Clarks Wedge Heels - Podiatrist Recommended for some foot types.

Clarks Maritsa Lara

Podiatrist Recommended

The Clark's Maritsa Lara is a great choice for fashion and comfort for some foot types. What makes this shoe comfortable is that it meets 3 of the 4 criteria required for a shoe to be good enough for your feet. 

Most importantly, this shoe has a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole which is absolutely crucial for foot comfort. Shoes with flexible soles are horrible for your feet because a shoe that allows motion through joints causes pain, inflammation, swelling and can lead to osteoarthritic joint changes. Secondly, this shoe has a wide toe box that helps prevent the risk of hammertoes, bunions, corns, neuromas, ingrown toenails, and fungal toenails. The rearfoot strap helps to control motion which means that there will be less biomechanical strain on joints and tendons, which will help to speed the healing of pathologies such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Wearing a shoe with rearfoot strapping also helps to decrease strain on the knees, hips and lower back. 

This shoe is recommended for patients with:

*Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

*Mild Achilles Tendonitis 

*Mild Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion through the 1st toe joint) 

*Mild Functional Hallux Limitus

*Mild Hypermobility

*Mild Over-Pronation

*Mild Morton's Neuroma

*Mild Metatarsalgia

*Mild Bunions

*Mild to Moderate Hammertoes

*Mild Capsulitis

*Mild Tailor's Bunions

*Mild Osteoarthritis (maybe) 

*History of previous Lisfranc's Injury (maybe) 

This shoe is not recommended for patients with: 

*Hallux Rigidus (no motion through 1st toe joint)

*Balance Issues

*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)

*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)

*Diabetes

*History of Ulcerations

*Lymphedema (excessive swelling) 

*Drop Foot

*Ankle Instability 

*Severe Hypermobility

*Severe Over-Pronation

*Severe Osteoarthritis 

*Rheumatoid Arthritis 

*Charcot-Marie Tooth

*Charcot Foot 

For more information about comfortable shoes and your feet, please refer to these articles: 

My feet hurt! Top 10 things to alleviate foot pain today. 

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-feet-hurt-top-ten-things-relieve.html

Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's Injuries. 

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/podiatrist-shoe-recommendations-for.html

I hope this was helpful!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)

Donald J Pliner - Podiatrist approved women's dress shoe.

Donald J Pliner

Lilie 

Donald J. Pliner's Lilie is a classic women's dress shoe that is stylish and comfortable. What makes this shoe so comfortable is that the sole is thick, rigid and non-flexible, which is crucial for good foot health. There's a lot of bad information in the media about what makes a good shoe and the truth is that a shoe must have a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole. A flimsy sole which allows motion through foot joints significantly speeds up the progression of arthritic joint changes, bunions, hammertoes and increases the risk of injury and stress fractures as well as knee, hip and lower back pain. 

The four criteria that a shoe must have to be comfortable are:

1. Thick, rigid and non-flexible sole

2. Wide, soft toebox

3. Rearfoot control

4. Arch support

The Donald J. Pliner Lilie is recommended for people with:

*Mild Bunions

*Mild Hammertoes

*Mild Metatarsalgia

*Mild Functional Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion through the 1st toe joint while functioning)

*Mild Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion through the 1st toe joint)

*Mild Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

*Mild Achilles Tendonitis

*Mild Osteoarthritis 

*Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (check with your podiatrist) 

*History of a resolved Lisfranc's fracture (check with your podiatrist)

*Mild Over-Pronation (wear with a dress orthotic or a heat-molded insert if possible)

*Mild Hypermobility (wear with orthotic if possible) 

*Mild Morton's Neuroma

*Mild Capsulitis

*Mild Plantar Plate Issues

The Donald J. Pliner Lilie is not recommended for people with: 

*Diabetes with history of ulcerations

*History of ulcerations

*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)

*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage) 

*Drop Foot 

*Ankle Instability 

*Charcot Foot 

*Hallux Rigidus (no motion through the 1st toe joint) 

*Severe Bunions and Hammertoes

For more information, please check out these articles on my blog:

Top 15 Shoes for Foot Pain! Podiatrist recommends shoes to help with foot, knee, hip and lower back pain. 

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2016/07/top-15-shoes-that-will-change-your-life.html

Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from foot fractures or injuries. 

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/podiatrist-shoe-recommendations-for.html

Hope this has been helpful!

Sincerely,

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)

**Sorry to everyone that I have been unable to respond to the online questions in a timely manner! It's getting harder to keep up with the questions because of the increasing volume. The good news is that if you follow the links that I leave at the end of the articles, it will typically get you to an article that should give you enough information to answer many extra questions. 

