Wearing a pair of perfectly fitting shoes is like slipping into comfort and independence. Recommending shoes to my patients involves a careful match of their needs to the right pair, considering factors that range from mobility challenges to specific medical conditions. In this post, I’ll delve into common reasons someone might need new shoes and share examples of specialized footwear that could make a significant difference.
Reason 1: Restricted mobility putting shoes on
The first scenario arises when an individual faces challenges bending forward, raising a leg onto their knee, or dealing with traditional shoelaces. Brands like KIZIK and ZEBA have revolutionized this by creating shoes that allow you to effortlessly slip your foot in without worrying about the heel or laces. The innovative stainless steel spring portion of the heel maintains flexibility for easy entry while keeping the heel stable. Check out ZEBA’s spring heel in action on zebashoes.com. The result? No more struggling with shoelaces, offering a hands-free experience. Below is an example of a ZEBA shoe.
Reason 2: Trouble tying your shoes
For those who love their current shoes but struggle with tying them, the solution lies in no-tie elastic shoelaces. Numerous companies offer these laces, providing a cost-effective way to transform any lace-up shoe into a slip-on. Simply replace your traditional laces with these elastic alternatives, and enjoy the convenience. Below is an example of a no-tie elastic shoelace.
Reason 3: Leg and foot edema
As legs and feet swell, finding shoes that accommodate this change becomes essential. Companies like Silverts and Buck&Buck specialize in shoes for individuals with foot and leg edema. Their designs, such as the tri-fold shoe lip, provide ample space for swollen feet. Below is an example of a shoe with a tri-fold shoe lip from Silverts.
Reason 4: Reduced foot sensation
A last common issue I see is when a person has reduced sensation in their feet and need increased width and depth in their shoe to reduce their risk for abnormal pressure points on their feet. These pressure points can lead to sore formation and skin breakdown that the person may be unaware of. For this reason, this person needs a shoe with increased space to avoid these sores. Typically, a custom shoe will need to be ordered for you by a Prosthetist to make sure the fit is appropriate and safe for you. Dr. Comfort is a company that is highly recommended that makes a wide range of extra depth shoes. A picture of one is below.
While there are countless other specialized shoe types, these examples address common issues faced by my patients. It’s worth noting that I don’t receive commissions for these recommendations; they’re shared based on firsthand success with these companies.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and here’s to stepping into a great day with the right pair of shoes!