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Kirsten
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Hi, Kirsten. I just discovered your site and love it. I need your help. I’m attending a black tie wedding in September and need to find a stylish, comfortable flat shoe because I can no longer wear heels. Can you offer any suggestions or point in the write direction?
thanks again and kudos on your site.
I have read that stiff soled shoes, adjustable straps/boxy toes are important for people with arthritis is the large toe joint. Can you suggest shoes that might be appropriate. I like to walk but but am finding the pain just too much. I currently wear New Balance Neutral runners with an orthotic inserted, Birkenstocks (Florida style) and Finn sandals.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Canadian Fan 🙂
Oh Canada, I hear you. I’ve written about this condition, hallux rigidus, in these posts:http:///?s=hallux Hopefully you can find some shoe choices that will help!
This is a great site! I’ve been toggling between your site and zappos/amazon for the past 2 hours! I’m a very short, middle-aged woman who has decided to up her game at work. No more dansko/sanita clogs for me! Comfort is key, and shoes that I can wear with pants/socks (it’s cold in Boston) and with a skirt. It’s hard to find an affordable shoe, considering I’ll want something in both brown and black.
And I should probably mention something about my feet. First, my foot ranges from a 5.5 to 6.5. I need a fairly big toe box. And I have a normal arch height, but not width. That means that I need to have shoe under my arch to take advantage of the arch that I have, and often times an arch support hits my foot in the wrong place.
Hi Kirsten, I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now and I’m not kidding when I say I check it first before making any shoe purchase! In the process, I’ve learned about my own feet and feel so much better knowing I’m not alone with my various conditions. Bet you didn’t know you’re like a problem foot therapist! 🙂 Thanks, Rachael in NorCal
Hi Kirsten, I love your site! I have OA in both knees and have not been able to find a shoe other than fitflops that work for me. I just started working as an Admin Assist. and I am looking for something more professional. Any ideas? Thank you!
Arthritis in large toe joint
Try stiff rocker soles are best – MBT, I have Grey Sport style, runners work great, and Wolky sandals, Jewel style with removable sole bed. Plus my shoe store, Foot Sensations, sent away for a carbon steel insert to be placed under my insole/orthotic to further stop movement in the large toe joint!!
Hi Kirsten,
This site is wonderful. I am so happy to have discovered it. I have wide width feet and am so frustrated every time I try to shop for a comfortable pair of shoes. My shoe options have dwindled and finding your site couldn’t have come at a better time. I am hopeful!
So glad you found me, Linda!
Hello Kirsten,
I just wanted to say that I’m so happy I stumbled upon your site. I’m a life-long wearer of heels and cute shoes that do nothing good for my feet. Added to that, I recently got back into running after a several year hiatus. And my bunions are killing me! I already started down the path of revamping my shoe collection about a year ago with some Sofft shoes and have had my eyes opened to the world of functional and comfy but still darned cute shoes. Looking forward to reading more!
Hi Kristen,
I was sitting in the podiatrist office and found the article about you in “Artthritis” magazine–or “RA”. can’t remember which. I have diabetic nueropathy and had a stroke early in 2013.which left me with left sided weakness. since then I have been hunting for the perfect pair of shoes. wish I had known about you sooner I might have saved some $$$ on some mighty ugly shoes. I just sent all my cute and now unwearable shoes to goodwill. I am hoping your site will direct me to cute AND Comfort.I am not ready to spend my life in my mother’s mushrooms. Thank you so much
Lindacook
Oh so glad to hear you found me. I wonder which offices have copies of that article? They sent me some copies but my family took them all. I’ll have to get to my rheumatologist to see if she has some! I hope my site helps you. It’s hard sometimes, because what works for one person doesn’t work for the other, but I try my best to find stylish (and somewhat stylish) footwear for most of the common foot problems. I am so sorry to hear about your neuropathy–does that make your feet extra sensitive to seams and rough spots on shoes?
Read about you in Guide to RA and thankful the resource was provided at the Dr.’s office. My RA is most prevalent in my feet and finding shoes is my biggest challenge. Looking forward to being a fan for a long time. Thank you for the wonderful person you are and bringing hope to our hopeless disease.
Discovered your blog /site a year or so ago at the bottom of an Amazon page where I was looking for shoes. Didn’t realize I could subscribe until now! So happy that you have checked out all these shoes and am looking forward to finding better fitting ones for me! I have had RA for 33 years in both hands & feet and it is a pain (ha) the last 12 years or so to find shoes since I have bunions and a hammer toe which usually means a wide. And since I also have a high arch that can cause other fit issues!! This is part of the problem since I wear a size 6 to 6.5 ( but depending on the maker can be size 5-7 !). I love shoes, but having funky feet can be a hassle as you know. Let the adventure begin!