Comfortable Wedge Heels for Summer 2016 - Pikolinos - Podiatry Recommended

Pikolinos

Two great choices for Summer 2016

Podiatrist Recommended

Pikolinos Mykonos

Pikolinos Madeira

Much thanks to my stylish patient who found these sandals! Both of these wedge heels are great choices for wearing on smooth, concrete surfaces. I would not recommend them for significantly uneven pavement or cobblestone. If possible, I recommend that you try on these shoes at the store so that you can get a good fit and make sure that they are comfortable. What makes both of these wedges so good is that they meet the criteria of what makes a good shoe. 

The four criteria required for a comfortable shoe:

1. A thick, rigid and non-flexible sole, so that there is no motion through the foot joints. Eliminating motion through foot joints decreases the progression of bunions, hammertoes and arthritic joint changes as well as decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain of tendons, muscles and ligaments. If you have arthritis or any joint issues in your feet (degenerative changes, history of a fracture or injury, ect) then wearing a shoe that is flexible will cause more wear and tear on the joints, which will cause more damage and pain. If you are recovering from a foot injury and are trying to transition from your below-the-knee walking boot into normal shoes -- the trick is to ease into shoes that do the same thing that the CAM walker did -- stop motion through the area of pain so that you can continue to heal and be comfortable. 

2. Wide toebox. A wide, soft toebox will decrease the progression of hammertoes, bunions, corns and calluses and other issues such as Morton's neuromas. If water can slowly wear down boulders into sand, then what do you think the pressure from pointy-toed shoes are doing to your joints throughout your lifetime? 

3. Rearfoot Control. In my opinion, there are no flip-flops that are good enough for anyone's feet! If you are not wearing a strap around the rearfoot, then you are forced to grip down with your toes, which helps promote hammertoes, mechanical strain and tired-leg syndrome.  

4. Arch Support. Although there is no significant arch support in these two sandals, you can get an over-the-counter cushion from the pharmacy that will adhere to the top of the footbed to give added arch support.  

These shoes are recommended for patients with:

*Mild to moderate Hallux Limitus

*Mild to moderate Functional Hallux Limitus 

*Hallux Rigidus (Mykonos)

*History of a 1st toe joint implant or fusion (Mykonos)

*Mild Osteoarthritis

*Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (clear with your podiatrist) 

*Mild to Moderate Metatarsalgia

*Morton's Neuroma

*Plantar Plate Injury

*Capsulitis

*Over-Pronation (try to add a self-adhesive arch support and only wear for social occasions and not for all day walking)

*Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

*History of a previous Lisfranc's injury or fracture that has healed (please check with your podiatrist to see if this shoe is appropriate for you)

*Mild Hammertoes

*Mild Bunions

*Mild Tailor's Bunions 

*Mild Achilles Tendonitis

*History of healed tendonitis (check with your podiatrist)

These shoes are NOT recommended for patients with: 

*Diabetes

*History or Ulcerations

*Charcot foot

*Balance Issues

*Moderate to Severe Hypermobility or Ligament Laxity 

*History of Falling

*Instability

*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)

*Charcot-Marie Tooth

*Neurological Issues

*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)

*Excessive swelling

*Moderate to Severe Lymphedema

For more information, please refer to my other articles on this blog:

My Feet Hurt: Top Ten Things to do to Alleviate Foot Pain.

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-feet-hurt-top-ten-things-relieve.html

Shoe Recommendations for Patients Recovering from Lisfranc's Foot Injuries.

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/podiatrist-shoe-recommendations-for.html


Top 30 Comfortable Sandals for Summer 2016.
http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2016/02/podiatrist-recommended-comfortable.html

I hope this was helpful and I thank you for reading the blog!

Have a wonderful day,

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)

Podiatrist Recommended - Steve Madden's Brooklyn: A Comfortable Wedge Sandal for Summer

Steve Madden Brooklyn

A comfortable low wedge for summer

This sandal is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable sandal for light summer activities. Although it may not be appropriate for being on your feet all day for heavy activities (like walking around at a music festival on uneven surfaces or going to Walk Disney World for the whole day), I would recommend it to most patients for light activities. The wedge is thick, rigid and has minimal flexibility, which allows for more comfort. The topcover material is stretchy, which is great for anyone with bunions as it can hide the bunion with minimal pressure on the bunion. This shoe also has the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot strapping that is required for a shoe to be comfortable and make my list for a 'podiatrist approved' shoe. I also like that the material on the insole is soft against the bottom of your feet, which is helpful to anyone who has calluses or sensitive feet. This shoe will not accommodate an orthotic, so if it is crucial that you wear your orthotics, this may not be a good choice for you. 

