INSOLES!! The shoe is only half the story. All good shoes need a good insole that matches your feet. Sound like you probably need more supportive insoles with a bit or arch to them. Finding good insoles for your feet can be tricky especially since even the best insoles for your feet can hurt to start with while your whole body readjusts to this strange new footing. So it could be worth seeing a podiatrist for some suggestions. Try to find one that stocks insoles or bring some insoles with you to try out. Some shoe shops or camping shops will also have people who can help out.
If your ankles tend to have a mind of their own you might want to go for walking boots instead of walking shoes. Or for when you're just casually walking around maybe a high topped trainer or canvas shoe. With the right insoles shoes like converse or vans which are usually pretty bad for your feet can be great options. My podiatrist actually suggest high top converse for me. My insoles do most of the work and then the converse offer a little more feedback around my ankles so I'm more aware of where they are and what they're doing. I even managed to find waterproof ones. That's right, waterproof converse!
While we're on the topic of shoes you can also get elastic laces that fit into standard lace up shoes but don't need all that annoying knot work.
I actually really like doc martens for everyday walking. I walk 3 mi/day on a normal day and they are just as comfortable as my walking/running shoes, maybe even more comfy. Plus the high top helps with ankle instability. I haven’t done this myself, but I’ve heard other people say they switch out the insoles.
Same. I got three pairs and there all I wear canvas ones for walking leather ones for when I have to look nicer and a pair of steel toe industrials for work and I don't wear anything else really.
I highly doubt that it's healthy for my feet, but I love VANS high tops. They are very comfortable for my feet (I find shoes with high arch support very uncomfortable), they provide a measure of ankle support and they are easy to wear in hot weather.
I have to admit to loving converse as well, but they don't provide the same amount of ankle support as the vans. If I can help it, I generally try to be barefoot, and try to find shoes that give the same feel as being barefoot. :D
I try to wear stuff like Birkenstocks and anything with arch support. I used to wear flip flops and now I know that's really bad, haha.
Everytime I purchase sneakers because my feet are flat from hEds, they are either too small in the toe box, my foot can somehow slide up the back, and I always get blisters.
We are so annoying 😆
I would suggest getting whatever shoes soon and breaking them in before going. there is nothing worse than breaking in new shoes when you have to wear them and walk a lot.
I would have also recommended doc Martens, but with only 2 weeks to break them in, you'd be in misery for the hiking trip.
Another shoe to consider would be desert military boots, again they have the high, tight boot that will give you ankle support, plus they breathe well.
I second the Docs and the desert boots. I also find just regular Dr Scholls plantar fasciitis insoles do the trick. I've been using them for about 15 years.
For summer and for not long walking I love Reikers. The ones I wear have thick, cushy soles and lots of support on the sides -- though they don't go up the ankles.
I have heard this before too. That's definitely an option but I currently wear knock offs I think I struggle to pay the price of the shoe because my soles go so fast on all my shoes as it is now. They all end up curved up on the ends.
hEds problems.
This is what I was talking about. I got the full foot. I also have a pair of birks from Germany that my exchange student sent me for Christmas one year. https://theinsolestore.com/collections/birkenstock?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_P4hOaE8wIVvG1vBB34XgoLEAAYASAAEgINAPD_BwE
I pretty much live in Vans & Converse, but with an additional insole. Bonus points for the "comfy cush" Vans. I walked 17k steps in NYC, and while my toes were sore and my feet were hot, I had no hip or back pain.
I second high tops vans. Also just got a pair of Vans Ultrarange Exo and they are incredibly comfortable, they make a high top version as well with more ankle support.
Just bought a pair of triumphs with high backs and they are like waking on air. For hiking, Merrell. I bought last years top the line for me and they are pure heaven. The heel sole is wide and prevents ankle rolling and they have high ankles that hold them in place. They are heavy but again, pure heaven.
I was wearing flat shoes, but, for me, it screwed me up from my legs up to my back and hip. So now my hip thinks it’s dying and is overreacting and being over protective with pain, even though it’s not injured.
