Tuesday, July 31, 2012

I'm too young for orthopedic shoes


Dear ESB,

I live in ballet flats, especially for work, but I’ve just been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and advised that I have to switch to shoes with more arch support. A quick search only turns up hideous shoes that I think really must be part of some sort of Halloween costume.  

You seem to have magical shoe-finding powers, so could you or your readers suggest some cute flats with arch support?  By the way, I work in an office and usually wear dresses and skirts, sometimes suits.

Thanks! 

*****

I've been a fan of the geek-chic orthopedic shoe look ever since I spotted this photo of Lisa Mayock in New York Mag. (Maybe the secret is just to wear a TERRIFIC DRESS?)

But I realize that's not very helpful.


Ladies?

Anyone?

Where should our poor plantar-fasciitis sufferer shop for shoes??

(Photo: Jake Chessum)

52 comments:

  1. I have a similar problem and have been looking for shoes that aren't totally awful. So far, I've found these. They're not HIDEOUS...

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  2. I developed plantar fasciitis in both feet (FUN TIMES) following ankle surgery last year. It is a long, hard, ugly-shoe-wearing battle.

    Keens work really well for my feet and have good arch support - and many of their styles have a removable footbed, so you can insert a different orthotic if necessary. They are probably not the look that you're going for, but as the pain gets worse (which it probably will, before it gets better), you will not care and will just want shoes that make your heels hurt less.

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  3. Oh honey, you and I are foot sisters. I haven't been able to wear anything other than grannie shoes in a LOOOONG time.

    The first thing I would recommend, is go to a good orthopedists and get yourself a decent pair of orthotics. When I was doing a ton of theater and had to wear character shoes pretty much all the time, I just took them in to my orthotics guy and he made me a pair that fit in them, along with most of my non-ridiculous heels. (Note, this is not an inexpensive option.)

    I've also found a few brands that have reasonably cute shoes with arch support. Ahnu is a good one. Born is another, although they're a little hit or miss, I'd recommend going to a store that carries them and trying a few pairs on.

    And I know this doesn't solve your work wear problem, but I virtually live in these in the summer.

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  4. So Taryn Rose shoes are comfy and supportive - though not what I would call particularly attractive (and a little pricey) but there is a selection here: http://www.zappos.com/taryn-rose-womens-shoes~s

    I really like Aerosoles. Yeah I said it. I am on my feet for long stretches and they are comfy - and if you just lean in to how ugly they are, they come around to being cool again. I like a girl in a dress and nerdy shoes. These are my favorite: http://www.aerosoles.com/eng/product/dubblegum/dubblegum
    I have the navy leather but the hot pink might be calling my name.

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  5. I got to keep my cute shoes and start wearing in- soles wig my heel spurs. Perhaps this is an avenue you can pursue?

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  6. Check out Merrell. They are more athletic/outdoorsy but they make some okay looking shoes and boots.

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  7. If it's a viable option for your condition, you should buy insoles for your existing shoes. I get heel pain and these are FANTASTIC, I've bought multiple pairs and use them every day. They're plastic (which is actually better than squishy for support) but super comfortable, more comfortable than shoes alone.

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  8. This website has a bunch of foot-friendly shoe options, ranging from hideous to cute. The Ara, Mephisto and Ziera brands have some alright-looking ballet flats.

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  9. Like other commenters have said, look for shoes that have removable insoles so that you can insert your own, better ones. This gives you a few more options. You can also get expensive, custom made insoles which are so much better than anything you'll get at CVS.

    This doesn't really help your work problem, but I got a pair of Birkenstocks for sandals and I am never going back! They have lots of newer styles and are great for walking. (I also get a lot of compliments on them from people who have secretly always wanted a pair but are scared off by the hippy reputation.)

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  10. I've had good success with various Cole Haan ballet flats, especially those with the Nike Air (which usually means that the soles are more substantial than most ballet flats). Then, as suggested by others, I just replace the insole with my own custom orthotics.

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  11. I have exactly the same thing and the best solution I've found (aside from 20 dollar arch supports inserts from the drug store) are these amazing things: http://www.drscholls.ca/en/product/27 I've put them in sandals, flats, heels...everything. They don't look great sitting on your shoe rack but are totally invisible when your shoes are on. Plus they are only about 12 bucks. AMAZING!!

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  12. Lady, don't you worry about hideous orthopaedic shoes, I'm currently wearing one lady gaga-esque orthopaedic boot for a broken foot and yesterday someone seemed surprised to hear about my injury as they thought the shoe was "just some fashion thing". It's official, orthopaedic is back.

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  13. I like Naot sandals (the non-hideous ones, at least). I'm looking into their flats for fall, like these:
    http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-architect-mother-earth-leather-wine-patent

    I have these Naturalizers with pretty good arch support in almost every color: http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-maude-black-leather

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  14. I agree with getting some decent insoles (your foot doc can prescribe some) and then buying flats that they'll fit in, sometimes that requires sizing up a 1/2 size or so. I've had plantar fasciitis since January and it's definitely a stone drag, though it is getting better for sure.

