Let's talk shoes!

Starburst

I saw the orthotist again who's sorting me out with new insoles. He commented on my boots and said they are too unsupportive. I live in UGGs and wear nothing else, except for crocs at home. He said I should wear proper trainers. Apparently, even MBTs aren't any good due to my bad ankle.

Now, I'm not a particularly vain person, I'd say I was your average 22 year old. I like wearing jeans and dresses with leggings. These usually look best with boots. I can't wear even the softest of leather boots, so I'm already compromising. UGGs keep my feet warm and cold toes causes the worst pain for me. I know they're not supportive enough but I'm quite adamant that I won't wear trainers on a regular basis. My boots are comfy and they suit all my clothes.

Does anyone else feel like me? I just want to cling to as much of the old Sophie as possible. I've made lots of changes and adjustments for my RA. I'm probably just clinging on to something petty.

tkachev

I live in trainers as my foot has changed shape and the trainers have changed alongside.I have had the same pair for 10 years. They are so comfortable. With arthritis you are already restricted by the style choice and it would be a shame not to wear uggs if they suit your lifestyle ,but I have heard they be unsupportive.I have heard fitflops boots are good and they also look nice.

Elizabeth

dreamdaisy

By all means cling on to the Uggs and cause yourself greater long-term damage, discomfort and pain, or you could compromise: wear things that do actually support your feet for the majority of the time (you may well be surprised at how comfortable your feet feel) and turn to the Uggs for going out, special occasions, because it's Tuesday, whatever. Sometimes I am so pleased that I am no longer a young woman. DD

PS Is it just me (answer, probably) or do Uggs remind others of those Victorian umbrella/stick stands, made from elephant's feet.

Starburst

Thank you for the replies and thanks for the reality check, DD.
I could easily wear trainers to college, to work, when I'm walking the dog or bobbing around the highstreet to get stuff. Now comes the task of buying a decent pair of trainers that aren't too hard. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Poppyg1rl

I couldn't cope without my Nike air max, brilliant support and doesn't hurt my poor toes.
Happy trainer hunting!
Poppy X

dreamdaisy

You will have to go and try things on and see what suits you and feels comfortable, make sure you walk around a fair bit in the shop too. I have spent my life in sensible shoes and cannot bellieve just how much my feet hurt now - they are flatter than pancakes and are so painful. For trainers I tend to use those made by Clarks - they are slightly more delicate than those by Reebok etc - I buy mine in the sales tho! I live in Crocs, they are hardly pretty but they do cushion the impact of walking pretty well, and that does help matters. For outdoor walking I have the biggest, clumpiest boots you can imagine, but again the cushioning is good. Bloody arthritis - who'd have it? It must be tough being your age and ergo fashion-conscious but try to think of the future because, before you know it, you will be an aged crone like yours truly. DD

julie47

Oh I did reply to this and it was quite lengthy and I must have done something wrong cause its gone :x

Well to shorten it.......Please look after your feet....They are important

I was angry too at the age of 25 when i couldn't wear the shoes I used to.

I used to wear trainers but I cant now but I did find they supported my foot well.

I now have such wide feet that I would have to get 2 sizes bigger and thats not good.

I now buy shoes from C**yF**t as they are 5e width fitting.
Not great but not bad.

Hope you find some to fit your insoles.
Take care
Juliepf x (right try again....Submit)

jojo03

Hi Sophie

I know exactly how you feel - I too live in Ugg boots and Crocs, and I went for insoles last year and at the fitting was told to come back with some "proper trainers" for the support. I haven't worn my Reebok trainers for ages because they felt so uncomfy, so I went out to look for something else. I tried on a pair of Karrimor running shoes (just because they were in the sale and cheap!) and found them to be a really good fit, and quite comfy. They are wider than normal trainers, and look good with my jeans, so that's ok! It might be worth you giving them a try - I wear mine just as often as my Ugg boots now.

Jo x.

elnafinn

Starburst wrote:

He commented on my boots and said they are too unsupportive. I live in UGGs and wear nothing else, except for crocs at home. He said I should wear proper trainers. Apparently, even MBTs aren't any good due to my bad ankle.

Hi Starburst

I am surprised that the real Ugg boots are bad for one's feet. They are a godsend to me. I live in them, MBT's and crocs. I do not have trouble with my ankle though but three toes on one foot. Hopefully this will be rectified in the not too distant future because I am down for a foot op. Even my MBT's are not that comfortable on the "bad" foot anymore. It is not really the weather for crocs at the mo either.

Elna x

jennylynn

Hey Starburst,

just remembered something that my previous rheumy said to me about shoes, and thought it might be helpful. His advice was that i could wear whatever i like on my feet as long as i would not be walking in them for more than 20 mins. Basically, i think it was his way of saying unless you can sit down all day - dont bother

I wonder if you have looked at the new reebok easitone and sketchers shape ups toning shoes range? i only ask as they are designed for support, and they make boots, as do the fit flop range. I think they can be pretty pricey but your health is so worth it!

