did you get on with the shoe adventure?  I know exactly what you mean - my feet can start to cramp up if they don't like the way shoes feel, or even if I push my foot into a new shoe at the wrong angle.  Then I can't do anything with them.  I recently got a pair of Skecher shoes and they were fine, although my toes threatened to spasm when the shoes first approached. 

Take care - Chickpea

[Katybarstool]

Chickpea

I get those horrible spasms in my feet, particularly when trying to put shoes on.

Salsen

Hubby and I are going to look for winter shoes at the weekend. I'm dreading it. How did your trip go?

Kathy

[KYMOM]

Salsen, I can so relate.  Summer has been a great friend to my feet.  Don't know what I'll do when I have to wear actual big girl shoes this winter.  Have put inserts for people with knee problems into my New Balance sneakers along with ball of foot pads and this seems to help.  Still can't walk as long as I used to but can get through.  The sneakers I found have a large toe box.  I have shoes in my closet that I dread even trying to wear.  Let me know what you find.  Roxanne

[Poochie]

Sal,
Are you trying to wear a full shoe?  I tried for years until I happened upon a pair of Birkenstocks with the open heel.  I finally found something I could wear with reasonable comfort.  After discovering the open heel comfort, I moved on to the Easy Spirit brand sneakers.  I absolutely cannot wear a full shoe.  It is just to PAINFUL. 

Last year I found a wonderful pair of fur lined leather "mules" and I love them.  For when we get snow, I wear a double wide pair of boots with 2 pair of socks.  Although I can't stand this very long, it does keep my feet dry when necessary.   

I sure hope you find a solution to your foot problem and can breath a sigh of relief when you put them on.  I can cope with anything but a toothache or sore feet.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Hugs, Pooh

[harrigan]

My current best friend for my feet are Clark 'funny dream' lace ups.  I have big, sore, knobly feet that feel like someone is doing a Geisha girl binding job on them when they have to wear anything other than crocs.

I'm also ok with fake ugg boots (can't afford real thing!).  I know the stress of finding shoes that fit though.  Good luck with the shopping and please let me know if you find any perfect shoes! XX Ailsa

[mom2boys]

I also have lots of foot cramps and tempermental tootsies.  I've found that Avia is my brand, but with a wide width.  My feet are not wide by any measure, but it seems to let my toes have room, but give appropriate support.  I love crocs too, but not enough support in the ankles for work. 
I also recommend apple cider vinegar for when those cramps just won't stop.  Take about a tablespoon full in a 1/3 cup of water and sip til finished.  It doesn't taste good, but relief will come almost immediately.

[salsen]

Well I did get two pair of Crocs for around the house on this adventure but that was it.  I am with the rest of you out there with the toe cramping so it is always fun to try on shoes.  Easy Spirit store had nothing in the double wide so that was a bust.  I was born blessed with very wide feet so that enters into the mix too.  It is becoming more difficult for me to walk in shoes with no back.  My heels want to waddle all over the place.  I haven't found any Birks out there like that.  My ideal shoe would be ugly for sure but it would have a great cushioned footbed with good arch and heel support, a wide rounded toe, leather upper with open toe and something to secure the heel.  LOL   There are some shoes on line that look as if they might work but I have been down that road before trying to return two or three times to get something that will work.

Anyway I have made an appointment with a Podiatrist (another to add to the list) on Monday.  I will let him weigh in on the matter and see if he has any suggestions.  My insurance does cover 80% of the cost of orthopedic shoes every 12 months so maybe I need to try and get something made for my feet. 

To be continued.........

[Katybarstool]

Sounds like a good idea, Salsen. You may be surprised at what they can make for you. I've put my shopping trip off fr a week or two, but am hopeful I will get something before the end of winter

Kathyx

[Bucky]

When I read this thread about new shoes it brings the picture of my late MIL to mind.  She was always complaining about neuropathy of her feet but I don't think the doctors ever took her seriously.  She didn't like having her feet enclosed in shoes.   I wish I had some pictures of some of the contraptions she concocted to wear on her feet!  She would take shoes and cut the toes off.  There were times she would be wearing her toeless shoes with a shoestring wrapped around the shoe to hold it on her foot.   She didn't like to go barefoot, so this was the next best thing, I guess.

