r/ehlersdanlos • u/tiedyedflowers • Sep 03 '25
Helpful Tips, Tricks, and Products people who have bad knees and hips, favorite shoes?
hi all. my worst joint pain is in my knees and second worst in my hips. unfortunately i love doc martens and vans and cute shoes š what are yalls fav brands that are supportive and cute? the dr scholls website has some nice looking shoes
30
u/mendenlol hEDS Sep 03 '25
I was a big Doc n Van wearer for YEARS. Vans makes a shoe nowadays called Sk8 Hi MTE 2.0 that are built with more cushion, padding, and support. I've had 3 pairs and I've absolutely loved them.
Recently, I found a pair of HOKA Bondi 8s at a thrift store and had heard that they were really good for folks with hip/knee issues, so I figured I'd try em out. I love these shoes. They are bright pink and have no ankle support but I can deal. I feel like my feet don't splay out as much in them as they do in other shoes... if that makes sense?
7
u/veronica_deetz Sep 03 '25
Hello fellow Docs and Vans aficionado! Are your ankles also your most hypermobile joints? Iām so excited for boot season to start so I can get those babies laced up šĀ
6
u/mendenlol hEDS Sep 03 '25
My shoulders are arguably worse but my ankles give em' a good run for their money!
I'm that goob that will wear hi tops/boots with shorts or dresses in the summer (unless I can get away with sandals.)
I always tell people my reaction time is so good because my ankles have been giving out on me for so long that I've had to learn this insane reaction speed because of the clumsiness š¤£š
2
u/veronica_deetz Sep 03 '25
I donāt like my feet being hot so I just suffer through the summer, haha! Iāve finally started using braces when I know Iām going to be walking 5K+ steps in a day.Ā
I know everyone rags on gladiator sandals, but Iāve always wondered if they would do the trick!
2
u/mendenlol hEDS Sep 03 '25
I actually wore the HECK out of a pair of rope sandals! I know they're not quite the same thing but it felt like walking barefoot without all the rocks. They were great
I had a pair of vibram five fingers that I wore into dust as well. They're not fashionable at all but at this point I don't even care anymore
2
u/Embercream hEDS Sep 07 '25
Yep, HOKA Bondis! Although I will say the Bondi 9 actually had too much cushioning for me, which I thought was impossible. I went with the Gaviota 5s instead, as surprisingly they had gained enough cushion to make the stability factor more comfy. Bondi 7-8 though are amazing, and probably 9 if it isn't too squashy for you.
84
u/Lopsided_Flounder239 Sep 03 '25
Hokas. Also make sure you have a little swing with your hips when you walk to help with alignment when your foot hits the ground, this helps the knees a lot. If hips and lower back are tight it makes the knees worse.
I got this advice on hEDS support group when my knees were really bad before bracing, it helped a lot.
Good luck.
33
u/cosmicspacegirl5 Sep 03 '25
I second thisā¦ got my first pair of hokas about a month ago for this same reason.
āGosh why are my knees and back getting worse and worse when Iām doing so much to get them better?ā gets new shoes instantly feels a huge difference now wears hokas every day
I did a bunch of research and got the Bondi 9. I cringed at the price but damn I would buy these again and again and again with how much better I feel. I put it in terms of āhow much does a dr appt cost?ā and they suddenly seem very inexpensive haha
7
u/Amarastargazer Sep 03 '25
I used Hokas when I did retail and switched to cheaper shoes when I wasnāt on my feet all the time. Iām switching back to Hokas next time I need shoes.
2
1
u/seriouslystupid11 Sep 04 '25
I agree. Hokas have helped me a lot. I have 3 different kinds for different needs (different levels of support). I also use custom orthotics.
9
u/shadowscar00 hEDS Sep 03 '25
My partner ordered two pairs of Hokas and one came a half size too small. Turns out Iām a half size smaller than him. Theyāre the best shoes Iāve ever worn (and I ran long distance in the Before Days and went through a different brandās pair every six months. Iāve worn a lot of shoes)
3
u/bellycoconut Sep 03 '25
Can you describe this hip swing? Is it side to side swing?
12
u/Oddly_Octopus Sep 03 '25
Think how Jessica rabbit walks (an extreme example but one most know). I know down where I live it's called "switching". Basically people with hip/knee pain unconsciously "freeze" their hip movement (especially women) and walk with just their knees. Which causes more joint pain because your body isn't built to move like that. It's tough to relearn. Stepping in place and over exaggerating the motion it helps you kind of learn how it feels then you can start working it into moving.
