Howdy all,
For those of you who suffer from this (and you for sure know who you are!!) and have high arches, I just discovered a brand of walking/running shoes that are wonderful.

They are Japanese and called Mizuno. My new pair has lots of flexible, breatheble mesh uppers and some bizarre outer soles that really support the plantar area. They cost $90. Check them out!

I also like the Saucony "Shadow", but they are being redesigned. You gotta hurry on those.

I bought New Balance last Sept and they have really helped my PF. But, I still had to give and and order custom orthotics and now I'm even wearing Birkie slip on sandals around the house. The orthotics specialist said the worst thing I can do is go barefoot and I'm the original barefoot Momma around the house. I haven't seen the brand you mentioned.

My doctor told me not to wear my birkenstocks at all until symptoms go away . Kathy

Everybody's different. Birkies kill some people's feet and save others'.

Me, I have to wear a custom orthotic now in everything. But the problem has definitely lessened as I've lost weight. I used to have to wear nothing but athletic shoes *all* the time; now I can wear other shoes to work and church. I'm thrilled, since I do love shoes!

Thanks for the tip, Dora. I have very flat feet, but you never know; those may work for me. I'll look for them. Thus far I've had the best luck with New Balance and Avias.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/189.5/189 by April 17

Howdy all,

Lauren -I haven't tried the Avias, but I am disappointed in my New Balance. Even with the inserts (plain ole Dr. Scholls for me) They are ok, but that seems a shame for a $90 shoe. I like the Saucony and the Mizuno especially cause they use lots of stretchy, breathable canvas. Lots of wiggle room for the tootsies and "giveability" for when swelling occurs throughtout the day.

I have followed a PF thread before, and it seems that high aarches and flat feet have wildly different needs when it comes to treatment and shoes. That's probably why one can wear birkies and another not. I like Clarks and Eccos for my sandals. And yes, I wear them ALL the time. No more barefootin for this gal. Sniff...

No "barefootedness" in the house? Now I am in mourning. I also have this same problem and after I have worked all day my shoes come off first thing when I come in the door!! Guess I may have to rethink this one.

One shoes, I always liked my new balance and when they wore out I bought a pair of Easy Spirit on sale and have hated them. I think they make my pf worse. I guess I will be shoe shopping!!!!

Thanks for the information.

Elaine

Hey,

I'd like to get in on this shoe discussion. I have been wearing New Balances for a few years since I got a recommendation from a foot doctor. Many years ago, I also wore Avias. They come in a wide width which I need.

I have also recently seen an infomercial about arch supports that looks really interesting. I think I'm going to get some of them tomorrow. They are guaranteed so if they aren't great, I can return them. They claim to realign the way you stand and find that most people increase their height because it helps you to stand properly. I'll let you know what I find out.

Later,
Ruby

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but wanted to share my success story. I tried several athletic shoes and Easy Spirit, but it wasn't until I started wearing Birkenstock shoes that I was "cured" and pain free. This took nearly two years during which time I was wearing athletic shoes with good arch and heel support during the day, every day (I took a doctor's note to work to get permission), and started wearing the Birkies when I got home.

They hurt a little at first, but gradually (several weeks) started feeling wonderful and I wore them almost exclusively for another couple of years. Now I wear them at home and several times a week. If I start feeling any PF pain at all, I go back to them exclusively.

I recommend this to everyone with PF pain!