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My feet hurt

shiny

Veteran

Hi all hope you are doing fine! I've not been posting or checking the forum much because I'm on a shopping moratorium while finances recover from our recent renovation.

But, I'm desperate for new shoes!!! So I seek your help and guidance.

I've mentioned before that I was dx'ed with a B12 deficiency, apparently of long standing (at least 10 years). And that by the time they figured it all out, I had suffered nerve damage in my feet, which they thought (after a year of treatment) may be permanent. Basically I'd been walking around in shoes that didn't fit, blissfully not knowing they didn't fit at all.

Well... apparently the nerve damage is not permanent, as in the past few months it seems my nerves have healed and now 75% of my shoes HURT to wear!!! I realize now I was wearing the wrong size, or just couldn't feel the pinching with pointy toed shoes, and now I can. And, just, ugh. Most of my favorite standbys... can't even wear them longer than 5 minutes...

I don't necessarily need orthopedic / arch support type shoes, or even shoes that require insoles. I do need to size up 1/2 size for sure, and maybe I might need a wide width, or wider normal width, especially around the toe box area.

Most importantly perhaps is shoes that have a cushiony sole as I need some cushioning for my tender recovering feet. Have been living lately in wedge heel Arche booties that have lots of cushioning for tender newly regenerating nerves. This summer I lived in those sandals made with yoga mat soles, and that was perfect too.

Anyone else have this or similar (maybe it's similar to diabetic neuropathy?) and can give me some stylish recommendations?

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from April

JAileen

Veteran

Sore feet are the worst. You might want to look at this website:

https://www.barkingdogshoes.com

They're all about comfortable shoes, and you can search by foot condition.

amiable

Veteran

I'd also recommend checking out http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/

shiny

Veteran

Thanks! I'd forgotten about that site! I had plantars fasciitis years ago.

They don't have my condition listed though. But I will poke around.

It's just weird... even bare feet are uncomfortable right now. Like walking on pins and needles, and I can feel everything, too much. Keep hoping this is temporary and they'll toughen up, but it's been 9 months!

Joy

Veteran

Shiny, good to see you here and, oh, your poor feet. I've not reached diabetic neuropathy yet, but try to check my feet daily. Fashion sneakers or oxfords may be something to try because the laces make them sort of adjustable and they usually are or can be padded. It may help not to wear the same shoes 2 days in a row. I hope you heal quickly.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like you need Uggs for a while! Foot pain is just the pits. No advice, but sympathy.

shiny

Veteran

Actually I suppose it's like having diabetic neuropathy, but your nerves recover? Slowly recover. Like I got frost bite and I'm now warming up again.

These are the boots I've been living in -- Arche Larazos:

http://nord.imgix.net/Zoom/7/_.....38;trimcol

I have other Arche booties but they are flat don't have the cushioning sole, and also are a 1/2 size smaller. They suck right now. But these work great, all that spongey springy cushioning between me and the ground... Also soft around the ankles ...as the nerve damage was in a "stocking and glove" pattern -- though my hands luckily weren't so bad... I was getting pins and needles constantly, but still had feeling, at least! No idea when I lost feeling in my feet, and how long it had been, though my shoe collection may have some hints.

I guess maybe I need to prioritize the replacement project: I know I need some pumps for work. Right now I only have one pair of pumps that I can wear. They are size 6, but round toe. I am not sure why they work and others don't.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I would try Fly London, Gentle Soles or Naot. Something with plenty of room in the toe box and plenty of cushioning!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Often, the way weight is distributed by the angle of the heel makes a huge difference! You will just have to try a bunch on... no way around it.

deb

Veteran

I would try ordering a few pair from Zappos to try on. They have free shipping both ways.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I am sorry to hear this and I don't have any shoe recommendations, but I just want to chime in by saying that nerve damage takes a lot of time to recover. My husband had this surgery for an injury in his hand, and it took him a very long time to feel normal, and even then he would still sometimes jump like he'd been pricked with a pin. The sensation twas very much similar to yours from what he explained, like his hand had fallen asleep and now was slowly recovering with constant pins and needles.
So take care of yourself, and be patient! Best of luck!

Jules

Veteran

One of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've bought in recent memory, maybe of all time, was by Spring Step (the Galil bootie). I can't wear most pointy-toed shoes, I think either my toe box is too wide or my pain tolerance too low, but these have a comfortable almond toe that works well under boot cuts and flares. They also feel very soft and padded all around - even the leather is just very soft. I was slightly worried when I got them that the plushy lining would make them too hot for fall/transitional weather but didn't find that to be an issue.
Both the Galil and the Stockholm get rave reviews for comfort on their site. If only the brand's styling was a bit more current in general...

https://www.springstepshoes.co.....pring-step

Style Fan

Veteran

I am sorry you are experiencing this. I have several foot problems one of which is nerve damage. I have spent a fortune on footwear looking for shoes that are comfortable. I need good support because of my many issues so what works for me may not be great for you.
Because my feet swell up and get inflamed sometimes I can't stand shoes that are touching my feet. They get that sensitive. I like my shoes roomy. My feet are normal width but I go for shoes that are on the wider side to accommodate my sensitivity.
I did try Fly London. I love the way they look but they were not comfortable for me. Very sad. They have some great styles.
I wear the following:
El Naturalista - Spanish make - my absolute favourite.
Trippen - German
Finn Comfort - German - probably for the support and not great for you
Fryes

I find changing my footwear helps. I never wear the same shoes 2 days in a row. I read this on several podiatrists' wedsites and it does help me.

