Can you help - shoes?

rogandog

Hi there, new to the community and wondered if anyone can give their advice please? I was diagnosed with ankle arthritis 6 years ago and it is now at an advanced stage. Sadly, I can’t have a new joint or arthrodèses as over 30 years ago, I had my left knee fused following a skiing accident. I wear a brace on my ankle to help with stability as the foot is turning inwards(which it started following the knee surgery). I have used Skechers recently as they appear to be the most comfortable but they don’t last well. I was wondering if anyone can suggest any shoes that offer comfort without costing an arm and a leg please? Thank you.

Naomi33

Good morning @rogandog and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about footwear I do agree skechers good but expensive and don't seem to last long.

I was referred to a podiatrist who gave me insoles which help me and I just transfer them in and out of shoes I choose to wear ??

Maybe see if your doctor would refer you if not already done so.

The following maybe of interest to you….

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/march/shoes-for-arthritis-tips-on-footwear-and-footcare-if-youre-in-pain/

I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33

Daydreamer123

Ive lost count how many pairs of trainers I've tried on but still uncomfortable,still keep looking,my podiatrist suggested brooks or new balance with extra cushioning

frogmorton

I use skechers too, but I get two pairs the same and alternate they seem to last better that way. I also have skechers slippers.

Daydreamer123

Hi which sketchers do you get,I didn't know they did slippers too,it's hard to find comfy slippers

Daydreamer123

Just to find shoes and slippers that feel nice and so you can walk without to much pain would be delightful

Daydreamer123

Im looking up sketchers slippers ,thankyou for letting us know about them

daveh1980

I was advised by a physiotherapist to wear padded soled trainers (running style) and to put plantar orthotic insoles in them, I also bought a pair of flipflops with the insole built into them. They differently help (a little bit).

Daydreamer123

Hi did you manage to find comfy trainers with padding,it's going to sound weird but what sort socks do you wear ,it's hard to know to choose bamboo or cotton etc best wishes tc

Moggy_Mama

The only trainers I’ve found so far are Altra. They are shaped more like barefoot shoes (ie actually foot shaped rather than the idiotic shape they’ve all adopted that squash your toes), but have great padding.

Downsides are hellishly priced and mesh so I spend the winter expecting either frostbite or trench foot! BUT at least I can walk better. I’d honestly gotten to the point of wanting to take an axe to my left foot and remove it (I exaggerate not!) the pain was so debilitating.

Other recommendation is toe socks. Again hellishly priced, but allow to toes to spread the way they are supposed to. I found OrrinSport the most comfortable for me. You can also get socks that are more foot shaped and less squished in than normal (I’ve used Belenka, but prefer the toe socks)

Mitch57

I have severe osteoarthritis in my left ankle and had been finding it increasingly painful to walk. In July of this year I bought a pair of Joya shoes and it has transformed my walking experience. I went to the specialist Joya shop in Central London and tried on several pairs of shoes. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. When I tried on the pair I ended up buying, I couldn't stop smiling as I walked up and down the shop. For the first time in ages I could walk almost normally. I was allowed to take them home on a 28 day trial, provided I just wore them indoors, and have still got them. I go on a weekly walk with a local group and wear the Joya shoes instead of my walking boots, even when we walk over the fields. I have since bought a second pair which I use for wearing indoors during the daytime, as they are much more comfortable to walk in than slippers. Because my ankle is permanently swollen, not all the styles suited me - if the side of the shoe came up too high - so I strongly recommend going somewhere where you can try them on. The only downside is the price - at nearly £200 a pair, they are far more expensive than any shoes I have bought before, but from my personal experience, for me they have been worth every penny.