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  15. I broke my leg and ankle in five places and to this day... I have to wear very practical shoes or pay a very steep price. I can wear Merrel ballet flats if I'm not walking too much. Birkenstock Giza sandals are amazing for summer. I can walk miles in them. . The patent leather version is pretty cute. And I have 27 scars on my legs so I figure I can be forgiven for the slightly orthopedic look even at more formal events. On bad days, I wear asics. It's s more casual look but still looks less geriatric than say brookstone. And on really bad days, I wear Nike high tops. Mine a sparkly black. Some even call them cute. Oh and for winter... Check out REI for boots. Since its an athletic store... They tend to have boots with good support.

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  16. For any UK readers, I've had some luck with Clarks (yes, I was shocked too!). My doctor told me to try there as I needed extra support, and I found a nice ballet flat that isn't grannyish at all.

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    1. And I would totally not be seen in public with you.

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    2. (but yes, Clarks. I wear them for weddings and they're so comfortable and supportive. I used to wear ballet flats with arch support insoles but they sucked the life right out of my feet.)

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    3. I got some Wallabees after a come-to-Jesus talk with a podiatrist. They don't have any arch support, but they are reasonably cute. Every now and then they sell platform versions. It's so sad when your feet betray you.

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    4. CLARKS! you just have to browse through the orthopedic-looking ones for the low heel options + orthaheel for an everyday flip flop. Cole haan is great too. Heard dansko is coming out w/ cuter designs lately too. Someone needs to create a genuinely cute shoe that is actually good for your feet. (instead of being "almost" there). they'd be rich.

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  17. you can do it. It sucks but is doable. Don't ever go barefoot again. Don't wear flats even with some sort of arch.

    Wear these in the summer http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-loop-black-raven-leather Find a good pair of flip flops from OrthaHeel and you just have to do it.
    I just bought these for winter http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-advance-jet-black-leather-black-madras-leather and will still wear the insert from my doctor.

    I wear these in my flats http://www.bodytechlab.com/product_01b.php and purchased them from my podiatrist. I was the youngest person there and it was depressing, but these arches, and inserts for my exercise shoes, paired with common sense got me into heels on my wedding day. Granted, I babied my feet for months prior, and went back to support the day after, but I did it.

    Finding shoes that are cute and supportive is hard and takes much more patience than before. It is doable, just takes more work. You can also get a custom insert that you can put in and out of shoes with a moderate heel, but your days of high, high heels are over.

    Good luck!!! Websites like Zappos, The Walking Company and OrthaHeel will help and you can often search by foot problem. When looking for a tennis shoe look for something with stability. Road Runner Sports is great about that. Can you tell I have been dealing with this for a while? ...I should start a blog for women with bad feet...that would be an interesting read, no? ;0)

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  18. I just re-read my last comment and noticed that I left out an important work. So, you should never wear flats again without some sort of arch support. The inserts I noted are good, but again you have to buy them at a doctor's office.

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  19. I am seriously obsessed with Vintage SAS shoes. Every cool waitress in Portland wears them and they all look fucking adorable. You can find them pretty cheap on Etsy and Ebay, just be sure to size up a little bit, they run pretty narrow.

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    Replies
    1. FAMOLARE. I'd buy these immediately if they were my size

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  20. I don't have this problem, so I can't offer any advice.
    But has anyone tried barefoot shoes? And do they help with this problem?

    crazy shoes

    The idea is they encourage you to walk correctly, because we all evolved to walk barefoot, without heel support, so we are meant to be 'toe-strikers' (toe down first) rather than 'heel-strikers'. Walking barefoot style means fewer back and knee injuries.

    I haven't tried them yet... I wish they would just disguise the crazy toes somehow...

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    1. Further investigation kind of answered my question, but I'd still be interested in hearing anyone's experiences with these.

      crazy shoe answers

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    2. Whatever, esb, share and share alike innit!

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    3. a male friend of mine was planning to wear a pair of those to a wedding a few weeks ago. no, i explained, the bride and groom would not find them quirky-festive. i like to think i prevented manslaughter that night.

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    4. Original poster here- thanks for all your suggestions! I can't really embrace the orthopedic look (stocky legs, corporate suits, and living in a tiny podunk town wouldn't make it easy to rock granny shoes), but I do love several of the shoes you've linked to.

      Regarding barefoot shoes, maybe it would help prevent this problem (?), but once you've got plantar fasciitis, I think they're a no-no. My doctor told me not to walk around barefoot ever, even at home.

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    5. I'm not sure why he felt the need to say "even at home," since I usually don't make a habit of going to work or dinner or the grocery store without shoes. We do live a tiny backwards southern town, but still . . .

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    6. Ambi, it sounds like orthotics might be your best bet?

