When I was first diagnosed with Lymphedema a few years ago now, I reluctantly said adieu to some really amazing pointy-toed, strappy, cute-as-hell shoes. But I didn’t give up. No, not me – not ever. And I wasn’t about to trade in my heels for my nana‘s beige orthotics. After trial, error, and a lot of money invested, I wanted to share with my community some quick and dirty rules on how to find cute shoes for wide Lymphie feet.
As context, I’m not afraid to show my compression – I’m becoming bolder by the day, but I also don’t necessarily need to draw attention to it or to my shoes. And like most of us, I’m still figuring it out. Some days, I hate my outfit and my feet. That said, I’m am happy to share what works for me. Check out my previous post, Lymphie Legs: Compression & Summer Style.
Once you’re comfortable with your overall look, here are some pointers on how to find great shoes to match:
- Only buy shoes that fit: It’s tempting to think, “These shoes are dope. I can make them work. They’re not that tight. They’ll stretch out.” No to all of the above. Only buy shoes that fit on your swollen days and if anything pinches, rubs, or squeezes, it’s not the shoe for you. She’s out there – keep looking.
- Start basic: Look for a black and a neutral tan in versatile styles of sandal, sneaker, professional shoes, heels, etc. Once you’ve got those bases covered, by all means…
- Invest in a signature shoe: If you find something you love (that also fits you amazingly) in a bright color, bold pattern, or fun style, go for it and be unapologetic.
- Pair your shoes with appropriate compression: I love toe-less thigh-highs. They look great with sandals and a palazzo pant or a maxi dress, and most people won’t even notice the compression with your piggies out in the open. But also, there are some nice tights that look like pantyhose for business formal or evening attire.
- Look for shoes with maximum coverage and minimum material: What we’re going for is breathable shoes that act like compression. If you’re like me and spend your life at a desk, you feet will expand throughout the day (but by all means, take a walk and do stretches – do as I say, not as I do). We need a shoe that will contain our beautiful, bountiful feet, so buy a light shoe with coverage.
- Pay attention to shape: You want shoes that cover the base of your toes to at least midway up your arch (e.g. mules, slides, and oxfords), so your feet don’t get muffin-topped. Shoes that are cut naturally at compression lines or clothing lines can help draw attention away from compression. Gladiators and lace-ups, for example, create an attractive optical illusion.
- Go to the stores and try on different brands: Get to know which brands are built wider and which fit you well. Also, shop for brands that offer wide width (I’ve shared a few great options below). Just as you may prefer different clothing stores, you’ll become familiar with what shoe brands fit your feet well and when you find something you like, keep it on your watchlist.
- Shop at online retailers with good in-store return policies: Many stores offer a wider variety online. Go to the store to figure out what you like and then go online to find the size that fits you. I like DSW because they offer wide width (you can set your filters so you only search for wide shoes), they have a huge selection online, and if you receive the shoes and they’re not perfect, you can walk them back to a brick and mortar store to return. Amazon also has a variety of shoes and it’s now very easy to send stuff back.
A few cute shoe recommendations
Most of the shoes below are ones I own, and the rest are shoes I want. Click on the image to be taken to the page.
I realized at a Garth Brooks concert that my pre-diagnosis dancing boots were amazing compression for my feet, and since then, boots are my best friend (but to be honest, they already were). Tom’s Shaye bootie fit comfortably snug and contain like magic.
These Chinese Laundry squeeze the toes in all the right ways and funnel out at the ankle. Summer boots FTW I’m thinking of buying a second pair.
These forgiving lightweight NB mesh sneakers have memory foam on the bottom. New Balance general runs wide, and these shoes are street-style appropriate and fit like a dream.
These wedges weigh almost nothing, have great coverage, and run wide. I bought them in tan and loved them so much, I bought a second pair in red. Noticing a theme? #geminishoppingproblems
These Universal Threads mules come in faux leopard and snakeskin and would look great with a capri pant (on my wishlist).
Wide width shoes
Set your DSW filter to your shoe size and choose the width – there are a million ways to sort. I did a quick search in my size and came up with some great summer options. like these strappy, gladiator-like sandals.
For a fancy occasion, these shoes look strappy but offer plenty of containment.
I thought d’Orsay style shoes were a think of the past, but Target has a great collection of shoes in wide widths. Love!
Last but not least, give me a metallic anything – these shoes are my new favorites, and yes, I bought them in gold and black.
I wanted these for a formal wedding and they wouldn’t arrive on time, but I bought them anyway. They are forgiving, flattering, and the perfect strappy for my wide feet.
Just because your foot size makes you a particular shopper doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are a million and one options online. If you see something in the store you love but it doesn’t fit, take a picture and Google it when you get home.
Best of luck to you, my Lymphie family, and happy shopping!
Read more Pura Vida Sometimes posts on Lymphedema.
