Trouble finding comfy shoes!

ksk1
ksk1 Member Posts: 3
edited 20. Sep 2012, 02:15 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hey everyone!! This is my first post here, new to all this!

I'm 19 years old and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in April 2012. The medication is starting to help at long last, however it's my feet which are suffering the most at the moment. My left big toe is swollen and stiff and both feet occasionally swell down the sides and have painful heels.

I'd love to wear pretty little shoes but can't seem to find any that support my feet properly!Finding decent pairs of shoes is a massive struggle! I was wondering if any of you know of good brands or any tips for me :)

Any messages back would be greatly appreciated!

Keep smiling,
Katie x x x

Comments

  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Katie,
    For me heels are a nono, but I love shoes. Clarks do lots of roomy, comfortable shoes, and hotter have some nice styles too. It's worth investing in a couple of good pairs for comfy feet. Hope you get what you want soon.
    Take care

    Deb x
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Katie

    Nice to meet you. My podiatrist at the health centre sent me a book, with all the usual gel heels, supports etc, but they do shoes as well. You can find them online, they are called simply feet

    http://www.simplyfeet.co.uk

    Might be worth a nosey through. Take care XX Bubbles#

    Deb is right, hotter shoes are fabulous, like walking on air.
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    No advice on shoes as mine are surgical ones but welcome to the forum, Katie.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Katie,

    I was diagnosed at 21 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and had a hard time accepting that I couldn't wear the shoes I used to. To be honest, with shoes, it really is trial and error. I've spent money on shoes that were comfy for a few weeks and then suddenly they weren't ok, so I have a collection in my wardrobe that are no good! After 3 years of trying every brand out there, I was advised to go to a proper running shop and got fitted by a professional for a pair of running trainers. They're amazing, really couldn't be more delighted. They've made all the difference. They're spacey too so when I swell, my feet don't seem to get as squashed as they do even in my decent Winter boots. Not only that but they're pink and purple and silver and very pretty! People comment on them too which always make me smile because I'd given up on 'nice shoes', I just wanted to be able to walk without blisters, sores, cramp etc. So, I would recommend a running shop but failing that, I'm also a fan of Clarks shoes.

    Sorry this is long but shoes have always been an issue for me, so I have a lot to say about it! Hope some of this is helpful. Not sure where you're based but if you're near London, I can recommend the running shop I went to.

    All the best,
    Sophie x
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Katie,

    I was diagnosed at 21 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and had a hard time accepting that I couldn't wear the shoes I used to. To be honest, with shoes, it really is trial and error. I've spent money on shoes that were comfy for a few weeks and then suddenly they weren't ok, so I have a collection in my wardrobe that are no good! After 3 years of trying every brand out there, I was advised to go to a proper running shop and got fitted by a professional for a pair of running trainers. They're amazing, really couldn't be more delighted. They've made all the difference. They're spacey too so when I swell, my feet don't seem to get as squashed as they do even in my decent Winter boots. Not only that but they're pink and purple and silver and very pretty! People comment on them too which always make me smile because I'd given up on 'nice shoes', I just wanted to be able to walk without blisters, sores, cramp etc. So, I would recommend a running shop but failing that, I'm also a fan of Clarks shoes.

    Sorry this is long but shoes have always been an issue for me, so I have a lot to say about it! Hope some of this is helpful. Not sure where you're based but if you're near London, I can recommend the running shop I went to.

    All the best,
    Sophie x
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    So desperate to talk about shoes, I posted twice! :lol:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello and welcome to the forum. :) This topic crops up time and time again, if you do a search on the word 'shoes' tons of stuff will come up. I stick with Clarks, the occasional pair of Hotter and I swear by my Crocs but the orthotic bloke I saw recently was not so impressed. He doesn't have arthritis however, so what does he know? :wink: I've never been bothered with wearing heels but now I've been told that I need at least a small heel to help my crumbling feet (I too have PsA) and it's hell on earth on my ankles and knees. I'm sticking with my flats for the time being - and my new insoles. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,180
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I got my first pair of h*tters afew months ago and have pratically LIVED in them ever since.

