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Best shoe for neuropathy with balance issues, but no pain
I continue to look for THAT shoe that offers security. I have no pain with my neuropathy of my feet and lower legs. My issue is balance. I have three pairs of Hoka Cliftons. But I feel at times as though they restrict what feel I may have with the surface beneath me. I also have two pairs of Orthofeet, but find the toe box a bit snug. Plus, why can’t they be available in stores to try on? I have tried barefoot shoes, a couple brands, and find they cause pain on the soles and even leg cramps. Again, where can I you find these in shoe stores?
I would like to find a shoe with some flexibility of the sole for a more natural heel
to toe walk. But, I think I still need some stability. I have a high arch. I require a wide toe box, not a wide width shoe. Prior to this neuropathy diagnosis, I wore Altra and Sketchers. And, as a nurse, I wore Nike and New Balance.
Every shoe now seems to have a really thick rocker sole that adds an inch or so of height and doesn’t make me feel in control. I use a cane, but feel more in control with a walker now.
I am thinking of trying my son’s podiatrist for help with finding a shoes or inserts.
But, I would like to hear what is working for you TODAY.
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@bajjerfan
I just ordered the oblong one 28 x 15. Thanks for the reference.
Joan
Like you, I currently have no pain, but I have a balance problem with my peripheral neuropathy in my feet and lower legs.
I “fired” my KP podiatrist over this issue. They would not give me a prescription, they would only recommend shoe brands and inserts. The inserts that they recommended did not prevent my developing splinter fractures in my metatarsals. And, when I did so develop these fractures, they refused to obtain an up to date x-ray because it had not yet been six months since my previous x-ray.
Since I have VA Health as well, I am now seeing a podiatrist of theirs. The first thing that the VA podiatrist did was get up-to-date x-rays made. He told me the fractures were evident. He immediately prescribed and ordered custom inserts, which very quickly relieved the pain from the splinter fractures. He also prescribed and ordered “Dr Comfort” shoes.
I have found that this brand of shoes generally have some cushion, but are also very stable. VA will only pay for two shoes per year, so my podiatrist also wrote me a prescription that I can use for my HSA. That said, I do find the Dr Comfort heels wear out more quickly than I would like with my strong overpronation so I “shoe goop” them once it gets bad enough that I can tell the heels are shot. I am on my third “every day shoe.“
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1 Reactionwill try Dr. Comfort
@joanland I have a loofah mat that I got from Amazon. Water goes through it. It has to be hung to dry but that’s not a problem. I hang it on my safety bar. It’s really helpful for balance in the shower. I can look it up if you’d like. Just contact me if you’re interested.
HI Rollo8, I, too, have neuropathy in feet/legs with no pain but the numbness affects my balance. I accidentally came upon Clark's brand shoes (used to be made in England, not sure now) which I discovered feel the best on the bottom of my feet, and give me good stability--& they feel like "regular" shoes, not clunky "orthopedic"-feeling shoes. Clark's makes different levels of cushion/support, depending on the style. A lot of their styles have adjustable Velcro straps across the instep or toes or around the heels, which makes it easy to adjust for swelling, etc. The best part is, they have such beautiful styles for men AND women, esp. in sandals, and they feel LIGHT on your feet. I can't stand the big ol' clodhopper tennis shoes that look like you're wearing dinner plates on your feet! or that make you feel like a cartoon caricature of the "little old lady in tennis shoes" 🙂 . (I've also found some Vionic sandals for summer that feel great & supportive.) Of course, this all depends on what we can individually tolerate and need for our own situation. But if Clark's or Vionics can work for you, they are much lower in price than "special shoes". I buy some at a Clark's outlet near me, AND I've found a few styles I love and now buy them on Poshmark or eBay or Etsy at half the price. Amazing how many people are selling un-used shoes for low prices. Maybe worth a try? All best wishes! We're all in the same boat, so let's keep paddling!