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Footwear - what do you prefer?

tim2000s

Expert
Retired Moderator
Messages
8,936
Location
London
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Other
As a long term diabetic, I always remember the dire warnings given at diagnosis about wearing the wrong shoes, the damage it could do to your feet, taking care of your feet, etc. And of course, make sure you wear the right shoes....

As someone with a slight anatomical anomaly in both feet that causes me to apply pressure oddly on the balls of my feet and which has resulted in a corn on my left foot, I'm always on the lookout for comfortable footwear that relieves the pressure a little.

I recently rediscovered DR Martens after 20 years and had forgotten how good the soles are. So comfortable! My question is what do you do about footwear? What's your shoe of choice?
 
I make certain they're soft pliable soles, not too tight and heaps of cushioning inside, especially around top of ankle and the heel.

Brooks addiction shoes .... they are unbelievable .... and at $220 a pair they should be.
 
I find sketchers footwear are best for me of course I have not tried any other yet but will if I find they support my arches as good as sketchers sports do.
 
I find all the Northern Europe and German brands of shoes extremely comfortable esp Josef Seibel. I don't have to wear any specialised shoe as my feet are good so I also buy Fly London shoes which are quite funky. Always wear a lowish heel daily and more often than not they're leather. High heels only on high Days and holidays! Can't stand a bad fitting shoe!
 
Hotter shoes are great, they do both mens and womens shoes. They have great underfoot cushioning and are comfortable. If you are on a budget check out their sale pages.
 
I replied to a similar question a little while ago. I live in the country and walk in woodland so I was interested in finding something that would be robust and look after my feet. I found builders boots called Gravity made by Scruffs. They are calf length, leather, slip on, have steel toe protectors and don't attract VAT. I like the last part.

There is a bonus since when I get home I hose any mud off them and continue wearing them indoors on most days. Extremely comfortable. I bought them slightly oversize so that I can wear double thick socks for the walking. The current pair have done several hundred miles and I may have to get some new ones soon.
 
I was against all named brands......until I discovered skechers. Sooooo Comfy. I live in them now. Got a black breathable trainer for spring/summer and autumn and a small ankle boot thats all fluffy and warm inside for the winter. I just need to see if they do a sandal for this summer.
 
Sketchers. They are basically the only shoes I've been wearing for five years. I have several pair. Love 'em!
 
Skechers Go Walk are the most comfortable trainer I have ever worn. I have Arthritic feet and can't walk for any distance in any other shoe. £25 99 from ebay.
 
Skechers.. Even washable... Totally fantastic...
 
I HATE buying new shoes, my size is 6 1/2. To 7.
My big toes turn up at the ends, only slightly, but they do. The upper part of the shoe must be very soft, but then they wear out quickly.
I'm wearing walking / boots / shoes, very stylish NOT, but thats ok as I walk the dog everyday.

I have had to cut the ends of my new slippers because they were pressing on my big toes.

My left foot burns at night and the toes on the right feel numb at night.
I am on the podiatrist waiting list, how long is the list, I have no idea.

I will check out all of the above suggestions, please keep them coming.

Roll on summer, then I can use open toe sandles.
 

Open toe sandals are not recommended for diabetics...
 
Kicker boots, always have plenty of room and comfy, i love the style too. In the summer i'm in flipflops no matter what and i've gone through way too many pairs, the dogs always ninja hijack them when i'm not looking, pesky munchers. I've got a great pair of Dr Martens sandals ive had for years too !!!
 
My life has been changed by a pair of German walking shoes from a firm called Hanwag. They are smart enough to pass for ordinary lace ups. I have very broad feet, a bit of a bunion and clawed toes (not a pretty sight!). Hanwag make some shoes/boots which a specifically for bunions, although they do say they are also for very broad feet. They are well cushioned inside, and also have a lot of room between the sole and the upper, so they accommodate my toes. They are made of Nubuck. Absolutely brilliant, but pricey.

There is a shop in Keswick which sells them. They do internet orders, as well as selling through their shop, but are very happy to discuss over the phone, and are very helpful.

Hanwag also sell over the internet. I ordered a second pair from them which came in 2 days.
 
I must have a look at these Sketchers trainers. I wear trainers all day in and around the house and for dog walking when it isn't too muddy.
I have to have wide fitting shoes, so find the M&S Footglove range very comfortable for every day wear shoes (as opposed to trainers). Killer heels are a thing of the past!
 
Skechers are good for wide feet. I too go to M&s for wide fitting shoes if needed for official sort of occasions.
 
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