    They are not cheap, but they are so so so comfy :D The sizes are accurate so if you're like me and got into the habit of buying a size larger than you are, (due to bunions!) - don't.

    They also do an extra wide fitting if needs be.

    There are shops on some high streets though l got mine online

    Love

    Toni xxx
  • ksk1
    ksk1 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thank you so much to you all for your kind welcome and valuable advice!

    After looking at some of the websites suggested I ordered a pair of Clarks shoes. They arrived today and are comfortable yet nice enough to wear with a pair of jeans or a dress :) So i'm hoping they'll be good for me, haha!


    Got a feeling today will be a good day,
    Thanks again :)

    Katie xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Katie

    Welcome to the forum from me too.

    I am glad you have found a pair that you like that are comfortable and look good. :D
    Its nice to read the day turned out well :D

    I love hot**r shoes they have fabulous styles and colours but unfortunately not wide enough for me :( I wear Co*y F**t :)
    Toni I am jealous of you :wink: (in a nice way)

    love juliepf x
  • numptynora
    numptynora Member Posts: 782
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Katie, nice to meet you,
    These days I swear by M&S Footglove shoes, I could so easily just walk out of the shop with them on, they're a wider fit too and because I only wear trousers now (it's a vanity thing!) most of the styles are suitable. I haven't heard of Hotters so I'll be googling in a minute!!

    Good luck with you're search
    Numps :D
    Numps x
    Pets come into our lives, and then leave paw-prints on our hearts.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,180
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    ksk1 wrote:
    Thank you so much to you all for your kind welcome and valuable advice!
    After looking at some of the websites suggested I ordered a pair of Clarks shoes. They arrived today and are comfortable yet nice enough to wear with a pair of jeans or a dress :) So i'm hoping they'll be good for me, haha!
    Katie xx


    Katie I started with those the airfilled ones - lovely, but not quite spongy enough now. I hope you love them :D

    Julie I am so sorry I made you feel envious :oops: I know I will wear my h*tters for both of us :wink:

    Love

    Toni xx
  • fowls48
    fowls48 Member Posts: 1,357
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Katy


    I know how you feel i live in trainers as i have bunions on both feet on both sides .I ended buying a pair of pumps from soul traders FitFlop ones which i am wearing now they are comfy .Other problems are when you put in you insoles the shoes end up too big or too small depending on whether your feet are swollen :( Good luck

    Fowls xx
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I love Josef Seibel shoes, I have very wide feet anyway, always did! My feet are now so misshapen that even when not swollen and looking 'like pig's trotters' (nurse's words....) that OH looked down at them once and said 'you've got surgery on them to look forward to my dear!'

    I always buy mine in the clearance/end of season sales as they are pricey but I then wear them out completely...

    I looked at some H*****s in a shop recently and couldn't see any I liked but it was a very small range on show - I may also google!

    I mostly stomp about (when I can) in the purple H*nter wellies my lovely brother and sister-in-law bought me for my 40th...a size bigger for space.

    Nic x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I had to give up my Hunter wellies as I could no longer get them on and off very easily, so I bought some lovely pink flowery ones from T*sc*s - fabby! I too wear Joseph Siebel, I buy them in the January sales. I have a lovely pair of boots and a pair of shoes but they squeak like no-one's business - any ideas how I can stop that? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    OOooh, I hadn't noticed any squeaking...maybe the creaking of me drowns out the squeaking by them! :)

    *walks about a bit* they do! And these are old ones! I'll just have to talk more/laugh louder...

    Nx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Ooooh, curiouser and curiouser! We'll have to keep an ear open for each other. :lol: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Ha ha! If you can hear it over the sounds of my clicky joints....I sound like a Flamenco dancer most mornings!

    :)