Getting orthotics - shoe crisis

[MummaBubba123]

I love my fit flops, K&S ballet pump shoes, etc.
What on earth am I going to have to wear with orthotics?
Hayelp!

[valiumredhead]

I think they're probably ok for feet and ankles that aren't pinned together with plates and screws and are all wonky,I definitely need flats or I am unsteady. Me branching out to fit flops is a big step

[jjgirl]

I just bought the one pair to start with after reading tonnes of reviews and doing a lot of searching. They fitted perfectly and are like walking on cushions all day. Yes the soles are very thick but that is part of the orthotic design. It is ment to give your foot a rocker motion so the shoe does the walking not all the joints in your foot.

[LyonsDemesne]

Mine have arrived - DH is picking them up from the parcel motel on the way from work so will let you know tomorrow what I think and what I bought as I have forgot !

[valiumredhead]

How do you know about sizes etc though if you buy online, then you have the hassle of sending back? I just had a look on their website - too 'heely' for me unfortunately

[jjgirl]

Buy Dansko shoes from the US. They are best ready made orthotic shoes in the world, and they actually look nice. They are way more comfortable than anything else I have ever worn. I have some serious arthritis now and a professional job so can't compromise.

[valiumredhead]

I have the Shake, they will be my new walking shoes for the summer - when I say walking what I really mean is plodding along at the speed of a slightly arthritic snail

[magso]

I saw a Hotter shop in Windsor when we visited the castle. I don't have a Hotter shop near by but the Shake looks very comfortable. I use ( a small chain) as my proper shoe shopand also a wonderful independent, perhaps you have one of those near you MummaBubba? It is much better to try shoes with your orthotics.

[valiumredhead]

Definitely worth going to a shop even if you have to travel a bit, their sizing off very generous! I'm a 7.5-8 in clarks but only a 6.5 in hotter.

[valiumredhead]

They're are loads of shops, of you look on their website there I'd s big list of them, hope there's one near you. I woke up this morning with no leg pain I'm sure it's from wearing my new shoes. They are soooooooo comfy

[MummaBubba123]

Valuymredhead - pleeeease tell me where the Hotter shop is!

[valiumredhead]

So this morning I went to Hotters -omg I will never buy from another shop again! They were fantastic, just like a proper old fashioned shoe shop where they look after you properly and help you. The chairs are huge and comfy, lighting not harsh and nothing is too much trouble for them. You can easily take insoles in with you and try them with the shoes, no one would bat an eyelid!

I bought 3 pairs as they had a 3 for 2 offer on. Shoes aren't cheap but they are SO comfy and actually only about a tenner more than Clarks, and Clarks don't fit me that well. The removable insoles are padded and so it's like walking on air!

I have always hankered after a pair of Fitflops but my foot is a funny shape after a terrible break so the straps have always been too tight. The Hotter's version have a velcro adjustable strap so are fine!!! I nearly clapped my hands and squealed

I got a pair of ballet flats, that are all padded and with arch supports etc and also a pair of walking shoes - the Shake Mary Jane's mentioned up thread.

Im already planning my winter boots

[MummaBubba123]

MBTs like this any good?
Check this out on AMZN: MBT Tunisha Womens Fitness Trainers / Shoes - Cork - SIZE UK 7
amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041LWU16?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
Really like them.

[MummaBubba123]

Thank you! Going in for a google/ Amazon search. I may be some time.

[JustGiveMeFiveMinutes]

Try a company called Klaiveness, or if you want bespoke shoes, James Taylor shoes in London.

[valiumredhead]

Oops I mean surround link with link but without the spaces or you make a link like I just did

[valiumredhead]

Links are easy-highlight the address at the top and 'copy' then paste the link wherever you want it and surround the link either end with //link

[magso]

I tried to do some links but failed (the links are very long to type out I don't know how else to do links) Try looking on Amazon and searching Think! Aha. Aida or Luna for low heeled shoes. I have a plainer version of the Aha in browny grey for work. I also have an older sling back style (more delicate than the Aida) which kind of works although my orthotics just sit higher than the leather covering. The insole are thicker than in most shoes and lift out.
<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Think-0-80246-86-Womens-Sling-Multicoloured/dp/B00c62WQXY?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/Think-0-80246-86-Womens-Sling-Multicoloured/dp/B00c62WQXY?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Pumps-Womens-marine-kombi?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">/dpB009ZLO1C/ref=sr12?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1371023430&sr=1-2&key

[MummaBubba123]

Magso, could you possibly whop some links down for me as I've no clue where to find Hotter, etc.
these look suitable, ladies:
www.clarks.co.uk/p/20351146
Barking up wrong tree?

[MummaBubba123]

Princessnumber2, you made me laugh! Much needed as I am feeling like sobbing at the (no offence) dull and dreary shoes that might suit orthotics.

[Betty5313]

hi, I am usually a 6 and that is the size I take in Hotter. I do find them wide, but generally they are a better fit on me than Clarke's, I have very shallow feet and Clarkes are always boats on me. Shame, because they have some lovely brogues....

[Pandsbear]

Ooh that is a good idea magso I had not thought of covering the orthotics. I will try thanks!

[magso]

Pandsbear can you cover your orthotics -with those little sockets if stretchy enough or feet from old tights? I do this sometimes when the bare foot look better but I need to have fabric between the orthotic and my feet. It can however make the orthotic slippery. I presume long socks do not help Valium? I have trouble with sock elastic but found the ultra comfort type works along with alternating lengths - but they tend to fall down (I have skinny legs) which can be annoying.
The shoe brands that work for me (thickish orthotics at the heel and instep) are Think! (usually have a thick removable insole and deep heelcup - quirky styles, some with mid Spanish dance style heels and other Austrian comfort brands), some Clarks (larger size) with either mary janes with adjustable strap, elastic or lace (to get extra height over the instep) or lace ups., some of the wider fit comfort brands such as Hotter and M&S footglove. Gladiator style sandals with a back (Ecco did a lovely one last year that half hides my orthotics) sometimes work with shallow or cobra orthotics. I have some earth sandals for occasional use without orthotics which keep my weight on the back of my foot (away from my bunions), but might be completely wrong for other feet difficulties. Delicate, strappy or pretty is a thing of the past.

[valiumredhead]

Hotters come up HUGE so expect to go down a size in length and width and still have room for insoles.

[LyonsDemesne]

Betty did you have to take a bigger size in the Hotties ?

[valiumredhead]

I have the opposite problem,I can't wear socks as the tops dig into my scars where I have metal work. Sigh...