“If the shoe fits, wear it,” uttered somebody who never suffered a calcaneal fracture that turned every shoe in history uncomfortable and unwearable. If you’re trying to figure out the best shoes to wear after a calcaneal fracture, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve done extensive research on the matter when one of our coworkers suffered a calcaneal fracture after getting hit by a car.
Dealing with heel pain is no fun, but the extended pain from a calcaneal fracture seems to be on a whole other level. Depending on the severity of the fracture, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help.
But wearing the right footwear can make a world of difference regarding the quality of life during recovery. Before you spend your money on Golden Goose sneakers, you might want to take a peep at what we’ve prepared for you.
But first, what is a calcaneal fracture?
A calcaneal fracture typically happens due to a high-energy workout, a challenging activity, a traumatic event, or an accident. A fracture of the heel bone is an awful, arduous injury that can keep you off your feet for weeks or months on end.
When you suffer a calcaneal fracture, your heel gets crushed under the weight of your own body which can cause your heel to widen, shorten, or become deformed. Needless to say, the recovery can last a long time, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Symptoms of a calcaneal fracture are bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. With a calcaneal fracture, you might not be able to put any weight on your heel.
With RICE, you should be back on your feet after a few weeks, but your doctor might recommend custom orthotics to help with the pain as the fracture heals, too. When you start walking again, you’re going to need comfortable, supportive, and protective footwear.
What to look out for when shopping for the best shoe after a calcaneal fracture?
Comfort, support, and protection.
When on the hunt for footwear that’ll alleviate the pressure off of your feet and keep your heel supported and protected, you need to search for sneakers, slippers, or sandals with a few favorable features.
First things first, fractures cause pain and pressure that linger for a long time. Opting for the right footwear can diminish some of that discomfort and help you get through recovery quicker.
Furthermore, your bones become more vulnerable after a fracture. Sturdy, stiff sneakers can offer you the protection you need to ensure you don’t make the fracture worse.
Finally, we can’t forget about support. Fractures require casts, splints, and braces to support the heel bone in its proper position. When you start getting better, you might need to swap them for supportive shoes and orthotics to encourage healing.
With that out of the way, we’ve compiled some of the best shoes to wear after a calcaneal fracture that are easy to slip on and off. Have a look at one of the options down below.
The best shoes to wear after a calcaneal fracture
1. Hoka One One Bondi 8
When you’re done with your casts, splints, and braces, you might need to up your footwear game with a pair of Hoka One One Bondi 8 sneakers.
Hoka One One sneakers are great for people who suffer from foot-related problems anyway, but the Bondi 8 ones feature a curious amount of cushioning that’s perfect for your calcaneal fracture.
With breathable, lightweight fabrics, plenty of padding, and a wide frame, you can’t go wrong with these bad boys. What are you waiting for? Head to the nearest Hoka One One store and get your hands on one of the best sneakers for your feet.
2. Kocota Arch Support Recovery Slide Sandals
What are you supposed to wear after a calcaneal fracture when you’re lounging around your apartment or running errands? When you’re spending the day on the beach or walking around the neighborhood?
Worry not, we’ve found the right footwear for you. Kocota Arch Support Recovery Slide Sandals are every podiatrist patient’s dream – they’re comfortable, supportive, and stable.
When you get your hands on Kocota slides, you’ll notice that they’re much more padded than your average slides. They’re made with soft EVA foam and patented footbeds that cradle your arches.
They’re attractive, too, considering that they come in seven different colors to choose from. These Kocota slides are the way to go, that’s for sure.
3. Saucony Echelon 9
Hoka One One Bondi 8s are one of the best running shoes to wear after a calcaneal fracture, but we don’t want to forget about Saucony Echelon 9 sneakers. They’re a great option when you’re not a fan of Hokas or you’re unable to get them for whatever reason.
Echelon 9s are the brand’s “comfort sneakers” because they’re equipped with a thick foam footbed and a snug midfoot that’s guaranteed to keep your supported and protected.
We wouldn’t suggest running without the green light from your doctor, but you’re free to wear your Saucony sneakers wherever you want.
4. Naot Koru Tama
Naot Koru Tama sneakers are simple and sleek, and that’s why they’re a winner for people who can’t stand the “maximalist sneaker” trend.
But you shouldn’t be fooled by the narrow frame or the uncomplicated, undemanding design. These sneakers are as supportive as the others listed here today. Before you purchase a pair of sneakers that appear supportive at first glance, give Naot Koru Tama sneakers a chance.
They’re made with thick, firm padding, cork footbeds, and a mesh upper. They’re made to mold to your foot, too, and they’re APMA accepted for good foot health. What’s not to adore?
5. Brooks Ghost 15
Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers are gorgeous, there’s no question about that.
Whether or not that’s something you’re searching for, you’re probably going to appreciate that you can wear them with pretty much everything you own. But Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers are appropriate to wear after a calcaneal fracture for a myriad of other reasons, too.
They’re made with a plush, lightweight foam that ensures comfort, and the ample space through the upper foot offers you enough wiggle room. They’re breathable and lightweight, too, and they’re guaranteed to keep your feet dry throughout the day.
6. Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides
We’ve got another pair of recovery slides that promise to keep your feet happy and healthy. Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides are made for wearing around your apartment for added support and protection when you’re recovering from a calcaneal fracture.
When you’re getting over a foot problem, more times than not, you’re not supposed to walk around barefoot because that puts too much pressure on your feet. With Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides, you don’t have to worry about that.
7. Fit Flop Iqushion Flip Flops
Certified with the APMA seal, these are the best flip-flops you can wear to the beach after a calcaneal fracture. We already mentioned that you need comfortable, supportive footwear, and that’s exactly what these flip-flops are.
They’re made with anatomically shaped EVA footbeds to offer plenty of arch support and pressure-relieving cushions that make your heels feel much, much better. They’re affordable, too, which means you won’t have to break the bank to get your feet in them.
8. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
We can’t talk about comfortable footwear without mentioning everyone’s favorite Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals.
Whether you’re recovering from a calcaneal feature or searching for the perfect summer sandal, you really can’t go wrong with Birkenstocks.
Whichever style you opt for, you should be set. But we do need to mention specifically that Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals are the best shoes after a calcaneal fracture.
They’re made with soft, suede footbeds, a deep heel cup, a supportive arch, and plenty of space around the toes. They’re attractive, too – perfect for everyday wear.
9. Naot Classic Spring Clogs
Slippers and slides aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, right? If you’re trying to figure out what to wear around the apartment or you can’t be bothered to dress up, you might want to check out Naot Classic Spring Clogs.
They’re super similar to Birkenstock clogs, but they’re made with thick EVA soles and anatomic cork footbeds that mold to your feet. They’re APMA accepted for good foot health, too. They’re comfortable straight out of the box and perfect for running errands without any discomfort.
10. Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On
What, we’re at the end of the article already? We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to talk about the most loved (and hated) slip-on shoes out there.
We’re pretty sure everyone and their mother knows about Crocs by now and that’s why we’re over the moon to recommend them for people recovering from a calcaneal fracture. Whichever color you go for, Crocs are guaranteed to lighten your mood and your gait, and most importantly, make you comfortable.
