I love hearing from readers and feel a special connection to those with chronic illness like I have. Theresa has rheumatoid arthritis (girlfriend, I feel your pain) and is in search of a special occasion shoe that won't aggravate her sensitive feet.
Hi! I'm so grateful for your website! I have RA complete with
hammertoes on my last two toes on each foot. Now, I have a baker's
cyst. Help... I need dressy shoes for a semi-formal event. I have some Indigo Clarks (sandals 2
inches high) that I used to like to wear but ever since I got the
Baker's Cyst, it seems to make my knee hurt after a while. I think I
can handle a one inch heel. My dress is white, so I guess I can do any
color but definitely a white or black/black patent. My main thing is to make sure my ugly
hammers are at least partially covered, besides comfort. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, Theresa
I was thinking this over today and perhaps these shoes will work for you. I own a pair of French Sole ballet flats and love them. While they lack arch support, they feel like your favorite house slippers--flexible and soft. You can always add an insert such as Dr. Rosenberg's Instant Arches. What I love most about the Sloop is the soft, forgiving leather. My hammertoes are covered nicely and not crushed in these comfortable shoes.
The Sloop style comes in so many colors and patterns like leopard, croc, patent and suede. I highly recommend ordering a whole size up as the Sloop (and other French Sole styles) run very small. The Zeppa is a fairly new style by FS that looks exactly like the Sloop except for a 3/4" wedge heel (if you don't care for shoes that are completely flat).
If you like Naot, take a look at the Artiste style in patent with little rhinestones on the buckles or the Trendy which has a 1.5" heel.
I have a friend with bad RA in her feet and she swears by Helle Comfort for dress shoes--very lightweight and cushioned. Again, the heel might be too high and personally, I think the styles are bit odd.
I've heard Me Too shoes are quiet comfy and the Limit style is very pretty. Not many reviews, but I believe these run a bit small, so order up a half size.
I hope you find the perfect shoe,
Kirsten
