Driving with Numb Feet.

I would also like some shoe recommendations. My current shoes are sort of thick-soles and I can't feel the pedals.

my experience has been that hiking shoes offers an excellent grip. Mine are Hokas. For something casual some (not all) sketchers have bumps on the bottoms which work well.

Good morning!

I’m sure my concerns have been addressed already, but if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to ask again. First of all, I have large fiber multi-neuropathy: no pain, but bad balance and numbing feet. I drive, but over the past 12-18 months, I’ve caught my right foot slipping from the brake a few times. I’ve been wearing nothing but Nunn Bush shoes, which are lightweight (a preference) but relatively smooth-soled. From all I read here, I think I might be better off wearing shoes with more “grip.” Hiking boots would give me the “grip” but be too heavy. (By the way, I wear orthotics; I have for decades, and they’re vital to keeping ankles, knees, and hips in good alignment.)

May I ask a slightly elated question? My partner’s house has wall-to-wall hardwood floors. I’m at her house every evening. For years, mindful of her floors, I’ve worn only non-slip socks––but even with non-slip socks, walking about her house for a guy with neuropathy is a bit like walking on ice. I find I’m developing what I would call a waddle-way of walking. I might do better in some sort of slippers, especially if they might accommodate my orthotics. Do any of you have a recommendation for slippers? That’s it—no more questions. Thanks for indulging me. 🙂

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

Hi Ray, Until recently I had been buying Xero shoes and have several pair. My first ones were something you might find could for you - https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/sunrise-men/. All of their shoes come with an insert you can take out and add an orthotic if needed. This one is just a nice all around super thin slipper with a thin rubber sole.

The last two pair of shoes I've tried have been from Orthofeet and actually feel a little better on the feet but are a little easier when walking due to having a more cushioning sole and insert than the Xero shoes which are minimalist zero drop barefoot shoes. I now have 2 pairs of Orthofeet shoes - a step-in slipper (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/vito-black) that is super comfy and easy to put on and take off. I also have a hiking boot with a 2 zipper back flap for easy on/off that I like (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/ryder-black) and am waiting on one I just ordered, a step-in (hands free) version of the zippered boots - https://www.orthofeet.com/products/verno-hands-free-boots-brown/.

I'm kind of torn between the two brands because the Xero shoes give me firmer support and feeling on the ground and I feel more stable but the Orthofeet feel much better and make walking easier due to the spring/push from the cushioned sole when walking. The catch-22 for me is balance. I have to be more careful when wearing the Orthofeet because I'm a little more wobbly especially when stepping onto an elevated sidewalk from a parking lot. I have to make sure I go up squarely like stepping up stairs and not at an angle which seems to effect my balance more. Nothing wrong with the Penguin two step 🙃

I was wondering how the xeroshoes work for driving. Especially with numb feet need more pedal feel,rough tread is good also. Not good. If too flimsy or slip off to easy. Do they fit true to size? My feet seem to have grown a size in lits of shoes in my older years. Thks

Hi Ray, Until recently I had been buying Xero shoes and have several pair. My first ones were something you might find could for you - https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/sunrise-men/. All of their shoes come with an insert you can take out and add an orthotic if needed. This one is just a nice all around super thin slipper with a thin rubber sole.

The last two pair of shoes I've tried have been from Orthofeet and actually feel a little better on the feet but are a little easier when walking due to having a more cushioning sole and insert than the Xero shoes which are minimalist zero drop barefoot shoes. I now have 2 pairs of Orthofeet shoes - a step-in slipper (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/vito-black) that is super comfy and easy to put on and take off. I also have a hiking boot with a 2 zipper back flap for easy on/off that I like (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/ryder-black) and am waiting on one I just ordered, a step-in (hands free) version of the zippered boots - https://www.orthofeet.com/products/verno-hands-free-boots-brown/.

I'm kind of torn between the two brands because the Xero shoes give me firmer support and feeling on the ground and I feel more stable but the Orthofeet feel much better and make walking easier due to the spring/push from the cushioned sole when walking. The catch-22 for me is balance. I have to be more careful when wearing the Orthofeet because I'm a little more wobbly especially when stepping onto an elevated sidewalk from a parking lot. I have to make sure I go up squarely like stepping up stairs and not at an angle which seems to effect my balance more. Nothing wrong with the Penguin two step 🙃

Ah, John, once again, thank you! Your messages are always so chockful of good information –– once more, I've made a hard copy of this one to read over carefully and perhaps make a purchase or two. The penguin two-step? That's been me lately! Did you happen to see me penguin two-stepping around the ophthalmologist's waiting room yesterday? 🙂