The Best Shoes for Oedema & Lymphoedema in 2024 | DB Wider Fit Shoes (2024)

What are the best shoes, trainers and sandals for Oedema and Lymphoedema?

We take a look at what are the symptoms of oedema and lymphoedema and how the right footwear is so important.

Oedema & Lymphoedema are two very common conditions in the UK that can severely impact the lives of sufferers. They are both, in simple terms, conditions caused by fluid getting stuck in the body. Both result in swelling, particularly of limbs, often causing pain for the sufferer and other effects such as loss of freedom of movement in the afflicted limb.

Such pain can often make it difficult to keep active or engage in other important activities, even working, and can become part of a vicious cycle. We take a quick look at these conditions and suggest some ways to not let them win.

We take a quick look at these conditions and suggest some ways to not let them win…

Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and should not be taken as a diagnosis. All questions and concerns should be directed to your Doctor, Podiatrist or other health advisor.

Take me straight to the best shoes for Oedema and Lymphoedema

Oedema is the general medical term for fluid retention in the body. This is usually short-term and can be self-treated. Indeed, the NHS recommends that if you experience oedema for more than a few days that you should call your GP.

Oedema can be a symptom of a wider problem, rather than a condition in itself and can be caused by a variety of day-to-day things - like standing or sitting in the same position for too long - or it can be a symptom of more serious lifestyle problem, like being overweight, eating too much salty food or can be brought on by certain medicines such as some contraceptives, anti-depressants or steroids. [1]

Oedema is also commonplace amongst pregnant women, who often report swollen ankles, feet and fingers during their pregnancy.

Lymphoedema is a condition that is typically caused by a blockage of the lymphatic system, which, in turn causes swelling usually in all or part of a limb, and most commonly in legs and arms.

There are 2 main types of Lymphoedema - primary & secondary - with secondary lymphoedema being much more common. Whilst the effects are broadly similar, the difference lies in the cause:

Primary lymphoedema, which is considered rare, affects an estimated 1 in every 6,000 people and is caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood.[1]

Secondary lymphoedema is a condition affecting an estimated 200,000[1] people in the UK (or 1 in 300, to put it in context).

It is caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system and can often be the result of a cancer treatment, an infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement.

Of course, swollen legs, feet and ankles will have an impact on life, especially when the swelling causes a lot of pain, so what can be done?

Well, firstly, if you have or suspect you have either of these conditions then you should consult your GP for advice.

They may suggest some self-treatment, such as:
- gentle exercise to keep the limbs moving and circulation flowing, and try to release some fluid from the area;
- gentle massage and the raising of your feet to allow gravity to help drain fluid away;
- a formal programme of treatment such asCDTmay be suggested.

Further advice can be sought from the wonderfulLymphoedema Support Network.

For longer term sufferers of swollen legs, ankles and feet though, fear not, we receive many messages from oedema and lymphoedema suffers that our shoes have been able to provide a new lease of life!

Take me to shoes for Oedema and Lymphoedema

There are a few ways in which our shoes can help sufferers of swollen feet, and these guidelines may help you too.

Wide and deep enough: Firstly, your footwear must be wide and deep enough to accommodate swollen feet or feet that swell. Our shoes are wider and deeper than high street shoes, in three variable width fittings accommodating feet from E – 8E (that’s EEEEEEEE!) width. We are delighted to help many customers with Lymphoedema, however, symptoms vary and a reminder that our current maximum foot circumference that our shoes can accommodate is 328 mm for men’s shoes and 290 mm for women’s shoes.

Pain-free footwear: As moderate exercise is important in keeping fluid moving round the body, it is important to have footwear that allows for you to remain mobile without causing too much pain. Therefore, choosing a shoe that fits well and is the right size and shape for your foot is important.

Full coverage and even compression: It is better to wear a shoe which gently covers the foot, offering an even compression over the top of the foot, therefore preventing swelling down into the foot.

I always get my shoes from this firm. After having a new hip my leg got Lymphoedema and my foot swelled up. It’s the only place I can get modern shoes from.
Ena

You may not believe that you can even find footwear you're comfortable in any longer, let alone anything stylish! But that's not the case. Here are some of the features specifically designed for wide and swollen feet that may help!

Simply put, our footwear offers more room for swollen feet and ankles. In particular, our variable width 6V fittings offer the widest and deepest options available from "regular" retailers on the market.

This can provide your feet with much needed space without compressing the foot and causing further swelling around the shoe entry point. Low cut court shoes, for instance, are not recommended for oedema sufferers, as swelling will occur at the top of the foot above the shoe opening. However, court shoes with elasticated toplines could provide the option for a dressed-up look without the associated issues.

We have styles in our widest fittings across all categories, casual and smart alike. For instance, you’ll find trainers like Riley (pictured), canvas styles like Abstract and Yoko, sandals, house shoes for swollen feet, and even dress shoes, like Atlantic.