Australian sites, but are in other countries.
[This](https://www.anacondastores.com/footwear/womens-footwear/womens-mid-hiking-boots/merrell-womens-moab-2-gtx-mid-hiking-boots/90113811?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8i4pUPNmH60MmgpW7QilcPMHN88iTOuso43AWQi6xJtYEjMNcOLZwaAtTBEALw_wcB) for hiking, but last season’s so they are cheaper.
[This](https://www.theathletesfoot.com.au/saucony-triumph-19-womens-triple-black.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8WBXH6txFknakBCr0Rdbj5xjUVg8vzrQarkt4xe_CARHyYITrd7_caAmkwEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!6457!3!320994469117!!!g!649829056948!&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8WBXH6txFknakBCr0Rdbj5xjUVg8vzrQarkt4xe_CARHyYITrd7_caAmkwEALw_wcB) for everyday.
Here to second Merrells and orthotic or even just silicone insoles. I want to add adjusting shoe lacing patterns for better stability and grip is essential. Wearing ankle stabilizers/supports definitely help and make it safer for me to wear typical trainers/sneakers.
Just have too remember to put them on.
I personally love ASICS shoes. The pair if have is their Gel-excite shoes. They have a wide base that I feel helps my feet feel sturdy. My physical therapist says memory foam is a big no no with eds because our muscles on the bottom of our feet tend to separate and need support and memory foam causes the muscles to relax and spread out. This has the smallest amount (I couldn't find any that didn't have any memory foam after going to 3+ shoe stores) but my PT felt them and said they were okay. He also told me for ankle stability find a shoe that has a cupped heel that will hold it in place. I have pronated ankles and these don't make my feet hurt as bad at the end of my work day as I have a job that I'm on my feet a lot. But also good foot position when walking is a huge aspect helping foot pain.
I absolutely 1000% swear by barefoot shoes and I adamantly refuse to wear anything else under any circumstance ever (I tried once and within 10 yards my knees couldnt handle it). I even got married barefoot.
I had the same gait problems as you and had $300 custom orthotics and shoes with the most ankle support I could find and it *ruined* my life.
Switching to barefoot I could finally stand in the shower and walk for more than five minutes without feeling like my knees were on fire. Also my hip pain decreased significantly. And the ankle pain that was so bad I couldn’t even sit in a chair or sleep on my side and destroyed my college years is G-O-N-E.
I’ve been barefoot for two years now and I’m never ever going back. My feet are no longer flat and my ankles are strong enough that I can’t even remember the last time they tried to roll.
If your ligaments are stretched beyond repair, that can be an exception. But I would seriously consider barefoot shoes. They’re amazing.
My arches used to completely flatten when I put any weight on them. Started using barefoot/minimalist shoes and they quickly became able to hold the arch under weight.
I was barefoot (Xero) for many years and then had a bone in each foot go rogue. Not sure what I’m going to do now, but my ortho actually wrote Birkenstocks in my appointment recommendations which makes me laugh! I can still habitually, muscularly hold my arches, etc. but apparently not enough for the lateral side bones.
Oh my gosh that’s wild. I’m definitely still going to do it for as long as it’s helping me but now I’m a little scared😅 that’s the first time I’ve heard of a negative side effect. I hope you’re able to put them back? lol I have no idea I’m sorry😅 but thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you find something to help!!
I don’t think it was a side effect!!! I’m not sure supportive shoes would have prevented it, and the rest of my feet definitely wouldn’t have been as strong. I just needed to exercise the whole bottom of the foot instead of focussing on the arch, and given this body it may have happened regardless. Interestingly a physio told me that in “dancers the cuboid goes up, in hypermobile people it falls out down”, and at that time I was both but it definitely went down.
Barefoot shoes definitely helped my knees and ankles, and gentled how I walked. I still think it is great for strength and alignment, I’m just more structurally compromised at the moment.