Jennyx

bobbyger

delboy wrote:

My foot bloke recommended trainers with a good rocking motion (Curved sole) so that the toes don't bend too much as I have Merrill trainers and sandals that have been a boon to me.

I also have a pair of CAT boots that I wear when something more upmarket is required but live in my Merrills mainly.

I agree with DD about the Ugg boots and Hefalumps legs but even worse are the cheap rip offs that look like Nora Batty's stockings.

I'm with you on that one delboy, I also live in merrill and Cat. (I was lucky when i was posted to cyprus 3 years ago, found an outlet shop that sold merril and cat really cheap about 10-20 pounds a paair and they were the real deal. Came back with about 10 pairs)
I also wear my issue boots (Altberg) a lot of the time, they feel like trainers but really give you support around the ankles/

Starburst, i hope you find some that you like and give you support

pheebs

Hi Starburst,

I agree about the Merrills - I have a couple of pairs and they are so comfy. Also heard that New Balance trainers are great.

Emmmm, pardon me for being thick, but what are MBT's?? I know I'll kick myself when I get the answer!!

Pheebs

woodbon

I've had by more supportive shoes and I found that Cl ks do a range that have special soles like trainers, (well sort of), but have a strap accross the front like and a design on the toe part and they look OK. I think H---t===r do some like it too. I admit they are not what I'd have chosen, as I loved high and trendy shoes. Don't know if its any help. H==r do a catalouge as well, so you can see. Love Sue xxx

elnafinn

pheebs wrote:

Emmmm, pardon me for being thick, but what are MBT's?? I know I'll kick myself when I get the answer!!Pheebs

Hi Pheebs

MBT shoes stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. Rather than explain what they look like, do a google and all will be revealed.

I love my MBT's and have worn them so much that I sent them away to be re-soled last year. As they are expensive to buy, having them re-soled was by far the better option than buying another pair.

Elna x

jeannette

Hi my R A in my feet is really bad. But last summer i discovered FitFlops they are like walking on air. They do sandals boots and trainers they are well worth the money i only wish they would bring out a pair of smart shoes that i could wear for work.I have heard bloch pumps are good anyone heard of these?

Rictina

I have had to stop wearing my Uggs, its only this winter that I bought a pair of black tall Uggs & I have worn my old ones everyday for the past 3 yrs. I absolutley adored my Ugss, I wouldnt wear anything else, but this past month or so I have been unable to walk in them without them feeling like a piece of wood strapped to my foot.

So I bought a pair of Addidas cushioned running shoes which have been great, & most recently I got my lovely Sketchers shape up trainers which I totally adore.

Starburst

Well, I've been browing online and have found some pretty looking trainers. I have yet to hit the shops. I think I will wait till I get my insoles.

Thank you for all the helpful replies. I feel better about it. My feet come first. After all, I'll have to walk on them for another 70 years, (hopefully!!) long after UGG boots have gone out of fashion.

Sophie x

Florence500

Sketchers are my favourite trainers, I live in a pair of black sparkly ones, I do wear my Uggs too but only for short periods as my feet start to throb.

In the house I use some slippers I got from Amsterdam in the shape of clogs, which slightly turn up at the toe and give me so much pain relief, well worth the €10 from a tourist shop

Starburst

I like Skechers too. I'm going to make a trip up to the big shop in Oxford Street when I have time.

coco67

ive just bought a pair of fitflop flip flop sandles and they are heaven on my feet, i got such a good bargain and they were so comfortable i went back for a second pair, i only have little feet so managed to get childrens size for half price each, i have worn them for 2 days now and already i have lost the stabbing pain in my heal i had every time i walked. worth concidering,

Rictina

coco67 wrote:

ive just bought a pair of fitflop flip flop sandles and they are heaven on my feet, i got such a good bargain and they were so comfortable i went back for a second pair, i only have little feet so managed to get childrens size for half price each, i have worn them for 2 days now and already i have lost the stabbing pain in my heal i had every time i walked. worth concidering,

Thats great to hear.

Nellyphant

jeannette wrote:

Hi my R A in my feet is really bad. But last summer i discovered FitFlops they are like walking on air. They do sandals boots and trainers they are well worth the money i only wish they would bring out a pair of smart shoes that i could wear for work.I have heard bloch pumps are good anyone heard of these?

I spend my life in skirts these days as my knees are so swollen I simply can't get them into my jeans and wearing tights supports my knees too. I wear Clarks shoes which have been fab but aren't supporting my high instep on the right and I know that my foot is falling but can't find any nice enough shoes to wear with skirts that are uber comfortable. Frustrating.