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Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,195
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

I hope some of you will commiserate with me!!!!

I have been suffering with tendonitis (achilles) for nearly a year and have had to wear terribly ugly shoes and a brace. Winter wasn't as bad because you are covered up and wearing socks, heavy slacks, clogs,etc.

But now that the weather is starting to warm up, I so very much want to wear my capri pants and my cute sandals!!!

I am due to get orthotics for my shoes and don't know yet whether I will have to wear the brace also. This will make it impossible for me to wear any of my sandals and capris.

I am so bummed!

Anyone out there who has had to face similar problems?

We have so few months when we can enjoy wearing lighter clothing and shoes and I will probably miss it all.

I know I am just feeling sorry for myself, but I can't help feeling kind of cheated.

I love pretty shoes. I had to forego heels and really "dangerous" shoes a long time ago because of foot problems and so I did switch over to more sensible, but still attractive footwear. But now this hit.

Please commiserate with me! Sometimes you just feel the need to whine! {#emotions_dlg.crying}

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
Regular Contributor
Posts: 197
Registered: ‎04-18-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

I cried because I had no shoes ....until I met a man who had no feet.....

I think of this adage often because I can no longer wear stylish shoes because of extensive foot surgery. I have found Propet styles to accommodate my new needs.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,955
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

Have you asked your podiatrist, orthopedist, especially if any of your specialists might be women, or possibly even better, any women who happen to be working in the office where you receive care for your condition? I actually got wonderful suggestions from a podiatrist several years ago when I was being treated for a severe foot related mobility issue, and the the winter before last one. While some men are willing and able to be very helpful in a situation like this, I think a knowledgeable woman may "get it" more easily. I spent years in pointy toed high heels, and luckily for me I now absolutely LOATHE that look, but there are actually lots of current styles that are much more foot sparing.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,195
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

I know there are always people who are worse off. It's that way no matter what condition you are talking about. I realize I am lucky to have feet.

But, I am still upset about the ankle, feet, shoe situation. It's the whole thing. I have had this condition before and they were able to straighten me out in just a short period of time. This time nothing seems to be helping and it has gone on for a year at least.

I used to walk all the time to improve my health - not only physical, but mental. I can no longer do this and it's really been hard on me. So, it's not just a vanity issue.

Also, it's getting expensive. I have all these very good and nice shoes that I paid a lot of money for and can't wear them! I am searching all the time for shoes that I can wear and that don't break the bank!

And those of you who like to look nice --- you know that when you take the time to put a pretty outfit together and then you have to wear horrible, ugly shoes --- it just kills the whole look!

I am on my second foot doctor right now. The first one did absolutely nothing for me. And there are no women doctors around me that treat this. The men suggest wearing sneakers all the time. Uhhh --- no --- that might work for them and they are happy with that look, but I am not! Plus, I work in an office environment and they do not permit this.

So, I am kind of on my own!

Thanks for your posts! I guess what is, is. I just have to accept it --- grudgingly so!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
Contributor
Posts: 59
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

You should visit a New Balance store and see if the Aravon shoes work for you; they make some cute, supportive sandals. I can also wear the Orthaheels.

Contributor
Posts: 34
Registered: ‎04-24-2014

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

Have you tried SAS shoes? they have some cute sandals. I feel your pain since I have bad feet and knees and have had to transition from cute strappy high-heeled shoes to what I wear now: flats, lace up oxfords, etc. Just bought the Skecher's Go Walks and they are pretty comfy.

Super Contributor
Posts: 307
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

Be glad you can walk. Go to Zappos and look at the many comfort shoes they offer. I haven't bought a pair of "cute" shoes in over 30 years--because, "cute" shoes ruined my feet! I love FitFlops and my feet love them too. I've had 4 foot surgeries to correct the damage that the "cute" shoes have done.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,653
Registered: ‎07-07-2012

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

AngelPuppy1, I commiserate with you! Of course we are lucky to have feet, legs, and to even be alive but that doesn't really change the way we feel when we live in a society that values physical "beauty".

Do you live near a Walking Company store? We have one at our local mall and they helped me a lot. I have wide feet, a bunion, prone to Achilles tendinitis, and got that darned plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago. I've never been able to wear really fashionable shoes or heels. Fun, isn't it?

Some of the shoes Walking Company sells have what they claim to be "medical grade orthotics". Of course you should check with your doctor first but Danskos have a lot of different styles with this orthotic in them now. Some of their shoes are actually kind of cute Smiley Wink My 25 yo DD doesn't think so, but her feet don't hurt like mine do. I just decided to go with the chunky style and get fun colors.

I also found that Abeo shoes work well for me. I have three pair of their sandals that feel good and they have that orthotic too. And my sneakers are Abeo too.

If you can try those kinds of shoes post back and let us know how you make out. I know they are expensive and you may have to build your shoe wardrobe slowly but good shoes are worth it. If your feet, legs, back hurt you will gladly pay an extra $100 to make the pain go away.

KJPA
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,973
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

When I was doing home health nursing, I had to do dressing changes on a woman that had extensive surgery to her lower extremities. She had worked her whole life at our local department store. Every day for 39 years, she'd wear dresses/skirts and 3 inch heels. 8 hour days and then rode the trolley home and walked up the hill to get home. One day she was asked to stay an extra shift. By the time she got home, she could not straighten her calf muscles. She took her heels off and still had to walk tippy-toe. Her Achilles muscle had been damaged, plus she developed bunions and hammer toes. She showed me her closest full of beautiful high heels that she could never wear again.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,168
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Shoes - Health problems & lamenting not being able to wear cute ones!

go to joesnewbalanceoutlet.com and look at their Cobb Hill and Aravon lines; the prices are phenomenal at this site; I got a pair of cute sandals for $19.99 last week....it was the daily deal; I check it every morning.