Help Me! Been told I have arthritis, help me find some sandals that aren't ugly?

[Nux]

I was told yesterday I have early arthritis in both hips. I'm only 40 and I walk a lot (not in a hiking way, in a means-of-transport way). I've been told that shoes with a lot of impact absorption will really help, as my joints won't jar as I walk. I'm currently wearing silver ballerinas that I can feel the floor through

I want sandals for the hot weather. I'm a bit obsessed with silver shoes. I had a little google yesterday and was faced with some staggeringly ugly shoes. I have no idea where to start looking for something that is both pretty and properly impact absorbing. Do any of you lovely ladies know?

[Twistedheartache]

I don't know about impact absorption but I have Earth Spirit sandals which are so comfy they are like walking on pillows & some of the range are fugly but mine are v atalan and lovely. Not sure if they do silver though

[Nux]

Thank you - I'll have a look.

[Toffeelatteplease]

Have they suggested insoles? are they looking to provide insoles through the nhs?

[Laquila]

I'd second Earth Spirit - they're not what you'd call chic but they're ridiculous comfy. I also have some M&S Footglove sandals that are just as cushioned. I'm 82, you know. Ok I'm 33, but I felt 82 making both of those recs...

[Nux]

The consultant mentioned insoles and I thought that would be a good idea - does anyone know of any good ones?

I've just been looking at the Earth Spirit stuff and there are some that I don't hate... and they definitely sound like the right kind of thing... I will have a look at foot glove too.

Waaa! It must be possible! Maybe I just need to get over myself but I was hoping... any further recommendations would be welcomed!

[Cocolepew]

I find sandals with a slight wedge heel helps, or Birkinstocks.

[Bumpedbonce]

I recently had to start buying supportive sensible shoes, what about these m.shopeu.ecco.com/uk/en/ecco/flash_10209653/10209654?navId=190&group=listing

[Toffeelatteplease]

Can I suggest before shoe shopping you double check what kind of insoles specificially you need, or whether there is the intention to refer you on to physio or podiatry to provide.

The insole will affect which shoes you pick. Not all sandals can take an insole, you are looking for specific features that make it easier like a closed back, but mainly sometimes when you try on you can get a surprise hit. It may also may alter the size (DS sizes up to accommodate the insole). The sole however is less import because essentially you are providing that through the insole.

So that leaves you in the position of if it is a long wait for physio or podiatry to provide you may want to by a quality shoe with a decent supportive sole for the time being. However if it is something you can purchase straight off, you are going to want to take the new insoles shopping with you, especially if you are a first time insole wearer

[Nux]

Hi Toffee, you sound like an expert! I have been referred to physio but it's a long wait (6-8 weeks for an appt) and I was hoping to do something quick in the meantime to help. I have a friend who is training as a podiatrist and I've asked her advice on insoles. I was really looking for a quick fix to wear in my existing shoes and to find a better shoe for the time being as I walk so much.

[TongueBiter]

I finally got orthotics for my sensible lace-ups - just as the lovely weather started.

I find Hotter not too bad - some are downright fugly, but I'm wearing white Leeward sandals that aren't too dire. Comfy soles too.

[MamaLazarou]

Hi OP, a fellow early-onset arthritis sufferer here!

I find orthotics very beneficial, so maybe look for removable insoles that you can slip orthotics under. This will make your instep slightly higher so you might want to go a bit wider in the fitting.

Orthotics stabilise the knees which in turn stabilise the hip movement, they're really good.

Avoid anything completely flat, like flip flops or pumps.

BTW, weight training and pilates have been brilliant at manging my arthritis. I am 40 and my pain and mobility have stayed pretty much the same since I was diagnosed 8 years ago.

Do come back and share any great finds, won't you?

[LMGTFY]

I know they are not everyone's thing but I recommend fitflops, the difference they make to my back is incredible. I also have insoles from footlocker that have a gel heel that help reduce impact.

[Toffeelatteplease]

Not on arthritis, bow to others on what's best for arthritis. but DS has mobility issues which are assisted greatly through insoles and supportive shoes. I have spent a stupid amount of time investigating supportive shoes and what makes a supportive shoe

Could be a while before you get proper insoles so yes I would get something in the meantime. I would be tempted to ask your podiatrist friend how much it would cost for her to sort you out in the meantime. You will never regret having two pairs

[IdaBlankenship]

I have advanced arthritis in my knee and ankle and I despair over the shoes that I have to wear. I have orthotics but can only wear them with closed shoes, so in this hot weather I am not wearing them.
I am currently wearing these by Heavenly Feet, and they are really comfy
I feel your pain over the sheer ugliness of most styles of "orthaepedic" shoes.

