Hi, Kirsten!
I have a shoe conundrum for you if/when you have time. My mother had surgery on her Achilles last summer, and between the scar and the injury, her heel is still significantly disfigured and larger than before. Right now she basically lives in her Wolky sandals because their adjustable back-strap is one of the only things she can fasten around her foot/ankle. She can wear open-backed shoes easily (she loves Clarks mules), but she hasn't yet been able to put on any "traditional" shoes with a back.
Her office has just instituted a new dress code that they're enforcing strictly that forbids backless shoes. (A back-strap is okay; it doesn't have to be a full back.) Aside from the Wolky sandals, which it will be too cold for come fall, she doesn't have anything that fits the bill! Other than the Achilles, her feet are relatively problem-free. She's struggled with PF in the past, although she's been wearing completely flat shoes since her surgery with no trouble.
I've been looking through your archives for her and I've recommended the Naot Tamariki, but I know she'd really love to have a few choices. Any suggestions you have would be *greatly* appreciated.
Tracy
Dear Tracy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's achy achilles and the obnoxious dresscode instituted by someone who hasn't a clue about the pain a closed-back shoe can afflict on certain troubled feet. In fact, just this week I was diagnosed with achilles tendonitis; most likely caused by rheumatoid arthritis. But let me tell you, the thought of wearing closed-back shoes right now just makes me cringe.
Let me see if I can help. I'm happy to hear your mom has found her Wolky sandals to be a comfortable option, but you're right--they're not suitable for winter and don't particularly great with socks!
I hope one of these closed-toe comfortable shoes with a back-strap will be helpful to your mom (click through on photo to read comments from happy customers):
Best wishes,
Kirsten
P.S. When she's up for trying a closed-back shoe, I highly recommend Arcopedico brand. The soft leather is very forgiving and gentle on the heel area.