View Info

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Finn Comfort Gomera - 82562

View Info

Top Pick

5

El Naturalista Yggdrasil N158

View Info

Top Pick

5

Frye 'Harness 12R' Boot

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Top Pick

5

Bijou

Veteran

Two shoe brands that I have found comfortable (and similar to Arche) are Munro and Ecco. I am glad to hear that your feet are recovering, but how awful that most of your current shoes are not able to be worn.

Glory

Veteran

I am sorry to hear it! I think there are quite a few to pick from but it will be some trial and error. I also like Ecco, some Clarks and perhaps Cobb Hill.
I also feel for having to replace all of your shoes. My feet grew a half size about two years ago so I can relate. I am still hanging on to a few pairs of prized boots and shoes, that will never fit. Sigh.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Such a pain! (Literally). I'm so sorry. But also glad you found what was going on and can address it.

I am with Jeneva -- the only way to find out is to try many pairs and brands on and in different sizes. Frustrating and time consuming but worth it.

Thirkellgirl

Veteran

These aren't high-fashion shoes (but neither are they high-cost) but I have had good luck with Vionics and also (this is almost embarrassing to admit, but they're very comfortable) some Skechers loafers. They're well-padded with memory foam, and soft. Also, if I had any more difficulty with my feet I would just bite the bullet and buy the cushiest Uggs I could find.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Clarks may be worth a try, hopefully, this is a temporary issue because it sounds no fun at all.

SandyG

Veteran

It's so interesting about the B-12 vitamin deficiency and your foot problems, as I didn't know anything about it. My feet have nerve pain from an accident several years ago, and I've searched and tried dozens of shoes to find relief. Most left me in tears, so you'll have to persist until you find a few that work. My casual and boot-favorites are shoes with rocker soles. It distributes the weight and supports the volume of my feet better than flat soles, which lessons the pain.

I have to share what also helped me -- an truly innovative physical therapy class connected with a top university, where we did (relatively) high intensity interval training for several circuits, 3 x a week, to increase endorphins and mitigate the brain chatter associated with people in pain. Think 'Crossfit' for people of all ages with handicaps, in surgical recovery, or chronic pain patients The physical therapy reduced my nerve pain to manageable levels and took me from despair to pride.

DonnaF

Veteran

So sorry about your feet. I know you have all those lovely (and fairly expensive!) Camper shoes.

I know they're ugly as SIN, but I wear classic style Crocs (well, actually a cheap knock-off handed down to me from my mom -- so maybe even worse!) around the house. The soles are soft but supportive, and the top part doesn't pinch, much less touch, anywhere. They give my feet relief from any type of street shoe. I notice from the Zappos web site that you can now get Crocs in various patterns. Sadly, the trick with Crocs and any other shoe that only comes in whole sizes is that you, Goldilocks, have found Baby Bear's shoes.

Soft Spots and Soft Walk shoes have cushioned soles and come in wide sizes, at least on some web sites. For my fussy feet that have lost their padding, I have found that how my body weight is distributed in the shoe can make a greater difference. I also often wear a half sole cushy arch support for added support and to take up room in the back of my shoe since my foot is wide only at the front.

Best wishes in your search.

Anonymous

The Vitamin B12 deficiency and symptoms don't surprise me at all. My mother suffered from that, and had to go to the doctor frequently for vitamin B12 shots. I hope you find footwear that bring you relief! I don't know what to suggest for your specific condition, but my fussy feet love Dansko and Alegria more than any other brand; they need the arch support. Hope this helps.

JAileen

Veteran

DonnaF: Please be careful wearing crocs inside!! A friend of mine slipped on some water on the floor and wrecked her knee very badly. She was on crutches for months.

Elle

Veteran

I would recommend trying Fly London, El Naturalista, and Archopedico. You will probably have to try on a bunch of different brands & sizes to see which are best for your feet. (sigh). Nice to hear that you are recovering.

I don't know where you live but I've had good luck going to a Walk Shop store.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Check out Cole Haan's Studio Grand line for post snowy weather.

April

Veteran

Hey Shiny -- great to see you!

I also have nerve damage in my feet. No pointy-toed shoes, no narrow toe boxes, no heels, no hard-soles, no walking barefoot across our wooden floors. Doesn't leave a lot of options, does it?

Thank goodness we live in an era when flat booties are abundant, when sneakers as fashion are a trend, and when the four-inch heel is finally, finally, sharing the spotlight with more woman-friendly dressy styles.

Sadly, the reality is that many of the styles you will encounter that will accommodate your current issues will either have a sister-wife vibe, or will resemble European house slippers or gardening clogs.

If you find stylish, dressy, elegant shoes that you can wear in true comfort, 911 that information to us, okay?

Traci

Veteran

From the looks of your boots that are currently working, the Fly Londons may be a hit for you. I just bought my first pair for a steal off Amazon; they arrive today.

It's hit or miss, but Dansko, Keen and Earth tend towards more toe room. They all tend to feature a clunkier look, but have some options that look a little more refined.

My daughter suffers from neuropathy in her feet as well. Have you met with a PT or OT about the issue yet? Some of our best tips for dealing with the neuropathy came from a PT we saw in the hospital once. It's counter intuitive, but they taught us to stimulate the feet aggressively, which activates or confuses the nerves, giving them something to do, so they stop hurting. Walking on them as much as possible, rubbing with a rough wash cloth and alternative hot and cold along the line of the nerve have all been helpful when the pain is unbearable for her. A TENS unit also helps.

April

Veteran

Be sure you (and your PT/OT) know the source of your damage or problem before using stimulation as a treatment. If the problem is local (known as peripheral neuropathy -- like that kind of pins-and-needles feeling you get when your foot "falls asleep") stimulation seems like it would make sense.

The other way to get nerve pain is when you have lesions in your brain or spine, however. Doesn't sound like that's your issue, Shiny, if it's expected to heal, but proceed with caution.