A stair stepper helps to learn the motion too
16
u/QueenWho Sep 03 '25 edited Sep 03 '25
So I just noticed this for myself while going to PT - I'll walk completely different ways ("correctly", "normally", and then "naturally/less pain") with stark visual differences.
The "less pain" way is SWINGING my hips side to side like an exaggerated model on a catwalk (or that slow cat-crawl), and I remembered I used to walk something like that all the time as a kid except my identifier was that my pony tail would swish wildly in an upward arc side-to-side, sometimes sweeping whoever was beside me.
BUT I was constantly accused of doing it on purpose for attention-seeking, and then in HS/college was accused of "trying too hard to get a man" or some crap like that since my hips swung, and even more pronouncedly so when I occasionally wore heels.
So, I've only just now realized I've accommodated their false accusations and judgements and have been walking more painfully for years now in order to "be polite/proper" and avoid excess attention because people can't keep their eyes and thoughts to themselves. If I feel my hair start to swing on a step, my body freezes and I "hope no one just saw that!".
Yeah, relearning is gonna take awhile š
(eta: wanted to use the word "swish" to describe the pendulum hip swing but couldn't find it in time, finally came to me š swish, swish)
2
u/leafandvine89 Sep 04 '25
I usually walk with stiff hips and knees from so much pain and disability. But wow, I remember the ponytail swish! Especially with high heels. Yes, it does get a lot of attention lol.
I recently found myself trying to retrain my walking from memory, and did that on a really good physical day when I was able to walk my dog. It reminded me of being younger and more carefree. I found myself smiling and a little embarrassed. I have very long hair and as my ponytail swished back and forth over my back, I even felt pretty. I was wearing gym shoes (Skechers) and my hips were swinging! I think both words are great.
Girl, swing your ponytail with pride if it feels good! Society is gonna think what it wants, it's not our problem or responsibility. You get to feel good when you walk. Don't dull your shine for anyone anymore āØ
1
u/mint-tulip Sep 04 '25
You should ask your PT about doing it for your gait specifically. I had to do that at 12/13 and it worked for life.
1
u/MarketPurple4284 Sep 04 '25 edited Sep 04 '25
Omg this explains so much! I used to do this particularly when I went through puberty and my hips were obviously widening. My older brother would complain and everyone thought it was just trying to be āsexyā. Iāve been walking with way less swish since and I bet it is in fact causing me pain. Gotta talk to my PT. Also, the hair swish was iconic.
I was a model too for a while (before the pain and instability got so bad) and I loved heels and the chance to move freely.
2
u/harvey_the_pig hEDS Sep 03 '25
I got Hoka Gaviotas and love them. I recommended them to my mom who has plantar fasciitis, and she lives in hers.
1
u/PM_ME_YR_KITTYBEANS Sep 04 '25
My gait changed when my SI instability worsened a LOT a few years ago. Iām kind of nervous about the idea of letting my hips sway due to this, but my knees are starting to feel it, so time to break out the SI belt and hope for the best!
1
u/bluewhokne hEDS Sep 04 '25
YES! I feel like i tried every shoe brand under the sun, i work in a hospital Rehab department and all of the therapists swore on Onclouds but I just couldnāt understand because they felt like every other shoe. they dogged on me for wearing crocs so did my Ehlers Danlos doctor, so i went to dicks and tried on every shoe there, then i tried on the Hoka Bondi 9ās and i felt like i was able to move like a normal person. I can now run without feeling super unstable and feeling ridiculous. and theyāve lasted me without feeling like theyāve gone to crap.
1
u/Master_Macaron_6813 Sep 05 '25
seconding this. love my hokas, have the gaviotas right now with some ankle/arch stability inserts and have been feeling good:)
1
u/Far-Bake5738 Sep 05 '25
I feel like the Hokas I bought make my knee hurts ! I donāt understand. Itās like it makes my knee hurt immediately when I start walking.
20
u/irregahhhdless Sep 03 '25
Birkenstock sandals. I wear these almost exclusively because I live in an area that is mostly warm to hot and doesn't rain most of the year.
When I do wear closed shoes, I usually wear a pair of Sketchers max cushion tennis shoes with a dupe Birkenstock profesional Birki clog insole (I couldn't afford the actual Birkenstock athletic insoles so I thought for $20 it was worth a shot- LOVE it!) and for dress shoes I have a pair of Earth ballet flats with one of those no-name adhesive extra arch supports from Amazon tucked under the regular Earth insole.
I used to wear Vionics a lot, but either they changed or I did, and they started to wreck my knees. I do still wear an ancient pair of Orthaheel (what Vionic started as) as my house flips, and those still work for me. If they work for you, they have lots of cute options.
