I've had type 1 diabetes for a very long time now and the complications started about 2 years into the diagnosis. I used to love shopping for shoes even when I was little, a new pair of shoes always made me feel better, especially when they didn't pinch my feet! But, when the nerve pain started, the cute shoes stopped! Before the nerve pain got really bad (severe burning), my toes felt numb and I felt pressure on them, as if I was standing on my feet all day, even when I was asleep. And, then it felt like I was walking on a pebble lined street, which made walking unbearable and wearing shoes pretty much out of the question. There was a time I wore bedroom slippers everywhere. You should have seen some of the stares I got! If diabetes is so popular, why don't more people understand what nerve pain feels like? Anyway, my best friend was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes recently and I thought we could go shoe shopping to take her mind off her troubles. Plus, it's spring and sandals and flip-flops are back in season. (That's all I can handle, anymore. Flip-flops and open shoes take the pressure off closed shoes can cause.) I think I'm the only person who wears flip-flops in the dead of winter! Good thing I live near the beach! What are some of your favorite diabetic shoes for women? My friend doesn't have nerve pain (thank goodness!), but I do. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! (This should take my mind off what my boyfriend said last night. I'm still in shock--he's never said anything like this before. I'll probably post about it later on today. I'm really liking this forum! Lets me vent!) Thanks, again!
the only shoe that i like is Tevas but that may not be suitable for those who require more stylish shoes. http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Omnium-Closed-Sandal-Bungee/dp/B002FGUM1...
I wear them except when I need to wear boots. Then I wear Tevas brand boots. :)
I used to wear "tennis" shoes but none of them are as comfortable. The Tevas are as comfortable as slippers to me. I just bought another 2 pair just in case they stop making that style. I have 5 pair of those puppies!
My wife is on her feet a lot at work, has Tevas like mine, but I believe she wears a different type of shoe at work. For long walks, she dons Tevas.I took a quick look, but honestly, even if they have them for women, I think the closed toe would kill me! Drive me batty, anyway! I'm leaning toward an open-toe shoe, that's the only kind I've been able to wear for as long as I can remember. I saw this shoe got rave reviews, though! Anyway, I'm off to Easter brunch. I'm going to suggest shoe shopping to my friend today. I think she might want something a little (dare I say) sexier though, it being spring and all. I hope she never has to choose between fashion and function, though. It's a real drag! Thanks again, I'll look into it when I get back. Happy Easter!
Sure. Enjoy your brunch, I have 2-3 hours before I will be going to my folks for lasagna, which my mom makes very well. :)
I don't have neuropathy, but have you ever seen a podiatrist or someone else who you could ask about their opinion re: which shoes are best for diaebtics? I've read somewhere that if you have neuropathy you shouldn't wear open-toed shoes because you could stub your toe or otherwise injure your foot and not notice.
I have major issues with my feet/ankles that are completely unrelated to diabetes, but I use heavy-duty custom orthotics plus ankle braces in my shoes, so the shoes have to be good quality (like not ones that bend in the middle). I used to hate shoe shopping because my feet are so wide it was hard to find shoes that fit, but now with all this hardware it's even more difficult to find ones that work. I also have to get sandals that have a removeable insole so I can put my orthotic in. Needless to say, shoe shopping is about my least favourite kind of shopping (and I hate shopping in general!).
So I can totally relate to the shoe issues, though it sounds like I have the opposite requirements from you.
Flip flops are generally thought of as being not good shoes for diabetes. I suggest you see a podiatrist and consider specific diabetic shoes. If you want a generic shoe, try top of the line new balance shoes. I often use models over 900. However The best i ave found can only be found at a podiatrist. Going barefoot, or going in something like a flipflop, is ultimately a bad idea.
After a winter of foot problems, I'm wearing SAS shoes, made in Texas. They have a round toe box and extra depth. Also, one thing to remember is that men's shoes have bigger toe boxes than women's shoes; often men's and women's shoes look alike in oxfords, although they have different sizing. Drew is another good brand in oxfords.
agreed!
It's funny you should mention this because when I asked a podiatrist, he basically said the same thing as everyone here: open-toe shoes are bad for diabetics. Maybe for me it's different, maybe I'm feeling something other diabetics don't feel, but when it comes to wearing actual diabetic shoes and orthotics, they make my feet feel worse! My feet feel confined, trapped, claustrophobic in a way, it puts a lot of pressure on my numb toes. I know wearing open-toe shoes and flip-flops are a bad idea for diabetic neuropathy, but it's the only type of shoe I'm comfortable in. I know what you mean about stubbing my toe, though -- I once accidentally stubbed my toe on a jack-o-lantern! The nail on my big tow came right off; actually, it got stuck inside the pumpkin! Ouch! I'm very careful and check my feet every time I come home, just to be sure! So, yes, you're absolutely right, but no, it's not working for me. And, it's funny because my podiatrist told me I should go online and ask other diabetics their opinion because aside from recommending diabetic shoes, he didn't know what else to say! Thanks, though!
I agree! But like I said, maybe I'm different. Does anyone here have that, that claustrophobic feeling in their toes when they wear closed-toe shoes? Like someone's pushing on your toes? Even with a wide toe box, it's a weird feeling. And, it makes me walk funny -- like my shoes are too small for me even if there's plenty of space. Of all my friends and family who has diabetes, I don't think anyone has ever complained about that. They actually all wear regular shoes! Thanks for commenting!
that's what I like about the Tevas. something about them makes them feel like I DON'T have my feet in traditional, confining shoes. You just have to try them to see what I mean. Zappos has an amazing return policy. Free return shipping. :)
Not trying to shove them down your throat, so to speak--just saying that I also don't like my toes scrunched up.
Never heard of SAS or Drew oxfords. I'll look them up. I was once considering a pair of Rykas barefoot shoes, and it actually said that women's shoes have bigger toe boxes than men's. Not that it matters, just thought I'd throw that in! Thanks, I'm going to look into those SAS and Drews!
I actually looked up the Teva brand at Amazon (I have a bunch of credit there, so might end up getting something there) and I'm liking the open-toe ones! There I go again! After so many years wearing open-toe shoes and flip flops, I'm drawn to them! Or, I could wait till the fall/winter and try a pair of their closed-toe shoes -- maybe people won't look at me so funny, anymore! Thanks.
Have you tried a specialty shoe shop? They have more options that can accommodate your feet issues. Just a thought. Nancy50
I wear leather flip flops when ever I can, I don’t have neuropathy but I have an unrelated foot issue, duputrens disease. I have very wide feet too.
For my work shoes I wear shoes that are 12.5 even though I really a size 11.
It’s the only way to keep my feet happy.
I wear a shoe from a company called Dr. Comfort. The shoes are especially for people with Neuropathy.
I love them.
Do you see a podiatrist? They can refer you to a shoe specialist who can do a mold for orthotics and an appropriate shoe for you. Nancy50