Article Last Updated: Sat, December 1, 2024
When foot treatments like foot therapy and topical solutions don’t work, foot surgery may be your last resort.
Recovering from your operation, is to a great extent, the most difficult part of the entire process.
One thing that can help you recover faster is getting the perfect shoes.
By avoiding tight or high-heeled shoes that exert unnecessary pressure on certain areas of your foot, you help your feet heal faster.
In our post, we’ve provided recommendations and the features you should look for in the best shoes to wear after foot surgery.
Our Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar strategically supports your arch to guide and keep your body in its natural path of motion.
Dynamic DuoMax Support System – This evolution of DuoMax system enhances stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.
Provides excellent mobility, protection, and support for day-to-day activities following foot and toe surgery or trauma.
Top 5 Shoes to Wear After Foot Surgery
1. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
PROS
- Feature a slip-resistant outsole
- Quality and durable leather upper
- Supportive shoe for recovery
CONS
- Heavier than others
If you’ve just had your foot surgery, Brooks Addiction Walker Shoes are comfortable footwear worth investing in.
They are not too pricey and they have just the right features to help with your recovery.
For instance, the outsole on these shoes are made from non-slip and durable rubber.
So even though some post-op shoes have a reputation for wearing out quickly, these ones will provide long years of service.
Another noteworthy feature on the outsole entails the tiny, dense grooves on the forefoot section.
The purpose of these is to ground each foot throughout its length.
For comfort, the shoes are equipped with the brand’s BioMoGo DNA platform on the midsole. Simply put; this is a midsole compound that provides adaptive cushioning.
Plus, you have the option of choosing from several colors that include: brown suede, white, black and brown nubuck.
The only disadvantage is that they’re slightly heavy.
But if you account for the premium-grade leather used to make the upper and midsole cushioning, it makes sense why they weigh this much.
What these shoes lack in weight, they make up for in support.
Whether you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis or recovering from an operation, these footwear help to relieve pain and discomfort.
2. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes
PROS
- Provide adequate support
- Sport a lightweight design
- Look stylish for everyday wear
CONS
- Limited color options
The Gel-Kayano 25 are one of the best women’s shoes to wear after foot surgery.
Even though they’re running shoes, they offer excellent support and a lightweight design that makes walking after your medical procedure surprisingly comfortable.
They achieve the extra support by tweaking the original medial plate.
With their 25th update, the medial plate has been designed to extend from the midsole all the way to the heel; hence, providing greater stability.
For the lightweight design, the manufacturer has incorporated the new Trusstic System Technology which decreases the sole’s weight without ruining the structural integrity of the shoe.
Most post-op shoes emphasize more on functionality and less on style.
But with the ASICS Kayano 25, you get the best of both worlds. These shoes come in a chic design and are available in multiple sizes.
3. BraceAbility Post-op Shoe with Hard Sole
PROS
- It’s available in both male and female styles
- Can be worn on left/right foot
- Fits snugly and comfortably
CONS
- The velcro straps are a bit fiddly
If your physician recommended that you wear an orthopedic shoe, this footwear by BraceAbility is a great option.
Available in small, medium and large sizes, this shoe is versatile enough to be worn on the left or right foot.
Another key highlight of this post-op shoe is its skid-resistant sole.
This feature significantly reduces the likelihood of falling, which could really slow down your recovery. The manufacturer has also incorporated a rocker sole, which helps to provide arch support.
Like most post-op shoes, this one comes with adjustable medical-grade fasteners. While the main purpose is to provide a secure fit, they also help to accommodate any bandaging or swelling of feet.
Better yet, it’s made from an air-friendly material, which enhances breathability. This, in turn, guarantees excellent comfort throughout the day.
4. Orthofeet Avery Island Walking Shoes
PROS
- Available with wide toe box to ease pressure from your toes
- Lightweight sole to reduce the stress on your foot
- Comes in multiple sizes
CONS
- Not the most durable soles because they’re made from lightweight material
If you’re forced to resume your work not long after your foot surgery, the Orthofeet Avery Island Casual Walking Shoes are a solid choice.
Featuring the design of a formal shoe, these footwear will complement your work outfit without compromising your recovery process.
As you might have guessed from the title, these shoes are tailored for persons experiencing foot problems or those recovering from foot surgeries and injuries.
They feature a uniquely-designed sole that has a cushioning effect.
This helps to reduce jarring pain that you’d normally experience when walking after surgery.
Add to this the additional support provided to the arch of your foot, and you have incredibly comfortable footwear.
Another feature we’d like to point out is the wide toe box, which provides a little wiggle room for your toes.
This minimizes the likelihood of injuring your toes when recovering while also preventing foot problems down the road.
Finally, these shoes are available in a wide range of designs and sizes. Depending on the recommendations given by your surgeon, you’ll be able to choose between the narrow and wide varieties.
You can also choose from size 7 to 15 and between black and brown colors.
5. New Balance Men’s Suede 928v3
PROS
- Suitable for all foot problems
- Removable footbed for orthotic inserts
- Narrow, wide and ultra-wide sizes are available
CONS
- Too lightweight for some peoples’ liking
Among many things, New Balance brand is known for their prowess in making shoes for an array of health problems.