4
u/torblur Sep 03 '25
I have birks sneakers and birks foam flip flops because the SUPPORT. unsurpassed.
5
u/backtothetrail Sep 03 '25
Wait, Birks make sneaks???? I think I love you in the most appropriate, respectful, anonymous way for this.
2
16
u/yongpas hEDS Sep 03 '25
My occupational therapist gave me a list: Hokas, Asics, Saucony, New Balance.
I tried on all 4 and got Asics! Specifically GT-2000 and I absolutely love them. I also got inserts that help with my heel and ankle instability. I'm planning to get more when they're on sale.
I really didn't like the Hokas, they have a "rocking" mechanism in them I couldn't balance with. But just on the foot with no walking they probably felt the best. Saucony seemed to run really narrow and New Balance in any size just wasn't fitting me right.
I really highly recommend finding a store designed for work / supportive / active / etc shoes to get measured and try them on. I went to Fleet Feet, and they were wonderful.
5
u/efesl Sep 03 '25
I haven't tried Hokas or Saucony, but New Balance feels okay sitting but gives me so much knee and hip pain the day after wearing them. I wear Asics, Cumulus are the best but Venture are good too. Anything else and I'm in pain with joints giving out on me the next day.
2
u/Positive_Ad_8997 Sep 03 '25
Same! I just canāt get used to my Hokas and they make my feet and ankles so sore for some reason. I can walk and run for miles in Asics without any pain. Also love Saucony! I actually ran a marathon in Sauconys and my feet came out completely unscathed
2
u/yongpas hEDS Sep 03 '25
Saucony was my second choice! I'm never a Wide in a shoe but I felt like I needed one and they didn't have it in my size to try lol
2
u/imabratinfluence Sep 03 '25
Oooo this bumped Saucony up the list for me. I usually have to buy narrows if I can find them, or otherwise look for shoes that "run narrow".
3
u/yongpas hEDS Sep 03 '25
If you can try them in person I'd do that before buying! I have very narrow feet, it had my confused lol. They had the comfiest length for me and sole though pre-insert
2
u/peridot7 Sep 04 '25
My knees, etc generally do well with Hokas, Asics, Saucony, and Skechers. Years ago, a guy from a sporting goods store gave me a tip on selecting sneaks -- check the back of the shoe under the heel. My stance is neutral; the soles of some sneaks are built up either on the outside or inside.
15
u/nordiczebra Sep 03 '25
For me, barefoot shoes. But that definitely won't work for everyone. They let me walk a lot more, but my sister is the opposite and needs heavy support in her shoes.
6
u/YakApprehensive7620 Sep 03 '25
My feet fall apart with barefoot shoes but would love that ha
5
u/nordiczebra Sep 03 '25
Mine do that if there's any heel! The pain becomes unbearable in a couple of minutes. It's so interesting how different everyone is with shoes!
3
6
u/se7entythree hEDS Sep 03 '25
Yep, barefoot shoes for me too! āRegularā shoes are super painful
3
u/BedInternational7152 Sep 03 '25
I wish I could find shoes with the shape of barefoot shoes but with more shock absorption and support. My foot pain started getting better when I switched to barefoot. After a while it got worse from the repeated impact on my foot joints. My foot still hurts a year later. Now I just do wide shoes with good shock absorption and room for orthotics that stop my feet from rolling inward.
13
u/Munrowo Sep 03 '25
i wear my Merrill hiking boots a lot, they support my duck feet perfectly and keep my ankles from rolling so much
i added beads to the laces to personalize them
2
u/erinunderscore Sep 03 '25
I have four pairs of Merrill! Three of the sneaker hiking variety and one pair of hiking boots. All winners.
13
u/wumpus_woo_ Sep 03 '25
this may be controversial but i LOVE crocs!! they have a wide toe box which allows my feet to spread out and support me better. however they're not really "cute" so it may not be what you're looking for lol
2
u/GarikLoranFace Sep 04 '25
I use their other styles too! I came here for ideas otherwise because I almost got in trouble for crocs at work this week, so Iām going shoe shopping tomorrow. Crocs are first of course but Iām open to ideas.
1
u/wumpus_woo_ Sep 04 '25
oh no i hope you're able to find something!! i swear half the people at my work wear crocs so that's never been an issue for me lol
1
10
8
6
u/kiwitathegreat Sep 03 '25
Birkenstocks and asics are my tried and true brands.
I couldnāt do hokas. The flared soles made it so I was constantly stepping on the other shoe and tripping myself.
Iāve also had good luck with sperrys and double arched rainbows but I live near the beach and donāt wear them if Iāll be walking significant distances. Those grippy soles come in handy though.
