Boots or sandals?

[Laurentius]

I am not sure where to put this, and I expect it may have been covered before.

Years ago I used to wear boots a lot, as I prefered the extra ankle support, however in my latter days I have become more of a barefoot or sandals person in summer, mostly because my feet sweat terribly and I have seen the damage to my toes as a result of having feet that are the wrong shape for standard footwear.

I do not doubt that the traditional sturdy boots protect to some degree against over flexing at the ankles, but I have also heard a counter argument to supports of any kind generally that if you can build up strong muscles you are going to have some natural protection. It seems to make sense to me to build up the muscles if you can.

Suffice it to say in this recent spate of warm weather I have gone back to sandals and my ankles hurt.

[indigogecko]

I like being in good solid sandals (the "sports" kind with lots of chunky velcro straps) in the summer, but if I know I'm going to be up on my feet for a while I find just the addition of some very light ankle supports during the day help. It's not splinting, so you're still letting your muscles do some work, but you do get at least a little protection. Gives you bizzarre tanlines though!

[Kattykins]

I am supposed to wear orthotics but its hard to find sandals that will take them. I am trying to get some that at least have some kind of arch support. My feet really ache without them now!

I prefer bare feet! When I was younger I always had bare feet - even in the street!

[Rosie]

Hiya

Have a look at the Hotter range of sandals as some of these will take insoles, and some are more like open toed shoes that give some ankle support. They are not cheap, but you can pick them up on ebay and in sales.

Rosie

[Fiona-Jane]

hiya,

i wear canvas high tops during the summer instead of my leather boots cos my feet get too hot in them. mine have little vent holes built in that keep the air moving around my feet etc so i find they keep my feet quite cool, and as they lace right from my toes up to above my ankle i can tighten and loosen various areas to take into account the shape of my feet (and accomodate my insoles and my right ankle brace). the canvas is enough to keep my left ankle quite stable without the need to use another support (always a bonus in summer, same my right ankle is so damaged it needs it's big fat brace! )

i find this works for me, although when i get my wheelchair in a few weeks i plan to go back to wearing my little dainty sandles as i wont need to stand up! woo!

fi xx

[niccysearle]

I have always been a flip flop or barefoot kinda girl, but unfortunately in recent years my ankles have deteriorated so much that I have been unable to wear anything other than walking boots along with ankle supports and insoles. However I am due to be getting more rigid braces which I am hoping will enable me to at least be able to wear summery shoes/trainers with long skirts!! Since all this lovely warm weather arrived I have become increasingly jealous seeing everyone in lovely sandals, but to be honest I will be grateful just to get out of these boots!!!!

[victoria]

Sandals have never worked for me. Unless they have completely flat soles I can't even stand up in them, and I need the anled support of boots. Because of my knees I now need to wear heels all the time, so I can't wear sandals-or shoes with heels, for the same reason. That means I get to be in boots year round, which is fine most of the time but not so great if it's 100 degrees out.....

[star gazer]

I just bought 2 pairs of Karimore walking sandles, they have three way adjustable velcro, good supprot insole/base and as the straps adjust 3 ways via velco tabs they accomodate the splint when needed, and when I am not needing splint re adjust the straps very easily. got one pair at a sports shop then the second at amazon under karimore ladies sandals.They are great for every day use and as they accomodate the splint are great for me, I don't know if they would work with orthotics too as I don't have mine yet
star gazer

[nat05]

When I used to wear orthotics prior to getting my richies, I used to velcro them in. You can get the sticky backed velcro used in dress making and attach one piece to your shoe and the other to the insole. Stops them moving around too much.
xx