Some are custom-made for those with low arches while others are made for individuals with flat feet. The Men’s Suede 928v3 is a shoe designed to take care of any foot problem and it makes a great post-op footwear.
We like that the shoes are designed in multiple widths and sizes. Some are narrow while others are wide to accommodate all foot shapes and sizes.
Other than design, another reason why we choose this footwear is because it contains a good combination of materials. The upper is made of quality cork leather material for durability.
The footbed is wrapped in EVA, to provide exceptional cushioning and shock absorption while the outsole is made of durable rubber to prevent slippage.
And while some manufacturers of post-op shoes design their footwear in only a black shade, New Balance makes the Suede in up to 6 colors.
These include brown, black, cream, grey/white, white/white and black-hook/loop combos.
Why Choose Specific Footwear after a Foot Surgery
A foot surgery is a major health event that carries an inherent set of risks.The most common foot and toe surgeries include osteotomies, bunionectomies, and plantar fascia release.
These procedures provide a long-term solution to your foot problem. Unfortunately, they require a long rehabilitation process.
Surgeons often recommend that you stay off your feet for a considerable period- something that’s almost impossible for many patients due to the realities of work and family lives.
If you cannot afford to rest for the recommended period, then the least you can do is invest in the right footwear. Choosing to wear shoes that aid your recovery is the most vital decision you’ll make.
If you were to continue using conventional footwear, not only would you slow down your recovery but also increase the chances of the foot problem recurring.
Types of Shoes to Wear after Foot Surgery
Orthopedic Shoes
When people hear the phrase “orthopedic shoes”, they often associate them with the geriatric population.
This is not surprising considering foot problems and disorders are a common concern among older citizens.
However, orthopedic shoes are customized for people of all ages.
If you have poor foot mechanics or are recovering from a surgery or injury, orthopedic shoes are the best because they offer support for the structure and mechanics of your foot.
Features of Post-Op Shoes
These shoes are equipped with a couple of features that set them apart from regular footwear. These features include:
A detachable insole
This feature allows you to remove the footbed, in case you want to achieve a better fit.
Also, some detachable insoles provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption.
Extra widths and sizing options
This has a similar benefit to the removable footbed, that is, it provides a custom fit.
The ability to choose from a variety of sizes and widths increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your feet.
Specially-designed Uppers
The upper on orthopedic shoes are also designed in such a way that they can accommodate any forefoot problems that a user may have.
Easy Fastening
Post-op shoes are also equipped with user-friendly fastening mechanisms. This feature really comes in handy for individuals suffering from mobility and flexibility issues.
Firm Heel
These footwear will also have firm heels so as to support the rear of the foot.
Athletic Shoes
If your physician doesn’t recommend that you wear a post-op shoe, then you have the freedom to choose any decent pair of athletic shoes.
However, you can’t select just any footwear. Ideally, the shoes you choose should be comfortable enough to aid your recovery process while still enabling you to engage in your original athletic activities.
For instance, if you were a tennis player, then you should look for the best tennis shoes to wear after foot surgery.
In addition to the sporting activity, you should also consider the design of the heel and toe box.
A great athletic pair ought to have adequate space on the toe box. You’ll also have to inquire about the best arch type for your foot and condition.
Essential Factors to Consider when Choosing Shoes for After Surgery
Apart from the type of shoe, here are a couple of other factors you should keep in mind when purchasing shoes to wear after foot surgery:
Anti-Shock Technology
One of the most recommended features for these footwear is anti-shock technology.
Although most shoes provide a certain level of cushioning, some manufacturers go a step further and include specific anti-shock designs to minimize the risk of injury.
If you’re experiencing intense pain or discomfort after your foot surgery, it’s a good idea to look for footwear that has such anti-shock capability.
Interior Lining
Another factor you should focus on is the type of material used to make the interior lining.
The best material should be breathable and provide adequate comfort and support.
Rocker Sole
A rocker sole shoe is one where the outsole is thicker than conventional soles. This helps to minimize the impact exerted on the heel and joints; hence ease the recovery process.
Final Word
If you’re scheduled for a foot surgery, you should familiarize yourself with post-op foot care tips.
The first few weeks after your procedure might be unbearable because of pain and discomfort, but one thing that can help is investing in proper footwear.
The right shoes will be made of foot-friendly material, provide adequate support and feel comfortable.
This way, you can still move around and take part in light activities.
One of the best shoes to wear after surgery is the Brooks Addiction Walker. This pair of shoes is reasonably-priced and has a set of features that make it suitable to wear during recovery.
It’s equipped with Brook’s DNA midsole so as to provide adaptive cushioning. The footwear also has a non-slip outsole made of rubber. This reduces the risk of falling; thus, preventing additional pain and discomfort.
Depending on your condition, your surgeon may recommend orthopedic or post-op shoes. This footwear is tailored to help your healing process.
Usually, these shoes have unique features such as anti-shock technology, removable footbeds and they come in extra widths and sizing choices. A good example of a footwear that meets these requirements is the BraceAbility Post-Op Shoe with hard sole.