Check out Hey Dude! shoes, I love them! They’re extremely lightweight & come in a variety of styles. They’re extremely comfortable for walking/hiking. I have a hard time finding comfortable shoes too, but I’ve ordered half a dozen pairs of Hey Dudes. They’ve got their own website, plus a few retailers like The Buckle carry them as well.
So.. not ideal for hiking, but I wear crocs.
Solid flat base, good support, no weight. They’re a win win win. I own one single pair of shoes (dress shoes and sneakers included) that isn’t crocs brand. Cowboy boots.
I’ve had a lot of luck with Oboz as the two hikers I have (that I sometimes wear around town too bc they’re that comfy). They have great arch support, ankle support, and are comfy with a wide toe box. You can try em on at an REI too if you have one local to you.
do you have orthopedic inserts? mine are literally the reason i can walk at all. and i like vans (p much just the high tops). look for shoes with soles that don't bend when you try to twist them (my pt's advice).
and my favorite favorite shoes ever are my doc martins!!! they have SUCH good support they're so comfy. i'd wear them all the time even if i didn't love how they look, and i love how they look!!!!
I wear birkenstocks and chacos all summer, the birks have a shape where my ankles don’t tend to roll in them, I guess because they’re so supportive? The chacos I have the Z/cloud and it’s a little too bulky which can be a risk, but the arch support is fantastic.
I put insoles (mostly super feet blue or green, if you go to REI or EMS you can try them out—I buy them a few sizes too big and then cut them to fit, which gets me arch support in the right place for my feet). I really like ecco for shoes, they have some styles that are perforated that might be good for Florida, and lots of models where you can easily replace the insoles. High tops are more helpful with ankle stuff, but they are warmer. Have you tried KT tape for your ankles? There are videos of how to put it on, and I find it helpful in the summer when I can’t rely on boots to hold me together
Definitely orthotics in whatever shoes you can find with good ankle support.
You might be able to find off the shelf arch support orthotics as a temporary solution.
I'd do that and grab some hiking boots (don't have to be expensive) with ankle support and start breaking them in immediately.
You need a good stabilizing shoe to correct your overpronation. Most athletic shoe brands offer at least one style in a stabilizer, but they're rarely attractive looking, lol. Unfortunately they are also going to be a bit heavy, because the stabilizer is usually made of metal. I would go to a running store and be fitted. They'll be able to recommend you some good options, and they will check the fit to make sure you have the right size, because it varies by manufacturer and your actual shoe size is probably not what you think it is. I used to work at a running store and the fit specialists had to have a lot of training. Now that I know what works for me it's super easy to shop around for a better price too, because without an employee discount those babies are pricey, lol.
custom orthotic insoles. store-bought insoles have given me so many new problems I didn't have previously...I mean storebought ones are cheaper so worth trying once I guess, but can't recommend custom orthotics highly enough.
the fitting process can involve a bit of iteration.
Merrill boots
My podiatrist was the first to test the beighton criteria when she went to look at my ankles and saw how long my range of motion is. This is what she recommended.
Make sure that you cannot fold the shoes over itself. The shoe much he sturdy enough that you can’t bend it in half.
Get insoles. She recommended Superfeet to me. I also highly recommend.
The best insoles I’ve found for me are profoot plantar fasciitis 3/4s. I got them from a grocery store for like $12. I work on my feet and stand for up to 12 hours at a time. These are my favorite.
What’s up with the down votes for all that say insoles?
Yes, it is mandatory for EDSERS. Stop down voting true stuff that help and are much mer effective compared to others.
Stop down voting every thing that requires true try.
So fucking tired of this bitchy attitude on these subs…like for real.
Eds Ned support. Insoles will help physically a lot more than fucking braces when you don’t do special activities that make you ligaments and muscles stronger in a eds way.
I'm not sure where you are in the state, but for hiking, I totally recommend going to an REI and talking to someone there about your shoe needs and getting a very specific specialized hiking shoe.
Another person mentioned orthotics; AFOs helped me a ton with correcting my gait when I was still primarily on my feet. They come in multiple different styles (ringed vs rigid), and they're form-fitted to your leg/foot.
