Good footwear for hypermobility

[LefttoherownDevizes]

I am awaiting surgery to repair my ankle after taking last year save testing the ligaments. I saw the specialist this week who was horrified how lax my ligaments are and confirmed my hypermobility.

I am finding my feet are getting so sore when I walk and stand for any length of time. I suspect due to their flatness, so think a pair of shoes with a good supportive arch would help. I went the other way and bought some Skechers, which are comfy but leave me in a lot of pain due to lack of support.

Anyone have any good suggestions for shoes (for very wide hooves feet) with a supportive arch and footbed?

Thanks

Skechers do have some shoes with an arch support, another alternative is to kee the skechers and look for an insert or insole just for the arch.

Vionics, Dr Martens, kickers

I went to see a podiatrist who specialises in hypermobility, for orthotics to be made. You still have to find shoes that they fit in, though, which isn't always easy!

Skechers were some of the worst, though, as the memory foam was so soft that it didn't provide any support or balance. On the other hand, things that are too rigid can also be a problem, as hypermobile people can have skin that blisters easily, and anything that is firm can rub.

I have found Ecco, Gabor, and Hotter helpful, if not beautiful. Trainers as well.

Fit flop is the only brand I wear often without orthodics. Beautiful footwear is a thing of the past. Skechers make my feet hurt. No flat shoes you need a slight heel and arch. I’ve got hyper mobility and arthritis also impacts my feet

Have you thought about getting some insoles made? DD has them made for her by a podiatrist (I can recommend someone in north London if that helps) they have done wonders for her hyper mobility.

Otherwise vionics and Ecco are good brands for supportive footwear.

I have hypermobility - Skechers were the worst as they were too soft - the memory foam gave no arch support and also caused my joints to wobble sideways

The best I have used are Ecco and Hotter (although not always pretty) - in recent years I have pretty much lived in Hotter's Mist walking shoe

Wow thank you, summer is so much easier as I learnt long ago walking sandals are really the only ones I can wear for any length of time.

I am very sensitive to shoes rubbing, I get awful eczema in my feet if shoes are stiff and rub which drives me nuts and doesn't shift. Didn't realise it could be related.

Just need to get out to shops and try some shoes on

I don't know about eczema particularly, but certainly fragile skin generally can be a symptom of hypermobility - comes from the same problems with collagen that can affect joints. So it could be related. In me, it's definitely easily blistering skin, slow healing etc., sometimes easy bruising.

It would be worth getting some insoles, rather than just trying on lots of different brands, as you can't always tell to start with. I have wasted fortunes on shoes that felt comfortable to start with, but were not as soon as I walked for any distance. Even with insoles, I still get pain and blisters, but it is better.

It's a good idea to get a specialist in hypermobility who understands the sort of support that you need, and that it's not just about comfort to start with - the soft, comfortable shoes might not be what you need, and good insoles/orthotics that support you feet properly can help. There are various orthotics specialists/podiatrists who are good in that area. I went to one who works in Surrey/London.

@MintMocha ooh I'm Croydon and my folks are Richmond so would be perfect for me, would you mind sharing their details?

Thank you

Yes, it's called The Gait Lab, and the specialist I saw is called Sophie Roberts, who also works at the Hypermobility Unit

Thank you