Possibly impossible shoe request!

[KittyLikesMagic]

I've just been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (OUCH) and told that my beloved DC skate trainers aren't helping at all, due to not being supportive. So I now need some new, supportive trainers that will look good with skinny and slim jeans. I was looking at skechers go walk, I have a pair that I wear in the summer with skirts/dresses and loose trousers, but I don't think they will look right with my skinnies.

I walk a lot, so they need to be hard wearing, waterproof would be an added bonus! The nurse said when hers is bad she wears high heels for work, but I've never been able to wear heels.

Does such a thing as cool but supportive footwear exist?! Please help!

I have this quite badly. The only show that truly helps is Birkenstock and now they do shoes and v nice boots too. I also have Sketchers shoe/boots which are very effective and look good with skinny jeans and jacket. They are a Matt grey and sort of disappear into the jeans. Wear Birkenstock sandals round the house from getting out of bed, never bare feet- they help enormously. Good luck you have my sympathy!

Thanks Paris I've just had a look at Birkenstock, they've got some really lovely boots! Bit out of my price range but maybe for Christmas...

Also thanks for the never barefoot tip. I never wear anything other than socks or slippers in the house and looking back, it's often worse when I haven't gone out so have been walking around in socks all day!

I have insoles from Boits (Orthaheel) for my PF - would that be an option? I wear them in my existing shoes etc

I feel for you. My teen DS has hypermobility in his legs and feet and as a result has to wear strong insoles as well as supportive footwear. He’s also very tall and skinny so lives in skinny jeans as they are the only thing to fit him - it’s a bloody nightmare!

We go around the shoe shops and twist the soles of shoes to see which ones bend and twist the least! It’s surprisingly hard to find decent ones!

I think it’s ASICS we’ve bought for him for school and if he’s not wearing those then he’s in his proper running trainers. (He does also have a pair of converse high tops but they are only for occasional wear when he needs to look a bit better than in his trainers!)

We have been told that the best thing is proper running shoes (which he has, but for running - not for regular wear) or walking boots - no thanks!

I think I saw an article online a while ago about the best options - let me see if I can find it again

I'm not sure if they're your kind of thing, but I've sold FitFlop footwear for years to people who have the same condition, and I've had fantastic feedback. They do quite a few different styles so there might be something that suits you... I'm not a rep btw, just a PT sales assistant for an indie clothes store!!

Sorry - I can’t find it again

Seven feet apart.

I can possibly get you a code for delivery / discount x

Get some of the scholl/ orthoheel inserts from boots and slip them into your vans.
I would also recommend some good stretching for the whole of the back of your body. I think my of was caused by tight hips and lower back, it was finally eradicated when I started doing yoga frequently. You'll find loads of videos on YouTube if you search yoga or stretching for plantar fasciitis.
Good luck, it really can get better, I've had no symptoms for a few years now, and it was really bad for a while.

Yes! I am getting mine for Christmas too! I use the previous year’s Birkenstocks as my winter house shoes. The difference in just socks is shocking-my lower back also goes weak and apparently it’s all connected so I’m very sure. Honestly, I should be sponsored by blinkin’ Birkenstock!!

They are not the most glamorous or stylish but when I had plantar fasciitis I found fit flops really helped. There are lots of shoe and boot ones now.

Sorrel footwear?

Not sketchers! I had a bout of plantar fasciitis after a day out wearing sketchers go walk (the first and only time I wore them for a long day walking about). They are soft and flexible but not supportive. The next day I put my birkinstocks on and it was instant relief. Fit flops are ok but not as supportive.

If you can't get birkinstocks for winter in your price range consider a good supportive insole inside a boot from somewhere like clarks or if you want trainers look at ones designed for hill walking as these will be supportive and waterproof. A good outdoor shop will have a fitting service, be knowledgeable about ranges and fits and carry good insoles too. Try Cotswold or a local independent.

Thanks so much for all your help lovely people, I'm off to have a look at insoles in Boots today! I do actually have a pair of Rocket Dog walking type boots that have a slight heel and are very firm, I might give those a go too.