Comfortable Sneakers recommendations?

Well, I used to be a marathon runner so I go to a running store and pay $120 or so for what I like. Asics running shoes. Which is NOT necessarily what I would recommend for you.

There are stores in larger cities that specialize in wider feet. Or you can use men's shoes. The thing about these stores is that you can get actual assistance from someone who knows shoes and feet -- a difficult thing to find these days.

I would shop for shoes when your feet are swollen, and make sure you purchase something that laces up - you can then tighten the laces when your feet are not swollen.

Not exactly a recommendation, but those are my thoughts.

Darla-
I have had luck with New Balance. I have a very long foot and a wide fore foot.
Just an idea. Good to go to a store with reputable people to measure your feet
and try a few pairs. Afternoons may be better when your feet start to swell a little.
Good luck.🍀
Carol

I am limited in being able to get out and about to a retail store. I do almost all of my shopping on-line and have fine tuned the process so that it works for me.

Ex. In ordering shoes, I will usually order two pair when placing an order. One pair in a size 7 and one size in a size 7.5. That way I can have both sizes to try on and compare for fit. I keep the pair with the best fit and return the other.

As for shoes . . .

New Balance is well known for their wide toe box and deep depth. They are a preferred brand for people with diabetic neuropathies and peripheral edema. Many of their operations remain based in the United States. Purchasing New Balance is supporting US-made products.

My new favorite shoe is the AllBird. It is a light-weigh, low profile shoe with soft merino wool as its primary outside covering and inside sole layer. Made in Australia. Stocked and carried by Nordstrom retail stores and Nordstrom in-line. The merino wool stretches and contours to sore feet and bony bunions or hammertoes. A great shoe for people with sensitive neuropathies. I am quite smitten with the AllBird.

The AllBird home page: www.allbird.com

I have ordered the AllBird through Nordstrom. about $120.

I also love On-Cloud. This is a Swiss running shoe. As the name implies, the shoe is marketed to be as light as a cloud. And it is. The shoe is a light as a feather to wear. The sole is constructed of small air “pillows” or “clouds.” Thus the name of the shoe, On-Cloud. The shoe has a generous toe box and a lacing system that allows for an individualized fit. Bright, cheery colors. This shoe is a fashion statement of color.

On-Cloud shoes are available at the On-Cloud home web page as well as through Zappos and Amazon. These shoes are a bit more pricy but are high quality in design and materials. about $145-$160.

Last but not least are Merrell’s. I have always found Merrell’s to be kind to my feet. Merrell’s have an array of styles and always have wide widths available in every shoe/style. You need not have a less than attractive shoe with Merrill simply because you need a wider width.
Karen

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Pituitary failure, wide-spread endocrine dysfunction
Addison's disease
Mixed connective tissue disorder
Extensive intestinal perforation with sepsis, permanent ileostomy
Avascular necrosis of both hips and jaw
Receiving Palliative Care (care and comfort)

Post Edited ((Seashell)) : 1/9/2019 10:54:35 AM (GMT-7)

I just ordered an On Cloud pair, I will keep everybody posted, lol. It was expensive for me but I want to try them! The All Birds looked great but I could not find the width choices and they did not look that wide. The Merrell looked good and I sent the idea to my husband who has ankle issues. And I do like New Balance so if these are not good that will be next. Thanks, friends!

Susie I don't even wear shoes for dressing up...For that I have a nice pair of suede and black leather fancy sneakers. I just don't care about it looking less nice. The last time I forced shoes on I was at a family formal event and I had to choose to sit or walk around in stockings.

bigecase, thank you! I have one pair on the way for me to try and we are trying to come up with a comfortable pair for my husband whose needs are a little different. Def will check these out, thanks!

To update, we ordered the Brooks for him, actually! None of these good options are cheap but with footwear you get what you pay for imo. Thanks for the help!

Post Edited (Darla) : 1/10/2019 5:09:39 AM (GMT-7)

Puppylover I am one of those people who were raised with good shoes being a priority, and we always went to Buster Brown to get properly fitted. Times are obviously different now but for those of us with 'special needs' feet I think we have to just bite the bullet and get comfortable shoes that will last.

bigecase....now I wish I had purchased the Hoka Ones! But they were too expensive as you mentioned. The ones I bought (coming tonight) were quite expensive for me (especially since I am not working anymore!) but I think will be worth it. I am intrigued though!

I hope you love as much as i do.

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bigecase
Age 49

bulging disc C6, c7, L4 &L5, L5S1 Spinal Stenosis, degenerative disc, mild anterolisthesis FAILED back Surgery 2012. Torn rotator cuff, torn bicep tendon, and spurs all in right shoulder--3 shoulder surgeries. ESOPHYX TIFF surgery. Hypothyrodism, anxiety, migraines, tmj,3 left shoulder surgeries
12/14, SCS implant

Heck, there's no way my Fred Flinstone feet will fit in a narrow toe box. I know rotating the shoes is important. Wish they did not cost so darned much!

Seashell...Not to switch the topic, but I was just prescribed a 12 day course of steroids for sacroiliitis (?) by my Rheum. I have had good luck with steroids in the past but have taken them just once every few years due to the problems they cause. Does that sound reasonable to you?

Post Edited (Darla) : 1/11/2019 8:21:12 AM (GMT-7)

Darla:
A short 12 day course of corticosteroids is not going to cause you any long term damage. In fact, a course of steroids will likely have you feeling better by nipping the inflammation at its source.

Corticosteroids are a wonderful medication when indicated. Acute inflammation of the SI joint would definitely qualify as appropriate use of a short-term course of steroids.

The risks of steroids become important to acknowledge with use beyond 3 months or otherwise recycled use over and over in an attempt to dampen inflammatory flares (ex. someone with ulcerative colitis who is prescribed a course of steroids several times a year over multiple years to manage chronic inflammatory bowel disease should be appraised of risk/benefit in making an informed choice).

The Hoka shoes may accommodate your forefoot. My message was more to inform people to stretch the toe box (ex. Pack the forefoot with crumpled paper) preemptively as there is a consistent, patterned rash of the upper forefoot/great toe/2nd dixit being reported in by people wearing new Hokas.

My brother, like Big Case, adores Hokas. My brother has a narrow heel but a broad forefoot. He just takes time to stretch the upper fabric by stuffing the front of the shoe with newsprint.

Feet are unique. Bony prominences. Fallen arches. As we age, the smaller tarsal bones and connective tissue disperse, making for a wider foot for almost everyone as we age.

I hope the arrival of the Hoka or On-Cloud shoes
finds you with a winning pair.
Karen

Karen, you made an excellent point about rotating the shoes. I always rotate mine. If I were to wear one pair of sneakers every day they would need to be replaced at the 6 month mark. I will either buy 2 pair at once, or buy a second pair real soon afterwards.

My husband wears diabetic shoes & rotates his shoes daily. He did this back in his working days too, lol. My son does the same thing with his work boots.

I am going to check out the On Cloud sneakers.

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Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums