Only 16.5 Weeks Pregnant and My Feet Are Killing Me, Any Shoe Tips?

I bought a new pair of sneakers. Good quality ones with the proper support for a cross-trainer or walking type shoe. My feet ended up swelling quite a bit, and a half size bigger than usual worked REALLY well for me.

I agree with wearing support stockings. I also wonder about going from heels to birkenstocks with their heel lower than the toe. That is quite a change. When I tried to wear birkenstock style shoes my calves ached.

Peg M. said that she needs shoes with a wide toe box and not too much structure or arch support. I need shoes with a wide toe box but I also need arch support. As she said everyone's feet are different. I agree to go to a specialty shoe store and try on shoes. The advantage of a specialty shoe store is that they are trained in foot anatomy and fitting shoes for special needs.

I've had this problem for years, ever since early menopause. What really helps me the most is wearing the kind of support stockings you can get to wear on long plane trips. They give good but not restrictive support. I think, for me at least, the foot pain is partly due to poor circulation, and the stockings help the return of blood from the lower limbs.

I personally need flexible shoes with a wide toe box and not too much structure or arch support, but every foot is probably different. Some clogs work well, and Merrill shoes have been pretty good for me. I wear several different kinds of slippers around the house; when one starts hurting, I'll change into another, and that helps for awhile.

If you go to a specialty shoe store, ask to try out shoes with these features or others that sound attractive to you. Spend a little time walking around, and don't let them pressure you into a quick purchase. Shoes are expensive.

Good luck. Chronic foot pain sure takes some of the joy out of your day.

My favorite shoes, because I have no fatigue, are my MBTs. They are the first and a higher line of the toner shoes that have been advertised lately. Go to the Walking Company (there are 4 in your area) and ask them to scan your feet. They can tell you where you need support specifically and can recommend the right shoe for you. I've bought every shoe I own for the last four years from this company. They are great!

I have a pain cream that I use on my calves, ankles and feet prior to catering with my husband (otherwise I wake up the next day unable to walk, lol). Because it is natural, it is completely safe and it actually heals the soreness in the muscle before it gets sore. If you're interested in something like this, let me know and I can get you some more information.

Happy shopping and Congratulations!!!

M.

I can't remember what I wore, but I've always been a flip flop kinda gal, so I'm not sure I could make a good recommendation on shoes. Much of your discomfort is coming from the increase in blood volume throughout your body (and your feet as well). I found that blasting the air conditioner on them while driving in the car releases a lot of the pressure as well as elevating them whenever I could.

Through both of my pregnancies -as well as before and after pregnancy -Dansko shoes have been awesome! They even have a commercial line that many chefs, bartenders and servers use. I would be lost without my Dansko clogs! The closed and open backed clogs are both great. They have sandal styles for summer too. I have a pair I've enjoyed for years.

I've also had great success with Softt -dressier and good for professional looks; Merrell and Clarks. I love my Birkenstocks, but they don't offer a lot of support. Tevas -the nice ones -have a nice arch support.

soak your feet in epsom salt foot bath. Helped me a lot. You could also roll a golf ball under you feet to help relieve some of the trigger points.

.

What is BTDT?
Why does everyone use acronyms all the time?

Anyway----try Chacos sandals.

I can find them on line and in sporting goods/ healthy living stores (Whole Earth, REI....)
I have worn my Chacos while coaching swimming for 5 -6 hours a day on cement pool decks.....on walks around town for the whole day. They are so awesome!

I went to Kohls and got sneakers without a back. That way when I got really big I didnt have to bend over to tie, I just slipped them on. I loved them.

Get the real Birkenstocks, not the copycats. The real ones are the only way to go. They are a little expensive, but well worth it. They will last forever and your feet (and your back, legs and the rest of your body) will thank you for it. I owned some a few years ago and for some reason got rid of them. I bought some new ones a few weeks ago and they are awesome! I don't know why I ever got rid of the old ones. I got mine at Famous Footwear. They always have a sale or some coupon you can use to make them a little more affordable.

6 hours! you're lucky! I couldn't stand for more than 5 minutes before my hips, leg, and feet would basically stop working. But for when I was working 8 hour shifts at a customer service desk where I stood the entire time I LOVED Crocs. They are horrifically ugly, but they are so comfortable. Are you walking around your house or work?? They are making mary jane looking crocs that are super cute. I'm not sure how those are but regular crocs are amazing. But if you do get them, never leave them in the sun. They tend to shrink. I found out the hard way.

I have the same problem! If I walk around - or sit in a car - for more than 3 hours my feet hurt for days! And it is the bottoms! I have found that support hose - the full ones not just up the the knee - have helped a little. But honestly a great pair of cross trainers and insoles are the only thing that helps. My pain I think is caused from the swelling because I do have sensitive skin. It also helps that every night I put my belly balm on my feet and put on loose socks.
Good luck! I am actually looking for a pair of sandals for this summer and I am heading toward Teva. I have a pair of Chacos and they hurt my feet.