Shoes

[LonestarBabs]

I recently purchased a few pairs of Earth sandals, specifically Earth Origins multi-strap nubuck Henrietta, and have been experiencing painful back spasms. While I know that back spasms can be caused by a number of things, I find it interesting that after wearing these sandals for a few days in a row (in the house and outside) and then switching to other shoes the spasms subside.

When I first got the sandals I loved them -- they were comfortable and I liked the adjustable straps for a secure fit. They looked nice on my foot, too.

I have Earth brand moto boots that I wear a lot in cooler months, and noticed some knee/ankle discomfort, but nothing like the back pain I'm having now!

Maybe Earth brand just isn't for me, but before I make such a drastic decision I wonder if anyone else has had similar issues? I"m continuing to explore all possible causes for the back pain, and will consult my doctor should the situation warrant. Right now it's a process of elimination to find the root cause -- shoes, purse, bed, posture in office chair, etc.

[kivah]

Stop wearing that brand of shoes for a week or two - and see if the pain subsides. I love my Birkenstocks/Birki's.

[Kachina624]

Are these the shoes that have the negative heel height?  That is...the heel lower than the rest of the sole.  I know Earth makes those and there have been many complaints about them.  I tried a pair from HSN years ago and couldn't walk across the room in them.

[lolakimono]

@LonestarBabs

How many hours in a row have you been wearing them?  I know the on-air vendors for many brands will tell you to limit it to an hour or two until you get adjusted, be it Birkenstock, Alegria or Vionic.  

[Gram W]

I injured my back in an accident years ago but my surgeon and I decided not to do surgery because of the risks involved.  As long as I can walk with the pain I have chosen to do so.  In trying to find better shoes I have purchased Earth, Birkis, Bionic, Clark's, etc.  All very good shoes but the amount of arch support varies in all of them.  Even multiples in the same style differ.   I have found that I do have problems with my knees and back depending on the shoes of the day, the type of floor, the heel height.  I put an extra pair of shoes in the car in case I need to change.  I have checked with my specialist because I do have arthritis in my hands.  I see him regularly to monitor my meds.  As of April it had not gotten to my knees. I have always had a "high" arch per docs so I have worn shoes with proper support all my life.  I have often wondered if shoe makers have given up some control of quality trying to keep up with demand.  I do not need more shoes now so I will be shopping from my closet.   Liam from Bioniç tells us to try his shoes and return if they do not work.   I have to try with all brands.  I do put the Bioniç 3/4inserts in some shoes and boots and that has helped.  The full size insert was to much in my boots.  Good luck.

[jewel3]

I have had that situation before with Vionic but I stopped wearing them for awhile then began wearing them for shorter periods and everything improved immediately. I love the Earth shoes. I have neuropathy in my feet and hands from chemo and the Earth shoes are one brand that does not irritate the nerves in my feet. I am comfortable in them all day with no backache, hip pain, or foot pain. 
 

[CaryH]

I already have very bad back problems and I have 2 pairs of Earth brand sandals and I LOVE to wear them because they feel so good on my feet and definitely help much more than hurt my feet and back. I even have a high arch and they still feel good.

I'm really sorry that you are having pain with yours.

[LonestarBabs]

I've worn them periodically for longer duration to gradually "break in" the fit. I have a high arch and appreciated the arch support which I can definitely feel.

No, these are not negative heel like the old Earth shoes.

I have not worn them at all for 3 days now, and my back spasms are gone.

I had a collection of Birkenstocks I got rid of, per my podiatrist's suggestion, so since I've had good luck with Merrell shoes I'll check out their sandals.

Just so frustrating!

[RedTop]

I firmly believe in shoes being the culprit with back, hip, leg, and foot issues.   In the 4 years since my knee replacement surgery, I have gone thru shoes like you wouldn't believe, and I'm still trying to find shoes that are comfortable on my feet.   I absolutely cannot wear Easy Spirit, Skechers, Vionic, Merrell, and Clark shoes (all of the shoes I wore to work prior to my surgery, were older style Clarks with the accordion type heal).

The only shoes I can wear comfortably now, are Nike tennis shoes, Alegria thong sandals, and a new pair of David Tate sandals.   The problematic shoes have caused cramping in my feet and legs, shin splints, knee and hip pain.   My last pair of Skechers---and I do mean LAST pair---caused extreme tension in my knee, which is just now subsiding after 3 weeks.   

I have ordered 6 pair of shoes from Zappos in the last 3 months, and returned 5 of them.   

[LonestarBabs]

Well, my back is definitely feeling better since I stopped wearing the sandals. I am beyond the 30 day return period, so I guess I will donate them to charity. SIGH  Waste of money.