Finding shoes that fit swollen feet can be frustrating.
Just finding a retailer that stocks such shoes can be difficult. And you then have the task of finding a shoe that you can get on regardless of how swollen your feet are at a given time of day.
This article will make the task of buying shoes for Lymphedema a little easier.
Read on for our buyers guide, and shoe recommendations to help you find the best shoes for Lymphedema.
Author: Jennifer Austin (BSc MS)
What Are The Best Types of Shoes for Lymphedema?
There are various types of shoes available that can accommodate feet with Lymphedema.
Today you can pick up anything from trainers, shoes, boots, or even sandles.
However it is important to consider the following factors first.
Fit
Shoes that are both deep and wide are a must.
You also want these shoes to accommodate any swelling, either through the material used, or the fastening.
Fastening
Velcro fastening is the easiest way to adjust shoes to accommodate any increase or reduction in swelling over the course of the day.
Shoes that are too tight may cause damage to the skin itself, and cause feet to become misshapen. Over time this can cause permanent changes to the feet themselves.
Also shoes which are too loose on the foot could potentially cause trips and falls.
Beware of footwear with hard straps, or buckles, as they may also damage the skin.
Material
Ideally look for shoes that are made of a material which can stretch to accommodate any swelling.
For example, some Lymphedema shoes are made out of a four way stretch material, such as the Pedors footwear range which use a special material named Pedoprene to accommodate any swelling through the day.
Avoid shoes which are overly padded or insulated as this can cause the feet to overheat.
If your feet get too warm, this may cause fluid to move out of the blood vessel and into the tissues, causing further swelling.
Size Considerations
Girth
Girth is arguably the most important size to consider when choosing shoes for Lymphedema.
This is because when feet begin to swell, it is not the bones that are changing in size, but the volume of the foot.
A good shoe manufacturer will provide shoes in a range of sizes so you can get that ideal fit for when your feet are at their most swollen.
Length
Assuming the toe area of the shoe provides a good amount of space, a person’s normal shoe size is a good starting point when choosing a size.
Where Can You Buy Lymphedema Shoes For Men and Women?
You are less likely to find shoes for Lymphedema in your local stores. This is due to the specialist nature of this footwear.
It is possible to buy shoes for Lymphedema online, and we will provide links later on in this article to an online store.
How To Determine Your Actual Shoe Size When You Have Lymphedema?
Try to measure your feet when they are normally at their most swollen. This is what your shoe will need to accommodate.
For many people this will be around late afternoon to early evening. If one of your feet is a different size to the other you may need to consider different sized shoes for each foot. Therefore it makes sense to measure both feet.
1/ Trace Your Foot
If you are unable to have your feet measured, carefully drawing around your foot is a good way of getting the longest length of your foot.
To make it easier you may wish to draw a rectangle around this tracing to make it easier to measure the longest part of your foot.
Alternatively, if you wish to gain a more accurate measurement at home you can purchase a foot measuring device.
2/ Girth Measurement
Take a tailor’s tape (or alternatively a piece of string) and measure the length around the instep (the circumference). Try and measure to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.
Once you have these measurements you are better placed to check with a supplier which are the best sized shoes for you.
You can also check out a detailed sizing guide on the Pedors website by clicking here.
What Are The Best Shoes For Lymphedema?
Today, there are many manufacturers who make shoes for Lymphedema.
However one of the most trusted brands, who excel in terms of fit, quality, and comfort, is Pedors.
Pedors have been producing Orthopedic shoes for swollen feet since 1997.
Their shoes offer many properties that other shoes don’t. Check out below some of the key features of Pedor shoes:
Pedors aim is to produce affordable, effective, and comfortable orthopedic footwear.
Next we will look at some of their most popular shoes.
Best All Round Shoe For Lymphedema – Pedors Classic MAX Stretch Shoes (Black/Blue)
Comfortable, lightweight, and easy to fasten. It is easy to see why the Classic MAX is one of Pedor’s best sellers.
The MAX part of the name refers to the width of these shoes, as they come in wider sizes than the standard Classic Stretch shoes.
A great all-round pair of everyday shoes if you have particularly swollen feet.
Best Women’s Shoe For Lymphedema
If you are looking for a classic looking woman’s shoe for swollen feet, then consider Pedors Mary Jane Stretch Shoes.
These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and come with an adjustable strap.
The material is a combination of Pedoprene™ stretch uppers and leather Rear Quarters.
Please be mindful that the Mary Jane shoe is only suitable for those who experience low level swelling. These are not recommended for very swollen feet due to edema or lymphedema.
Best Outdoor Shoe For Lymphedema – Pedors Stretch Walker MAX Stretch Shoes (Black)
If you plan to do a lot of outdoor walking then the Stretch Walker Max are a great choice.
These offer a durable sole, removable Orthotic Insole, and a toe spring (the shape of the shoe at the toe end) designed to prevent tripping.
The leather wrap around at the front of these gives added protection for the toes against bumps and scrapes.
These are available with both velcro straps or laces.
Best Slide Flip Flop Mule For Lymphedema – Pedors Classic MAX Slides (Black/Beige/Blue)
A popular summer choice, but also for all year round comfort, the Classic Max Slides are a great choice for those with particularly swollen feet who struggle to get into even the most spacious shoes.
The easy to use strap allows for easy adjustment when there is any increase in swelling.
The Classic Max Slides are a popular choice for those with bandaged feet.
Best Shoes For Extremely Swollen Feet – Pedors Classic MAX Wrap Sandles
If you find that simply no other foot wear can accommodate your feet, then Pedors may have a solution for you.
The Classic MAX Wrap Sandal was designed primarily for people with extremely swollen feet due to severe Lymphedema.
These sandles are ideal for those who may have bandaged feet, or wear compression garments.
The generous sole offers great protection for the plantar fascia (bottom) part of the foot.
Best Boots For Lymphedema – Pedors High Top Stretch Boots
Never let the bad weather dictate whether you go outside or not again.
Pedor’s High Top Stretch Boots are spacious enough to accommodate orthotics and foot braces, and also any additional swelling in your feet through the day.
And despite how large these boots look, they are surprisingly lightweight.
Easy to fasten, comfortable, and secure. These boots have it all!
To view the entire range of Pedors shoes for Lymphedema, click this link.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has left you better informed when looking for the best shoes for Lymphedema.
The key points are to choose footwear which is both comfortable, but also adapts to any changes in your foot size.
I hope you will be able to find footwear which you love, and will also check out more articles like this on lymphedemalifeline.org.
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