Adapting sandals to fit swollen feet 16 July 2022 at 10:00PM in Old style MoneySaving 15 replies 1K views

Savvy_Sue

MiL has very swollen feet. ATM she has one very old and tatty pair of sandals we can fit onto her feet, but only just.

She also has a very smart pair of white sandals, worn once, which I don't think we'd get done up now.

These sandals cross over at the front, where they are stitched together. Then there's a strap around the back, which has a small piece of elastic, and a buckle.

I'm thinking that if I unpicked the stitching and lengthened the elastic, they might stretch enough. 

Or would they lose structural integrity?

MiL has very limited mobility, so she wouldn't be walking in them, just shuffling on her walking frame for a few steps.

JIL

My mil has restricted mobility and falls over a lot, she was visited by the falls nurse and told she must not wear sandals. She now wears extra wide slip on sketchers. They have made such a difference. I know it's really hot, but they are very light and can even go in the washing machine.

Why not have a go at altering the sandals, if she cant currently wear them you have nothing to lose.

cannugec5

I agree with the previous reply. There is nothing to lose on attempting to adapt sandals she currently cannot wear. 

On a personal note, I have feet ‘issues’ - currently awaiting corrective surgery. Although a female, I was advised by the professionals to purchase footwear designed for men as they are wider. They don’t look terribly attractive, but for now they will do. 

Just thinking if your attempts at adaptation fail, you might like to consider Mens sandals for her. 

Ms_Chocaholic

Can you get some shoes/sandals with velcro fastening so if her feet do fluctuate in size by getting more swollen or the swelling goes down slightly they'll still be okay.  Something like these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Softlites-Womens-Comfort-Sandal-Beige/dp/B01DK36ZJ8/ref=sxin_19_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-dmVsY3JvIHNhbmRhbHM=-ac_d_rm_rm_rm&content-id=amzn1.sym.eae3237b-3bc2-4b6f-9b26-f3c2840ee3a5:amzn1.sym.eae3237b-3bc2-4b6f-9b26-f3c2840ee3a5&cv_ct_cx=velcro+sandals&keywords=velcro+sandals&pd_rd_i=B01DK36ZJ8&pd_rd_r=4c967d33-2077-4a31-8d22-7a56ca158345&pd_rd_w=QLfcc&pd_rd_wg=DPhNW&pf_rd_p=eae3237b-3bc2-4b6f-9b26-f3c2840ee3a5&pf_rd_r=NSP9Z5XGMB2G17AF5KYC&psc=1&qid=1658015056&sr=1-1-e2b79f78-a3a0-4cac-b70d-2a5e4ae8e724

Savvy_Sue

JIL said:

My mil has restricted mobility and falls over a lot, she was visited by the falls nurse and told she must not wear sandals. She now wears extra wide slip on sketchers. They have made such a difference. I know it's really hot, but they are very light and can even go in the washing machine.

Why not have a go at altering the sandals, if she cant currently wear them you have nothing to lose.

I didn't know Skechers did extra wide! I shall take a look.

Also good call about men's sandals. 

Ms_Chocaholic

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diabetic-Slippers-Adjustable-Comfortable-Breathable/dp/B091KVQWC1/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1XIHRNH01C4CC&keywords=edema+shoes&qid=1658015827&sprefix=edema+shoes,aps,134&sr=8-7

CapricornLass

Has your MiL considered Cosyfeet at all?  Their shoes are designed for swollen feet, with some styles opening right up, and others being particularly deep to accommodate toe problems and bandaging. Some of the ladies summer shoes/sandals are reasonably priced, and really pretty too.  They also do extra wide hosiery and socks too, although the tights are really only for people who have a leg length of under 30 inches.  Their service has always been very prompt, and when I had an issue, they were very quick to refund me

Personally I wouldn't alter the sandals.  I'd sell them, and put the money towards a new pair for her.

Savvy_Sue

CapricornLass said:

Has your MiL considered Cosyfeet at all?  Their shoes are designed for swollen feet, with some styles opening right up, and others being particularly deep to accommodate toe problems and bandaging. Some of the ladies summer shoes/sandals are reasonably priced, and really pretty too.  They also do extra wide hosiery and socks too, although the tights are really only for people who have a leg length of under 30 inches.  Their service has always been very prompt, and when I had an issue, they were very quick to refund me

I was aware of Cosyfeet but hadn't really looked at the catalogue. There are possibilities there, certainly. 

CapricornLass said:

Personally I wouldn't alter the sandals.  I'd sell them, and put the money towards a new pair for her.

Yes, I had wondered about selling the sandals, but if they were made wearable, I hope they'd bring some happy memories. 

It's all really difficult because we are not near her, BiL has done and is doing a wonderful job, but it's taken a heavy toll on him, and there's a limit to how much more he can be asked to deal with ...  Also MiL is slightly resistant to change - I did get her some decent slippers from Pavers because her moccasins didn't stay on her feet any more, when they went on at all, and she was extremely dubious (simply because they are 'different!') 

I think I might order some Cosyfeet and see what she thinks on our next (imminent) visit. Still cogitating about the white pair ... 

MovingForwards

@Savvy_Sue have you looked at sandal strap extenders, they're only a couple of quid and sound like what you are after.

Percypeeved

If you do an online search for DB Shoes. They specialise in broad and deep-fitting shoes suitable for swollen feet.

oystercatcher

Regarding altering sandals if you can't change the fixed straps at the front I have a feeling that they still wouldn't fit . My feet have swollen and I find it is the front part of shoes which is often more limiting than the ankle part which tends to be adjustable.
There are numerous places which specialise in wider fit shoes. Cosyfeet and Hotters come to mind , they both have paper catalogues as well as online shops so maybe let Mil have a look and choose something she likes , most wide fitting shoes are no longer 'pretty but some are more attractive than others depending on taste!