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Good shoes for hypermobile feet include Skechers, Birkenstocks, Crocs, and Dr Martens. However, there’s no one shoe type that’s suitable for all hypermobile feet.
Having good shoes for hypermobile feet is a must. Hypermobility and foot pain regularly occur together. By throwing a bad pair of shoes into the mix, you’re setting your feet up for failure.
A bad pair of shoes can cause problems including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and stress fractures. These are the last things you want when you’re already prone to foot issues because of hypermobility.
So, when the time comes to shop for a new pair of shoes for your hypermobile feet, these are the things you must consider.
How does hypermobility affect your feet?
The feet contain more joints than any other part of the body, so they are particularly susceptible to the effects of hypermobility. People with hypermobile feet may experience a variety of problems, including:
- Flat feet: Hypermobile feet often have low or flat arches. This can cause pain and instability in the feet, as well as problems with the ankles, knees, and hips.
- Sprains and strains: People with hypermobile feet are more likely to experience sprains and strains, as their joints are less stable. This is especially true during activities that put a lot of stress on the feet, such as running and jumping.
- Tendonitis: Hypermobility can also lead to tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons. This is most common in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.
- Sesamoiditis: Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located in the ball of the foot. This condition is common in people with hypermobile feet, as the sesamoid bones are under a lot of stress during walking and running.
- Other foot problems: Other foot problems that can be associated with hypermobility include bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
How do you fix hypermobile feet?
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for hypermobile feet. Believe me, if there was, I’d be the first to try it!
Things you can do to help your hypermobile feet include:
- Wearing supportive shoes: Shoes with good arch support and a firm heel counter can help to stabilize the feet and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Using orthotics: Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that can help to correct foot deformities and provide additional support.
- Seeing a podiatrist: A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can assess your feet and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise is important for people with hypermobility, as it can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the joints. However, it is important to choose activities that are low-impact and do not put too much stress on the feet.
Two of my favorite foot strengthening videos to help my hypermobile feet are from Jessica Valant and Caroline Jordan:
Are Skechers good for hypermobility?
Skechers can be hit and miss when it comes to choosing shoes for hypermobile feet. EDS-sufferer Karen Del Vecchio tells Ehlers Danlos News that Skechers work well for her. Skechers are also frequently recommended on the hypermobility Facebook groups I’m in.
However, not everyone agrees that Skechers are great for hypermobility. The below Mumsnet user says that Skechers were not for her at all!
I find that the memory foam in Skechers is perfect for my feet that easily ache. But as Skechers aren’t for all hypermobile people, it’s worth trying them on before committing to buying them.
Are Birkenstocks good for hypermobility?
Birkenstocks can be a really good shoe choice for hypermobile feet. The cork sole is designed to mold to the shape of your feet which means you get comfort and support.
However, Birkenstocks don’t have a supportive strap around the ankle. This can be a problem for some people with hypermobile feet, especially when they’re prone to ankle sprains.
Are Crocs good for hypermobility?
You either love or hate Crocs. I’ve got to say that I hated them (just by the look of them) up until this year. I bought a pair solely to get my hypermobile feet through a trip to Disneyland Paris. I was amazed at how comfy they were and I only got one blister during the entire trip!
Some people with hypermobility say that Crocs aren’t any good for them because they don’t provide support. This is a fair point. But, the comfort of them counteracts this.
If you’ve got wide feet or need to be able to walk comfortably, Crocs are a God send!
And, on the plus side, the design and choice of Crocs are improving too.
Are Dr Martens good for hypermobility?
Dr Martens are a good shoe for hypermobile feet. Firstly, if you wear custom orthotics, you can be sure they’ll fit comfortably inside your Dr Martens.
Dr Martens also provide substantial support to the feet and ankles, which is crucial for people with hypermobility.
Still not sure? Have a look at what these hypermobile Reddit users have to say about Dr Martens.
Are Fitflops good for hypermobility?
Fitflops aren’t just fancy flip flops. Fitflops also make boots which are ideal for hypermobility. They typically have chunky soles which provide lots of cushioning and support. They also have a good arch support, so if you’re got a collapsed arch there’s no need to worry when you pop these shoes on.
What to look for when choosing shoes for hypermobile feet?
When choosing shoes for hypermobile feet, it is important to look for features that will provide support and stability. Some key things to consider include:
- Arch support: A firm, supportive arch can help to prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward excessively.
- A firm heel counter: This will help to keep your heel in place and prevent your ankles from rolling.
- A wide toe box: This will give your toes plenty of room to spread out, which is important for people with hypermobile feet.
- A non-slip sole: This will help to prevent slips and falls.
- Breathable materials: This will help to keep your feet cool and dry.
It is also important to choose shoes that fit well. Your shoes should be snug but not too tight, and you should have about a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Here are some other specific shoe brands and models that are often recommended for people with hypermobile feet:
- Brooks: Adrenaline GTS, Ghost
- Saucony: Triumph, Omni
- New Balance: Fresh Foam 1080 v13, Fresh Foam 860 v13
- ASICS: Gel-Kayano 29, Gel-Nimbus 25
- Hoka One One: Bondi 8, Clifton 9
So, when you’re next in the market to buy new shows for your hypermobile feet, make sure you check out the recommendations we’ve highlighted above first.
One problem is hyper mobile toes that bend backwards. So many issues with toe flexion in them or worse for hypermobile people and EDS. As this worsens their hypermobile symptoms. They need shoes that don’t flex at the toe and have more of a stiff sole in them around the toe area. So important to check this with your shoes before you buy. I am a runner with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. And hyper mobile toes is making it difficult to even walk. So good shoes are important.
Great point about hypermobile toes 🙂