In Search of the Perfect Pair of Shoes
"A shoe is not only a design, but it's a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you're going to move is quite dictated by your shoes."~Christian Louboutin
Searching for comfortable, attractive shoes
I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of shoes for a long time. Flats that not only provide comfort but also don’t resemble the geriatric shoes our grandparent’s generation wore. I began my search last summer when I had a blogger event that I knew involved a lot of walking. I needed to present myself in a professional manner without compromising functionality or comfort.
Researching shoe recommendations
I did some crowdsourcing with colleagues who were more than helpful with recommendations of their “go-to” shoes. I put together a list and looked up the suggested brands on the website, Zappos. On their site, you not only see photos of the shoe from every angle, but most of them provide videos of a model wearing the shoes.
I narrowed it down to Dansko sandals
I finally narrowed it down to a pair of Dansko sandals. My new shoes worked fine for the short amount of time I wore them. But I knew, in the end, they could never be my “go-to” shoes for everyday use. I am a sneakers kind of gal, and a heel of any kind is not for me. My weak and numb legs don’t do well with them, so my high heels were tossed in favor of sneakers, flats, or ½ inch heeled pumps.
Now, I am on another quest to find the perfect pair of shoes. This time I thought I’d do a little research to learn more about shoes and what kind would be best for me.
What makes a good walking shoe?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a walking shoe should be built for form and function, be lightweight and provide good shock absorption. The shape and size of your foot should be considered; feet should never conform to the shoe. Make sure the width and toe box of the shoe fits correctly, and choose walking shoes that accommodate your shoe type. (Read more advice from the Mayo Clinic.)
Tips for finding the right shoe when living with MS
According to a National Multiple Sclerosis Momentum Magazine article, there are nine expert tips for finding the right footwear:
- Light tread
- Light weight
- Secure fastening
- Broad base
- Extra depth
- Firm heel counter
- Correct size
- Low heel
- Sturdy shank
What do people living with MS say about shoes?
Just for fun, I thought I’d crowdsource again, only this time I went right to the source: people living with multiple sclerosis. Their answers ran the gamut from sneakers to shoes to bare feet:
Sneakers: Name brands such as Converse, Reebok, New Balance, Nike, and Fila.
Shoes: Tony Little (HSN), Saucony Flex Film, combat boots, clogs, TEVA, flip flops, Birkenstock, Clarks, Chinese slippers, Crocs, Sperry, and Naturalizer.
My personal favorite has always been Aerosoles. Their rubber soles are flexible, and they have extra cushioning that provides great comfort. This spring as I look for new shoes, I’ll consider the advice of The Mayo Clinic, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and my MS friends.
What are your favorite shoes?
Share below your own show recommendations or how your choice of footwear has changed over time. Many thanks to my MS friends who helped me compile a list of shoes for the purpose of this article. You are all treasures.
Join the conversation