Buying Shoes

Calf edema (or swelling) can make wearing boots near impossible, and it can be disappointing not to wear the types of shoes and boots that others do.

Good fitting, supportive footwear is necessary to help maintain the shape of the foot and ensure the intricate bones of the foot and ankle are kept in alignment. Footwear also enables good use of the muscle pump in the calf, which is known to assist lymphatic drainage. Ill-fitting shoes and boots can compromise the lymphatic function, making the edema worse and causing the foot to misshapen. This, in turn, may cause the shoes to cut into the tissues in the foot, causing blisters, sores and possibly infection.

So, how do you ensure that you select an appropriate style and size of footwear?

• Consider the time of day that you try on shoes, as your swelling may alter throughout the day. It is probably best to be measured in the middle of the day to get the most suitable fit.
• If you have been prescribed compression garments and/or orthotics, make sure you wear them when trying on footwear. Your compression garment can help maintain the shape of your foot and will influence your choice of footwear.
• There may be a difference between the size of the right and left foot. Look for manufacturers who design footwear for swollen feet, using extra wide fittings and several layers of innersoles to achieve variable depth options.
• Adjustable fastenings, such as touch fastenings or hook-and-loop fasteners, can be useful to accommodate variations in swelling throughout the day. They are also helpful if you are unable to bend forwards to do up laces or buckles.
• Having fastenings that open-up near to the toes will assist with getting the foot into the shoe or boot, limiting chaffing or trauma.
• Strap extensions are available from shoe repairers and shoe shops.
• Avoid styles with lots of seams, especially around the toes and heel as these may rub the skin.
• Be aware of styles with a strap across the instep. They may be easy to get on but may be troublesome if the swelling bulges above and below the strap, causing discomfort and misshaping.
• Consider the height of the heel. Heels with no more than 3 inches provide stability when walking and are ideal if you are prone to falling.
• Choose a sole that gives cushioning, with good grip to prevent slipping.
• Experiment with different fabrics. Although leather is breathable and durable, it is not very forgiving and may not accommodate changes in your swelling. There are some very good man-made fabrics, such as elastane, which are comfortable, kind to the skin, and provide a little ‘give’ if your foot alters in shape and size.
• If you are having trouble finding footwear, do not be tempted to settle for wearing flip-flops or mules. They do not support the foot at all and, as the foot is exposed, there is a greater chance of injury to the skin and risk of infection.
• Buying shoes at the mall may be difficult, especially if feet are different sizes and vary in size during the day. There are some outlets which sell less common size shoes, which is helpful especially for those with swelling just in one foot/leg. There is likely an extra charge for this service, but it is much cheaper than buying two pairs of different size shoes.

Remember, if you are having trouble walking, request to be referred to an orthotist. Having swollen feet can be painful and cause alterations to the way you walk. An orthotist will assess the way you walk, and may recommend innersoles to correct your posture, and advise on suitable footwear too.

Hopefully, these tips will make your experience of buying footwear easier. Manufacturers are gradually designing more desirable, practical footwear to accommodate the growing population who have swollen feet. Shop around, you may be surprised by what’s available! If you have any tips or advice on this subject, feel free to share it in the LymphCare forum! If you haven’t already, Register here to share your lymphedema experiences, stories and top tips.

Note: It is important to speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding your foot swelling, general foot health and the fitting of your footwear.