Re: sad & confused mom - no shoes fit AFOs

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

A good orthotist will suggest certain shoes that will work. Even with

my custom-in-shoe orthotics, Stefan suggested shoe brands to me. First

he suggested , and then New Balance. I have found New Balance to

be superior and they do come in wide and large sizes. Stefan

suggested these two brands because they have an S1 last - meaning if

you turn the shoe over, you should be able to draw a straight line

from center of the heel to the center of the tip toe area.

Perhaps you might want to get a 2nd opinion from another orthotist, or

at least try some better made shoes.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Barbara -

I wear nothing but New Balance shoes with my AFOs. I get 1 1/2 sizes bigger

than what I usually wear, and the width size is 2 sizes bigger than what I would

normally wear. I personally wouldn't think that shoes from Payless would be the

quality that your son would need. I suggest " biting the bullet " the first time

by going to a shoe store that sells New Balance and get a professional to

properly fit your son. You'll spend more time and money initially, but once you

know the proper style number and size, etc., you can go to the New Balance

website and order from them directly for additional pairs as your son needs

them.

That is the procedure I did initially in 2003 for myself and have been following

ever since. I have had no problems and have ordered 4 pair directly from New

Balance. All have been perfect fits because I was fitted right the first time

by a shoe professional (not an orthotist) who cared and took the time we needed

to achieve it. Good luck!

K.

[Guest guest]

Yes that is what I was told when I got my AFOs. When looking for shoe to fit

look at the bottom and if you can draw a perfect " S " From toe to heel then

those shoes will work out with AFOs. Wish you the best Barbara In your search

finding shoes. My son wore AFOs before his operation and he found that what they

call skate shoes are wide enough to put the AFOs in. They are a running shoe.

Take care

Sherry

>Barbara,

>

>A good orthotist will suggest certain shoes that will work. Even with

>my custom-in-shoe orthotics, Stefan suggested shoe brands to me. First

>he suggested , and then New Balance. I have found New Balance to

>be superior and they do come in wide and large sizes. Stefan

>suggested these two brands because they have an S1 last - meaning if

>you turn the shoe over, you should be able to draw a straight line

>from center of the heel to the center of the tip toe area.

>

>Perhaps you might want to get a 2nd opinion from another orthotist, or

>at least try some better made shoes.

>

>~ Gretchen

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I think I'm a bit late in responding, but here goes. I would suggest going to a

shoe store similar to Foot Solutions. They did computer topography of my foot

and I don't know what all else before fitting me with shoes. I found out that

the shoes that I were buying were actually too small - my foot expands a full

size when I step down.

If you are near an MDA clinic, they may be of more help than the doctor you've

seen. I suspected that my daughter had CMT and took her to the clinic here in

OKC. The doctor that saw us has CMT - probably unique to OKC, but nice that he

really knows some of what we're going through. We were also seen by a physical

therapist and occupational therapist at the same appointment. They were all

very knowledgable and helpful.

Since you asked for the AFO prescription, I'm going to guess that your son is

borderline in his need for them. It may be worth persuing other options such as

the water therapy that Gretchen uses, walking on sand, etc. From what I've

read, the AFOs hasten the muscle atrophy process. From my own perspective, I

would rather try to keep the muscle that I have and do without the AFOs if I

can.

Biggest thing - educate yourself - know what the options are. You are your

son's best advocate. I know it's confusing. This group is a great resource.

Just keep digging and asking questions.

Tonya

[Guest guest]

hello barbara , shoes, i wear reebok tennis shoes cuz thay seem to be

the widest sport shoes for me.i try to find the higher top shoes.i

hope this helps.

john b.