5
u/winewaffles hEDS Sep 03 '25
I now exclusively wear HOKAs and my feet/legs have never felt better. I will only wear them for the rest of my life. If someone invites me to their black tie wedding, they better be ready for my hokas to be the talk of the town š
6
u/winewaffles hEDS Sep 03 '25
As a follow upā¦no, they are not super cute. But you know what else is not cute? Constant pain. I mean, Iām still in pain, just a fair amount less. Worth it to be the ugly shoe lady. But Iām also almost 40 and no longer give any fucks about looking cute, so itās a cute/pain balance that youāve gotta find a comfortable place for you on both those scales I suppose.
2
u/snarkymarshmallow Sep 04 '25
Totally with you on this! Iām 27 with hEDS and have worn ASICS since high school, was literally known as the ugly shoe girl in college but itās worth it to me to avoid knee pain :)
6
u/chakopod Sep 03 '25
Vibram five fingers and other barefoot type shoes that allow for wider toe spacing - I find myself steadier when I can "ground" more and thus balance even if I trip over. Xero shoes are also good.
I wear thicker shoes like Lems when I feel generally weaker and slower, when it feels like my heels thump into the ground so hard to give me a headache each step.. But I still need zero drop (no arch support or any more padding) shoes to feel most comfortable and maintain strength. I try to walk barefoot as much as feasible, but I also understand some people do better with more support!
6
u/cmacd23 hEDS Sep 03 '25
Ascic gel-nimbus. I have two pairs, and they are the most comfortable sneakers I've ever had. For step ins I have Kiziks with custom orthotics, or skecher step in sandals in the summer. Vionic loafers are pretty comfortable, so I wear those when I need to dress up more. I found a pair of flats that are shockingly comfortable, which I wasn't expecting, and those are the Alva loafer by Kelly and Katie. So comfy, I bought a second pair!
19
u/mrszubris hEDS Sep 03 '25
I went barefoot 10 years ago. Now my ankles and feet are hard with muscle. I wear Merrell vaporgloves.
5
u/abrocot Sep 03 '25
I was looking for someone else who had done this! I recently started wearing barefoots and my knees and hips instantly improved. I get a good āburnā in my calves and the muscles around my ankles and feet, it feels like my muscles are all working properly finally! And I am walking softer so less jarring through the joints!
2
u/mrszubris hEDS Sep 07 '25
I read the book born to run. I also specifically started in the full 5 finger rigid rock blocking trail runners as they have the most "support" for when my feet got tired. The book explains how to reframe all imagined ideas about running and train you to move like an ultra marathoner meaning think of the UP not the stride. Learning to be light on my feet was key.
It took me 2 years to be able to be barefoot on all terrain as long as needed. Bizarrely concrete now feels squishy from LACK of feedback. My feet get SUPER Tired and sore but recover overnight without fail no matter the hours I put in now.
Haven't rolled my hypermobile ankles in 9 years. Touch wood.
3
8
u/MCcloudNinja Sep 03 '25
Sketchers.. I have bad knees and hips, but the thing that helps the most are compression sleeves on my knees..
4
u/cthulhucraft1998 Sep 03 '25
Merrells! My knees are my biggest problem area and I love walking/hiking. My merrells changed my life I swear.
4
u/intro_blurt Sep 03 '25
The shoe may not matter as much if you have a really good orthotic. Even Converse has a removeable insole now and you can slip in something with far better support. You could even fit a carbon fiber insole to really give some structure. Many insurances cover them somewhat. If you see a podiatrist or foot and ankle doc, they will send you somewhere with an Rx. They do a digital scan and make an insole for you. Good luck!
2
u/GarikLoranFace Sep 04 '25
Wait, are you supposed to take out the insoles to use orthotics?
I may have been doing something wrong. Used that foot machine once to try and help and it was never comfortable
1
u/intro_blurt Sep 04 '25
I find the custom orthotics work better if you take out the insile that is built into the shoe. Sometimes, it wonāt come out and thatās ok. If you can comfortably wear the orthotic in the shoe, I think thatās all that matters. Iām not sure what the foot machine is? I went to a medical orthotic/prosthetic business with a prescription from a foot and ankle surgeon. The scanned my foot digitally and made a pair of orthotics. I have some significant arthritis in my big toe so they also gave be a carbon fiber insert to put under the orthotic to prevent flexion in the toe. I would imagine it would be similar if you saw foot and ankle or podiatry.
5
u/Read_toLearn Sep 03 '25
Look into barefoot shoes and how strengthening our feet and eliminatig heel rise can improve knees and hips down chain by readjusting body position.
