Shoes for Osteoporosis

I am a Charge RN in a busy ER and am on my feet for LONG periods of time. Because I have suffered multiple Osteo related spinal fractures, I found that my back and hips would get really sore and that finishing a shift was tough and sometimes, even an agony.

I got myself a pair of "Shape Ups" from Skechers while in the States, put them on and wore them for 13 hours straight - not the way you are supposed to do it. Felt really good (except when I went to bed and had numerous cramps in my calves - just that one time!!). I was so gratified to have no back/hip pain.

I got myself a second pair for "everyday wear". For me, they have been a salvation (and I certainly do not work for the Company!) I feel stronger, stand straighter, feel taller (could be the thick soles!), and can feel my leg muscles working.

They may not be everyone's answer but I, for one, have gladly traded daily Tylenol/Advil for a great pair of shoes. It feels really good to have done something positive for me that doesn't involve some kind of medication!

By DeskJockey101
Reply 847641
April 24, 2010 at 9:54 am
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THEY DO NOT MAKE THEM IN MY SIZE, 9D WHICH IS JUST AS WELL, I COULD SEE ME FALLING IN THEM - HITTING THE SIDE WALK WRONG, ETC. A FRIEND OF MINE GOT SOME AND WALKED AND SOON THE THIN LAYER OF SOLE WAS STRIPPED AWAY - SHE WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTED. THE DIFFERENCE MIGHT BE SIDEWALK/VRS HALLS IN HOSPITALS.

GLAD YOU FOUND SOMETHING THAT WORKS FOR YOU ...

By tripsplus6
Reply 847843
April 24, 2010 at 12:22 pm
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Rats! I don't think they make them in my size either. I take a ladies size 4, sometimes can manage a 5 with thick socks. I'll have to check online.

By zeta
Reply 848042
April 24, 2010 at 4:10 pm
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Thanks for the tip on shoes. Can anyone suggest a good sandal that has great support. So far I've only been able to wear Nike tennis shoes, but they get hot in the summer. I also have some osteoarthritis in my knees, so really good support is crucial on both counts. Trying to be kind to my bones!!!

thanks gang!!

zeta

By zendream
Reply 848741 · In reply to 848042 by zeta
April 25, 2010 at 9:41 am
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The greatest sandals with the greatest arch support are the
Mephisto sandals. I wear them all summer long, can walk
in them for hours and have no pain. No other shoes ever
felt that good...........and no, I am not working for that company.
Look for the "Helen" or "Hannel". I have them in black patent
leather, red, green, tan, and maroon, which I bought from Zappos.com
over the last 5 years. The company ships the shoes for free and offers
returns for free. They are not cheap though......$135 - $145, but last a
long time. You can go to Nordstrom's, try them out for size and order
them online. Unfortunately, they seldom have good colors or sizes
in stock. Hope this helps, Idie

By DeskJockey101
Reply 848901
April 25, 2010 at 11:39 am
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I CAN NOT WEAR SANDLES, I CAN ONLY WEAR RUNNERS BECAUSE I HAVE INSERTS, BUT I DO HAVE A PAIR OF SKETCHERS FLIP FLOPS AND A PAIR OF CROCK SANDLES THAT I WEAR FROM TIME TO TIME BUT NOT A LOT... BEING KNOCK KNEE'D AND ALL IS NO FUN WHEN ITS TIME TO DRESS UP !

By itzfun
Reply 848924
April 25, 2010 at 11:56 am
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You might want to check out MBT shoes. I bought them when they were introduced about 5 years ago. They were quite pricey at the time and the "original" shoe of this type.

I believe they have a size 4.5. They also have sandals.

I was walking a lot at the time and they made a huge difference. I broke my right leg in 1973 and there is a bit of imbalance that this shoe corrects. I can wear them all day for walking and have no lower back or hip pain as in the past.

Below is the MBT site, but you may be able to get them cheaper elsewhere. Mine came with a DVD with instructions on their use and how to walk. They are NOT for running. I believe the MBT site also tells of how they were developed, etc.

http://us.mbt.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

By zeta
Reply 849020 · In reply to 848741 by zendream
April 25, 2010 at 1:40 pm
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idie,

shucks, no stock in the company :-) !! Thanks, I'll definately be checking into them. Right now, I cut the toes out of a pair of my tennis shoes for a sandal effect. But I tell you, it's not much of a fashion statement, believe me, and my feet still feel too hot.

zeta

By lilrayosun
Reply 849408
April 25, 2010 at 7:24 pm
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I second the Mephisto sandal recommendation. A modern dancer I once knew turned me onto them. Although as they are made in France, they are quite pricey here (that almighty Euro + importation tax).

MBTs cost a pretty penny ($250), although they did start the whole rocker-bottom shoe trend. I went to the corporate website -- smallest size is a 5.5

A cheaper alternative are the Sketchers (mentioned at the start of this thread) for roughly $99.00 (smallest size is a 5 US)

Earth Shoes make an even cheaper model for $69.00 (smallest size also a 5 US).

I own a pair of Sketchers and a pair of Earth shoes. I like them equally well, but Earth has a wider selection of styles of shoes (sandals, dressy, boots, sneakers, loafers, slip ons, etc.) Every single model has excellent arch support, plus the distinctive lower (or negative) heel (meaning the toes of your feet sit higher than your heel when you are wearing the shoe). The negative heel makes you stand with a more neutral spine (i.e., better posture).

Both the sketchers and the earth shoes come in a size 5 (sorry, no 4s). If you want a comfortable walking shoe or sandal, Birkenstock does make size 4 shoes and also has kids' sizes, so you could find something there. Extremely comfortable shoes, but not exactly pretty.

A link to the sketchers:
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/fitness/women_s_shape_ups /list

Here's the earth shoe sneakers http://www.zappos.com/womens-earth-shoes

Here are Earth sandals:
http://www.zappos.com/womens-earth-sandals

Here's an explanation of their soles:
http://www.earthfootwear.com/tabid/95/Default.aspx

Here's a link to Mephisto sandals (Hey -- they come in a size 4!)
http://www.zappos.com/womens-mephisto-sandals

A link to Birkenstock:
http://www.zappos.com/womens-birkenstock-sandals

By maka
Reply 849446 · In reply to 848042 by zeta
April 25, 2010 at 7:50 pm
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Chaco sandals are amazingly comfortable w/great arch support. The only problem for me is my feet are weird and for some reason my right foot HATES them, my left foot could walk forever. My feet are wide with narrow heels and high arches. So, I know it sounds crazy to recommend something I can't wear, but I still think they would be great. I LOVE Birkenstocks but they just don't make a Trek style sandal. Also Dansko makes good sandals.
I second the Zappo's recommendation. I order boxes and boxes of shoe and although I have to send most back, at least I have more than 2 pairs of shoes now.

By itzfun
Reply 849517
April 25, 2010 at 8:56 pm
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http://www.mbtmall.com/Sports/Women-s-MBT-M.-Walk-Pink-3.html

This site has them for $96.99. You can google MBT and there are sites that have them cheaper than $250 and free S & H.

By Mrader
Reply 850319
April 26, 2010 at 11:24 am
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I have the Sketchers and love them! I have osteoarthritis in my knees and Osteoporosis in lower back. My knees and back feel so much better since I have been walking in them. I work all day and am looking for good sandals and shoes to wear to work so will try the other suggestions here also!

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