This shoe is recommended for patients with:

*Mild to Moderate Bunions

*Hammertoes

*Tailor's Bunions

*Mild to Moderate Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion through the 1st toe joint)

*Hallux Rigidus (no range of motion through the 1st toe joint) or if your 1st toe joint has been surgically fused at the standard 15 degrees of dorsiflexion. 

*Mild Osteoarthritis

*Mild Rheumatoid 

*Morton's Neuroma

*Mild Capsulitis

*Mild Plantar Plate issues

*Mild Sesmoiditis

*Mild Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

*A 'bump' (exostosis) on the top of the midfoot

This shoe is not recommended for patients with: 

*Severe Over-Pronation

*Ligament Laxity / Hypermobility

*A history of chronically rolling your ankles

*Achilles Tendonitis

*Posterior Tibial or Peroneal Tendonitis

*Recovering from a Recent Lisfranc's Injury 

*Diabetics

*History of Foot Ulcerations

*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)

*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)

*Charcot Foot

*Geriatric patients with a history of imbalance or falling

I hope this has been helpful. For more information, please refer to my blog articles:

My feet hurt: top ten things to do to alleviate foot pain.

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-feet-hurt-top-ten-things-relieve.html

Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc Injuries. 

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/podiatrist-shoe-recommendations-for.html

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, I would highly recommend that you make an appointment with your local podiatrist. Do not jump into foot surgery! Most foot and ankle pain can be resolved with better shoes, inserts and changing some simple habits. If you are considering foot surgery, I would recommend that you exhaust conservative treatment before you decide to do surgery. For more information, check out my article:

Ten things you need to think about before having foot surgery.

http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.com/2014/02/ten-things-you-need-to-know-before-you.html

Have a wonderful day!

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)

Please share my blog with any 'limpers' in your life who you may thing this information will help. Thank you so much for reading the blog - and sharing the information!

Dress Shoe for Patients with Bunions - Podiatrist Recommended

Shoe Recommendation for 

Patients with Bunions

Steve Madden's Betsi

Steve Madden Brynn

These are two wonderful options for anyone who needs a shoe that will accommodate a painful bunion. What makes this such a great shoe is that it has the thick, rigid sole that is protective because it does not allow any motion through the bottom of the foot, which means that there is less pain, inflammation, swelling and damage to the forefoot joints, which translates to more comfort, less chance of injury and it slows the progression of bunions and hammertoes. The topcover material is what really sets this shoe apart! The material is a soft, stretchy mesh that puts less pressure on the bunion, which significantly decreases pain. I would recommend adding a dress custom-molded orthotic, which will help slow or stop the progression of the bunions formation. 

This shoe is recommended for patients with:

*Bunions 

*Mild to possible Moderate Hallux Limitus (decreased motion of the 1st toe joint)

*Mild to Moderate Hammertoes

*Mild Achilles Tendonitis

*Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

*Mild Morton's Neuroma

*Mild Osteoarthritis

*Mild Plantar Plate issues

*Mild Metatarsalgia

*Mild Over-Pronation (wear a dress custom molded orthotic to control pronation) 

This shoe is NOT recommended for patients with:

*Severe Hallux Limitus 

*Hallux Rigidus (no range of motion of the 1st toe joint)

*Diabetes

*Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)

*Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

*Charcot Foot

*Ankle Instability

*Severe Over-Pronation

*Drop Foot

*Severe Hypermobility

I hope this was helpful!

Dr Cathleen A. McCarthy

:)

"Top Comfortable Shoe Lists" that are Podiatrist Recommended.

For Lists of my Podiatrist recommended 
"Top Shoes" -
Please use the search box to the right (within the blog) to look up:


Top Twenty Comfortable Dress Shoes
Top Twenty Comfortable Boot
Top Ten Comfortable Sandals
Top Five Comfortable Walking Shoes



Hope these are helpful!

Sincerely,

Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy

Podiatrist Poll for Top Comfort Dress Shoes...

Hello Intrepid Readers,


I am running an informal poll and would greatly appreciate any input from you! 


What is your favorite/most comfortable/prettiest dress shoe ever? Basically, if you had to pick one pair of women's dress shoes that you had to wear for the rest of your life - what would it be?


Thank you so much for your help!


Sincerely,


Dr. Cathleen A McCarthy 


:)

Comfortable Dress Shoes - what to look for...

A general overview of what you're looking for in a comfortable dress shoe...

