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Good morning!
I’m sure my concerns have been addressed already, but if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to ask again. First of all, I have large fiber multi-neuropathy: no pain, but bad balance and numbing feet. I drive, but over the past 12-18 months, I’ve caught my right foot slipping from the brake a few times. I’ve been wearing nothing but Nunn Bush shoes, which are lightweight (a preference) but relatively smooth-soled. From all I read here, I think I might be better off wearing shoes with more “grip.” Hiking boots would give me the “grip” but be too heavy. (By the way, I wear orthotics; I have for decades, and they’re vital to keeping ankles, knees, and hips in good alignment.)
May I ask a slightly elated question? My partner’s house has wall-to-wall hardwood floors. I’m at her house every evening. For years, mindful of her floors, I’ve worn only non-slip socks––but even with non-slip socks, walking about her house for a guy with neuropathy is a bit like walking on ice. I find I’m developing what I would call a waddle-way of walking. I might do better in some sort of slippers, especially if they might accommodate my orthotics. Do any of you have a recommendation for slippers? That’s it—no more questions. Thanks for indulging me. 🙂
Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)
Replies to "Good morning! I’m sure my concerns have been addressed already, but if you’ll indulge me, I’d..."
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Hi Ray, Until recently I had been buying Xero shoes and have several pair. My first ones were something you might find could for you - https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/sunrise-men/. All of their shoes come with an insert you can take out and add an orthotic if needed. This one is just a nice all around super thin slipper with a thin rubber sole.
The last two pair of shoes I've tried have been from Orthofeet and actually feel a little better on the feet but are a little easier when walking due to having a more cushioning sole and insert than the Xero shoes which are minimalist zero drop barefoot shoes. I now have 2 pairs of Orthofeet shoes - a step-in slipper (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/vito-black) that is super comfy and easy to put on and take off. I also have a hiking boot with a 2 zipper back flap for easy on/off that I like (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/ryder-black) and am waiting on one I just ordered, a step-in (hands free) version of the zippered boots - https://www.orthofeet.com/products/verno-hands-free-boots-brown/.
I'm kind of torn between the two brands because the Xero shoes give me firmer support and feeling on the ground and I feel more stable but the Orthofeet feel much better and make walking easier due to the spring/push from the cushioned sole when walking. The catch-22 for me is balance. I have to be more careful when wearing the Orthofeet because I'm a little more wobbly especially when stepping onto an elevated sidewalk from a parking lot. I have to make sure I go up squarely like stepping up stairs and not at an angle which seems to effect my balance more. Nothing wrong with the Penguin two step 🙃