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Has anyone invested in "Barefoot shoes"?
I have had idiopathic peripheral neuropathy for about 15 years, but I have little to no pain. I have virtually no feeling in my feet other than if I walk on something sharp or hard with my weight eg, even a grain of rice! however, I felt nothing when I tripped on a slate step edge and sliced the bottom of my big toe- the blood alerted me to the injury!!
I have to protect my feet, even inside. (I now have a rubber strip covering my step) However, my balance is rapidly deteriorating and barefoot feels more stable. Podiatrists have given the "Barefoot" shoes
a good review.
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My feet and ankles are numb too. Movement helps me wake them up to a degree. I wear “zero” shoes from KEEN. I find them very comfortable and better for my feet and balance. They look like leather tennis shoes and you can wear them many places.
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2 Reactions@allwheeldrive, I used to tease my wife about all of the different shoes and boots she has but now I'm in the same boat due to my neuropathy and balance issues. I also only have numbness. I go back and forth between my Sketchers and multiple pairs of barefoot shoes. The barefoot shoes definitely help me feel the ground better even though my feet are numb. I can walk better but if I have to walk any distances I go with my Sketchers that have a little cushion. My only problem with the barefoot shoes is the jarring when walking on hard surfaces.
The other problem is that being an old guy I have become accustomed to using step-in shoes and have yet to find a pair that are as easy to step into as my Sketchers. Xero shoes just came out with a pair of step-ins but I am not able to step into them. I can slip them on easy sitting down but they do not work as step-ins for me - https://xeroshoes.com/products/prio-coast-men.
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3 ReactionsI mostly wear barefoot shoes. I like how they connect to the floor. Helps with balance issues from PN.
@formerrunner13
I tried the Hike step in tennis shoe first. I love the wide toe box; also found them great for my knees and posture. Next I ordered an ankle hiking pair for a trip. The sole is thicker for rocky trails. They felt great!!
@vicmar Do you mean Hoka or another brand? I can’t find “Hike” anywhere. Thanks!
@carolynpatten
Sorry. Try Hike Footwear!
@vicmar Thanks! I looked them up, but also got this from the Better Business Bureau Bureau — https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/hialeah/profile/online-retailer/hike-footwear-0633-92037985/customer-reviews
I still go barefoot inside but the barefoot shoes are the only shoes that dont hurt my feet
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1 ReactionI bought water shoes from Walmart for $12. They are similar to barefoot shoes and the sole is thin and very flexible and toe box if wide and it easy the feel the floor for balance.
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