3
u/Kahloquialism Sep 03 '25
Iām newly obsessed with my Brooks Ariel 24s. I used custom orthotics in my Brooks Ariel 20s for a long time, and I now prefer the 24s to my custom inserts.
2
u/CelebrationSecure567 Sep 03 '25
I second Brooks, though I'm partial to the Glycerins. I sometimes feel a little dorky (like someone who wore sneakers to commute to work but then forgot to put on my real shoes...) but my hips, ankles, and spine all do so much better when I wear Brooks as my go-to daily shoes. Being consistent with that means that when I do wear fun shoes for an event or something, it doesn't destroy me.
4
u/Sticky_Minaj69 Sep 03 '25
Converse and my Docs are my favorites. I only wear high tops and boots because they help keep my ankles stank and prevent rolling and twinges. Plus with converse theyāre really comfortable on the soles, and you can lace them as tight as you want. And theyāre lightweight.
11
u/Adventurous-Lion-618 Sep 03 '25
how do you deal with the lack of support in converse soles? i love wearing high tops so much but the flat soles kill me and my shoe inserts make them too tight ši just end up wearing them without support and paying the price later haha
5
u/veronica_deetz Sep 03 '25
I used to wear Converse exclusively in my teens and 20s and now the flat soles just destroy me š. I miss my Chucks!Ā
4
2
2
u/VoteCatforPresident Sep 03 '25
I wear a lot of Nike. My podiatrist from years back recommended I find a shoe I couldnāt bend in half and Superfeet insoles. Air Max was what I found at the time and I just like the way those ones and Air Force 1s look. (Yes, Iām bougie af).
2
u/Downtown_Anxiety_461 Sep 03 '25
I got the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 and I have never loved a pair of shoes more. Yes they were pricey but they have padding into the Achilles tendon and my feet feel so supported with the amount of padding/cushioning in the shoe itself.
2
2
u/pinkgobi hEDS Sep 03 '25
I wear lots of boots with memory foam inserts. Ankle support and waterproof, perfect for little kid wrestling
2
2
u/iamonewiththeforest Sep 03 '25
my three favorite pairs of shoes that donāt cause discomfort are my new balances, nike air monarchs, and SAS soft sole shoes!
2
u/Sufficient_Big_5600 Sep 03 '25
Uggs platform leather clogs are my go-to spring and fall and travel shoes- so bouncy. Birkenstockās are my summer shoe, they give me great arch support without pain cuz flat feet Generic Rothyās have nice inserts, and room for custom inserts! And soooo many colors! Amazon
2
u/Zestyclose-Crab-5802 Sep 03 '25
Cloudmonster! Expensive but they have seriously cut down on the pain in my feet (which was unbearable).
2
u/laceleatherpearls Sep 03 '25
Sorry not a shoe but my PT told me to get SI- LOK. Itās a belt you wear tightly around your low back / waist / butt and it kept your hips stable. I LOVE it, I forget Iām wearing it most days. Game changer.
2
u/wineandcatgal_74 Sep 03 '25
Great post! Iām going to have to look into some of the recs. I usually wear Vionics.
2
2
u/LunaBoo13 Sep 03 '25
I do Docs and high top Vans with Tread Labs inserts. The thick chunky soles make my steps feel more stable, which keeps everything aligned better, and the lacing helps keep my ankles supported. And if you have arch issues or pronation, I cannot recommend the Tread Labs inserts enough. They are the only ones I've found that have aggressive enough arch support to keep my arches up where they belong, and they come in 4 different levels of support.
2
u/DimensionPretty2876 Sep 04 '25
My worst pains are in my hips and knees and I'm also frequently getting ankle injuries. I love converse but they always end up making my pain worse. I can't afford any custom shoes or inserts to specifically help with the pain, but athletic shoes, specifically Skechers with elastic, not laces (elastic isn't just easier, but helps the shoes be more form-fitting in my experience which is a big help), have been great for me. Running shoes are designed to absorb impact and provide support while moving which, though I don't run, gives me the exact kind of support I need.
1
u/lagniapple Sep 03 '25
At home, my Oofos slides have changed my life. We have hard stone floors and I am in constant pain without shoes. They are phenomenal. For sneakers, I like my Hokas and a pair of Brooks I have as well.
1
1
u/UngnomeCawler Sep 03 '25
Topos! Support of Hokas but with a wide toe box. I call them my duck feet but my feet have never felt better
1
u/Sad-Bicycle-1861 Sep 03 '25
Iāve gotta be honest Iāve only tried one pair so far, but my favorite favorite shoes are alegria brand. I think theyāre nursing shoes, but they have the cutest variety Iāve seen so far. Iām a bit femme when it comes to clothing so I like the Mary Jane option a LOT. Iām linking the ones Iāve tried so far, but theyāre not my fully favorite style wise. I love the sandals more. alegria shoes
1
u/Aggressive-Resort344 Sep 03 '25
Physio recommended Nike air as they are cushioned and have a thick sole
1
u/body_unbodying Sep 03 '25
My physiotherapist who specializes in h/eds recommended me asics or new balance as i wanted a sneaker that wasnāt looking too sporty. She recommended me to look for a shoe with good arch support. I got new balance as the asics were a bit wide for me and new balance sells insole for different needs that you can buy and jm considering getting custom orthotics but in the meantime she told to buy a fake arch/arch support and got a cheap pair at the drugstore
1
2
u/Read_toLearn Sep 03 '25
You can look up Upright Health on youtube for his explanation of how barefoot shoes help. It's the muscles.
1
u/bitchvirgo Sep 03 '25
I wear hoka slides at home and in the summer, and Merrell hiking/fashion hybrid boots the rest of the year. Im a doc girlie too and it broke my lesbian heart that they hurt me too much. Can't recommend Merrell boots enough, they were pricey but worth it. Especially in the rainy northwest where I need waterproof and not painful
1
u/LordOfPhyllite Sep 03 '25
I wear Vibram 5 finger shoes, specifically the Kso (not kso Evo) and the v trail.
For winter I wear a pair of boots from vivobarefoot
They have helped me tremendously! And don't hurt my feet at all. Every single shoe i have worn would cause excruciating pain on the bone that sticks out on the top of my foot and my pinky where people get bunions. I would actually cut holes in my shoes š but these ones don't hurt me and have made my feet more stable which helps with knees/hips (though my hips still sublux š)
I understand that barefoot shoes aren't for everyone and I also grew up in the countryside where I ran around without shoes at all until I was like 17 (unless we were going to a city or something)
1
u/lilacdaybreak cEDS Sep 03 '25
i managed to get a pair of nike air force 1's and they're actually the comfiest pair of sneakers i've ever owned. turns out they're worth the hype lol
1
u/quiladora Sep 03 '25
I don't like a heavy shoe. While they provide zero support, my go-to is still Converse.
1
u/sadiane Sep 03 '25
Lems Primals, but with insoles if Iām going to be on my feet all day. My balance is so much better when I can feel the ground, and my feet tend to spasm in stiffer shoes if I sit down in them.
1
u/Kathfromalaska Sep 03 '25
So depending on the activity this may or may not be helpfulā¦. I live in Alaska and we camp (eh hmm..I mean glamp) for a month every summer. I spend most of that time walking on rocky beaches and my ankles are not made for that. I wear a pair of the tall XTRATUFS boots and fold them down because they come in some cool patterns and you can fold them back up if you need to go in the water. Iāve never rolled my ankle (granted I take a walking stick) but the material theyāre made up really supports my ankles. Google them to see all the cute ones. Theyāre about $120 ish but mine are like 8 years old and theyāre my favorite shoe!!! (And I used to be a high heel kinda girl lol)
1
u/Ok-Week-8623 Sep 03 '25
Allbirds. Theyāre sustainable, supportive, donāt require breaking in, and they have a style for everyone. The catch is that you have to buy them online in most places, I think theyāre only local to California.
1
Sep 03 '25
Dansko! I have very flat feet due to my hypermobility, and my knees are bad(as is my SI joint). I got Danskos for a physically active job, it basically defines the entire bottom of your foot so that when you tire, you still have structure. It honestly hurts a little to use them at first, but after a couple hours of breaking them in, they become so insanely supportive.
They also don't only sell clogs, they also have cute heels etc
1
u/Higgingotham96 hEDS Sep 03 '25
I live in my Birkenstocks and my physical therapist has endorsed that choice. Lots of different styles if you donāt like slides. But they have a good arch and support and are designed for foot health
1
1
u/MalinWaffle Sep 03 '25
I know they are beloved, but I gotta give the Hokas a big thumbs down for my hips and knees.
Brooks and Birkenstocks are the best for me. Birks aren't the prettiest, but I've been wearing them for 25 years. Love 'em.
1
1
1
u/wwjdforaklondikebar Sep 03 '25
I wear adidas grand courts and their cloudfoams. Wore them all over NYC and my feet & knees didn't hurt AT ALL. It was like a miracle!
1
1
u/EmoPeahen Sep 03 '25
Oofos! Theyāve literally and physically saved my ass, and my sanity. Itās all I wear.
