My mother thinks her shoes never fit correctly. She needs something safe and comfortable to walk in. Her foot is so much wider. She always wore a 6.5, but I don’t know where to begin now.
Sketcher GO 5. Are great. Provide good support, but very flexible. I saw an ad for them at podiatrists office. Tracked down a store that has them. Great for walking. $64.99
I would start with measurement and suggestions on shoe types and brands from a good podiatrist. There are many specialty shoe stores for those of us with "problem" tootsie. Here in NJ one that specializes in the mature foot is called the Shoe Buckle. They are very good but I would still opt to visit a podiatrist first. Good luck!!
I wear a New Balance 7 EEEE which I get from a shoe store that specializes in hard to fit people. Most comfortable shoes I ever owned! I don't know where you live, but see if there's a Shoe Palace in your area.
A visit to a podiatrist to measure her feet and advise type of shoe she now needs to wear would be worth it, I think. I wear Skechers and they're very comfortable - the styles that have fabric, stretchable tops. I did find a few styles in wide. A bit too wide for me but perfect with thinner socks.
There are "shoes" out there for people with foot problems and shoes fitting. Nursing homes can usually obtain them for patients. They are like a shoe or a slipper and the top of the shoe is made so that it can be overlapped onto the other side of the shoe and it is fastened with velcro. They are extremely comfortable and apparently quite safe as many people use them. Good luck. Also check with the hospitals or foot doctors who can make recommendations for getting information.
My husband has swelling in his feet as part of his CHF. He doesn’t walk a lot, mostly indoors. On Amazon I found black slippers that don’t obviously look like slippers. They look like fabric loafers if you aren’t looking too hard. They have velcro at the heel and the front sides, so they are easy to take on and off. Although they aren’t the most stylish things you’ll ever see, they suit his needs. But I would see a podiatrist for your mom. I hate ill-fitting shoes. I live in sneakers.
Feet can get bigger and wider. A shoe store will measure her feet. But both feet may not be the same size. My mother broke her toe and did nothing about it. It healed arched up. It would scrap on the top of her shoe, so the doctor started talking about amputation. Being practical daughters, we cut a hole in the shoe to accommodate the badly healed toe. I wear SAS shoes tripple wide size 9. When I was young I took a 7 and 1/2. I expected to "break in" the shoes. But now I buy size 9 and don't have to break them in. A clerk talked me into buying a 8 and 1/2 because she said I would trip on the extra toe area. But it scraped on the side of one foot, so I went back to the size 9.
We went to the podiatrist, who measured his feet (really wide feet), and then ordered shoes out if a catalogue covered by Medicare. They pay for 1 pair a year.
Shoes have been a trial for me for 20 years. I have wide feet which pro-nate, I have unusually high arches, and I have an arthritic spur or bump that looks like a bunion but of top of each big toe, instead of on the side of my foot. Here’s a list of how I have coped.
1) I know exactly where on my foot the bump problem is, so that it’s a spot that shouldn’t be covered by a shoe. I don’t bother to try on shoes if I can see that the spot will be a problem. 2) I can easily find good supportive sandals with 3 velcro-closure straps, 1 around the heel and 2 across the front – with the gap between the 2 front straps where I need it. I wear them with socks if it’s cold. 3) I can occasionally find court shoes that are cut low at the front (big toe side), that just miss my bump. Once I found a closed shoe with a cut-out in the right place! 4) I can occasionally find a boot that I can get on, because there is often more room above the arch to help you get your foot into it. If the boot has a square boxy toe that is higher than usual, I may be on to a winner. And farm steel-caps are great, though not fashionable. 5) I can sometimes find leather shoes that will stretch because they are unlined. A specialist shoe maker can stretch them a bit, and also sells a bottle of gunk for DIY stretching after you stuff the shoe firmly. I bought from a mail order catalogue, a wooden stretching thing with plastic knobs that you can fit into holes where you need a bit more room, to use with the bottle of gunk. 6) I sometimes find courts where the problem is a little hard roll around the edge next to the open area on top of the foot. I have been successful twice in removing the underneath bulk of the roll with a scalpel, and turned them into a neat and comfortable job. 7) I always look at shoes in Op Shops, where there often seems to be more choice than most shops. Sometimes I find two or three in my size that have promise, and I buy them all. It feels much easier to attack them with a scalpel (or just give them back again) if they cost $5 not $150. 8) We have a ‘hard to fit’ shoe shop that specialises in oversize shoes for difficult feet. A big client group for them is female impersonators. The staff have seen it all, and it’s an eye-opener to visit. Sparkly high heels in size 14! You have to think outside the square sometimes.