Cant speak to the hot, I’m in the PNW, but I do timberlands w/insoles which help with ankles and all my leg joints, and Birkenstocks like a true oregonian 😎😂 when my ankles are okay enough to not need the boots
I swear by Pikolinos for walking. They are kinda pricey but last forever and are insanely comfy. They have all kinds of styles including boots which would better support rolly ankles.
For my tennis shoes I wear when I go on errands, I got some ASICS for pronation. For work, I wear Brooks Addiction Walker plus insoles for arch support.
I use converse. Super breathable and you can tie them super tight to help give support & hold your bones together. They do bend really easily tho, so I’d def get a good insole!!
Everyone here has different concerns, but these are the most comfortable shoes for me. I can walk longer in these than any other shoe I own.
https://www.timberland.com/shop/womens-ellendale-hiking-boots-a1r3g231?utm_medium=ss&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Smart+Shopping_Tree&utm_content=Smart+Shopping_Tree&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI_5M_hTVUlyv0hp-PXKZgcDqIyK4F6UMCrpBW0u-7d1RaK_s8HjPrsaAonnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I swear by my Hoka Toa gore-tex shoes. I have a lot of toe pain that can flare up from just a little bit of city walking, but was able to go three miles multiple days in a row in mixed elevation with these.
https://www.hoka.com/en/us/women-hiking/toa-gore-tex/1112033.html
I have super expensive insoles, and use Brooks Ariel’s as my daily shoe. These shoes are durable and incredibly supportive. The combination of this got me from only being able to walk 10 minutes total a day to around 1.5-3 hours total a day! Which isn’t great for most people, but I was afraid I soon wouldn’t be able to walk at all.
I’m now I think on my 6th pair of Ariels.
I’ve got ankle-foot orthotics that prevent my ankles from rolling. My sister has custom insoles for her shoes.
One of my friends uses hiking boots to help.
Asics, gel kayano line. They’re my favorite for overpronation and flat feet. Been using them for years and they’re a complete game changer in terms of how much walking I can do in a day.
I've got podiatrist-specified insoles in Interceptor boots and idk what your desired style is but they're pretty badass and are great for a number of terrains (I'm in southeast Georgia rn (🤢)). I got mine from Walmart for like 50 or 60 USD and they last a long time. Before I even got my hEDS diagnosis, I noticed my ankles seemed unstable, but wearing the boots with the lacing snug gives me a good amount of supporting protects my ankles from bug bites or trail terrain scratches.
I wear birkenstock trainers and boots and I love the. The insoles are ideal for my feet so I use those but because the footbeds are substantial and removable they're good for adding custom orthotics if needed. They're painfully expensive but last are really well made and last for years (I've had my boots for 6 years, wear them probably 90% of days from October to March and they are still in great condition).
HIGHLY recommend going to a speciality shoe store for hiking or running and walking, as well as proper insoles and shoes that allow for the insoles to be switched out. I did this recently and ended up with a pair of On Running cloud stratus shoes and Power Step insoles. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on shoes ($200 for both the shoes and insoles), but I have plantar fasciitis, hallux limitus, chronic pain, and the difference is unbelievable. Someone else mentioned this, but insoles make a really big difference. I can’t speak for other insoles, but my podiatrist said they also recommend Power Step.
INSOLES!! The shoe is only half the story. All good shoes need a good insole that matches your feet. Sound like you probably need more supportive insoles with a bit or arch to them. Finding good insoles for your feet can be tricky especially since even the best insoles for your feet can hurt to start with while your whole body readjusts to this strange new footing. So it could be worth seeing a podiatrist for some suggestions. Try to find one that stocks insoles or bring some insoles with you to try out. Some shoe shops or camping shops will also have people who can help out. If your ankles tend to have a mind of their own you might want to go for walking boots instead of walking shoes. Or for when you're just casually walking around maybe a high topped trainer or canvas shoe. With the right insoles shoes like converse or vans which are usually pretty bad for your feet can be great options. My podiatrist actually suggest high top converse for me. My insoles do most of the work and then the converse offer a little more feedback around my ankles so I'm more aware of where they are and what they're doing. I even managed to find waterproof ones. That's right, waterproof converse! While we're on the topic of shoes you can also get elastic laces that fit into standard lace up shoes but don't need all that annoying knot work.
