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Best shoe for neuropathy with balance issues, but no pain

Posted by rollo8 @rollo8, Jun 7 10:15am

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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jfn | @jfn | Jun 12 8:30am

I wear the Altra sneakers, a zero drop "shoe". They have a wide toe box. I bought Hokas and my foot has been in pain for the last six-months because I wore them twice. Not even a distance.
JFN

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bjk3 | @bjk3 | Jun 12 9:24am
In reply to @arcuri24 "@bjk3 I have mixed feelings about Clarks brand. Their sandals are comfortable but some enclosed shoes..." + (show)
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@bjk3
I have mixed feelings about Clarks brand. Their sandals are comfortable but some enclosed shoes not so much. I do walk alot outside and my podiatrist recommended Brooks Ghost and I now have two pairs. I also own one pair of HOKA Bondi 6, an older version of their running shoe. I am living in sneakers mainly because I am trying to heal from the shave biopsy that I had back in December. As it is now hot I wish I could wear my sandals again. Part of the mystery with PN is the changes that come day to day. I guess weather, food we eat, exercise and even our moods play a role. Variety is the spice of life but maybe not in this case. We have no choice other than to accept the challenge. By the way, for years I had Saucony and when I was running, they were great. Thanks for your advice on footwear!

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@arcuri24 I agree - everyday changes make so much of our struggle hard to predict. For me, quality and quantity of sleep make a big difference in how I cope during the day. I usually am able to sleep only 4 or maybe 5 hours straight through at night - then fatigue in the daytime limits not only mobility but tolerance of discomfort. You said it perfectly: "We have no choice other than to accept the challenge." Peace, Barb

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arcuri24 | @arcuri24 | Jun 12 2:26pm

Thanks for sharing the sleep issue. I go to bed early around 8 and listen to the radio. A show comes on at 9 pm and I usually fall into sleep when it is on. But somehow around 10;30-11 I wake up and then struggle to fall back to sleep. Sometimes it is after 1 am that I am able to re-fall asleep. Then I re-awaken around 4-ish when I would like to sleep until at least 5. I am taking magnesium glycinate every night-it is for relaxing without tranquilizing effects. Summer is a hard time to get adequate sleep--lots of heat and daylight. Four or five hours can be restorative--not so bad when compared to those who stay up all night long. Pleasant dreams and good luck to you.

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jakefix82 | @jakefix82 | Jun 12 7:06pm

I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy with numbness in leg. Also have bone-on-bone OA in one knee, which makes that joint stiff. No pain, but legs tire easily (did I mention I have fibro, so legs have been the first part of my body to tire out daily).

My balance is really bad now at age 77. I wear SAS shoes with Velcro closure. Been wearing them for years with BioSoles orthotic inserts. . I also use a cane for balance.

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marthadean | @marthadean | Jun 14 8:13am

I tried Sketchers for a while and the thick sole kept me from "understanding" the floor so I went back to my Life Strides and find my balance is better.

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drdianeschneider | @drdianeschneider | Jun 15 10:17pm
In reply to @bjk3 "@drdianeschneider I, too, have found the Clarks to be extremely comfortable, wearable, and at times even..." + (show)
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@drdianeschneider I, too, have found the Clarks to be extremely comfortable, wearable, and at times even fashionable. They are everything you said and have always been quality through and through. I have a separate pair (sandal style you mentioned with the velcro straps) that I wear in the shower so that I can feel where my feet are and find a modicum of balance. And, to keep them squeaky clean, they go through the wash and then air dry on my shower chair. For outdoor wear, my favorites are Saucony and Brooks. It seems they manufacture a different "feel" from year to year (such as flexible vs. stiff), so nothing is predictable. Workable footwear for those of us with P.N. often seems to remain a mystery! ~ Barb

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@bjk3 Thank you, Barb--I also wear the same ones you mention in the shower! they give me a little more stability AND they get clean, ha ha! I will look into Saucony and Brooks for outdoor... although the Clark's are so comfortable that I tend to use them outdoors, too (meniscus tear on L knee so I'm not doing sports or long walks). But I work full-time so this is really a challenge in several ways. My numbness appears to be coming from spinal compression at several spots, per MRI, and physiotherapy didn't really help, so I'm searching for next steps (literally, at times 🙂 ). But never did I realize how important footwear would become in my life--as you said, having this condition is a mystery to be lived (not so easy to be solved)! All best wishes on your journey. Diane

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centre | @centre | Jun 16 6:42am

I’m a fan of Brooks Ghost series, the toe box is a good width, the top is like netting, so there is plenty of room for my radiculopathy-caused hammer-toes, the sole is cushioned, but not too thick. I bought Hokas, as lots of people were talking about them, but I’ve found they tend to tilt me forward while walking. I’m trying to work on improving my posture- have degenerative disc disease and want to try to not move toward the “dowager’s hump” area. PT has prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises.
I’ve also been diagnosed with venous stasis in the neuropathy leg. The poorly-innervated muscle fibers aren’t able to efficiently push the blood back up, so it’s pooling in my ankle and lower leg- pitting edema and a red flush coloring. So, now I’m wearing a Bombas knee length compression 15-20mm sock, elevating regularly, and walking around every hour or so. I have to admit it’s working!
It’s always something, isn’t it? 🙂

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John, N.B., Canada | @johnnysneakers | Jun 16 7:15am

I too have struggled to get good shoes. Seems my feet keep growing at age 75.

I am a size 12.5 which makes finding anything very difficult. Sausony is the best i have found. Available on Amazon.

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