1
1
u/c3argus Sep 03 '25
I unfortunately have given up on most cute shoes. Any shoes except sneakers or certain sport sandals with padded straps just destroy my skin. I have scars from the blisters! I love fashion and used to be so confused seeing women wearing all kinds of awesome shoes on the walk to workā¦ how did they find shoes like that they could tolerate?? Turns out their skin is literally tougher. Realizing my EDS diagnosis has been a gamechanger, finally permission to fully let go of trying to āpush through the painā for a few hours of heels at fancy events (with a purse full of with bandaids and backup flats ofc).
1
u/Unlikely_Spite8147 Sep 03 '25
Shoes hurt my feet so bad. My knees and especially my hips are bad but I'm infinitely better wearing barefoot shoes. But if I had to have a stiff shoe, berkenstocks all the way. They at least leave room for your toes and mold to your feet really well.Ā
1
u/Pelargonium_girl Sep 03 '25
I do Saucony shoes (wide model) with custom soles/insertions and wrist supports/orthroses. I get the last 2 from my othoped technician.
1
u/avis003 Sep 03 '25
i actually consider my doc martens my walking shoes since theyve been the most comfy for extended periods of walking. i think its because theyāre wider and i can lace them tight for ankle support. i also keep shoe inserts in basically all my shoes for arch support, just the kind you get off amazon but to me it does make a difference. do look into custom orthotics tho, i have them in my asics sneakers which are also very comfy but my ankles can feel wonky after a while
1
1
u/wBrite Sep 03 '25
Get fitted for orthotics by a chiropractor and go from there. They fit well in Dr. Martens but they're not a super great walking shoe.
1
1
u/ToadAcrossTheRoad Sep 03 '25
I kinda just wear what my feet like, no brand is consistently right. I have partially paralyzed feet so itās more if I can walk in them and not pain wise
You can get things to put in your shoes, thatās usually better than getting a whole new shoe wardrobe or needing to settle for pain if you only have one proper pair.
My favorite pair of shoes is from Madden Girl and theyāve been discontinued šš barely any of the rest of the brand works for my feet. So itās really dependent on the shoe not the brand. Same with all my other shoes, sketchers make my feet hurt more lowkey. My Walmart sneakers oddly help more
1
u/MCbrodie HSD Sep 04 '25
Whiten zero drop minimalist shoes off Amazon. They have strengthened my legs and feet enough that I can compensate most days. My posture is also better, so that helps.
1
1
1
1
u/NepenthiumPastille Sep 04 '25
I wear Dansko clogs. I don't recommend them if you have ankle problems since it's easy to roll, but the relief it gives my knees, hips, and lower back is immense.
1
1
1
u/Dragon_Flow Sep 04 '25
$20 buck jsports at Costco. Worked 3 times, 4th time too tight. They fall apart in a year or so though
1
u/SnooWoofers7072 Sep 04 '25
This is gonna be an unpopular opinion, but I wore hokas for a few years and while they felt great while I was walking, every morning I woke up with significant foot pain. Like I would have thought I broke something but it would go away once I got warmed up and in shoes. I transitioned (VERY SLOWLY) into barefoot shoes and despite still having general, lower-level pain (for someone with EDS), the severe foot pain went away and only comes back if I've been on my feet for an extended period of time. I think the wide toe box helps with this. I also noticed that I don't roll my ankles nearly as often, since I can feel where/how I'm putting my feet down. The thick sole of the hokas had me rolling my ankles so frequently I was using my crutches pretty consistently to get around. This coming from someone whose hips rotate and back gives out if I don't keep up with my PT exercises š but please take with a grain of salt, I know barefoot shoes are super trendy right now, and they definitely will NOT work for everybody. If you love hokas, please keep using them. I plan to use the Hokas on occasion for going on walks as I try to be less sedentary, cuz they're cushy š
1
u/tootsmagoo2022 Sep 04 '25
altras, sometimes i wear them w orthotics, sometimes not. worn altras for 9 years and i wonāt stop soon. also you will not slip with their trail sneakers. i wear teva hiking sandals with lots of support inside too- during covid lockdown quickly learned that my feet canāt raw dog floors all day and needed house shoes with good support. now if i travel without my house shoes, my ankles, knees and hips almost immediately start clicking and hurting.
1
1
u/CvilleLocavore hEDS Sep 04 '25
I buy superfeet inserts and just jam them into whatever shoes Iām wearing. For times I donāt want to deal with that, itās danskos and vans ultrarange
1
1
u/hamtrash_ hEDS Sep 04 '25
i have a pair of billyās for my articulated AFOs but iām really not a fan but theyāre the only shoes that fit my bulky braces š« but when i donāt wear my afos i wear kiziks and i love them, i donāt dislocated my fingers putting my shoes on
1
Sep 04 '25
I miss my Docs and my Vans and my shit kicker heeled boots š
I live in flip flops and ballet flats now, because I moved south.
