Finding the right shoes for chronic pain feels like a futile mission. Last week I was going somewhere I needed to dress up for. After I chose what dress I’d wear (the most comfortable one of course) it came time to pick out the shoes. I debated between vanity and comfort. I have some really cute heels I wanted to wear, or I could go with the safer option and wear some flat sandals. I went with the vanity option, which turned out to be a big mistake. I could only wish I had ignored shoes completely and worn slippers.
After this experience, I decided it was time to talk about chronic pain footwear. Here are some of my personal favorites:
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Teva Flip Flops
I live in a hot climate so I wear flip-flops year-round. For years I got away with wearing the cheap ones, but with the onset of chronic pain, I had to upgrade. Sure I could’ve made the switch to actual shoes, but no one wants to wear socks when it’s 95 degrees outside. These are my favorite flip flops because they have arch support. They also last forever. I’ve only bought two pairs and that’s because my first pair disappeared at the hospital when I had my gall bladder out. I was so upset about losing them that I ordered another pair as soon as I got home.
Sketchers
Sketchers tennis shoes are the most comfortable I’ve ever tried. Up until recently I had other brands because I’m cheap and don’t want to drop $50 on a shoe. After my last pair got destroyed thanks to Hurricane Harvey mucking out (and I gave away my backup pair to someone who flooded and had no shoes), I forced myself to go to the store. I tried on Sketchers first and after that I could barely stand to put other brands on my feet. I ended up buying this exact pair and I’ll never go away from Sketchers again. The memory foam really helps to reduce the pain levels in my legs.
When I win the lottery and can buy more shoes I want to give Sketchers like this a try for everyday wear:
Aerosoles
Aerosoles is another good brand that I’ve found to be generally comfortable. Their shoes also have memory foam so they’re easier on the feet. They do have some high heels and wedges that I don’t like, but their flats are very comfortable.
In case anyone is curious about Tieks ballet flats, I have tried those and I hated them. I had heard rave reviews so I saved up for them and I was very disappointed. They were $30 comfortable, not $200 comfortable. I ended up returning mine and buying Aerosoles instead for 1/4 of the price.
Reader recommendations for shoes with chronic pain
Here are a few of my reader’s favorite shoes:
Lems shoes
Lems shoes are designed to be flat, flexible, and fit the natural shape of the human foot.
Aldo Boots
I don’t buy a lot of boots because it’s too hot here, but Aldo has several different kinds of highly recommended boots. They have these gorgeously tall ones
Or these super cute ankle boots
Vionics
These were recommended by a reader and now I want to buy some for myself because they have lots of cute shoes. These sandals are super cute and come in lots of different colors.
Here are some adorable flats
Asics Running Shoes
Asics have a gel technology system to provide comfort, instead of memory foam. I’ve never personally tried them, but have heard from several people that they are comfortable.
Crocs
Yes, the original crocs are a bit unsightly, but they are so comfortable. Plus they have many non crocs looking crocs. These sandals look very comfortable.
No one would ever know these sandals were crocs, they look just like the fashionable flats that everyone wears these days.
Even though everyone is different and everybody likes different shoes, hopefully, this gave you some ideas. If you have a favorite comfortable shoe that is not listed I’d love for you to share it in the comments.
EEcco makes a great sports sandal, that has a super soft lining. They adjust at the heel strap as well as the two across the top of the foot. I find these great for those days where I can’t tolerate anything between my toes due to pain. They are expensive, but mine are 5 years old and don’t show any wear.
Most Sundays I am a minister at Mass. I always wear a dress and one of two low pumps I bought in Walmart. If I stop at the store on the way home, I can’t walk by the time I get there. I tried cutting the toes off some socks to protect my poor toes, but that isn’t a great solution. I don’t want to wear flats…any suggestions for a comfy dress shoe?
Try Hotter UK, their soles are so supportive, they have adjustable touch fastening straps, they have a choice of styles (many in extra wide) and they are so well made that they last for years.
My feet are horribly sensitive and the soles of the Hotter shoes and sandals I have so far invested in really help to protect them. Posture is helped as well.
The website is helpful – if you are needing a shoe which are comfortable as well as smart I think that they may be able to help you.
Best wishes,
Anne.