Need orthotic friendly alternatives to fugly trainers - help!

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

I have a condition that causes me to have very unstable knees, that dislocate or sprain often. In order to partially manage this, I have orthotics (shaped insoles) that fit very well into the running shoes I have been medically advised to wear at all times. Don't get me wrong, I like trainers, and am mostly happy to wear them. However, I would also like to dress up sometimes, or look smart. I love a nice Chelsea boot, but can no longer seem to wear them. Has anyone else with orthotics/rubbish knees found alternatives? Other than a wheelchair paired with whatever the hell you want to put on your feet?

Have you looked at shuropody ?

Thry gave many of the German makes mentioned and their own brand. They range from frumpy to very nice indeed- my 16yr old is living in, and looking funky in a pair of their heeled ankle boots!

Sadly rules our Dr Martens 8 hole boots. All packed up to send back. not deep enough for my foot and the orthotic, even with the insole removed. Shame. Even DH said .. "ooh, those are nice!".

Not high fashion I know but I have been living in Fitflop shoes / boots since being diagnosed with a foot injury in August and wearing orthotics to help it. Can't really wear any of my normal shoes as its too painful without the insole and they don't fit with it, but Fitflops have been a godsend.

Allinafankle - oddly my physio today was specifically reminding me that fitflops/mbts or anything with an inverted heel would damage my knees, but thanks for the thought

Keen shoes have removable insoles and generous fittings, might be worth checking out.

My three kids have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and wear orthotics and orthopaedic boots. I have dodgy knees/feet and can only wear flats....I have Dr Martens Gayle Boots which are fantastically comfy, warm, sturdy and roomy enough for orthotics.

My kids (young teens) wear Nimco boots, they are great, supportive, well made, loads of styles, they have ones that looks like Dr Martens at the moment, but my girls had beautiful waterproofed suede with fur trim last winter.

They go up to adult sizes and also do an adult range, but they are a bit 'beige'! My kids get them prescribed by the NHS, but you can buy them privately too.

Nimco Catalogue