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Original poster

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

64 replies

Nux · 11/06/2015 09:53

I was told yesterday I have early arthritis in both hips. I'm only 40 Sad 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 Blush

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?

OP posts:
tethersend · 11/06/2015 20:05

Am hoping you're a size 3... These are amazing- squishy, moulded sole and very light. And reduced!

QOD · 11/06/2015 20:09

Same as didge I wear birkenstock and fit flop in the summer
Arthritic big toes, knee, back ... shoulder ... neck. ..

hettie · 11/06/2015 20:35

ooh tethers they look lovely

UseHerName · 11/06/2015 20:40

Pilkokonos are great Grin

UseHerName · 11/06/2015 20:40

With a strap

Original poster
Nux · 11/06/2015 20:48

Oh tether those are great and look a lot like a favourite pair of sandals I own... But I'm size 6 Sad

I'm making a Pinterest board called 'Sensible shoes that aren't too ugly' so I can capture all these suggestions Grin

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 11/06/2015 20:52

Sorry for the hijack, OP, but I just saw these for Tethers.
Tethers - please tell me you have them already. In my head, these should be yours!

Original poster
Nux · 11/06/2015 20:54

Pilkokonos? Gets no google results! Confused

OP posts:
DancingDinosaur · 11/06/2015 21:00

Riekers are quite good, theres loads of different types, some more bling than others.

Original poster
Nux · 11/06/2015 21:04

Look! Look at these ones! www.esskashoes.com/product/ink-flat-sandal-silver/

OP posts:
IdaBlankenship · 11/06/2015 21:53

Ha Nuk, I have a Pinterest board of not-too-ugly sensible shoes too!

tethersend · 11/06/2015 22:01

Remus, that is amazing- I have been dithering about buying those for AGES. They're fantastic, aren't they? Now I'm even more tempted...

Tizwailor · 11/06/2015 22:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Toffeelatteplease · 11/06/2015 23:05

Oh we need a link the the pinterest board. What a good idea

Leveret · 11/06/2015 23:24

I had arthritis in both hips and the best shoes I found were by Mephisto. It's not just the cushioned sole, but the way they are balanced, even the ones with a heel. It's possible to find nice ones in the mix of styles. You can get them cheaper online.
(I eventually had hip replacements after about 10 years. Wished I had done it earlier.)

Leveret · 11/06/2015 23:32

Eg. www.mephisto.com/collection/shoes/adelie.html?color=3940

Forgot to say they are pricey.
Footwear4you were the cheapest place I found to get them in the UK.

Jemster · 12/06/2015 09:19

Sorry to hijack but I just wanted to ask bigfatfeet about fitness as i have RA too.
My consultant says it's important to keep up fitness but I've never really figured out what sort of thing would be good for me. When you say strength training, what do you do, does this involve weights? I would love to improve my strength but have always been scared of damaging myself more. My RA is worst in my hands & back.
Also how often do you exercise? I find it difficult to find time as am either at work, at home with dc or asleep! Sorry again for hijack.

Jemster · 12/06/2015 09:53

I was thinking of getting birkenstocks but wasn't sure they provides much support especially as they look like they'd slip off easily. Are they comfortable?

stripytees · 12/06/2015 10:18

Jemster try the Gizeh style, they stay on really firmly and are comfortable. Best to try on in a shop as sizing runs big.

bigfatfeet · 12/06/2015 10:41

Hi Jemster - happy to talk about this as I have become one of those people who is positively evangelical about exercise (no one is more surprised about this than me).

Not long after I was diagnosed, I found a personal trainer and went through with him what my issues were and what I wanted to achieve. He did quite a bit of research on what kinds of exercise were suitable for people with arthritis: we started with pilates, which is great because it's low impact and really good for improving flexibility and then gradually added more things in. I now do quite a bit of stuff with weights, resistance stuff (like push ups) and have even started running, as well as keeping up with the pilates. He does push me, which I definitely need, but will also stop if I say something doesn't feel right and find an alternative way to achieve the same result. I honestly never believed I would be able to do any of this - I feel fitter and stronger than I ever have in my life and I definitely think that it's as important as my medication in keeping my RA under control.

I still see my trainer weekly and go to the gym in between but it's easier for me as I don't have kids. I think your best option if you can afford it is to try and do at least a couple of one-to-one sessions to get some guidance on what will work - a good PT will be able create a programme for you that you can do at home if time is an issue. There are also some good YouTube videos (like Fitness Blender) for pilates and low impact strength and resistance training which might be a good starting point to see what you're capable of.

Hope it goes well and feel free to PM me if there's anything else I can do to help.

Autumn2014 · 12/06/2015 10:50

has anyone suggested Hotter? lots of modern styles (as well as more traditional styles).

I suggest you request the brochure as they have lots of lovely photographs of models wearing them and it's much easier to imagine yourself wearing them, as the website doesn't do them justice.

Original poster
Nux · 12/06/2015 11:14

Leveret thank you for that Mephisto link, I've been having a happy noodle on their website and have found a few things that I like.

I'm genuinely surprised by all the responses, this is obviously a much more common issue than I'd realised. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom - I'm actually getting quite excited about buying something now, rather than being filled with dread!

Here is a link to my Pinterest board, obviously it's my taste so please don't judge me too harshly! I found all these brands via this thread Grin

uk.pinterest.com/molewife/sensible-shoes-that-arent-too-ugly/

OP posts:
Claxonia · 12/06/2015 13:54

I find Fitflops best. The Banda style is the least ugly one I think and it comes in silver.

Toffeelatteplease · 12/06/2015 16:59

love your board, fantastic idea

prorsum · 12/06/2015 17:10

I recently purchased a pair of fitflop ballerinas and they have saved me. Highly recommended. I was not impressed with their micro crystal sandals though. They have free returns so sending them back cost nothing.

I also have a pair of el naturlista shoes and am waiting on another. They do a wide range of shoes in lovely colours which might be suitable for you.