My shoes may be boring, but at least they’re comfortable
My EDS needs outweigh my fashion desires
I feel like I wear the same three pairs of shoes to work all the time. I don’t know if anyone else notices, but I do. Sometimes I feel self-conscious about it, but the shoes are comfortable. I’ve had issues with plantar fasciitis in the past, and I get blisters easily because of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), so I usually choose comfort over anything else.
Ever since I was diagnosed with EDS at the age of 22, it made sense that my softer skin would be more sensitive to things rubbing against it. Forget wearing shoes without socks, and I dread breaking in new shoes. As a result, I tend to rotate through the same few pairs of shoes that are broken in and comfortable. Once they’re too broken in, though, they start to lose their arch support. That can exacerbate my plantar fasciitis.
I’d dealt with this issue off and on for about two years, and nothing really seemed to help. I probably caused it by trying to stabilize my weak ankles, but once I’d stopped doing that, it was still hard to get the inflammation under control. I finally made some progress when I tried kinesiology tape as a last-ditch effort to feel better. I managed to get to a point where I’m pain-free most days.
Unfortunately, shoes that fit well and have good arch support tend to be boring and expensive. While comfort is my number one goal, it doesn’t mean I want to wear boring shoes that don’t match my clothes.
A pair of Haflinger wool clogs are my go-to shoes in winter, while Skechers are soft and good for preventing blisters. But they don’t always have great arch support. Finding shoes that meet all of my needs has proven challenging.
That’s why I wear only a few pairs of shoes so much. As a teacher, I’m on my feet a lot, but I also want to look professional. It seems like a constant balancing act between being appropriate for work and being comfortable and supportive for my EDS. I won’t even go down the rabbit hole of how foot pain makes me walk funny, which in turn can cause a pain flare in my hip or back.
Administrators at my school couldn’t care less what shoes I wear, as long as they’re neat and presentable. I’ve decided that some things just aren’t worth worrying about in the grand scheme of things. So, off I’ll go to work tomorrow in my trusty clogs or boat shoes, which are comfortable yet boring!
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
About the Author
JoAnne Sykes
I find Brooks Ariel running shoes to be the most comfortable and supportive. I replace them every six months.
JOAN
I just started wearing shoes from Orthofeet.com. I purchased a pair of boots from them this past Nov. BEST arch support ever! Can wear them all day if needed. Ventured into some of their other styles. I honestly luv them so much I tossed out my old shoes and now own 6 pair-including the boots. 2 pair of sandals, one slide on tennis shoe, a loafer, one wool-styled fleece lined clog. Every pair SO GOOD FOR MY BODY! It helps my feet, ankles, knees, hips and sacral joint. SERIOUSLY! They aren't cheap but they do run discount specials for around $100. Seriously-try a pair.
C Smithson
Hi Karen,
Thank-you so much for writing this article! I thought I was the only one!
Comfortable, or at least the closest-to-comfortable shoes are, of course, not exactly fashionable, though I’m always on the hunt for something feminine and professional looking. Boring and expensive is the best way to describe my shoe wardrobe. Someone recently described shoe shopping with me as “impossible”, as they considered me “way too picky” and obsessed with comfort. But, the reality is, I’ve struggled with all the issues you’ve mentioned and more, making my footwear searches seem next-to-impossible. I didn’t realize frequent blisters are related to Ehlers Danlos, but I get so many large and painful blisters from most shoes and boots, that I would never consider leaving home without my trusty homemade “blister first aid kit” stocked with moleskin, blister block, antiseptic and special bandaids. I didn’t realize that my ankle wraps and sleeves I use to strengthen and support my weak ankles could end up causing issues with my arch or plantars fasciitis, thank-you for educating me on that risk. The arch support or lack thereof is my life’s major challenge. And don’t even get me started on the awkward fit I need, (I seem to have the world’s most narrow heels), and the breathability issues I have (with my claw toes always trapping moisture, and therefore resulting in an extremely high propensity towards athlete’s foot or other skin infections).
As always, I find your articles insightful, relatable, and entertaining. Thank-you again!
Lisa Dunn
I love arch support and orthotics! Powerstep is the most recommended and affordable insole. It also has versions with metatarsal support. Very important since so many EDSers develop Morton's neuromas. Get Powerstep at Amazon or most athletic shoes stores.
My favorite shoes are the Walking Company's ABEO brand. Even though I have narrow feet, I can wear the sandals that have fully adjustable straps. No more ugly shoes! My daughter wears any of their shoes and we upgrade the insole in gym shoes for better support and high activity.
S Singer
I hear you!! I have an everyday pair of shoes that I have in multiple colors (Merrell Mary jane Clogs & Merrell Moab trail shoes). The clogs have not been made in years but I search EBay for them. Most boring shoes but with EDS and absurdly high pronated arches that have plagued me since the third grade. No heels, no pretty shoes. I wish it was different, but alas no…. At least my feet don’t hurt.
Carolyn Adams Monaco
Haflinger shoes like Haflinger horses! Thanks for your ongoing writing. -C
Jennifer
Your essay comes at a good time for my daughter. She is trying to find a new pair of tennis shoes and after spending over ten hours at multiple stores none of the new brands of 'walking shoes' fit. Her ankles still pronated and most of them dug into the top of her foot. The more padded the shoe the worse it fit. So she ended up with tennis court shoes1
In addition, we are in the process of trying to address her issues with pain and we are looking into getting opinions from Mayo clinic. However, after you mentioned there is a connective tissue disorder clinic at John Hopkins. We will look into the clinic to get more support for her pain.
Christie
I’m right there with you. I used to endure the pain wearing “cute” shoes, but I can’t do it anymore. I’ve found that trail shoes from Nike seem to be my go to these days.
Terry
I appreciate any info on brands on good supportive shoes. I suffered whole life not knowing I had EDS. I was 60 before I was FINALLY diagnosed. When I had asked about EDS I was told I looked fine, so I was just depressed. Drs need a real education.
Maureen LeBlancb
Footwear and foot problems are my favourite discussion. I told
someone once I’d rather walk on hot coals than walk with plantar
faciitis. Thanks for your suggestions on footwear.
I like Birkenstock because of its firm supporting foot
bed - my ankles roll. I will take your recommended footwear
into account.