mrdreamjeans | Entries tagged with shoes

A week ago Wednesday, I did a thing. I've never been one to spend money on shoes. My entire life I've done with 10 pairs of shoes or less at a time. After all, what does one need other than a pair of black dress shoes, a pair of brown dress shoes, one pair of tennis shoes, a pair of cowboy boots, a hiking boot and a pair of slippers?

Three years ago, I developed neuropathy in my feet. Despite two visits to neurologists and extensive testing, no one had been able to tell me what triggered it or if I could get rid of it. Onset was sudden. Medication was ruled out as a cause, as was diabetes. I do take the medication Gabapentin for mild peripheral neuropathy. For someone who loves to dance, having a comfortable hard-soled shoe is essential.

So Wednesday, I visited Shuler shoes for the first time. I met with a credentialed Pedorthist, Aida, to determine the correct size. Inserts did not make any shoe more comfortable. After a lifetime of wearing a 9D, then 10 Extra wide, I discovered the correct shoe size for me is an 11-11 1/2 medium! I purchased a pair of Florsheim black lace-up half boots, a pair of Florsheim brown loafers and a casual pair of Brown Merrill slip on shoes. I spent more money on shoes Wednesday than I've spent in several decades of shoe purchases and I'm happy.

The correct fit lessened the pain of the neuropathy immediately and that is wonderful. I've cleared the closet of all but two pairs of ill-fitting shoes and boots (8 pairs in total) and am donating them to a charity. I now have five pairs of shoes I can comfortably wear. Going forward, I will look at shoes as an investment in my health. Who knew the correct size in a quality shoe would help so much!

More About Shoes
Last week, I wrote about my experience in making sure I had shoes that fit properly, in hopes of lessening the effects of neuropathy (the above was written a week ago, but not posted here on LJ) … it’s been a week of much less discomfort. Yesterday, I went back to Shulers Shoes and purchased another pair of shoes; I donated 8 pairs of footwear that did not fit to charity at the store. (Goodbye cowboy boots.) In addition, to counter the neuropathy, I checked with my doctor and am adding Vitamin B+ and Magnesium supplements to my daily regimen.
Pictured below are the four pairs of shoes I’ve purchased in the last two weeks. Far left is a black Florsheim ankle boot, then a pair of bright blue New Balance walking shoes, a brown Merrell clog and finally on the right, a rich brown Florsheim loafer. With the four pairs of shoes I did keep, I now have 8 pairs of shoes, all wearable and comfortable!