At present I am blessed with enough shoes that fit. I hope that you can find shoes to cope with the problems you are facing. It feels like a blessing from heaven when you find one. Good luck, Margaret.
I love Propet sneakers. They come in a variety of widths, lengths and colors. They are easy on and off. However, elders may need to use a long shoe horn to put their shoes on. And some may need an orthotic shoe lift manufactured by their podiatrist for one shoe. My late mother needed one as she listed to one side in her gait.
I took my mom to a chiropterist who makes orthotics - he also has some shoes available & he properly fit her - she said they were the most comfortable ones she ever had - however he did proper measurements & we found her feet had changed & so did her shoe size - the shoes weren't cheap but well worth it
Look for a professional like this to re-measure her feet & get a better fit - FYI she may have an un-diagnosed foot problem that needs a different shoe size/width
Propet makes all kinds of shoes, the nicest I think is a super lightweight lace up sneaker. They go from very narrow to very wide, little mom wears a 2E and loves hers. We found her first pair at an orthopedic store; with the fitted size in hand, I picked up others for her on Amazon at half the price.
I used to love Merrell mocs. Still do. BUT something went wonky with a bone on the side of one foot and the solid support of Merrell pushed there. I found some Skechers, but the sizing seems inconsistent. SHOLLS (So) makes some memory foam insoles that feel like Sketcher. Also consider men's sizes (women's 10 = men's 8.5). Men's shoes are similar to wide in women's. The Velcro straps would be great, I used those for my Dad.
Shoes with Velcro, ask the shoe store. You might want to check with AARP. My dad wears a size 13 and since he's been getting older (94) he tries to find Velcro. Might also try Sketchers I have bad feet and they are very comfortable, they have slip on's or regular type. You might want to consult her physician or podiatrist. Hnow that helps.
Don't start ordering shoes online because you're just going to rack up a bunch of return charges and no shoes. Take her to a shoe store and let her be properly measured. The type of shoe will depend on support she needs (arch, cushioning, etc). Look for a very light shoe (some of the sketchers and clark tennis shoes have very lightweight bottoms.
If she walks around barefoot a lot, she will have to get used to wearing a shoe and it will feel wrong until she is used to it again. (Just like summertime when we used to run barefoot for 3 months and then have to put on a shoe!)
I remember these custom made shoes from the ... 70s or 80s. Will be expensive however it is option to know about.
* Consider that it might be a cognitive or physical issue; she doesn't feel 'right' and focusing on her feet / comfort level. You could always go to a podiatrist and insure what her size is 'by the experts.'
* She might be having issues with balance: read about Proprioception: the sense of self-movement and body position. It is sometimes described as the "sixth sense". Proprioception occurs when proprioceptors, located in the periphery throughout the body, are activated. Proprioceptors are mechanosensory neurons within muscles, tendons, and joints. There are multiple types of proprioceptors which are activated during distinct behaviors and encode distinct types of information: limb velocity and movement, load on a limb, and limb limits. Vertebrates and invertebrates have distinct but similar modes of encoding this information. The central nervous system integrates proprioception and other sensory systems, such as vision and the vestibular system, to create an overall representation of body position, movement, and acceleration.