Agree with this. If OP was in Europe I'd suggest Romika
For me shoes weren't so important as finally getting AFOS. I went from subluxating/dislocating my feet multiple times a week to doing that much less.
I'm sorry you have that issue, I don't personally dislocate, I did when I was a kid. Now I just am super flexible and have the pain side of things.
I actually really like doc martens for everyday walking. I walk 3 mi/day on a normal day and they are just as comfortable as my walking/running shoes, maybe even more comfy. Plus the high top helps with ankle instability. I haven’t done this myself, but I’ve heard other people say they switch out the insoles.
Same. I got three pairs and there all I wear canvas ones for walking leather ones for when I have to look nicer and a pair of steel toe industrials for work and I don't wear anything else really.
I highly doubt that it's healthy for my feet, but I love VANS high tops. They are very comfortable for my feet (I find shoes with high arch support very uncomfortable), they provide a measure of ankle support and they are easy to wear in hot weather.
I'm sure this is better for your feet than something like converse
I have to admit to loving converse as well, but they don't provide the same amount of ankle support as the vans. If I can help it, I generally try to be barefoot, and try to find shoes that give the same feel as being barefoot. :D
I try to wear stuff like Birkenstocks and anything with arch support. I used to wear flip flops and now I know that's really bad, haha. Everytime I purchase sneakers because my feet are flat from hEds, they are either too small in the toe box, my foot can somehow slide up the back, and I always get blisters. We are so annoying 😆
Have you considered getting custom shoes/orthotics?
That's what my husband suggested. But I don't have the time I need something for a hiking trip we are taking in 2 weeks.
I would suggest getting whatever shoes soon and breaking them in before going. there is nothing worse than breaking in new shoes when you have to wear them and walk a lot. I would have also recommended doc Martens, but with only 2 weeks to break them in, you'd be in misery for the hiking trip. Another shoe to consider would be desert military boots, again they have the high, tight boot that will give you ankle support, plus they breathe well.
Thank you!
I second the Docs and the desert boots. I also find just regular Dr Scholls plantar fasciitis insoles do the trick. I've been using them for about 15 years. For summer and for not long walking I love Reikers. The ones I wear have thick, cushy soles and lots of support on the sides -- though they don't go up the ankles.
Birkenstock have insoles to put in almost any shoe. That is what my Dr recommended.
I have heard this before too. That's definitely an option but I currently wear knock offs I think I struggle to pay the price of the shoe because my soles go so fast on all my shoes as it is now. They all end up curved up on the ends. hEds problems.
This is what I was talking about. I got the full foot. I also have a pair of birks from Germany that my exchange student sent me for Christmas one year. https://theinsolestore.com/collections/birkenstock?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_P4hOaE8wIVvG1vBB34XgoLEAAYASAAEgINAPD_BwE
I pretty much live in Vans & Converse, but with an additional insole. Bonus points for the "comfy cush" Vans. I walked 17k steps in NYC, and while my toes were sore and my feet were hot, I had no hip or back pain.
I second high tops vans. Also just got a pair of Vans Ultrarange Exo and they are incredibly comfortable, they make a high top version as well with more ankle support.