1. You need a thick rigid sole to limit motion across the forefoot and midfoot.

2. Depending on your foot type, you can wear heels - the trick is to wear a wedge heel so that there is no motion across the bottom of the foot. If you have a condition called Hallux Limitus (meaning limited range of motion across the big toe joint) you will be limited on the heel height or  you may not be able to tolerate a heel at all. 

3. No pointy toes!! Look for a dress shoe with a square-toe box because the "cockroach killer" pointy-toe shoe's are a little bunion factories. If you have more serious forefoot problems like bunions and hammertoes, you can get shoes that have an "extra-depth toe-box" or has a soft, stretchable material across the forefoot area. 

4. Very important - try to get a dress shoe that gives you some form of rearfoot control - whether it be with a strap or an enclosed heel. If you are not biomechanically controlling the rearfoot - you are forcing your tendons, muscles, joints as well as your knee, hips and lower back to work harder to stabilize your feet.  

5. Arch control. Sometimes this is hard to find in dress shoes but they are out there. If the dress shoe has a removable insole, you can often put in a over-the-counter or custom-molded insert. Sometimes the dress shoe already has arch support in the shoe. 

Special Note: It is a common fallacy to think that your foot needs freedom and motion. Your foot actually needs rigid biomechanical control. If you are walking barefoot or wearing flip-flops or a flexible/flimsy shoe - you will have more motion across your joints, which will cause more inflammation, pain, wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease) that will not only put you at risk for foot problems but also knee, hip, and lower back pain. 

Remember, no matter what the shoe, this is what most patients will benefit from a dress shoe with:

1. Thick, rigid sole.

2. Firm arch support.

3. Wide toe-box.

4. Rearfoot control (strap or enclosed back).  

There are always some exceptions to the rules. For instance, older patients or patients with certain neurological diseases need to have a lighter shoe. Also, Dansko shoes, which are excellent for people who have to work on hard surfaces for long hours, typically do not work as well for patients who have "bumps" on their feet such as bunions, Tailor's bunions and extremely high arches. 

I hope this is helpful! 

I would love to hear any thoughts, feedback or comments...

Sincerely,

Dr Cathleen A McCarthy 

Top 20 Comfortable Women's Dress Shoes - Podiatrist Reecommended

Top 20 Comfortable Women's Shoes! 


I can't tell you how happy and proud I am to finally have my first top twenty women's dress shoe list! These are not in any particular order - just my top 20 picks. I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear any feedback or comments.


**A word of caution! If you have what is called Hallux Limitus or Hallux Rigidus (limited motion at the big toe joint), osteoarthritis of the 1st toe joint, forefoot problems or hypermobility (ligament laxity) - the higher heels will not work for you. I recommend that if this is the case, you need to go for the lower heeled shoes or flat dress shoes.
Just remember - it ain't the shoe that makes you, it's the attitude that you bring!

John Fluevog's Hi Together / Benatar 

$269

I own this shoe and I adore this shoe! Although it was pricey, it was one of the best shoe investments I've ever made. For more specific information, please see my review on John Fluevog shoe's on this blog. 

Tsubo Acrea

$110

I also own this shoe and by some freak of nature I purchased it at Ross for $12! How that happened I don't know but I can wear this shoe all day long in complete comfort. It will not accommodate a dress orthotic but I found I did not need one with this shoe. 

Tsubo Lagella 

$140

I don't own this shoe but it is on my wish list! Stylish and very comfortable. Don't consider this shoe if you have pain and limited range of motion at the first toe joint. 

Taryn Rose Flavor Slingback 

$95

Thank you Taryn Rose! She designed a gorgeous dressy shoe that is also comfortable. Not for patients with pain at the first toe joint. 

Jambu Sweden 

$99

This is a super comfortable shoe that many of my patients love! It works wonderfully for anyone with plantar fascitiis (heel pain), metatarsalgia, tendonitis, and mild to moderate forefoot problems. It's great for wearing all day on concrete surfaces. 

FLY London Yaz Wedge Pump

$140

What's not to love? It's a funky cool, wear all day long shoe that will work for just about any foot type. If bunions are a problem, this is an easy shoe to take to a cobbler and have them stretch the area over the bunion for even more comfort. If bunions are an issue, consider a dress orthotic with this shoe as arch control will help prevent the progression of the bunion. 

Dansko Tori Pump

$85

I don't think it's possible to have a "best of" list without featuring a Dansko shoe! This is a great dress shoe with a rigid protective sole, decently wide forefoot are and good midfoot and rearfoot control. In my experience, Dansko shoes do not work for women who:

*Have wide feet

*Have any excessive or prominent "bumps" on their feet

*Moderate to Severe Bunions

Except for the above named situation, a great dress shoe!

