After foot surgery, the focus is on healing and rehabilitation. You have to adapt your lifestyle to help your foot heal and return to full function.
One of the most important things to do, and your doctor will most likely recommend this too, is wearing the right shoes.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend specific orthopaedic footwear. Usually however, you need to do some research yourself and buy the right shoes that are comfortable and supportive.
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What to look for in shoes for foot surgery
- Comfort. The shoes should be very comfortable such that you can wear them for hours without experiencing any discomfort. They should not pinch your foot anywhere, aggravate your foot or apply any pressure on your toes.
- Supportive. One of the most important things post-surgery is to take weight off the affected area, allowing it to heal properly. Find shoes designed specifically to offer added support to a specific part of the foot such as the forefoot, heel or arch.
- Perfect fit. Nothing is worse for your injury than an ill-fitting pair of shoes. Too small and they are pressing on delicate areas, too big and you are not getting the support you need to heal.
To make it easier for you to find the right shoes, we researched and compared the best shoes to wear after foot surgery in the UK. We have included shoes for different needs whether it is a wound injury or a full cast on your foot.
1. Darco Medium Orthowedge Black Shoe
- Clinically Proven to reduce weight bearing pressure on the forefoot after surgery or injury
- Proper walking method is weight should be shifted to the heel, do not toe-off the forefoot
- Medium size fit women's shoe size 10.5 - 13, men's shoe size 8.5 - 10, with adjustable straps allow for a customized fit
- Wedge shoe promotes faster healing after surgery, trauma, or wounds by relieving pressure
- Designed with a 15 degree wedge sole to help shift the body weight to the midfoot and heel providing relief of weight bearing pressure
This shoe is specially designed to reduce pressure on sensitive areas of your foot and promote faster healing. It is especially good if you want to take pressure off your forefoot.
A 15-degree sole wedge allows the shoe to spread your body weight to the mid-foot and heel, avoiding too much stress on your forefoot. This is especially important when you are standing or walking.
An easy-to-use shoe forefoot closure secures your foot without applying excess pressure. The closure can be removed if it affects your comfort. Ankle straps provide further support and prevent heel slippage.
The insole is extra thick, twice the height of standard insoles. This provides a soft comfortable surface for your foot and absorbs shock and vibrations when you are walking.
If necessary, you can remove the insole and replace it with your own or doctor-recommended insole.
The shoe comes in size 10.5-13 for women and 8.5-10 for men.
What we like about it:
- Great for forefoot injuries or trauma.
- Deep treads on the outsole for added traction when walking.
- Double-sized insole for more comfort and shock absorption.
2. Darco Softie Shoe
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This shoe is great if you want to keep up with as many of your normal activities as possible after surgery. It features a soft upper material that conforms to your foot. This ensures you don’t experience any aggravation or pressure on your foot.
The material is breathable to keep your feet cool and dry even in hot weather.
Another important feature is the shank. This is the part of the shoe between the insole and outsole. It provides more support and stability to the foot when you are walking.
In the Darco Softie Shoe, the shank around the toe area uses a patented semi-rigid structure that controls the motion of your forefoot. This is really helpful if you have hard surgery around your toes. The metatarsal shank allows your forefoot to move naturally without taking on excess pressure.
What we like about it:
- Easy to use closures.
- Breathable material.
- Comfortable insole.
3. Cellona Shoe
This is a closed shoe and it’s also a sandal. You can wear it either way by either opening or closing the straps.
The straps themselves are adjustable. So if you are wearing a dressing on your foot, you can adjust the straps to accommodate it. You can also adjust the straps for a tighter, more-supportive feel.
The Cellona shoe is designed to create a stable foothold especially for patients still wearing a dressing or cast. The closures and heel straps provide stability and support when you are walking.
Note that this comes as a single shoe. But you can wear it on either foot. If you have injuries on both feet, order two of them.
What we like about it:
- Versatile. Can be worn on either foot and can be used as a closed shoe or sandal.
- Great for those with bandages or a cast.
- Adjustable straps.
4. Medically Approved Ladies Post-Operation/Surgery Open Toe Shoe
This is another supportive and comfortable shoe if you have a cast or dressing around your foot. It is also highly recommended for those who have just undergone surgery on any part of the foot including the toes, heel or bunions.
Classified as a Class 1 medical device, this shoe helps reduce pressure on vulnerable areas while also keeping your entire foot as comfortable as possible.
It consists of a breathable mesh upper to keep your foot dry and cool. The open-toe design further helps with breathability especially on hot days. For those who have just undergone toe surgery, it also ensures your forefoot is not under any pressure.
Adjustable straps allow you to change the shoe’s fit to accommodate bulky dressings while a padded heel collar prevents any friction or pinching.
What we like about it:
- Breathable.
- Adjustable straps.
- Open-toe design for those with healing toes.
5. Medically Approved Paediatric Open Toe and Heel Boot
- Class 1 medical device
- Durable open toe design suitable for use after soft tissue procedures or post surgery
- Breathable soft mesh upper with padded heel collar
- Extended twin strap side closure system to accommodate extra bulky dressings
- Sold as single unit, fits left or right foot
This boot has different sizes. It is also designed for younger patients with a cast on their foot.
The shoe (it’s only one but fits both feet) is super lightweight to improve mobility. An open-toe design helps reduce pressure on the injury while also maintaining breathability. Adjustable Velcro straps allow the shoe’s fit to be changed to accommodate the cast.
The shoe, despite its lightweight feel, is quite sturdy. Since it’s harder for kids to be careful even when injured, this shoe protects the cast and the injury itself as they run around.
What we like about it:
- Colourful kid-friendly design.
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Adjustable straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the best post-op shoes?
Look specifically for shoes designed for post-surgery wear. These shoes feature extra-soft cushioning, a wide fit that can accommodate a bandaged foot and highly breathable materials. They are also super lightweight to ensure you don’t put any pressure on your injured foot.
2. Can I drive with post-op shoes?
No, you should not. This is not about the shoes, but your health condition. Your doctor may already have told you to avoid driving for a period of time after surgery. You may also need physiotherapy before you resume driving.
As for the shoes themselves, there’s some evidence that they slow down brake response time. This is especially the case for shoes with an unusual design such as those designed to take pressure off your forefoot.
It’s a good idea to wait until you can wear normal shoes and your doctor clears you before driving a car.
3. How long do I need to wear post-op shoes?
It depends on the operation you had and how well you heal. In most cases, patients are required to wear post-op shoes for 4-6 weeks.