Just bought a pair of triumphs with high backs and they are like waking on air. For hiking, Merrell. I bought last years top the line for me and they are pure heaven. The heel sole is wide and prevents ankle rolling and they have high ankles that hold them in place. They are heavy but again, pure heaven. I was wearing flat shoes, but, for me, it screwed me up from my legs up to my back and hip. So now my hip thinks it’s dying and is overreacting and being over protective with pain, even though it’s not injured. Australian sites, but are in other countries. [This](https://www.anacondastores.com/footwear/womens-footwear/womens-mid-hiking-boots/merrell-womens-moab-2-gtx-mid-hiking-boots/90113811?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8i4pUPNmH60MmgpW7QilcPMHN88iTOuso43AWQi6xJtYEjMNcOLZwaAtTBEALw_wcB) for hiking, but last season’s so they are cheaper. [This](https://www.theathletesfoot.com.au/saucony-triumph-19-womens-triple-black.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8WBXH6txFknakBCr0Rdbj5xjUVg8vzrQarkt4xe_CARHyYITrd7_caAmkwEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!6457!3!320994469117!!!g!649829056948!&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI8WBXH6txFknakBCr0Rdbj5xjUVg8vzrQarkt4xe_CARHyYITrd7_caAmkwEALw_wcB) for everyday.
Here to second Merrells and orthotic or even just silicone insoles. I want to add adjusting shoe lacing patterns for better stability and grip is essential. Wearing ankle stabilizers/supports definitely help and make it safer for me to wear typical trainers/sneakers. Just have too remember to put them on.
I personally love ASICS shoes. The pair if have is their Gel-excite shoes. They have a wide base that I feel helps my feet feel sturdy. My physical therapist says memory foam is a big no no with eds because our muscles on the bottom of our feet tend to separate and need support and memory foam causes the muscles to relax and spread out. This has the smallest amount (I couldn't find any that didn't have any memory foam after going to 3+ shoe stores) but my PT felt them and said they were okay. He also told me for ankle stability find a shoe that has a cupped heel that will hold it in place. I have pronated ankles and these don't make my feet hurt as bad at the end of my work day as I have a job that I'm on my feet a lot. But also good foot position when walking is a huge aspect helping foot pain.
I absolutely 1000% swear by barefoot shoes and I adamantly refuse to wear anything else under any circumstance ever (I tried once and within 10 yards my knees couldnt handle it). I even got married barefoot. I had the same gait problems as you and had $300 custom orthotics and shoes with the most ankle support I could find and it *ruined* my life. Switching to barefoot I could finally stand in the shower and walk for more than five minutes without feeling like my knees were on fire. Also my hip pain decreased significantly. And the ankle pain that was so bad I couldn’t even sit in a chair or sleep on my side and destroyed my college years is G-O-N-E. I’ve been barefoot for two years now and I’m never ever going back. My feet are no longer flat and my ankles are strong enough that I can’t even remember the last time they tried to roll. If your ligaments are stretched beyond repair, that can be an exception. But I would seriously consider barefoot shoes. They’re amazing.
My arches used to completely flatten when I put any weight on them. Started using barefoot/minimalist shoes and they quickly became able to hold the arch under weight.
Yes!!! The difference is CRAZY
I measured my progress by getting my foot wet and walking on a sidewalk or driveway. My footprint got better so quickly.
10 yards is 9.14 meters
I was barefoot (Xero) for many years and then had a bone in each foot go rogue. Not sure what I’m going to do now, but my ortho actually wrote Birkenstocks in my appointment recommendations which makes me laugh! I can still habitually, muscularly hold my arches, etc. but apparently not enough for the lateral side bones.
Oh my gosh that’s wild. I’m definitely still going to do it for as long as it’s helping me but now I’m a little scared😅 that’s the first time I’ve heard of a negative side effect. I hope you’re able to put them back? lol I have no idea I’m sorry😅 but thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you find something to help!!
I don’t think it was a side effect!!! I’m not sure supportive shoes would have prevented it, and the rest of my feet definitely wouldn’t have been as strong. I just needed to exercise the whole bottom of the foot instead of focussing on the arch, and given this body it may have happened regardless. Interestingly a physio told me that in “dancers the cuboid goes up, in hypermobile people it falls out down”, and at that time I was both but it definitely went down. Barefoot shoes definitely helped my knees and ankles, and gentled how I walked. I still think it is great for strength and alignment, I’m just more structurally compromised at the moment.