Tusbo Asmik 

$120

Roses are red, violets are blue, Tsubo, I love you...

Really, I love this shoe. Anyone who works all day on hard surfaces (take note teachers!) will love this shoe. It is extremely protective and comfortable as well as stylish. This shoe will work for women with mild to moderate Hallux Limitus (limited motion at the 1st toe joint), metatarsalgia, plantar fascitiis (heel pain), Achilles Tendonitis, mild to moderate tendonitis, mild bunions and hammertoes and mild to moderate forefoot problems such as capsulitis. This shoe will not work for patients with moderate to severe Morton's Neuroma's, bunions or hammertoes as they will need a wider toebox. 

Jambu Allure Mary Jane Pumps

$78

All of the Jambu shoes are great but I particularly like this one as it also has the rigid protective sole and a wide, soft toebox. 

FLY London's Yakin Slingback Slingback

$170

Lovely shoe! This shoe will work well for women with metatarsalgia, mild plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and mild bunions and hammertoes. 

Alegria Feliz 

$99

This shoe is excellent and will work wonderfully for women who suffer with 80% of foot pathologies including: bunions, hammertoes, Tailor's bunions, Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), osteoarthritis, Hallux Limitus/Rigidus (limited range of motion of the 1st toe joint), Morton's Neuroma's, metatarsalgia, painful toes, tired leg syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, capsulitis, and Tendonitis. This shoe may not work as well for patients with Achilles Tendonitis as they need a slightly higher heel to relieve the tension on the Achilles.  

John Fluevog Prepare Guide

$285

Expensive, yes. Comfortable, very. Once again, John Fluevog's shoes are exceptionally comfortable and make with the highest quality of workmanship. This shoe is going to work for almost every foot problem someone might suffer with including metatarsalgia, heel pain, tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis and mild to moderate bunions, hammertoes and Tailor's bunions. 

Earthies Monaco

$149

This shoe is casually elegant and comfortable enough to wear all day. I particularly like the rigid sole covered with the soft insole. 

Taryn Rose Gussy Platform 

$40 - $130

This is a lovely shoe that works well for women who can wear a higher heel. The fabric is slightly stretchy and soft which puts less pressure on bunions. If you have any pain or limited motion across the first toe joint, this is not the shoe for you. 

J-41 Hybrid Wedge 

$85

This shoe is great for anyone suffering with heel pain, metatarsalgia, Achilles Tendonitis, mild to moderate bunions and hammertoes and mild Morton's Neuroma's. This shoe will work well for any patients who work on hard surfaces for long hours. 

Sanita Ninka Adjustable Strap Sandal 

$120

Although this is more a sandal, I am including it because, well, I do live in Arizona and this would look nice with a summer dress. I love the color and it is uber-comfortable. 

Earthie Veria 

$128

I confess, I'm pushing it a bit on this one! It could have better rearfoot control but I'm putting it in my list because it meets all other criteria for what constitutes a good dress shoe. Plus, it's pretty...

This is not a good shoe for you if you have moderate to severe rearfoot problems such as ankle osteoarthritis or any ankle or knee instability. If this is the case, you need more rearfoot control!

Tsubo Ina Pump 

$50

Love the shoe, love the price. All roads lead back to Tsubo. This is one shoe company that has it right - combining comfort with asthetics. Me like. 

Crocs Farrah Wedge Sandal

$20-$50

I have to save some love for the Croc Wedge Sandal! This is comfortable - it's actually quite amazing how comfortable plastic can be. Don't knock it till you try it...

Wolky Cloggy

$159

For the final shoe, I wanted to pick something that would work for virtually anyone! This is a great shoe, extremely comfortable and well made. If your feet hurt, this is almost a sure bet! 

In conclusion, 

there are a few things to remember...

If your feet hurt and no matter what shoe you try doesn't work and your feet are still killing you - you need to see a Podiatrist! 

You may be walking around on stress fractures which usually presents itself as a dull, constant ache that gets worse with more walking and hurts most at the end of the day. I see this situation every day! 

Also, if you are diabetic or have nerve damage (neuropathy) or have Charcot foot - you need to be extremely careful about what type of shoes you wear. If this is the case, please consult your Podiatrist. 

I hope this list was helpful! 

Sincerely,

Dr Cathleen A. McCarthy 

*******

Check out my first novel, which was written under my pen name C. Mack Lewis. It's available on Kindle or you can download a free Kindle app and read it on your iPad. 

Thank you so much for your support!

http://www.amazon.com/Gunning-For-Angels-Mack-Lewis-ebook/dp/B00I84NSE0