Am I forever confined to ugly shoes 😢

[gemandjule]

I have developed Achilles tendinitis. I know exactly what triggered it, running hilly 5ks during lockdown when I was confined to roads near my house. Anyway it’s still very bothersome and my foot is very painful at the end of the day so I’m spending my evenings resting it on an ice pack 😡. I decided to look at shoes that might offer support to ease the symptoms and this is what’s come up 😲. I’m really not keen but have to be able to walk. Anyone have any suggestions? Casual is fine.... just not spectacularly ugly

www.healthyfeetstore.com/conditions-achilles-tendonitis.html#/?Catalogncondition=Achilles+Tendonitis&Cataloggender=Women&Catalognsize=6&search_return=all&Catalognstyle=Casual

I feel your pain. I have it too and I have a job where I am on my feet all day. Sometimes it's so painful it takes my breath away. I've recently bought a pair of Clarks Hero Brougues (misleading name they are actually sporty shoes) and they are very comfortable. Not pain free though I am afraid.

Have a look at Fitflop. Not sure if they are suitable for what you need, but they are the comfiest, most supportive shoes EVER

Those hero brogues are definitely significantly less ugly. There is hope. Off to look at fit flops

At 23 I had to start wearing orthotics custom made for me because of a similar problem and they only fit in trainers and shoes that you have there. I literally wore trainers to weddings etc as otherwise couldn't go. After 3 years of wearing the shoes every day it improved to the point that now several years on I can still go a few days pain free in regular but wide fitting shoes until I need my special shoes to correct me again. I really hope you are the same OP. It might be short term and honestly now having to wear them twice a week feels like no big deal at all.

Birkenstock's do insoles to go in regular shoes, they also do a range of actual shoes that are less open than regular sandal birks.

I don't have the same thing but have EDS so need the moulded support that birks have, I live in them.

@Flittingaboutagain 😲. I’m traumatised on your behalf. Years 😲😲😲. I was hoping a few more weeks of good footwear, rest, ice, heel raises etc would sort it out.
I’m 54 and resigned myself to abandoning running but love walking and hiking also and was looking forward to walking holidays aplenty now that my kids have grown up 😢😢

Oh no I'm sorry. I thought you realised from forever in your title that sometimes the damage/injury is long term or flares up in future. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and it'll be mild and over soon!

Look for Vionics with Orthoheel. Life changing for me

No idea on shoes but I get tendonitis, occasionally in my shoulder but mainly in my wrist. Most people get it and it clears up and that's it. Other people like me get it on a recurring basis. Hopefully you're on of th first group and you won't be stuck in them for ever.

Joya shoes are amazing. They have a really cushioned base. Its like walking on a cloud. Not cheap but great for achilles tendonitis and plantarfascitis

Ambulatory wheelchair user here; had to give up on conventional "pretty" shoes early on in the game, and I swear by ECCO. They have a really good range.

I feel your pain, nasty accident and several surgeries followed by a custom orthotic and my life is about - well - trainers. I can wear fly boots for a couple of hours, and in the summer, ditto the fitflop lulu sandal with a back strap, and that’s about it. If it can’t be worn with a trainer, I can’t wear it. I have always got gritted teeth when people talk about dress codes and ‘professional’ shoes. My brain resides in my head, not my foot. Sorry, I hijacked your thread for a little rant there 😂. I’m just glad trainers now come in so many styles and fabrics these days. 20 years ago I was really screwed!

I get it too and for me daily yoga practice with plenty of standing on one leg poses works wonders. I find wearing a variety of shoes helps, it is if the tendon gets left in one position too long it hurts. For me sitting on the sofa in the evenings means my tendons really ache and I can hardly walk when I get up, need to keep moving.

Hey @gemandjule! I'm a little late to the party, but I would also recommend burkenstock if you still were struggling with shoes. Here is a great article on some supportive brands specifically when your struggling with Achilles Tendonitis:

www.clickphysiotherapy.com.au/the-best-shoes-for-achilles-tendonitis/

Agree with pp with echo. They can deffo pass for the more sensible end of normal shoes. Also Clark’s.
Alternatively you could by the proper medical ones to wear at home (as you would slippers) especially if you work from home etc.
I’m a nanny and I used to wear MBT sandals in the house as slippers

I also have this and have been under the care of a podiatrist (or was, until lockdown). I have done all the stretches as advised, worn the ugly shoes as advised and it is better but not totally gone. It really seizes up when I've been sitting, and every morning takes me a while to get going. It's not plantar fasciitis, it's definitely my achilles. I have been told to wear firm, fitted shoes with laces - avoid any sort of flipflops (even fitflops or birkenstocks) and soft trainers like skechers. Also wellies as they rub on the achilles. So brogues and leather trainers are actually ideal. I also have some arch support insoles which help, I overpronate on that side which puts stress on the achilles. I can now wear my "fashion" shoes for short periods but for work I'm afraid it is trainers all the way (I dress casually for work but am on my feet all day). Good luck it's a horrible painful condition but it can get easier with time and patience.