Have arthritis in my right ankle. Had a successful big toe fusion & hammer toe surgery.Anckle is the biggest problem in finding stylish, yet supportive summer shoes.Also have hip pain.Please advise.
Thank you
New to this blog, I’m thankful I found you. I’m having total knee replacement in a few weeks and need sturdy, rubber sole sneakers. I have a bunion therefore I need a Wide size, and my feet turn inward, also have OA, in back, and neck. Besides recommendations for sneakers, are there any good quality inserts I can buy.
I recently had Total Knee Replacement need advise on sturdy shoes and sneakers. I have a wide foot, because of bunions, and my feet turn inwards. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated.
TY
Rita
Great site……. Looking for sneakers that are nice to wear with slaxs I have bunions therefore need a wide shoe, and my feet turn inwards.
I recently had total knee replacement so that is also a problem.
TY for any advice.
Would like catalogue
What is the cost
Cost of subscription
I have high arches, I was just told it is called Cavus arch, I don’t think it is an extreme case, however I’m having quite a bit of pain from shoes, and am unable to be on my feet for long periods of time. I also have some arthritis in my left foot.
Hi Kristen,
I stumbled upon your blog while looking for comfortable shoes/ boots. My problem is that I have a wider toe area, not so much that my feet are wide but my toes always feel crunched up. I was looking for some comfortable booties and I thought I found a pair in Skechers but I can barely wear them all dare. I’m a teacher and I’m on my feet all day. I came across a pair by the name Reiker I was wondering if you knew anything about this brand and if the toe box is roomy enough so my toes don’t feel crunched up. Thanks so much for any input you may have.
Rieker is a wonderful German brand with a wider toe box and narrower heel. Do you know which style you’re looking at? They also usually use soft leathers so won’t crush forefoot. I’d recommend Rieker. Josef Seibel makes wonderful footwear with roomier toe boxes and narrow heels: http://www.planetshoes.com/item/josef-seibel-faye-05/27979/119
Kristen,
Thank you very much. I ordered some from zappos number 73492. I’m really hoping that they are comfortable enough and roomy enough. I’ll also check out Josef Seibel.
Need to know what comfortable shoes to wear with bunnions
I cannot tell you how stoked I am to find this site!! Have RA like you, and have fought foot pain for years and wasted so much money on shoes. This site is a godsend.
Laura
Glad you found me!!
Hi Kristin,
I have been reading your blog for over a year. I have small feet and bunions. Many of the shoes you recommend do not come in size 5. What brands do you recommend?
Yay! So happy to have this forum and resource for finding shoes. I’ve got bunions and a narrow heel and I’m desperate for shoes that accommodate these issues. Some of the shoes I’m finding on my own are pretty unattractive:) I’m not a good candidate for bunion surgery (other health issues make this a bad option), so I really need to find good shoes in order to avoid surgery down the road.
Hello,
I’m thrilled to have found your web site.
Would you be able to give me stores in Philadelphia, or the surrounding area, that carry Naot, Durea, Cobb Hill, Dansko, etc.? I am familiar with the NYC stores but I’ve recently moved to this area.
Many thanks!
Thomasina
Kirsten,
Just discovered your blog and want to ask what mens shoes. I have OA bad with bad pronation and do not know where to look.
Please help if you have any suggestions.
Thanks
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!! That you are there; that you are sharing, that we can not be alone to figure this out. I should have been on “what not to wear” years ago. I’m hyper sensitive that I am terrible at fashion, so boxy clunkers are not going to help my self image as a middle aged high school teacher. Just thank you.
You are welcome!! Glad to hear from a teacher–I used to teach middle school 🙂
Wonderful site.had all five toes straightened and joints removed.smart toes and long screws.haven’t been able to wear shoes yet.6 months post op and 3months post op. On second surgery from third toe redo.painful.thanks for your work.
I am so happy to find this web site. I have told EVERYONE about it. I want to encourage your readers to look at Ecco shoes. Ecco has some shoes that work for me when most others do not because they run narrow. I wear a 12AA (really nore like an 112/3) and most shoes seem to get wider as they get longer (Clarks esepcially). I have had luck with Ecco Chase tie and Ecco Abelone slip on, size 42. I even bought my first pair of ballet flats in recent memory, Ecco Popcorn, size 43. Look for an Ecco outlet store near you.