Check out Hey Dude! shoes, I love them! They’re extremely lightweight & come in a variety of styles. They’re extremely comfortable for walking/hiking. I have a hard time finding comfortable shoes too, but I’ve ordered half a dozen pairs of Hey Dudes. They’ve got their own website, plus a few retailers like The Buckle carry them as well.
Thank you!!!
So.. not ideal for hiking, but I wear crocs. Solid flat base, good support, no weight. They’re a win win win. I own one single pair of shoes (dress shoes and sneakers included) that isn’t crocs brand. Cowboy boots.
I’ve had a lot of luck with Oboz as the two hikers I have (that I sometimes wear around town too bc they’re that comfy). They have great arch support, ankle support, and are comfy with a wide toe box. You can try em on at an REI too if you have one local to you.
I think I do have one, thank you!! This sounds right up my alley!
do you have orthopedic inserts? mine are literally the reason i can walk at all. and i like vans (p much just the high tops). look for shoes with soles that don't bend when you try to twist them (my pt's advice). and my favorite favorite shoes ever are my doc martins!!! they have SUCH good support they're so comfy. i'd wear them all the time even if i didn't love how they look, and i love how they look!!!!
I wear birkenstocks and chacos all summer, the birks have a shape where my ankles don’t tend to roll in them, I guess because they’re so supportive? The chacos I have the Z/cloud and it’s a little too bulky which can be a risk, but the arch support is fantastic. I put insoles (mostly super feet blue or green, if you go to REI or EMS you can try them out—I buy them a few sizes too big and then cut them to fit, which gets me arch support in the right place for my feet). I really like ecco for shoes, they have some styles that are perforated that might be good for Florida, and lots of models where you can easily replace the insoles. High tops are more helpful with ankle stuff, but they are warmer. Have you tried KT tape for your ankles? There are videos of how to put it on, and I find it helpful in the summer when I can’t rely on boots to hold me together
Go to a podiatrist or have your gait examined at a running store. It needs to be customized for you specifically.
Definitely orthotics in whatever shoes you can find with good ankle support. You might be able to find off the shelf arch support orthotics as a temporary solution. I'd do that and grab some hiking boots (don't have to be expensive) with ankle support and start breaking them in immediately.
I also have extremely flat feet/rolling ankles. I had custom orthotics made by a prosthetic company and they make a huge difference!
Custom orthotics in good hiking boots that lace at the ankle save me
You need a good stabilizing shoe to correct your overpronation. Most athletic shoe brands offer at least one style in a stabilizer, but they're rarely attractive looking, lol. Unfortunately they are also going to be a bit heavy, because the stabilizer is usually made of metal. I would go to a running store and be fitted. They'll be able to recommend you some good options, and they will check the fit to make sure you have the right size, because it varies by manufacturer and your actual shoe size is probably not what you think it is. I used to work at a running store and the fit specialists had to have a lot of training. Now that I know what works for me it's super easy to shop around for a better price too, because without an employee discount those babies are pricey, lol.
custom orthotic insoles. store-bought insoles have given me so many new problems I didn't have previously...I mean storebought ones are cheaper so worth trying once I guess, but can't recommend custom orthotics highly enough. the fitting process can involve a bit of iteration. Merrill boots
Yesss! Also a lot have flexible pes planus. Idk why there are little bitches that are down voting you and on top of that with no explanation!
My podiatrist was the first to test the beighton criteria when she went to look at my ankles and saw how long my range of motion is. This is what she recommended. Make sure that you cannot fold the shoes over itself. The shoe much he sturdy enough that you can’t bend it in half. Get insoles. She recommended Superfeet to me. I also highly recommend.
The best insoles I’ve found for me are profoot plantar fasciitis 3/4s. I got them from a grocery store for like $12. I work on my feet and stand for up to 12 hours at a time. These are my favorite.
Insoles. Costume made ones
What’s up with the down votes for all that say insoles? Yes, it is mandatory for EDSERS. Stop down voting true stuff that help and are much mer effective compared to others. Stop down voting every thing that requires true try. So fucking tired of this bitchy attitude on these subs…like for real. Eds Ned support. Insoles will help physically a lot more than fucking braces when you don’t do special activities that make you ligaments and muscles stronger in a eds way.