Bucky

[KYMOM]

Salsen,  Went to the podiatrist and he pushed the ortho inserts.  Expensive.  Luckily my insurance covered the cost.  Made my feet feel even worse.  Now I have a pair of expensive inserts in my closet that I can't wear.  Good luck.  Roxanne

[salsen]

Well the foot doctor could offer very little advise that I have not heard over the years by all the other doctors.  He did suggest trying Capsezin which I have been told about before.  It is made from chili peppers and you have to be very careful not to get it anywhere else.  Over time it is suppose to dull the nerve transmission of pain.  Has anyone out here tried this for neuropathy?  Feedback on this treatment would be greatly appreciated. He also suggested custom inserts (that I could get through his office) that of course my insurance will not cover.  Well that is a no go since I am not spending hundreds of dollars for that may not work.  My husband also has a pair that was recommended because he was diabetic and they currently reside on top of my dresser.

The doctor did suggest either SAS or New Balance shoes.  SAS I have tried in the past and found little help.  I did go by the New Balance store and was very impressed by the knowledge of the sales clerk.  He immediately knew what neuropathy was and the problems it causes.  As we were talking another young salesman came by and joined the conversation.  Both asked if I were diabetic and asked where was the pain most of the time in my feet.  Then they brought out four styles that were recommended for this condition.  They were both obviously well trained in possible feet problems and the types of shoes to suggest.  Anyway I tried on one athletic style (nb 927) that I was very impressed with - wide foot base, stabalizers for balance control, foot padding and inner lining for no irritation and other features to help my situation.  Just the wider footbed and stabalizer I hope will help.  That along with a sandal that have similar features both will hopefully work to put something on my feet when venturing out the door.

I have my fingers crossed that this will at least keep me upright and in mild pain or less.  Another shoe hunt complete for awhile.  At least it was re-assuring that the salesmen at least seemed to know what they are talking about.  Usually I get this blank look and suggestions that I know would not work.  I told the man things that I tried in the past and he was able to explain why one style would work better than another and how it is suppose to support the foot.  Atttttttttttt for New Balance.   

[lynnmarie219]

Good to hear about your experience at the New Balance store Salsen...I am amazed at the knowledge these people seemed to have about neuropathy, diabetes, etc. It's good to know that a store that sells shoes really knows about conditions that can affect your feet!

For me...I also like to wear loose and light shoes so Crocs are my choice around the house....I used to wear them all of the time, but I also know how slippery they are when it gets wet out or the floor is wet. Unfortunately I learned the hard way by falling or almost falling. So for now I wear them in the house.

I did buy a pair of Skechers Sport gym shoes that have a very soft foot base and an open heel.....kind of like a clog but a gym shoe. These are better for me than regular gym shoes and I can wear them and slip my foot in and out of them easily.They don't flip off of my feet either because there is a very slight back that your heel can fit into but its still open (if that makes any sense).   

Another  thing is that I hate to wear socks...no matter what the temperature is...they make me feel like my feet are claustrophobic or something. When I was wearing a brace last year for many months due to an injury to my Achilles tendon ...I had to wear socks and it about killed me even though I went and bought the thinnest and lightest socks I could find. Anyone else hate wearing socks?

[Katmandu]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the New Balance store. Knock on wood (is there an emoticon for that? <g>) I don't have foot problems, just balance issues-- my high heels are retired. But I have a friend with knee problems, and she has a horrible time finding shoes. I'll point her to the New Balance store.

[Katybarstool]

I got some new shortie boots today. They were the one and only pair I tried on, and I bought them. My hubbie was amazed - I usually try at least 20 pairs on before I find anything comfortable. They are Flyflot 'Debbie' and my size 4's are big enough to wear a pair of lycra tights, fluffie socks and ortho inserts. I am soo pleased.

One thing I learned today is, much as I used to live to shop, those days have gone. I went into a wonderful outlet, and didn't feel I had to look at all the brands of shoes before buying a pair. I didn't even look at the bags! I just felt so whacked after driving the one hour there that buying the shoes was enough, and then I drove home.  If this continues, I might even open a savings account

Kathyx