@flachon3 I have been getting good sturdy shoes from Caterpillar (the company that makes bulldozers). They got into footwear for their employees to protect them on the assembly line. I get the leather ankle high work boots with composite toe protection because I want protection around my horse and ankle support . I get wide widths and they have some that are unisex. I got a couple sets of custom orthotics made by a podiatrist. Orthotics take up space in shoes and shoes need to bigger to accommodate and not be too thick and squeeze your foot. My orthotics are trimmed to be thinner. get shoes first, then take them with when you see a podiatrist about orthotics. I have found the padding in the front and tongue of leather work boots to be better than that on high top shoes. Cat makes those too. I have the Intruder model shoe (good traction) in regular and high top (but this needs more padding and you may need to add padding for comfort). The front of my ankle is very sensitive from my injury. I want a stiffer shoe ankle height as protection against twisting my ankle. You don’t have that situation since you are fused, and the regular shoes may better. You can also get them with composite toe protection. The website is catfootwear.com. Merril hiking boots are good and you can get them in fabric and mesh so you feet breathe. I think they are actually made by same supplier at Cat Footwear. Some are more like a very supportive hiking shoe. I think Cat does have some shoes with a rocker bottom and that might be easier to walk in with a fused ankle..I’m guessing.

I would ask to work with a physical therapist on prevention of other joint issues that could happen because you will move differently now. Ask how to prevent a knee or hip replacement and what type of shoe can help given your present condition. If there is a Suggestion on walking to lessen strain on other joints, you need to know what to do, and when to ask for therapy if you are getting wear and tear.

Jennifer

Both of my Achilles tendons ruptured at Christmas, so I was non weight bearing for 2 months, wearing walking boots. Finally I was told to be partial weight bearing - how do you do that when you're talking about both feet. I started walking, in the boots, with a walker. Very clumsy! Even with one foot, I imagine your balance might be affected. Don't fall.

Once I get surgery done on my Achilles tendons (one at a time), I need to have a sub talar joint fusion on my left foot and my right knee replaced. I guess I'll be learning more about partial weight bearing than I care to.

I had a bunch of work done on my left ankle, so I know how anxious you are to get moving again. It does heal, and eventually it doesn't hurt anyone. Hang in there with PT.

Jim