Fallen arches- bad knees Shoe/boot rec ?[SAD]

[bawabod]

Just found out my very painful knees are probably due to fallen arches in my feet if any of you lovely ladies have had the same issue any shoes or boot recommendations would be welcome. I have always worn fairly flat boots shoes ie Fly or Docs or fitflop sneakers. I am being referred to a podiatrist but thought I ought to try and get myself sorted while I wait for the appt to come through. I also dog walk a lot. Thank you in anticipation of all your help.

[RoyCroppersCricketBat]

Same here :) I wear Hotter walking boots but with an innersole that was prescribed by my podiatrist - I personally think it's the innersole that is the most important bit for me though. I do wear other brands of shoes and find that sizing up in size and width allow me to wear them with the innersole.

I think Hotter (if you can find a nice one!)Ecco (have some sandals from them and they are very good even without the innersole) and Reiker (Spelling ?) are suppose to be good.

Did find that when I first saw the NHS podiatrist she gave me some really thick innersoles that were too big to fit into any shoes so I had to keep going back until they had some specially made for me which were a lot thinner and have helped a lot......although because I still walk around bare foot at home I can still get knee ache :(

[phinz]

I would hold off buying new shoes until you've seen the podiatrist. I have fallen arches and sore knees but a combination of insoles and stretches from the physio has made them a lot better. The insoles are a pain to fit in most shoes though so it is a lot of trial and error to find the right ones.

I find that Dune and Bertie boots tend to fit well. Boots with a zip tend to work better because with pull-on boots you can push the insole out of place.

For work (NHS) I wear black sketcher trainers.

[Pandsbear]

I have hard insoles for collapsed arches (amongst other issues) and I can get them in my Fitflop sneakers and my Docs so depending on how much space you have they might still be ok. In terms of recommendations for shoes I think you are already wearing 'approved' brands. I found my insoles really helped with holding my feet in the correct position, it just takes a while. How soon is your appointment?

[bawabod]

Pandsbear only saw the doctor Friday so am being realistic that it could take a few weeks before I get an appointment through, I had only just submitted to the Ugg boot revelation and bought a pair of Gershwins in the sale but that may well be a no go now. But thank you so much all of you lovely ladies for your help, I just can't bare to do frumpy shoes but comfort has to win the day. I am also taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplement now so am attacking this on all fronts.

[PrivateBenjamin]

I have fallen arches too and my podiatrist was a bit rubbish really. She just gave me a sheet of mild exercises and some insoles then sent me on my way. After a few months of still having flat feet I did my own research and found that insoles can take between 5 and 10 years to correct your arches.

I've been doing these exercises (DM link if that bothers you) the past two weeks and I've really felt a difference. Apparently exercises can cure flat feet in a couple of months. My flat feet were caused by a broken leg and being laid up for a few months, and then wearing super flat shoes, so all my muscles weakened.

Good luck OP!

[IndigoBarbie]

Hi, you could try a line of shoes called Alegria, they come with a very very supportive insole (you can take it out for orthotics if required) and are very comfortable to walk in. There is a style called Paloma which has a rocker sole, very comfortable. The sizes run large, I am a UK7 and take a 39 in these. There are a few UK online stores one being www.cheerfulsoles.co.uk/brands/alegria-shoes.html

Admittedly these are hardly high fashion shoes, but for those of us that need comfort these make life bearable. HTH

[Selks]

I've just bought a pair of Clarks 'Funny Dream' shoes and they are the most comfortable shoes ever, great arch support and lovely air cushion soles. They also look smarter on than in the pics. I recommend them highly.

[bawabod]

Oh gosh ladies thank you for all this fabulous advice am going to look at all these links I would so love the exercises to correct this as the resulting knee pain can sometimes keep me awake, I am feeling old before my time. I have to say PrivateBenjamin I feel I am going to be to and fro with appointments and fittings for insoles that's why the cynic in me is trying to take some control ahead. But I don't want to be consigned to frumpy footwear !!!!

[bawabod]

indigoBarbie the panama jack boots look fab they are going into the basket

[Selks]

Also for more outdoor / casual wear Keen shoes and sandals are brilliant for problem feet, although can be a bit wide fitting.

[bawabod]

thank you Selks found a good website selling those gear for girls, some lovely styles

[Selks]

You can buy direct from the Keen website also - here

[Silverjohnleggedit]

Dd has flat feet cause by slack tendons and hypermobility, we had to pay for her to see a podiatrist because the NHS waiting list was 6 months! She had an orthotic made and got an exercise sheet which she has continued to follow religiously. We were told her feet can't be fixed but orthotics and exercises would prevent the situation from deteriorating and allow her to live pain free.

[CheersMedea]

I have always worn fairly flat boots shoes ie Fly or Docs or fitflop sneakers

I saw a podiatrist who told me that shoes like fitflops and those masai barefoot things should be avoided because of the way they make your foot move -something to with the bottom being basically unstable so if you over pronate it makes it worse. He said they are only really any good for people who have a totally normal standard gait/foot motion.

I've always found naturaliser and Sofft good and not too hideous. Sad fact is thought that the best option is basically supportive trainers like New Balance and Saucony. Which is no good if you need to go to work or be anywhere other than on a walk or the gym.