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Does anyone find that a type of shoe helps your foot neuropathy?
I am on a constant quest for shoes that don't kill my feet due to the neuropathy. I find that Spencos and Wolky shoes seem the best. Are there any other suggestions? Shoes can be just crippling for me. Horrid.
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Hello, farmerjohn (@farmerjohn)
What a coincidence! I was just about to post and ask if there is anyone else besides me who is not head over heels in love with their Hokas. I bought a pair of Hoka Clifton 9s two weeks ago and have been trying daily to break them in gradually. Balance is my No. 1 symptom (idiopathic large-fiber PN). Unlike my Skechers, which I'd been planning to retire, these Hokas make me feel like I'm walking on marshmallows (bouncy, bouncy). Add to that, they make mefeel that if I'm not careful I might tip over backwards. Would you know (or anyoneelse who's a big Hoka fan) if I just haven't given them enough time for me to get used to them. I guess my biggest complaint is that the Hokas are not giving me a good, solid feel of the ground, which, in my Skechers, I had. I don't want to give up on my Hokas, and I won't, if you or others say that I just need to give them more time.
Best wishes to you!
Ray (@ray666)
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2 ReactionsThat's why I pretty much gave up on shoes that are too cushy, especially the ones that advertise extra/max cushion. I feel like I'm going to tip over when I'm walking or turning quickly. I practice the senior shuffle though and that helps some 🙃
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1 ReactionHokas made me feel off-balance - as though I were going to trip or fall over. New Balance and Brooks gave me more stability. I have friends who love their Hokas, though.
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1 ReactionI think I may try Kuru shoes for balance Stabilization. I recently bought Honka Gaviota 5. My new balance & SAS are much better for me. When I tried the Honka shoes on, I couldn't maintain my balance without holding onto something. The search continues.
@ray666
I’m new to Honkas but have read people saying they need to break them in. I’m becoming more stable in them so it may just take time, but they are far from new balance (at least at this point) in my opinion.
Take care,
Jake
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1 ReactionMy biggest problem is pain, not balance, at least once I am up and moving. For that the Hoka's are very nice. Give them some more time, and that balance may come as you get used to them.
John
Good morning, John (@johnbishop), fluter (@fluter), Leonard (@jakedduck1)
Thank you all for replying to my concern about Hoka shoes. I know some say Hoka shoes don't need breaking in. I've been breaking in top-dollar running/walking/hiking footwear since the 1970's when, inspired by Frank Shorter's winning the marathon, I splurged and bought my first pair of Asics. These Hoka Clifton 9's I bought two weeks ago have been given what I would consider a "fair chance." For me and my particular brand of PN, they just don't cut it. I've decided to return them. You nailed it, John, when you said, "I feel like I'm going to tip over when I'm walking or turning quickly." Precisely! I'll return to The Search (to find a PNers "perfect" pair of shoes). Over the years, I've tried––and liked––New Balance. I've tried––and liked––Brooks, too. The lace-up Skechers I'm currently wearing are "okay," but they could be better––in one very specific way: they could have a bigger toe box. I've ten gnarly toes they spend the waking days rubbing against each other, resulting in ten irritated toes (two in particular) by day's end. What the Skechers give me, despite their cramped toe box, is lightness. For me and my idiopathic PN, it comes down to only three or four "musts" when I'm shoe-shopping: lightness, a big toe box, the insertability (there's today's homemade word 🙂 ) of my podiatrist-built orthotics, and a good, firm platform so can "feel" the ground (no cushiness). Again, gentlemen, thank you for chiming in on my Hoka question.
Cheers!
Ray
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2 ReactionsI suggest you give barefoot shoes a try. They have very thin soles, soft uppers and wide toe boxes. There are many brands - Leguano ($$$), Hike and Saguaro are a few. The theory is, they are like walking barefoot, so your feet feel the ground and are forced to work as opposed to being cradled in an orthotic. I cannot tolerate walking barefoot on hard surfaces but barefoot shoes give me just enough cushioning.
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1 ReactionHi, Kathy
You got me thinking. Barefoot shoes? I've never tried them. The problem I have with orthotics (a problem I've created for myself) is having worn orthotics since the mid-1980's. That's a long time, so long that (at leastfor my aging feet) orthotics are no longer an option; they're essential if I want to keep my ankles, knees, hips, and lower back from screaming bloody murder. 🙂 Compounding the problem is our home which is wall-to-wall hardwood floors. Which laves me with a question (one that seems to answer itself): Are there barefoot shoes that can accommodate orthotics? That almost seems nonsensical, doesn't it?
Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)
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1 ReactionI have 6 pairs of barefoot shoes. They give me more confidence than any other shoes including Hoka’s. Yes, they are comfortable on hard surfaces & improve strength & balance. Try them - they are inexpensive.
The orthotic would probably cancel the benefit of the barefoot shoe, but they are roomy and I have worn small toe spacers inside the barefoot shoes. I wear them inside the house and outside. Maybe try a cheap pair inside (that's how I started).