Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Footwear For Swollen And Bandaged Feet

We all understand the importance of well fitting footwear - it is comfortable, reduces the risk of falls or trips and can help prevent foot ailments caused by rubbing / squashing feet into shoes that are too small. However - what are the options if your feet / legs require bandaging? It is really important to maintain good blood circulation and to avoid pressure from shoes which are poorly fitting. Equally important, is to wear socks or hosiery of sufficient width to maintain comfort.

So, if you have swollen feet, or enlarged feet through the use of bandaging, what are the options?

There are many companies out there whom provide footwear, socks and hosiery - this is not an exclusive list - but has been put together after being asked by several people for any ideas / guidance.
  • Wide Fit Shoes stock womens sizes between 3-8 and mens sizes 6-14. They have shoes available from E to 8E for both men and women. Their website is: http://www.widefitshoes.co.uk
  • Hotter shoes stock womens sizes between 3-9 and mens sizes 6-12. They unfortunately only have standard width for men - though do have ranges with long laces and touch fastening straps to support a more bespoke fit,and EEE for women. Their website is: http://www.hottershoes.com
  • Padders Comfort Fit Shoes stock womens sizes between 3-8 and mens sizes 3-13. They have widths for men up to G+, and EEE for women. Their website is: http://www.padders.co.uk
  • Cosyfeet Shoes and Sandles stock womens sizes between 4-9 and mens sizes 5-13. They have widths for men up to HH+, and EEEEE+ for women. Their website is: http://www.cosyfeet.com Cosyfeet also stock socks and hosiery within their 'extra roomy range'.
How to measure feet?

To measure your feet there are many guides - and each of the specialist companies have their own advice to be given. However, to give a baseline, it is worth measuring in advance of contacting the companies. Guidance as to how to achieve this includes: http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/ss/measurefeet_4.htm