Dear Susan:
Wear these. In fact, check Amazon monthly to see if they have other colors. (These are so cute and unique that ladies will literally stop you in public to ask about these fun, supportive, and totally walkable shoes. Do it, but be sure to take them off when you go through TSA precheck because there’s a metal thing inside.)
Dear Susan, Don’t wear these anymore (below), even though they’re super cute and you literally fought a drag queen in a Las Vegas shoe store to buy these, years ago. And while you’re at it, toss ALL the pairs of black ballet flats you’ve bought over the years. They hurt and ain’t nobody got time for that:
Love, The Universe
OK seriously.
I get at least one question about shoes to help with swollen lipedema feet and foot pain a week. To help answer the mail, about a year ago, I wrote a blog called, “Wearing sensible shoes is a must with lipedema, even if the shoes are so ugly they make you cry.” At the time, all I cared about was my feet not hurting and finding good support. Now that I’ve had a while to transition to feeling-good feet, I’ve also had a chance to try out more shoes and put lots of miles on the ones I’ve been wearing. I wanted to update you on what’s working and what’s not working.
First let me say that I cleaned my shoe closet out once already, disposing of SO many pairs of shoes that hurt my feet in any way, or didn’t provide the support I need to feel good, except a few pairs of what I call, “drag queen shoes,” because I love them and I know they’ll be ridiculous to replace. And frankly, with two years of telework down and no end in sight, I can’t really justify keeping these amazing shoes, but they’ll most likely sit in my closet, unworn for another couple of years before I part with them.
I do love these shoes. They hurt. I’m saving them for another year in case there’s a very-short, emergency party. I’ll sacrifice and get rid of the gold ones.
I mean, what about these stripper boots? My husband bought them for me as a gift and they didn’t zip over my legs. He felt bad, I felt bad. DARN it! Many a lipedema lady has had the moment of a boot (stripper or regular – lol!) not zipping, but these were so cool and would be ultra fun at concerts (probably the only place they’d get worn). I’m going to sell these on ebay because it’s a travesty that they’ve gone unworn. Easy decision because, look at the heel. My knees dislocate daily now, and can you even imagine trying to hobble around in these? Five inch heel + Erhlers Danlos Hypermobility = Trip to The Hospital.
Girl, get rid of the stripper boots. Switch out for these that have elastic on both sides and a pull strap in the back. They slide on without a fight and feel great for all day wear. And, wear them with jeans or dresses. So cute. And they look like normal people shoes, which I love, but they’re easy to get on when my feet are a bit swollen up, so I mega love these David Tates. (I’m even sure I’m going to use these in my first Lipedema Friendly Outfit featured in January.)
One other note, throw away ALL the flip flops and go for expandable, adjustable, wonderful, colorful sandals. Buy ALL the colors (red or gold in a 13WW? Yes please!) and enjoy walking with the proper arch support forever. Wear them until it’s so cold outside that your feet cry for warm boots. Enjoy the new styles coming out after literally YEARS of having zero sandal options.
So this year I’ve found a few brands I love. Aravon (made by New Balance, by the way), Drew and David Tate. These are less ugly, and feel great on my feet. After a full year of these, the only thing better is my house shoes. And I no longer wake up with aching feet and am in a better way to hop out of bed and do a few sun saluatations before starting my day. Thank you to the makers of cute and good-supporting and expandible shoes and bye bye (most of) my drag queen shoes!! Now that I’ve found some fun pairs, it’s easy to have a win-win, cute and comfortable! Don’t look back, but keep that one pair of fun heels.