* There are companies that specialize in very wide widths. Google to find.
* A more reasonable approach could be buying inner-soles - type items.
We “hid” my mom’s regular shoes and had her wear athletic shoes,after her broken hip. She often questions them, but understands when I tell her that we think they are safer and we don’t want a fall and broken hip.
I bought my mom a pair of 1 button Bailey UGG boots. They are easy to put on and take off. The shearling is fantastically cozy but your feet don't sweat. The lofty wool inside conforms to the shape of your foot. UGGs were first designed in Australia with surfers in mind......My mom loved them and they were her shoes of choice. I guess they spoke to the inner surfer in her:) If you purchase them, scotch guard them to protect from staining and my only reservation is if your mom is in a nursing home. Don't know if they would get stolen:(
Skechers Women's Bikers -Fiesta Mary Jane Flat Can order on Amazon in wide and 1/2 sizes for approx $55 to $60. My 98 yo mother loves hers and has several different styles.
Something with a strap over the instep and a back to the shoe. No sandals, no flipflops, etc. I've also heard that boots are a safe footwear and very stable. My mom wears Crocs that have a terrycloth lining, and there is a back that needs to be "fitted" with the rim of one of her fingers around it when she slips it on so that she isn't stepping on it and crushing it. She complains how "heavy" they are, but they keep her from tripping, and they slow her walking down so that she is leaning more on her bench walker for support. Crocs also come in wide width and are comfortable and roomy.
Check if there is a local shoe center that sells orthopedic shoes AND normal brands. My mother had the same problem and refused to wear the shoes she had worn for decades. We took her in, they fit her, and she was able to purchase a pair she liked and actually wears in a normal brand( I think hers are New Balance but I’m not sure) . Hers are similar to Mary Janes but she also got a pair of sandals. They may not need to be orthopedic shoes, they may just need to be professionally fit .
if your mom is in a facility, they may request she wears actual shoes. Slippers and socks are not recommended at my mother’s ALF due to the heightened ability to step on something and fall etc
I’ll agree with the recommendations for SAS, they became all my grandmother could wear in comfort. And the funny thing is, she’d never have worn them at all if she’d had any idea of the price, she was far too frugal to buy anything that expensive. Each time a family member would either take her to get some or purchase them and bring them to her, she’d faithfully give a $20 and ask if that was the right amount, and we’d always say yes, totally correct. It’s a fond memory now. Good luck finding shoes that work!
One thing may be to look at the nails, whether they are trimmed properly. If they are allowed to grow they will get hard and curl up and you won't be able to get a shoe on her foot. You could go to a podiatrist but also if you know someone at a nail salon they could trim them for you; it would be less trouble than going to the podiatrist. A lot depends on how and where she walks; if she dresses to go out or just needs shoes around the house. Open-toed sandals and slipper sox might do for indoors. If she needs dressy shoes I won't have much help, sorry.
The website Outlet Bound .com can help you find an outlet store near you that carries SAS. They are expensive and worth it. It's only August but the winter holidays are coming. When your mother's friends and family ask you if she wants something, a gift card (Amazon, Visa, MC, etc) to buy a pair of SAS shoes for her would make a great gift.
Is anything wrong with her feet? Did she wear lots of high heels when she was younger? Does she have bunions or hammer toes? How are her toe nails? All of these things can contribute to foot discomfort.
Happy Feet is a good shoe store by us for orthopedic shoes and you can probably browse their site on line. I need arch support for my plantar fasciitis and arthritis in my knees. I have cute shoes from them that really help. Does she have foot problems? You might start with a podiatrist appointment.
$64.99
1) I know exactly where on my foot the bump problem is, so that it’s a spot that shouldn’t be covered by a shoe. I don’t bother to try on shoes if I can see that the spot will be a problem.
2) I can easily find good supportive sandals with 3 velcro-closure straps, 1 around the heel and 2 across the front – with the gap between the 2 front straps where I need it. I wear them with socks if it’s cold.