Kirsten, would you consider a section of your site that could help connect readers buying/selling/trading shoes that they can’t wear? I have many pair that in hope and desperation I wore only to find put they would not work. Donating has many benefits, but when you spend as much on shoes as we do it would be nice to get a little money back.
I have RA of feet also along with high arch and top of my foot has had Neuritis due to no padding on top of foot. At this point the pain in debilitating. I cannot walk!!!! Any ideas as to where to go from here? I am desperate.
I live in Victoria, Canada BC. I have a huge problem with shoes.My feet & legs are extremely sore due to arthritis & I also have Diabetes.It is very hard to find a comfortably light weight shoe that looks good also. I have been looking at memory foam shoes in sneakers. Any suggestions for us Canucks? Or do you have a recommendation for us arthritis folks?
Lucky, not lucky! Lucky that you live in God’s country, BC! Not lucky feet and I feel your pain 🙁 Have you ever been to Foot Solutions in Vancouver? Maybe they could help you? I know it’s not a quick trip over there. What about Arcopedico LS shoes? They’re soft sweater-like upper, lightweight and have good support. I think they’re sort of stylish…in a kitschy way. I bet you’d do great in a pair of Skechers Go Walks. Could you get to the SoftMoc store in Mayfair Mall? It looks like they carry them…
West of Philly is the Dansko Outlet in West Grove, PA.
I am glad to have found your site. I have flat feet and bunions and needed a good pair of walking shoes. I am looking forward to getting the shoe I ordered. Thank you for coming up with this very helpful site.
So glad to find your site. Finding shoes was tough enough when I was younger and wore 6.5 AA. Now I have to wear orthotics to control a baker’s cyst, and my bunions are worse – and my knees are getting bad. Ugh – I figured I would never wear anything besides athletic shoes again. Looking forward to exploring your site. I live in Portland, OR.
hi. I just found your website. I am 58, have fibromyalgia , arthritis & Raynauds. my toes are constantly cold. I also had plantar warts cut out of my big toe in my 20’s. That toe grew back with hard callous. I need boots with a big toe box. I also have excruciating pain in my heels, my metatarsal bone on right foot. I guess thats your ball of the foot. both feet are in so much pain. I need help finding boots with a big toe box that are waterproof, keep my toes warm. And a good arch. That storm from out west is here. it is sleeting and very windy. going down in the 20’s 30’s tonight. I need your help!!! oh I have a very thin foot,but need a wide toe box.
Lucky find this evening as I sit here trying to find an attractive winter boot that will accommodate my orthotics (Morton’s neuroma in left foot; plantar fasciitis in right foot plus nerve pain from herniated lumbar discs). I’m 74 and a runner who is desperate to resume running–that base I think I have covered with Altras. I wear a 9.5; have narrow heels and “thin” feet (as in “not thick” from sole to top of foot). I need a wide toe box, narrow heels, and a shoe tight enough to keep my foot from sloshing around. I lament having to wear “dorky-looking” dress shoes and boots! Open to suggestion! Many thanks.
Hi Sherrie! I’m actually working on an article on casual and dress shoes for Morton’s Neuroma (the dress shoe part is challenging). Stay tuned….
What a wonderful website! For first time in my adult life I don’t feel like I am the only one who has bad feet!
The suggestions are great. Navigating is very easy. Oh boy, can I relate!
THANK YOU!
SO very happy to have found this website ! I have tiny feet, 6N, and they are simply skin and bone. Surprisingly, after osteoarthritis and 10 ! surgeries (bunion removal on both feet/both sides, 1 redo, 3 neuromas, ligament repair on baby toe 2x, 3 titaniums screws with 3 more to come, etc) they are still very pretty feet. Everyone seems to think buying shoes should be easy, but I consider it a nightmare.
I am a retired teacher of 41 years and my feet have had more than their share of carrying the load of a 5’6″ chubby woman. I wore heels in my younger years, but stopped after bunion surgery. Dr said the bunions were from congenital bone issues, not tight shoes. Since retirement, we moved to Mexico where getting shoes for me requires a trip North of the Border. I have lived in and loved Merrell thongs, but they no longer make the sandals that fit me perfectly and felt great all day.
I have a pair of Rieker winter boots that fit like a dream and accomodate my ABEO inserts perfectly. Unfortuntaley I can’t wear those here in Mexico.
I will be looking at the site with interest and definitely plan to do a lot of shoe ordering when I make a trip back to the US .
Thanks so much for the site. All the best, Cindy S.
Hi there – do you have any suggestions on supportive sandals for narrow feet? I have flat feet and a narrow foot (especially a heel) and summer shoes are so hard to find that stay on my feet!!!