[wonkylegs]

I've had RA for 17yrs since I was in my late teens and shoes have been the bane of my life.
Ballet flats are generally a big no no, on the few occasions I've worn them I've regretted it for the next week as my feet, knees & hips complain.
They are just too flat, an exception to this are a pair from M&S foot glove range which have a cushioned sole and a very slight wedge heel.
I have a comfortable pair of sandles from clarks and another from hotter but it's a bit hit and miss.
I find I can't wear my orthotics in a lot of shoes and I sometimes have to give in and wear my trainers (I got them fitted so they support my crappy arches) but with trial and error I have a few nice pairs of shoes/sandles that generally work well.
I find I can't wear completely flat shoes, a slight heel or wedge are the best and it was suggested to not go bare foot too much and that does seem to help.

[OvertiredandConfused]

I have knee and hip problems and walk from the station to my office and back each day (just under half an hour each way). I have found these really good.

Not glamorous but much better on than the picture suggests. I change at the office into heels or ballet flats but these have made a big difference to my daily walking. Added bonus is they can get wet (beach and rain)!

[gonegrey56]

Fellow sufferer here - try Ecco sandals , blissfully comfortable and supportive and not all the styles are dire. Search their websites . Pricy but long wearing and very well
made . Often cheaper if you buy 2 pairs.
I know how you must be feeling - rotten, isn't it, but I have adjusted my life to cope with it and physio helped . Good luck .

[DidgeDoolittle]

I have arthritis in my feet. I wear Birkenstocks in the summer. I also have some sandals from Landsend that have a squishy padded sole.
In the winter I wear sketchers Go Walk, fitflop lace ups or Doc Martens. I have a fantastic pair of black velvet DMs. Gabor can be good too.

[bigfatfeet]

I also have RA which affects most joints and in the three years since diagnosis am firmly in sensible shoe territory.

I wear trainers most of the time, but when it's too hot I go for Birkenstocks (get the ones with two straps so you don't have to scrunch your feet up to hold them on) and have recently bought these (sorry for massive link):

www.asos.com/Toms/TOMS-Silver-Woven-2-Part-Flat-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4884800&istCompanyId=6f061ed0-7427-4b6c-bb90-987c0bd08468&istItemId=rwwxqipma&istBid=tztx&affid=14173&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=18283950120&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.18283950120&network=g&mobile=&search=1&content=&creative=53497669341&ptid=18283950120&adposition=1o3&r=2&mk=ab&gclid=CjwKEAjw4-SrBRDP483GvreDr2ASJAD5sCIuiXeKfLoS3B9CCTE3-ODw11lhApCDXHwTGsoFUBMflxoCUXLw_wcB

You couldn't walk miles and miles in them, but they're comfortable enough, not completely flat and I think they look quite nice.

[EthelCardew]

I haven't been diagnosed with anything but get horribly painful feet after wearing ballet flats and other thin shoes that I need to wear running shoes for a week and was once completely laid up for ages with a massively swollen and purple foot just because of the impact of daily activity in bad shoes.

I have some Earth Spirit boots that are really comfy and Sketchers trainers also (GoWalk2 are amazing). But I'm still on the hunt for a really comfy and attractive sandal.

I'll be looking up all these suggestions!

[Hoppinggreen]

Fit flops

[Nux]

Ooh bigfatfeet I like those sandals! And they're silver! I love you! And thank you everyone, it's really nice just hearing from other people who've also got diagnoses. I cried most of yesterday as I was so disappointed that instead of getting 'fixed' as I'd thought I'm basically in for a lifetime of pain management and reduced mobility. So I drank wine and ate chocolate and this morning decided to get over myself and use all this useful new information to improve my situation. I'm going to look for a Pilates class and am meeting my podiatrist friend for assessment and exercise advice. I was sure the good ladies of Mumsnet would help me find some bearable sensible shoes and I was right. thank you!

[hettie]

when i was recovering from spd (not the same thing of course- but the slightest of jarring was agony) I bought some mephisto sandals. They have air technology in them for shock aborbancy, and look a bit like a birkenstock..
see here and a different style here. They are very very comfy, I can walk all day in mine and have dtiched the now (in comparison) uncomfy berkies. Only thing as good on my feet is my Nike air's...

[bigfatfeet]

In the colder weather, I really would try and wear decent trainers as much as possible when you're walking around as it will make a massive difference to your comfort and pain levels. I have loads of pairs as they're pretty much all I wear now, including silver ones!

Don't be downhearted - I took up pilates and strength training after my diagnosis and am probably the fittest I've ever been.

[Nux]

Back at my computer now rather than on the phone and have now had a chance to look at all the links you've sent - thank you. The ecco ones are really nice too BumpedBonce and you've all given me lots of good ideas for good brands to get "proper" shoes from - Earth Spirit seems very popular so I'm definitely going to see if I can get something from them.

Didge - I lived in DMs as a teenager and have been toying with the idea of getting some again for a while but worrying that I'm too old. One thing I said to my husband yesterday was that at least now I have a perfect excuse to buy some Docs and not worry about it!