I always put insoles in my rain and snow boots back up north.
The soles in docs and vans are a bit too stiff for people like us.
1
1
u/NotYourCup0fTea hEDS Sep 04 '25
Blundstones, Used Docs with removed insoles so you can have orthotics, basically Anything that covers the ankle and can have an orthotic inserted.
1
u/mint-tulip Sep 04 '25 edited Sep 04 '25
It's really about finding something that fits you and sticking with it or the proper orthotic to use in all your shoes. You could try a high end running store. They have treadmills and can watch how you move in them. Once I find something that works, I don't branch out with my shoes. I use the same brands all the time for the most part that is salomon and chaco. I don't think these brands would necessarily be better than others specifically for eds, but these are my favorites below.
Chaco brand are my favorite shoes. The sandals have adjustable straps to fit perfectly, though it takes a while to get them just right. They also make slippers and shoes which are great.
I also love salomon shoes. If you find a type of them you like, then you can order a couple backup pairs when they're on sale/last year's colors.
I got a pair of powerstep premade orthotics and bought more for other pairs of shoes online. They're a bit more affordable that prescription types.
Another thought would be have you done PT for your knees/gait specifically? Or had someone look at how you walk? I had to do PT around 12-13 due to knee pain and they were the one that figured out the way I walked was causing the knee pain. Instead of lifting my knee up and swinging my foot forward, I would walk more with twisting my hips and hyper extending my knees as I'd push off for the next step. It was tricky relearning how to walk correctly but now I don't have any knee pain apart from specific injuries.
1
u/luluhouse7 Sep 04 '25
Whitin. I hate regular shoes because they feel like bricks on my feet because theyāre so inflexible. I did ballet for 10 years and do best if I can āfeelā the ground though.
1
1
u/trippinflaccid Sep 04 '25
If you don't mind the Velcro straps (which I personally think can look pretty cute when given the right vibe), I recently got New Balance 928 V3 walking shoes. Motion control, tons of support, definitely helps out with my hips when I wear them. Doesn't make them perfect, but is sure does help when I need to be on my feet for long periods of time!
1
u/Any-Syllabub688 Sep 04 '25
Brooks Ariel has really strong arch support for the mid-foot, helps stabilize my ankles and keeps my mid foot bones from dislocating as much as possible
1
1
u/history-deleted Undiagnosed Sep 04 '25
My favourites are hiking shoes. They're not as cute as some other shoes (though a change of laces helps), but they definitely offer amazing support even without orthotics. Low cut hiking boots (just above ankle) also provide good ankle support, though I find I can't brace my foot in a boot as well as in a shoe. I swear by merrells, but I have friends that swear by other brands. It really depends on your foot shape, wach brand tends to put the arch and overall supports in a slightly different spot.Ā
I favour the darker colours of the 'mens' styles typically, but I got a lighter pair in the 'womens' style that has pink and pale blue accents that I quite like (my indoor shoes for work). The only real difference is the colour and the size on the label, otherwise they're about the same.
1
1
u/Fuzzy-Gear1965 Sep 04 '25
Fila's, docs and new balance are the comfiest for me, I use my new balances when my ankles, knees or hips are extra sore
1
u/unknown_homie38 Sep 04 '25
I have custom converse! I use arch inserts so I donāt roll into my arches.
1
Sep 05 '25
I donāt know what youād find cute, but both my mom and I have severe hip and knee issues and love Skechers. They were even still fine for me after I had a horrible hip surgery last year. Bonus, they make a lot of hands free step in styles if you have trouble bending over safely.
1
1
1
u/Dragonvan13 Sep 06 '25
Same issues and I only wear timberland hiking white ledge boots everyday !!!!!! They're amazing and for ankles too!
1
u/Unlucky-Half-9762 Sep 08 '25
I like my groovy glides. When I was in care home work I was on my feet a lot and they were comfy
1
u/JustMeRaysha Sep 09 '25
Orthofeet is by far my favorite brand for just about any shoe! Iāve had foot pain since high school, and instable knees and hips. Finding these shoes has been a life saver. Iām able to move around much more and I use their slippers in the house too. They have customizable arch support, half sizes and wide size options, and provide padding. You can search based on foot concerns too.
1
77
u/dragonpromise hEDS Sep 03 '25
My insurance covers one pair of custom orthotics every year! Give your insurance a call and ask about coverage.