Which summer shoes stamp out bunions and foot pain?
SUMMER is sandal season, but finding the right pair can be difficult if you have problems with your feet. Here, ANGELA EPSTEIN asks Michael O’Neill, a consultant podiatrist at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor, to assess a selection of sandals designed for foot conditions. We then rated them. BUNIONS AND UNDERFOOT PAIN Strive Capri sandals £48.30, debenhams.com
CLAIM: These leather, slip-on sandals with a toe-loop design are said to ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis — pain in the foot and heel produced by inflammation of the soft tissue along the bottom of your foot — and disguise bunions. The midsole is made from a cushioning material called ethylene- vinyl acetate, which the manufacturer says gives the sensation of ‘walking on air’. EXPERT VERDICT: Plantar fasciitis can be caused by over-exercising or prolonged wearing of very flat shoes.
The insole of this shoe is made from soft, cushioned leather that contours to the foot and holds it in an improved position, reducing tension on the plantar fascia ligament.
The midsole provides excellent shock absorbency, reducing the impact of each step as you walk. This, plus the durable outer material, means this shoe will provide good grip, absorb shock and minimise pressure on your heel when you walk — and can ultimately help alleviate pains associated with plantar fasciitis.
This is one of the best sandals out there for people who suffer with bunions, providing both comfort and disguise. 10/10
Kenkoh Soul 2 massage sandal £82.70 (plus U.S. shipping), kenkohrelief.com
CLAIM: The insoles have around 1,000 rubber nodules, which massage the foot and are said to provide relief from conditions such as metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot).
The maker says the sandals mimic the effects of ‘ healing reflexology’ ( the theory that different points on the foot correspond to parts of the body), improving overall health. EXPERT VERDICT: These are a bit of a gimmick. I’m not sure what the benefit is of a shoe that claims to massage your feet as you walk, but if you can tolerate the rubber nodules, they won’t do you any harm. If you believe in alternative therapies, then you can try these for the reflexology claims — but there’s no scientific evidence that reflexology footwear offers any health benefits. 4/10
Sole Bliss Georgia heels £159, solebliss.com
CLAIM: With a peeptoe design and an adjustable back strap, these suede, heeled sandals help to conceal bunions.
They feature a ‘ Bunion Bed’ — a concealed, cushioned panel — and a three- layer, anti- bacterial, memory foam sole with a panel that the manufacturer claims will counter pronation (an inward rolling of the foot when you walk, which can exacerbate bunions). EXPERT VERDICT: Bunions can increase foot width by up to an inch — but many dressy sandals are quite narrow in style.
These have a wide front and are made from soft leather so there is more room for the bunion, reducing pain and irritation.
A small heel will also help to prevent pronation, as flattening of the arch can sometimes push the bunion even more into the shoe.
Bunion sufferers will always struggle to wear heels for long periods, but these are perfect for that occasional formal look. 7/10
FitFlop Lulu glitter toe-thongs £50, fitflop.com
CLAIM: A flip flop which, according to the manufacturer, produces a similar effect to walking barefoot, but with a degree of shock absorption. The sole contains cushioning ‘Microwobbleboard technology’ that slightly destabilises your usual gait, forcing your muscles to work harder. EXPERT VERDICT: These are excellent at shock absorption, which helps to relieve metatarsalgia and heel and tendon pain. 10/10
BAD BACKS AND TOE ARTHRITIS Joya ID Cairo £139.95, thebadback company.co.uk
CLAIM: This has a ‘motion sole’: a curved, moulded insole that causes the foot to sink in when stepping, forcing the hips to drop down on that side, relieving pressure on the joints and back. The rocker sole — thicker than normal with rounded heel — is said to encourage the natural roll of your foot as you walk, relieving the pressure on the heel and toes.
EXPERT VERDICT:
These look very comfortable because of the moulded inside. The rocker sole may help the foot and ankle to work better for those with restricted joints — as in arthritis in the big toes, ankle pain and metatarsalgia — but I think it would take a bit of getting used to.
Some wearers report less knee and back pain as the rocker soles can improve their posture. But these are very expensive. 7/10
FLAT FEET Vionic Leo arch support sandals £90, vionicshoes.co.uk
CLAIM: This strappy sandal is designed to help reduce common foot pains linked to pronation or flat feet (when the arches of the foot roll inward or downward when walking).
An orthotic built in to the insole hugs the arch and controls the foot, providing relief from heel, knee or back pain.
These have a leather upper and ethylene-vinyl acetate sole for shock absorbency. EXPERT VERDICT: Vionic is a wellrespected brand. This is a good walking sandal with an ankle strap to keep it secure and good shock absorbency to reduce impact.
It has a deep heel seat to keep the foot in a good position and stop it rolling over the edges, and adjustable straps so it can accommodate most foot sizes and any lumps and bumps.
These are much better than flip flops thanks to their ankle and arch support. 9/10
DIABETIC ULCERS AND SWOLLEN FEET Bullen Healthcare Easy On Sandals £9.99, ebay.co.uk CLAIM:
A synthetic, open sandal with stretchy, Velcro straps to accommodate swelling, lumps and clinical dressings often used on diabetes patients.
EXPERT VERDICT: Diabetes sufferers can experience nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy, which means they lose sensation in their feet. As a result, they can injure themselves, often without knowing, and the wounds can become infected. The toes can also change shape.
These sandals are good for people who have swollen or difficult-to-fit feet. They have a thick sole, good cushioning and the Velcro makes sure the foot and ankle are supported — they’re adjustable, too, so useful if you have dressings on your feet.
They are not terribly attractive, though, and if you do have neuropathy and are prone to knocks, these won’t protect your feet — for better protection use a trainer or closed shoe. 6/10
HAMMER TOE Bingley extra roomy sandal £82, cosyfeet.com
CLAIM: A hand-finished leather sandal designed for hammer toes (a deformity that causes your toe to bend or curl downward) and swollen feet. An adjustable strap helps them to fit misshapen feet; it opens outward, making the sandals easy to put on and take off. EXPERT VERDICT: These are very helpful for people with hammer toes, oedema (a build-up of fluid in the ankles) and swollen feet. The soft, cushioned foot bed and lining is comfortable and accommodating. The Velcro keeps the foot in place and ensures the shoe fits well to give support. 8/10
Original Yoga Beech Sandals £22.99, zumshoes.co.uk
CLAIM: These flip flops are designed to separate and stretch the toes ‘to promote youthful and agile feet’.
The manufacturer claims: ‘ The toe posts will realign and straighten the toes to improve bunions and hammer toes whilst also correcting posture and reducing aches in the back and the legs.’
EXPERT VERDICT: I hate everything about these sandals. Having just one thong or separator between two toes can be irritating. Having them between all the toes would be much worse and I don’t see what that would achieve.
If you have misshapen toes then anything between them will make you feel even worse. 1/10