Merrell
Encore Breeze.
This is a great shoe for anyone who suffers with large painful bunions or hammertoes! Although there are shoes with more rigid and protective soles - what sets apart the Encore Breeze is it's wonderfully wide and soft toe-box. The toe-box is made of a breathable and soft mesh upper that applies minimal pressure on bunions and hammertoes.
The 'lip' in the back provides enough rear-foot control so that the shoe stays firmly on your foot when you are walking but also allows for you to easily slide it on without bending or stooping. This comes in handy for anyone with severe back pain or who has trouble bending. The insert is removable and can be replaced by your custom-molded orthotic or a superior over-the-counter arch support, which will allow for better biomechanical control of the foot and, therefore, more comfort.
The Merrell Encore Breeze is not the best choice for someone who is super-active or doing vigorous activities. It is, however, a great choice for someone more sedentary who is wearing them for casual activities or even as a shoe to wear around the house.
This Shoe IS Recommended For Patients With:
*Mild to Severe Bunions
*Mild to Severe Hammertoes
*Mild to Severe Corns & Calluses (See your Podiatrist for periodic debridement to alleviate the pain of corns & calluses!)
*Mild to Moderate Hallux Limitus (limited range of motion across the 1st toe joint)
*Hallux Rigidus in elderly and sedentary patients
*Mild Tendonitis
*Mild to Severe Haglund's Deformity
*Mild Achilles Tendonitis
*Mild Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
*Mild Morton's Neuroma
*Mild Capsulitis
*Mild Metatarsalgia
*Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis
*Mild to Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis
*Mild Over-Pronation (I recommend that you wear your custom-molded orthotics or an excellent over-the-counter insert for more arch control)
*Anyone who has trouble reaching their feet to put on their shoes
*The Elderly
This Shoe Is NOT Recommended For Patients with:
*Hallux Rigidus in super-active patients
*Hallux Limitus in super-active patients
*Diabetics with a history of Ulcerations
*Charcot Foot
*Drop Foot
*Patients wearing Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO Brace)
*Moderate to Severe Hypermobility/Ligament Laxity
*Ankle Instability
*Osteoarthritis of the Ankle Joint
This shoe MAY be appropriate for patients with certain conditions but please check with your Podiatrist to make sure that it is appropriate for you...
*Diabetics
*Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)
*Leg Weakness
*Muscle Weakness
*For more information, please see my articles within the blog entitled:
My Feet Hurt: Top Ten Things To Do To Alleviate Foot Pain Today.
and
Shoe Recommendations For Patients Recovering From Lisfranc's Injuries.
Have a wonderful day!
Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy
:)
What a nice site! Thanks for your recommendations. I will make sure to consult a podiatrist before trying these specialty shoes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally!
ReplyDelete:)
Hi Dr! I tried emailing you but not sure if you received it. I'd love to have you guest blog on BarkingDogShoes.com about ANYTHING! Let me know if you're interested. kirsten@barkingdogshoes.com
ReplyDeleteHi Cathleen,
ReplyDeleteI am shopping around for inserts to put in the shoes that I just can't seem to part with. I need to have arch support. I've tried the Dr.Scholls inserts and they are good but I'm looking for a bit more comfort. Do you happen to know of any? I'm tempted to try orthaheel's inserts but in the picture they look similar to ones you can buy at the store.
Thank you and as always love your blog!
Hi Bianca,
ReplyDeleteThese are all excellent choices for a good over-the-counter insert:
1. Footsteps - can only purchase them at Podiatrist's offices ($50) and yes we do carry them.
2. Orthoheel "active" insert (39.99) are probably the most comfortable of the Othoheel selection.
3. Spenco - can buy online and they are less expensive.
4. I think they are called 'Rocket Dog' inserts and they can be purchased at running stores and should cost around $40. Most running stores carry good over the counter inserts.
In all three cases, for athletic shoes, I would recommend getting an insert that replaces what is already inside the shoe (meaning that the top-cover of the insert needs to stretch out to the tips of the toes for more cushion).
What you're looking for is firm arch support with cushioning on top of it. Dr. Scholl's have plenty of cushion but minimal arch control - they are lacking the 'firm' arch control. Dr. Scholl's inserts are more appropriate for sedentary Geriatric patients who need cushion.
Hope that helps and thanks for reading!
Cathy
:)
These babies look comfortable. I think my grandmother would love wearing them. Do you have a selection of other colors available? Please help me on this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick,
ReplyDeleteThese babies are comfortable! I can't imagine that your grandmother wouldn't love them. Lots of colors available and I recommend you check them out online. Unfortunately, I don't actually sell them - I just review them!
Good Luck,
Cathy
:)
Your post was written 10 years ago so not sure if you're still checking comments. I have Morton's Neuroma on my left foot and these shoes are the single worst shoes I own for the neuroma. Usually I'm okay walking for 3 miles or so befored the burning starts but I can't wear these far at all. I was very surprised as the toe box is so spacious.
ReplyDelete