If the shoe fits, wear it!

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Apr 12, 2020

I think as we age our need for shoes changes. Our needs can also change due to different health conditions. For example, if you have neuropathy, you may be looking for something that is more roomy and has more cushion for comfort -- check our member recommendations in the following discussion:
Does anyone find that a brand of shoes helps your foot neuropathy? -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-find-that-a-brand-of-shoes-helps-your-foot-neuropathy/

You may also want to check out the following Newsfeed article on Finding the perfect shoe:
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/finding-the-perfect-shoe/

I used to call slipons shoes for kids and old people. Since I now get senior discounts, I have found myself buying mostly slipon shoes as a convenience - easy on, easy off. How about you -- Do you have any recommendations on a particular shoe that has served you well?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

At 71, I have come to rely on Clark’s shoes for comfort and wearability. They also produce Cloudsteppers which have extra cushioning. I have also found that they have better arch support especially in their sandals. Since I live in Florida and wear thong slip-on sandals most days, I have about 7 pair of Clark’s in the same style. Very comfy..

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@beachgran

At 71, I have come to rely on Clark’s shoes for comfort and wearability. They also produce Cloudsteppers which have extra cushioning. I have also found that they have better arch support especially in their sandals. Since I live in Florida and wear thong slip-on sandals most days, I have about 7 pair of Clark’s in the same style. Very comfy..

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Hi @beachgran, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thanks for posting your experience with Clark's shoes. I've heard other members in the neuropathy shoe discussion mention them also. My favorites are wide fit memory foam slipons by Sketchers but like all memory foam shoes they are only good for about 3 to 6 months until the foam loses most of it's support. I still wear the old ones around the house though.

Since you are new to Connect and this is your first post, do you mind if I ask how you found Mayo Clinic Connect?

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I've had neuropathy in my hands, feet and legs since I finished my chemo for breast cancer about a year ago. Several times my ankle turned under me and wrenched my ligaments on my left foot/ankle. I found these Sketchers stopped that from happening. The heel flares out at the back, thus preventing the ankle from turning.
They are so comfortable to wear too. I've even washed them in the sink in soapy water without them changing shape. Love 'em. Chris

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I have severe arthritis in one foot after breaking it a year ago and wear an orthotic in it along with much trial and error in finding shoesThat do not aggravate it too much. Most of my pain is on the top of my foot and I require significant support so I find tennis shoes that are loosely looped and tied securely by my ankle more reliable. Any suggestions for arthritic feet (as the other one has arthritis too, just not as bad😊) would be appreciated. Thx!

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Never have earned the label of being a fashion plate ;))
Over the decades, I find men's shoes to be a better fit for me, and better made than women's. I have never worn heels, nor wanted to. My feet are wide according to women's shoe standards, with both high arch and high instep.
My favorite shoes are men's lace-up low profile hiking type, or a slip on with elastic insert on each side, made by Denali. Usually I put insoles in any shoes I wear. Stability and support are very important to me. These shoes are found at Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Ginger

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@gingerw

Never have earned the label of being a fashion plate ;))
Over the decades, I find men's shoes to be a better fit for me, and better made than women's. I have never worn heels, nor wanted to. My feet are wide according to women's shoe standards, with both high arch and high instep.
My favorite shoes are men's lace-up low profile hiking type, or a slip on with elastic insert on each side, made by Denali. Usually I put insoles in any shoes I wear. Stability and support are very important to me. These shoes are found at Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Ginger

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Thx for the information!

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Ginger, what a great idea! I too need wide size ( bunions!!) and have a high arch and instep which make fitting shoes really hard. I'll give those Denalis a try! I also use insoles in all shoes ( ProFoot ORIGINAL women's -- blue-- have worked for me for years. Getting hard to find but available online)

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Hi @oregonjan, I would like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect along with @gingerw and thank you for sharing what shoes help you. I have a couple of older pairs very similar to the Denalis and may revisit them again as it's almost time for me to buy another pair and pitch my current everyday shoes.

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@ncgal

I've had neuropathy in my hands, feet and legs since I finished my chemo for breast cancer about a year ago. Several times my ankle turned under me and wrenched my ligaments on my left foot/ankle. I found these Sketchers stopped that from happening. The heel flares out at the back, thus preventing the ankle from turning.
They are so comfortable to wear too. I've even washed them in the sink in soapy water without them changing shape. Love 'em. Chris

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I love Skechers, both for the comfort, looks and affordability! I have had sciatica for years. Although it still bothers me no matter what shoes I wear, Skechers seem to keep it at bay the best. With that being said, I can't afford expensive shoes, so there may be much better shoes out there...

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