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  21. I have major knee issues and have had to stick to more sensible shoe options since dislocating my knee wearing toms. (...still another reason not to wear them?)

    Has anyone suggested Tsubo yet? Most online options seem to have heels, but I've had a series of flats over the years that I swear by.

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  22. Try Haflinger, Naot, birkenstock,stegman or geisswein. The fashions are hit or miss but the support is great

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  23. Beautifeel brand. Also the blog, Barking Dogs.

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  24. I really love Earthies ( http://www.earthbrands.com/earthies?gender=women&depart=shoes&cat=flats )and so wish I could afford a pair myself. Same company as Earth shoes but much cuter. They seem to be hit or miss but there are a few really cute flats and heels that I've seen. And very comfy, although not if you don't like arches in your shoes. You'd definitely need to break them in.

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  25. Another vote for checking out the barking dogs blog.

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  26. I have had ankle/feet problems since I was in high school thanks to years as a dancer. My absolute new favorite shoes are FLY LONDON. I have been wearing these guys all summer (http://www.clogoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=P500271-014&click=2&gclid=CIPvoZnAxrECFQhN4AodkHEAUQ). They get me compliments from even the most stylish ladies at the museum where I work. They are fun, bright and ridiculously comfortable. I wear them to work almost every day and even walked all over Rome for week in them. good luck!

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  27. Read Born to Run. Seriously, it'll change your mind about what that plantar fasciitis came from. It also might perhaps convince you that orthopedic shoes might make the whole situation worse. Plus - it is cheaper than any other option posted above.

    http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303

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    1. As a medically trained professional (osteopath and massage therapist), I can only condemn this suggestion. Nowhere in this publication is medical proof cited. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a cobweb-like structure between the skin and fat of the body. This is compressed with every step we take, barefoot or not. Orthopedic shoes help to support that arch and to take away the downward pressure on the fascia.

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  28. I live in a city and walk everywhere. I used to wear only flats and then I started to develop tendonitis at the age of 24. One week it was so bad, I had to stay home and hop around on crutches. I too felt like a prematurely old lady. Now I wear Danskos and Born shoes exclusively. Danskos are so comfortable and supportive. They feel better than my running shoes. The clogs look great with wide-legged trousers (I used to gag at the idea of clogs, but these are well-made and worth it). I recently bought these Dansko sandals and am in love with them. They look better in person and feel like I'm walking on clouds made of chinchillas. Born shoes tend to be more stylish, but not quite as supportive. I bought these Born heels and they feel like heaven.

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  29. Earthies, all the way. They have some cute styles and really great support. You definitely need to get used to having the arch support but once you do, it will hurt to NOT have it! I like them because they are actually recommended by podiatrists and aren't just another comfort brand with overly padded footbeds pretending to be beneficial. Hope that helps! http://www.earthbrands.com/earthies

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  30. I am flat footed and have plantar fasciitis. Check out the earthies flats. They are so cute and check out Tsubo, orthoheel, earth, noat, aetrex for cute shoe options.

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  31. I feel your pain (both literally and figuratively). I have been dying to find something less hideous and not painful. I love Dansko and Sanrita, they are awesome for the person who needs support. The trouble is, they don't have so many ballet flats, which I've been wanting to see.

    Sanrita sandals:
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dshoes&field-keywords=sanrita+sandals&rh=n%3A672123011%2Ck%3Asanrita+sandals
    Dansko sandals:
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dshoes&field-keywords=dansko+sandals&rh=n%3A672123011%2Ck%3Adansko+sandals

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  32. I tore my fascia a few years ago and found Crocs to be my saving grace. You have to scan their website regularly as they sell out of the 'cute' shoes fast, but believe me, they feel amazing. The Springy Flat is my current daily shoe: http://www.crocs.com/crocs-springi-flat/11977,default,pd.html?cid=37K&cgid=women-footwear-flats. Also, for running or hiking shoes (I am finally able to run & backpack again) I use Sole insoles and have replaced all my others with these. I have no issues whatsoever when I use them in my non-dress shoes. Good luck!

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  33. I ran Division I cross country and track for four years and had foot problems of my own. Our team absolutely swore by Birkenstocks. They have some really cute styles and they offer great support. You definitely pay for them ($90+) but you will get years of use out of them. The sandals are the cutest (I think), but they do offer some shoe styles as well.

    http://www.birkenstockusa.com/

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  34. Try Hotter footwear - amazing shoes for all sorts of problems!
    xx

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  35. Try Aetrex insoles. They're amazing. They have one that stops just at the ball of your feet so you can wear them in heels and ballet flats.I used to work at a comfort shoe store and people would come in with PF.... I mean kids that were like 10 would have it from wearing vans all of the times... they'd try the insoles and come back so happy.... I love birkenstock sandals but be careful wearing them too much- the cork is supportive but not supportive enough for too much walking :)

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  36. Thank you for this post and all the suggestions everybody! This is the best list of resources I've come across!

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