beach footwear Q About This Page:

[Carousel96]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I'm sure someone here has dealt with this.
I was diagnosed with plantar fascitis (sp? If I have it I should learn to spell it I guess!) in Feb. -- after toughing it out through a trip to DLR.
I'm still working through the footwear implications -- as each season comes I'm discovering which shoes will work with inserts and which need to go.
I got through summer without flip flops, but felt pretty silly putting inserts in my crocs!
Anyway, we will be going to Marco Island after Thanksgiving. I know regular flip flops won't cut it -- no support at all for my arches. But I HATE sand in my shoes so I need something other than the good tennies I've been living in for casual outings. Sand im my crocs is just as annoying, so that won't do either.
Is there an open flip-flop like shoe that has super good arch support so I can walk on the beach with my family?

[OffKilter_Lynn]

This was my first summer sans 'cute little flip flops' and surprisingly, I wasn't as unhappy as I thought I would be. I also have Plantar Fasciitis (2 "i" ) along with a heel spur and a fallen arch - a real trifecta of bad feet.

I found tons of good shoes on Footsmart - Women's Shoes, Men's Shoes, Walking Shoes, Sandals, Slippers, Socks, Support Hose, Foot Care, Orthopedic & Comfort Products :: FootSmart and one of the best were my Orthaheel sandals for beach wear. They have a definite arch and they're a higher, sturdier shoe than your everyday flip flop. In fact, they're rather heavy feeling at first so I recommend wearing them for a little bit at a time and building up your strength because they will wear you out and make your feet rather tired if you wear them too much right out of the box.

Another good sandal that was casual but not clunky were from Clarke's - the 'Rudder' sandal was perfect so I bought 3 different colors but it might be harder to find them now. Another place to check is Endless . com Shoes & Handbags - Free Overnight Shipping & Return Shipping: Endless.com - I love their many-angle pictures and the reviews are very helpful.

You're right to look for shoes with good arch support - it really makes all the difference in the world. Some other things that worked great for me was a dorsal night splint (ah... morning relief!) and having a variety of insoles and supports. I found more comfort if I could mix and match different pieces based on the shoe and my discomfort level as sometimes my good foot wasn't comfortable with the same inserts as the bad foot.

Happy shopping!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by OffKilter_Lynn

This was my first summer sans 'cute little flip flops' and surprisingly, I wasn't as unhappy as I thought I would be.
Happy shopping!

That was one of the best comments I've heard in a long time. I LOVE your attitude!

That looks like some great info.

I don't have much experience with supportive summer shoes, but I know the kind of thinking that can even make sensible shoes bearable.

Thanks for that information.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I also have the "bad feet" I never wear flip flops.
There are tons of cute sandals that have support.
Check out some of the better stores for good supportive footwear..

[TiggerTails]

I love my Merrell's but for the beach I wear Crocs.

[Danielle Harmon]

I too have plantar facsitis. I love my Crocs. I hope I can finally get an appointment with a doc once I get to Maryland to work out what to do. The doc here just talked to me over the phone, said it sounds like you have plantar facsitis, what do you want me to do about it? Treated me like I was trying to get out of working out or something...which was not anything I asked. I had already researched my symptoms and knew what I was dealing with, but I wanted to know how to mitigate the problem so it didn't interfere with physical training and my PT test. Anyway, I have been going crazy trying to find good shoes for running/working out and just everyday walking...thanks for the links!!!!