3) I can occasionally find court shoes that are cut low at the front (big toe side), that just miss my bump. Once I found a closed shoe with a cut-out in the right place!
4) I can occasionally find a boot that I can get on, because there is often more room above the arch to help you get your foot into it. If the boot has a square boxy toe that is higher than usual, I may be on to a winner. And farm steel-caps are great, though not fashionable.
5) I can sometimes find leather shoes that will stretch because they are unlined. A specialist shoe maker can stretch them a bit, and also sells a bottle of gunk for DIY stretching after you stuff the shoe firmly. I bought from a mail order catalogue, a wooden stretching thing with plastic knobs that you can fit into holes where you need a bit more room, to use with the bottle of gunk.
6) I sometimes find courts where the problem is a little hard roll around the edge next to the open area on top of the foot. I have been successful twice in removing the underneath bulk of the roll with a scalpel, and turned them into a neat and comfortable job.
7) I always look at shoes in Op Shops, where there often seems to be more choice than most shops. Sometimes I find two or three in my size that have promise, and I buy them all. It feels much easier to attack them with a scalpel (or just give them back again) if they cost $5 not $150.
8) We have a ‘hard to fit’ shoe shop that specialises in oversize shoes for difficult feet. A big client group for them is female impersonators. The staff have seen it all, and it’s an eye-opener to visit. Sparkly high heels in size 14! You have to think outside the square sometimes.
At present I am blessed with enough shoes that fit. I hope that you can find shoes to cope with the problems you are facing. It feels like a blessing from heaven when you find one. Good luck, Margaret.
Look for a professional like this to re-measure her feet & get a better fit - FYI she may have an un-diagnosed foot problem that needs a different shoe size/width
(So) makes some memory foam insoles that feel like Sketcher. Also consider men's sizes (women's 10 = men's 8.5). Men's shoes are similar to wide in women's. The Velcro straps would be great, I used those for my Dad.
My dad wears a size 13 and since he's been getting older (94) he tries to find Velcro.
Might also try Sketchers I have bad feet and they are very comfortable, they have slip on's or regular type. You might want to consult her physician or podiatrist.
Hnow that helps.
If she walks around barefoot a lot, she will have to get used to wearing a shoe and it will feel wrong until she is used to it again. (Just like summertime when we used to run barefoot for 3 months and then have to put on a shoe!)
I remember these custom made shoes from the ... 70s or 80s.
Will be expensive however it is option to know about.
* Consider that it might be a cognitive or physical issue; she doesn't feel 'right' and focusing on her feet / comfort level. You could always go to a podiatrist and insure what her size is 'by the experts.'
* She might be having issues with balance: read about Proprioception: the sense of self-movement and body position. It is sometimes described as the "sixth sense". Proprioception occurs when proprioceptors, located in the periphery throughout the body, are activated. Proprioceptors are mechanosensory neurons within muscles, tendons, and joints. There are multiple types of proprioceptors which are activated during distinct behaviors and encode distinct types of information: limb velocity and movement, load on a limb, and limb limits. Vertebrates and invertebrates have distinct but similar modes of encoding this information. The central nervous system integrates proprioception and other sensory systems, such as vision and the vestibular system, to create an overall representation of body position, movement, and acceleration.
* There are companies that specialize in very wide widths. Google to find.
* A more reasonable approach could be buying inner-soles - type items.
Can order on Amazon in wide and 1/2 sizes for approx $55 to $60. My 98 yo mother loves hers and has several different styles.
if your mom is in a facility, they may request she wears actual shoes. Slippers and socks are not recommended at my mother’s ALF due to the heightened ability to step on something and fall etc
Is anything wrong with her feet? Did she wear lots of high heels when she was younger? Does she have bunions or hammer toes? How are her toe nails? All of these things can contribute to foot discomfort.