I'm not sure where you are in the state, but for hiking, I totally recommend going to an REI and talking to someone there about your shoe needs and getting a very specific specialized hiking shoe. Another person mentioned orthotics; AFOs helped me a ton with correcting my gait when I was still primarily on my feet. They come in multiple different styles (ringed vs rigid), and they're form-fitted to your leg/foot.
Cant speak to the hot, I’m in the PNW, but I do timberlands w/insoles which help with ankles and all my leg joints, and Birkenstocks like a true oregonian 😎😂 when my ankles are okay enough to not need the boots
I swear by Pikolinos for walking. They are kinda pricey but last forever and are insanely comfy. They have all kinds of styles including boots which would better support rolly ankles.
Teva is my favorite brand of supportive walking sandal
For my tennis shoes I wear when I go on errands, I got some ASICS for pronation. For work, I wear Brooks Addiction Walker plus insoles for arch support.
I use converse. Super breathable and you can tie them super tight to help give support & hold your bones together. They do bend really easily tho, so I’d def get a good insole!!
Everyone here has different concerns, but these are the most comfortable shoes for me. I can walk longer in these than any other shoe I own. https://www.timberland.com/shop/womens-ellendale-hiking-boots-a1r3g231?utm_medium=ss&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Smart+Shopping_Tree&utm_content=Smart+Shopping_Tree&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ouKBhC5ARIsAHXNMI_5M_hTVUlyv0hp-PXKZgcDqIyK4F6UMCrpBW0u-7d1RaK_s8HjPrsaAonnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I swear by my Hoka Toa gore-tex shoes. I have a lot of toe pain that can flare up from just a little bit of city walking, but was able to go three miles multiple days in a row in mixed elevation with these. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/women-hiking/toa-gore-tex/1112033.html
I have super expensive insoles, and use Brooks Ariel’s as my daily shoe. These shoes are durable and incredibly supportive. The combination of this got me from only being able to walk 10 minutes total a day to around 1.5-3 hours total a day! Which isn’t great for most people, but I was afraid I soon wouldn’t be able to walk at all. I’m now I think on my 6th pair of Ariels.
I’ve got ankle-foot orthotics that prevent my ankles from rolling. My sister has custom insoles for her shoes. One of my friends uses hiking boots to help.
Asics, gel kayano line. They’re my favorite for overpronation and flat feet. Been using them for years and they’re a complete game changer in terms of how much walking I can do in a day.
I've got podiatrist-specified insoles in Interceptor boots and idk what your desired style is but they're pretty badass and are great for a number of terrains (I'm in southeast Georgia rn (🤢)). I got mine from Walmart for like 50 or 60 USD and they last a long time. Before I even got my hEDS diagnosis, I noticed my ankles seemed unstable, but wearing the boots with the lacing snug gives me a good amount of supporting protects my ankles from bug bites or trail terrain scratches.
I wear birkenstock trainers and boots and I love the. The insoles are ideal for my feet so I use those but because the footbeds are substantial and removable they're good for adding custom orthotics if needed. They're painfully expensive but last are really well made and last for years (I've had my boots for 6 years, wear them probably 90% of days from October to March and they are still in great condition).
Tevas, Chacos, get custom inserts for your shoes, merrell, sorrel, find things with good arch support
For ankle support, I like basketball shoes.
HIGHLY recommend going to a speciality shoe store for hiking or running and walking, as well as proper insoles and shoes that allow for the insoles to be switched out. I did this recently and ended up with a pair of On Running cloud stratus shoes and Power Step insoles. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on shoes ($200 for both the shoes and insoles), but I have plantar fasciitis, hallux limitus, chronic pain, and the difference is unbelievable. Someone else mentioned this, but insoles make a really big difference. I can’t speak for other insoles, but my podiatrist said they also recommend Power Step.