I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but I wasn't here before :-). I needed to see if anyone has found a good pair of athletic shoes? I've gone through so many pairs of shoes and they all hurt my feet eventually. I see all these people with CMT running marathons or being active and I've all but ceased any active lifestyle. I would like to try walking on a treadmill or anything to work up a sweat, but I'm afraid to spend the money on yet another pair of shoes to find they don't work out. If anyone can help, I would really appreciate it.
My husband is the one with CMT but I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and shoes are an issue too. We're also both of Native American descent. What works best for both of us is the Nike N7 shoes. They're available on the Nike web site but I don't know if any Nik stores anywhere carry them. Nike came up with them specifically for Native American feet but anyone can order them. They're made wider in the front, narrower in the heel and higher in the toe box portion and over the top of the foot. Mine are the most comfortable pair of athletic shoes I've ever had. I don't know if they would work for you or not but that's what works for me.
I have CMT and I use New Balance running shoes (although I use them for everyday shoes) with a 'roll bar' (this is to help with the roll overs). If you go to their website there are tons of shoes with stability ratings. If you go to their actual store they will watch you walk and make recommendations based on that.
Yeah, finding shoes have been a struggle for me. They have to be wide enough so my small feet and big orthodics can fit in them, so I usually have to buy a size or two up from my normal size. That's a struggle!
Once that is found, I actually have to see if I can walk in theml. haha
I would definitely check out orthodics as they can help with stability and balance and can fit into regular shoes.
I have orthodics and a brace already. I too have to buy a shoe size 1 or 2 up from my actual foot size and it's becoming worse since I think I will eventually have to buy two pairs of shoes because my left foot is literally shrinking. Weird. I just want to be able to go to the gym and not wear out my work shoes doing it.
Kilikina said:
Yeah, finding shoes have been a struggle for me. They have to be wide enough so my small feet and big orthodics can fit in them, so I usually have to buy a size or two up from my normal size. That's a struggle!
Once that is found, I actually have to see if I can walk in theml. haha
I would definitely check out orthodics as they can help with stability and balance and can fit into regular shoes.
That is funny, because of my surgeries, my feet are two different sizes too and I have very seriously considered buying two pairs of the same shoes but my poor wallet cant take it! It is kinda funny though.
I've had good luck with New Balance shoes very stable for CMT feet. Also, Aetrex shoes they have some made just for CMT feet. You can even get a pair free if you join the CMTA
I get very confused looking up what type of shoe to even buy. I know I need a lot of cushion, but then some sites say to get motion control and others say absolutely do not get motion control for CMT. I run out of steam just researching - wish that could be weight instead of steam. lol
As a podiatrist, we recommend strong heel counters (the sides of the heel are RIGID), to help with stability. The shank should also be strong (test this by "wringing out the dishrag", i.e. twisting the front of the shoe on the back to determine if there is torsional bend to the shoe).
If you're like most with CMT, you probably have a tendency to "foot drop" where the ball of the foot kind of slaps the ground when you walk. A rocker sole shoe can help this a lot. The Walking Store has their own brand now of rocker shoes that are nice. You can also have the rocker added to an athletic shoe (but this usually requires you working with a pedorthist, brace shop, or shoe repair shop that has experience in rocker shoes).
As a podiatrist, we recommend strong heel counters (the sides of the heel are RIGID), to help with stability. The shank should also be strong (test this by "wringing out the dishrag", i.e. twisting the front of the shoe on the back to determine if there is torsional bend to the shoe).
If you're like most with CMT, you probably have a tendency to "foot drop" where the ball of the foot kind of slaps the ground when you walk. A rocker sole shoe can help this a lot. The Walking Store has their own brand now of rocker shoes that are nice. You can also have the rocker added to an athletic shoe (but this usually requires you working with a pedorthist, brace shop, or shoe repair shop that has experience in rocker shoes).
So I had an appointment this morning and they are going to order me a rigid ankle brace with my othotic built into it. And they are going to order me special shoes that fit the brace. I'm pretty excited about this. I don't know if anyone else out there has gone through this, but I have seen multiple doctors and they all are completely stumped by my feet. Even telling me its out of their range of expertise to even help me. It has been a long, slow process of finding someone who looks at me like a person and not a science project.
Here in Canada, it is the same. Almost every time I go into a hospital/medical clinic I am surrounded by Dr's and their medical students. I even had a toe straightening surgery with the room packed full of students. It is annoying - and sometimes it feels down right degrading, but I feel as though these ppl MUST learn about CMT sooo here I am.
Thanks Dr. Greg for explaining what to look for. It helps me out when trying to navigate through the aisles of shoes!
Dr Greg said:
Hi Megan-
As a podiatrist, we recommend strong heel counters (the sides of the heel are RIGID), to help with stability. The shank should also be strong (test this by "wringing out the dishrag", i.e. twisting the front of the shoe on the back to determine if there is torsional bend to the shoe).
If you're like most with CMT, you probably have a tendency to "foot drop" where the ball of the foot kind of slaps the ground when you walk. A rocker sole shoe can help this a lot. The Walking Store has their own brand now of rocker shoes that are nice. You can also have the rocker added to an athletic shoe (but this usually requires you working with a pedorthist, brace shop, or shoe repair shop that has experience in rocker shoes).
Thank you for understanding. Sometimes it feels like no one knows what it's like.
Kilikina said:
Megan, you are preaching to the choir sister!!
Here in Canada, it is the same. Almost every time I go into a hospital/medical clinic I am surrounded by Dr's and their medical students. I even had a toe straightening surgery with the room packed full of students. It is annoying - and sometimes it feels down right degrading, but I feel as though these ppl MUST learn about CMT sooo here I am.
Hey I have the ridged type braces and only had them a couple of months…the shoes and braces were made for me by a place call POA they are just like hanger.
I just leaning how to walk in them…it is hard. I had lots of leg and foot cramps I think they are more from the new braces…but not sure. Have you had or notice that with your new braces.
I have to buy also 1 or 2 sizes larger for the braces too…but now I get these diabetic shoes they fit with my braces for me…
I don’t know if I should of gotten the tennis shoes but I opt for a more girlie shoes this time. I can buy more these were what my health insurance paid for.
I have to wear these stif type braces that goes around most of my ankle to support them so I don’t fall.
I did fall without them on going to bed, then my Orthopedic told me to wear my braces all the time? not to bed lol
I wishing you best of luck and let me know how you are doing ok…I’m interested