Three Comfortable Wedge Sandals
Podiatrist Recommended
Clarks Caslynn Lizzie
Clarks Resin Bangle Wedges
Born Maldives Wedge Sandal
These are three good choices for summer wedge sandals. The Clark's Caslynn Lizzie should only be worn by women who know that they can handle the slightly higher heel. If that 'heel pitch' is too high, then drop down to the Clark's Resin or Born's Maldive sandal.
Each has a thick, rigid and non-flexible sole, which is excellent for limiting motion through the foot joints, which will allow for more comfort, less mechanical strain and more protection for injured or previously damaged joints. Less motion through foot joints translates to less wear-and-tear on joints, tendons and ligaments. Any time that you are wearing shoes that have a flimsy, flexible sole then you are increasing the progression of bunions, hammertoes, degenerative and osteoarthritic joint changes and increasing the risk of new injuries. What also makes these wedge sandals better than most is that they each have excellent forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot strapping, which allows for more biomechanical control of your foot joints and tendons. Less motion through your foot joints equals less mechanical strain on your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
These wedges will work for some people, but not everybody. What works for your foot is pathology specific. Please refer to the lists below for more specific recommendations. If you are not sure if a shoe is right for your foot, check with your podiatrist.
These wedges should work for patients with:
*Mild Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
*Mild Achilles Tendonitis
*Mild to Moderate Hallux Limitus (decreased motion of the 1st toe joint)
*Hallux Rigidus (Clarks Resin & Born Maldives)
*Mild Metarsalgia (Clarks Resin & Born Maldives)
*Mild Morton's Neuroma
*Mild Capsulitis
*Previous history of a Lisfranc's injury (please check with your podiatrist)
*Mild Osteoarthritis
*Mild Tailor's Bunion
*Mild Tendonitis
*Mild Bunions
*Mild Hammertoes
*Mild Over-Pronation & Flat Feet (you can put in a self adhesive 'cookie arch' that most podiatrists offices have in stock or you can find these on Footsmart.com)
These Wedges are not recommended for patients with:
*Diabetes
*Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)
*History of Foot Ulcerations
*Charcot Foot
*Drop Foot
*Ankle Instability
*Severe Hypermobility / Ligament Laxity
*Geriatrics
*Muscle Weakness
*Fall Risk Patients
For more information on the basics of what you are looking for in proper shoes, please check out these two articles:
'Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's Injuries'
and
'My feet hurt: top ten things to relieve foot pain today'
I hope this was helpful!
Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy
:)
