Ask Angie: Giving up Cons?

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cheryl

Veteran

I know you had a love of Cons but had to give up wearing them due to discomfort.

I love them and have a nice collection of Converse as well as non Converse shoes in that same style.

I was wondering why you had to give them up? My ankle has been bothering me a lot and I have been having some feet and leg pain when I am on my feet for a long period of time. I'm wondering if the lack of support in my favorite style of shoes has anything to do with it?

9 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from cheryl

April

Veteran

FWIW, I heard that Cons are coming out with (or perhaps already came out with) a classic looking Chuck Taylor that has some cushioning and support, as compared with the "standing on a cinderblock" sole we're all familiar with.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

April, I tried those improved comfort Chucks last year. Still too uncomfy for my feet.

Cheryl, I LOVE the look of Converse and it's a shame I can't wear them anymore. They are simply too hard for my feet all over - especially without socks. I've tried all sorts of insoles to make them work but alas - no luck. I have zero padding on my feet these days unfortunately. Greg still wears his Chucks daily!

You can try a supportive orthotic, which might help your ankles. I know you love your Cons so very much.

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I've never been able to wear cons. The soles are too hard and flat. Like Angie, I have zero padding on my soles, plus I have flat feet. Even adding Superfeet AND foam insoles doesn't really work for me because the sole itself is so flat and stiff.

I do have the converse hi-ness low wedges and those are ok with Superfeet as long as I'm not walking miles (my commute is ok) because the wedge mitigates the flatness somewhat. I always wear ankle socks with them. They're still a bit too hard though.

9 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

If you're having ankle pain, I wonder if your ankle is unstable while you walk. An insert with a good heel cup might stabilize it.

For a more extreme solution, you can pull out the original Converse insole (it's glued in, but not firmly) and replace it with something with more structure. Some Superfeet models are meant to go on top of the existing insole, but some models might be thick and padded enough to be a complete replacement. Try the orange or green versions, maybe. If there's an REI store near you they are good at helping you find the right Superfeet.

Superfeet are expensive but you can swap them around between all your different shoes, at least.

I've always worn my Converse with inserts, first with Dr Scholls sport insoles on top of the original insole and more recently with custom orthotics in place of the original insole.

9 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

I wear shoes like Cons, Vans, etc. with Birkenstock inserts. In fact, I put them in almost all my shoes and when trying on new shoes, I pop my inserts in to see if the shoes I'm thinking about will accommodate. I cannot wear any sort of "fashion" shoe with any kind of heel, however.

9 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Cheryl -- I had the same problem with Cons and Vans, and had to retire them for a while as they did not have good enough arch support. I was experiencing ankle pronation and frequent leg pain. I now have custom orthotics (from my podiatrist) and wear them with these types of shoes (pulling out the original insoles, as Greyscale suggests). You may not have to go the route of custom orthotics and should first try inserts that are available at retail… Dr. Scholls, Spenco, Superfeet, New Balance and other brands. Good luck!

9 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

Thank you everyone! I do love my Cons and will get some good inserts to try out and hopefully that will help!

9 years ago

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