Specialist shoes for very wide feet

[Gillypod]

I have primary lymphoedema and have been overweight for most of my life.  My large legs were always blamed on my obesity even though they were obviously different shapes .  A few years ago I managed to lose almost 7 stone and once I lost the weight I was able to go to the Doctor and state that something had to be wrong as the legs were still huge.  I have had recurrent bouts of cellulitis and a full leg DVT, but still it did not click that there was an issue.

Anyway to cut a long story short for the past 18 months I have tried to find shoes that fit properly.  I have tried everything from soft bodied trainers to wide fitting Fly Flots, but I was always uncomfortable.  Eventually, on the advice of my LE Nurse and my podiatrist, I was advised to get my feet properly measured.  This was done and I was surprised to find that my feet were NOT size 7 but a size 4.  My feet also measure on average 13 inches at the broadest point.  I had been buying size 7 shoes because they were a wider fit not realising that the shoes were not helping me to walk.

Today I purchased a pair of DB Shoes.  These shoes are a size 4 and an 8EE width fitting.  I could have cried when I tried them on as for the first time in almost 40 years I felt comfortable in a pair of shoes.  These shoes are available online at www.dbshoes.co.uk where you can download and print a special measuring guide to check the real size of your feet.  I bought mine from a stockist in Stirling who ordered them in for me, but now I know just what I need I can buy the shoes direct should I choose to.

I would recommend them to any member who finds that they are sick and tired of being uncomfortable when trying to walk and are looking for comfort and freedom.

[Rachel]

Hi there Gilliepod.  Just read your post.  Like you I've had problems finding shoes that are comfortable.  I suppose living in the far north of Scotland where shoeshops are few & far between & selections are poor, trainers have been my best option.   But they don't give me any support which I know I need. Compression stockings on the NHS had toes which caused my own toes to curl up caused evil blisters which still remain a problem after 6 months. (I slashed the toes of the stockings to allow freedom)  So was delighted to get the website you mentioned & have requested a catalogue.  The skin on my legs bruise easily, having 2 dogs bouncing about means skirts are a no no.   Jeans or cords are  my fashion statement...   A visit to a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist was most helpful.  She gave much advice like how to do the special massage technique.  Also heat is bad news.  Tepid to coldish baths/showers last thing at night to my amazement have reduced the swelling overnight a fair bit.  Look on the web & see if there is a similar therapist near you & go for it. Cheers Rachel

[Gillypod]

Hi Rachel,  I hope you have managed to get just what you are looking for from the website.

There is nothing as wonderful as shoes that fit

[lacemaker]

I wear crocs all the time.for years I have struggled so much trying to get any shoes on my feet, one of which has lymphodema. Since crocs came out I live in them.I have winter and summer ones and even a pair of golf crocs!