Is there comfortable footwear for ladies that could be worn after stroke?

Hi,

When choosing a shoe you should make sure that it’s supportive, comfortable, and that it doesn’t have a heel.

Different stroke survivors require different shoes. Factors such as falls risk, ability to lift the foot and foot or ankle pain can determine which shoe is right for you.

Members of the enableme community may have some suggestions of suitable shoe brands.

For specialist advice I would recommend seeing a Physiotherapist or Podiatrist.

Best wishes,

Alana

Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine 1800 787 653

Hi Mahila, it's frustrating that there's so few attractive yet supporting shoes out there! Two I have had some success with are Ziera Shoes and Bared Footwear. Good luck Cheers Julie

Hi All,

To add to this conversation here is a link to a conversation on facebook about finding shoes to go over an AFO for children.

Diana

Hi Mahila,  Since my stroke I've bought most of my shoes from here https://www.thewalkingcompany.com.au They are in Little Bourke St Melbourne but you can also order online.  They have a good range of flat comfortable shoes covering everything from simple sandles to hiking boots Their range of "office" shoes includes a large selection of mary janes and slip ons, I got some very nice closed heel "sandles" last year that I wear for special occasions.

Hope this helps

-Heather

Hi Mahila - and anyone reading this with foot/shoe queries.

Shoes are a real issue for me. As well as having been born with funny toes requiring (hard to find!) wide-toed shoes, I have a minor curvature of the spine which places one hip higher than the other. My left side is the lower hip side and I have always had to lift it that little bit more so as not to drag and shuffle!

It's interesting you having problems with shoes other than joggers. For me, wearing joggers can be problematic as my left foot, if I'm not concentrating, tends to scuff along and the sole of the joggers I've tried makes it feel as if I'm going to be stuck and fall on some hard surfaces. I tend not to wear joggers and haven't at all since my stroke.

Four years ago I had the stroke and it was my left side affected. As there is still a degree of numbness, I feel I have to make more of a conscious effort to lift my foot when walking and be aware of what I'm doing with it. That has become better over time however I need to be really careful on uneven ground and still cannot wear shoes without a strap over the top (Mary Jane style) as my foot will come out of it! Can't keep it on. And there is no way I could get around in heels, flat shoes are the most stable way to go!

Being in a semi rural area I haven't much choice in shoes and because of my toes, I really do need to try them on first. I have bought the Ecco brand which carries wider fittings but I'm not sure if they're keeping any with the strap at present. The other brand is Homy Ped - the brand at the pharmacies and online. Never in a million years did I ever think I'd be wearing Homy Peds but there you go, life changes, does it not, and you have to go with what works. !!

Julie and Heather, I will look up those brands you mention. Thank you very much.

Good luck, Mahila!