Thanks for any suggestions you have.
Megan
I have discovered your site. I have just been diagnosed with a scoliosis on my spine, I have bad pains to walk and to lie down to sleep and get up of bed. Maybe your shoes could be fine to me; but I have a problem. My size in shoes is 35 (us5) and sometimes 34.5 (us4.5) and I do not find shoes easily in that in my country Dominican Republic the average size is 6 and 7 US. Sometimes I buy shoes by internet size 5 and they are a litlle big for me. What shoe brand do you recommend to me
Please help! Can you suggest any men’s shoes that will accommodate a custom orthotic? I have found only one pair of New Balance cross-trainers but I need to find footwear to wear in an office setting . The problem is that dress shoes are not deep enough to accommodate the orthotic. I have even tried less dressy shoes with same results. Also, any suggestions for basketball and casual shoes would really be helpful.
Hi Kirsten,
I think I have been reading your blog since 2007 & I have no idea why I haven’t subscribed. Thank you for your research & hard work. I wish there was a way to connect your work and the few remaining excellent independent brick’n’mortar shoe stores—-I LOVE shoes and I despise having to return things because they don’t fit right or irritate my easily-irritated feet.
hope you’re having a great summer!
—BethS
I need your help. I have been searching for a closed toe flat that will stay on my feet. I have to wear an 11 due to hardly ever finding a 10.5 and find that either the heal flops up and down on my heel or my toes slide forward and smash into the toe box. Short of only wearing sandals or shoes that lace up, I’m at my wits end trying to find a shoe. I need the room in the toe box due to a slight bunion on one foot. Is there any shoe you can recommend? I love the vionics, but have been unsuccessful in finding a closed toe shoe.
Hi – new to the site! I’m looking for asos ‘On the dot” or asos “stratford” shoes in 7 1/2. I would like a shoe that looks nice with a skirt suit but not a flat., since I have an orthotic post surgery. I’ve seen both of these of pinterest, and on the asos site, but they’re out of stock and I can’t seem to find them anywhere.
If you can offer some help – I’d be grateful. For those of you looking for a shoe that looks like a dress pump but without the pain, this seems like it would fit the bill.
Hi Debbie – My niece wears a 10.5 shoe too. I turned her on to shoes of prey, where she was able to design the shoes she wanted. She only wears closed toe flats for work. They are not inexpensive, but she found they were worth the cost.
Good luck.
Did u find the asks shoes u were looking for? Think I’m interested also.
Thanks
Meant asos shoes.
What a wonderful website
OMG! What a wonderful site for sore joints lol. I too have foot and knee issues but do NOT want to wear those ugly “granny” shoes. Thank you Kirsten and keep on blogging!
Thanks, Gail!
My daughter has a condition called geleophysic dysplasia. Her feet are a size 3 and are very wide and thick. We cannot find cool shoes to fit her…she is 14 and is tired of wearing the same shoes (New Balance extra wide, Keen sandals, Nike extra wide). Can you help? She would love to wear Vans like her friends…I even wrote to the CEO of Vans…no reply yet! Thanks, Nancy
Oh that would be great. You can find me leila Said Gutowski in FB Messenger !
Hi. I’ve read your website for years now. Very informative! But just wondering if you have any suggestions for someone that has very thick ankles due to arthritis and medication. Any ideas I would love? Thanks again for being you!
Try Merrill Clogs adding Kenkoh innersoles. I get a slightly smaller size
innersole due to the Clog, but you may have to try 2 sizes. It takes awhile
to get used to the little nobs on them, but wear a thin sock at first. Then,
they will feel good and massage my feet. You have to scrub them
occasionally as the bottom of your foot scrapes off skin and sweats.
I also like Birkenstocks and there is an off-brand of them by “Madden Girl”
for narrower feet. It is the Brando style and runs about $35 at DSW Shoes
or online. They are suede and have the bar under the toes. Other Madden
Girl shoes don’t seem to have the bar.
Other off-brand Birk style sandals don’t hold up after a few weeks bec/ the
cork loses it’s cushioning. Last year, I tried Target and Walmart brands and
they let me down. With the Madden Girl Brando, each pair keeps my going
for almost a year of constant wear with no pain from a Neuroma. I am very
slender at 100 lbs, so that may affect the shoe wear, but without the shoes,
I have pain.
One other rubber, but attractive sandal has a small bar for short time wear
is the Okabashi sandal sometimes at Walgreens or online. It would work
with a dainty casual dress, but not as good of a toe bar as Madden Girl
or Birks. I wear them for the feminine look or if it’s raining or the Beach.
I wish all of you the best luck.