Many of our shoes, trainers and sandals are designed with easy access in mind, using extra-wide or front openings and/or inside zips to increase the opening size of the shoe. These features enable you to slip your foot in without squashing, squeezing and rubbing and then close comfortably around your foot.

Many customers report swelling in one foot more than the other, meaning they need shoes in different width fittings. This isn’t something that is easy to come by! However, our variable width fittings can accommodate this.

Our variable width fitting shoes work through the supply of removable insoles, which allow you to turn a 6E shoe into an 8E shoe by simple removing 1 or 2 insoles. If you experience more swelling in one foot than the other, you can remove only the insoles from the shoe where you require the most space, leaving the other perfectly sized!

- Find out more about our width fittings

- View our 2V(2E-4E) width women's footwear
- View our 2V(2E-4E) width men's footwear
- View our 6V(6E-8E) width women's footwear
- View our 6V(6E-8E) width men's footwear

I have lymphedema and now only wear shoes from your company, and they are heavenly.
Kate

Sporty trainer look casual shoe Kiwi is an easy-to-wear casual shoe in soft suede with a touch fastening strap that allows for easy access and adjustment. The wedge sole is both modern and practical and the square toe shape gives extra room for toes.

New casual style Lynx is stylish in soft suede with bumper sole and touch fastening strap. The punched detailing will help keep your feet cool and the touch-fastening allows for easy access and adjustability.

If your feet are painful there’s nothing like a soft canvas shoe to get you out and about in pure comfort.

New for 2024 Penguin and Pelican are just the styles you need, with soft material that gently envelopes your feet and elasticated straps that stretch with your foot movement or as your feet swell.

They’re so comfy and lightweight you can even wear them as house shoes but, with their hard-wearing soles and back stiffener for support, they’re just wonderful for getting out and about.

Plus, they’re made with no animal products so they’re completely vegan-friendly!

Many of our shoes, trainers and sandals are designed with easy access in mind, using extra-wide or front openings and/or inside zips to increase the opening size of the shoe. These features enable you to slip your foot in without squashing, squeezing and rubbing and then close comfortably around your foot.

If you have extra wide feet, then there are a few styles that we have designed specifically for you, including features like extended cut-to-fit straps and extra-wide opening for easy access. Styles include Serena, Bullfinch and Pacific, alongside men’s Darren and many more.

- View our 6V(6E-8E) width women's footwear
- View our 6V(6E-8E) width men's footwear

Lexi is a modern stretch trainer with breathable mesh and square toe shape that is ideal for feet that swell, as well as being diabetes and bunion-friendly!

Garforth is a classically styled trainer with a seam-free stretch toe-box and Gibson lace-up fastening, which allows for wide opening and easy access, whilst Pheasant has breathable stretch mesh panels that allow air to flow around your foot to keep them cool on warm days. They also open up wide and are easily adjustable with twin touch fastening straps.

Thanks to psoriatic arthritis and lymphoedema I haven't been able to fit into "normal" shoes for over 2 years. So, to finally have found DB Wider Fit Shoes have a 6V variable width available is sooooo exciting! These are much much wider than the wide fitting shoes you will find on the high street. I'm looking forward to adding a few different types to my wardrobe, but for now I'm happily in love with my first pair
@eat_sleep_crochet_repeat

Our Stretch range has been cleverly designed to provide a range of shoes that hug your feet! The elasticated fabrics or straps mould gently to the shape of your foot and grow as your feet swell, creating more space, reducing compression and also rubbing. Many of our stretch range are also seam free, further reducing the elements that can cause rubbing and pain in swollen feet.

Styles like Rail, Lexi and Firecrest offer full front stretch panels in classically styled trainers or everyday shoes, so they look just like “normal” shoes.

We even include stretch panels on many of our Da Bella dress shoe styles, like Badminton and Constance, allowing you to get dressed up in style without discomfort.

- View our women's wide-fitting stretch shoes here
-View our men's wide-fitting stretch shoes here

We offer sandals of all types to suit all occasions and many of these are just great for people with lymphoedema. Many open up wide and come with one, two or even three adjustable straps for ultimate adjustability, are built in a range of styles including sporty air-bubble soles like Teal or Selena, flat sandals like Hazel, Roxanne or Bliss 2, or wedge soles like Tuft.

All of these styles have extra-long, extended straps that can be cut to fit*, which can help in the summer when the foot can swell more due to warm weather.

In conclusion
As we’ve seen, finding the right footwear for managing oedema and lymphoedema can significantly improve the quality of life for people affected by these conditions. Both oedema and lymphoedema present unique challenges, from swelling and discomfort to mobility issues, however, with the right shoes, individuals can regain a sense of comfort, mobility and style.

Our wide and extra-wide fitting shoes offer practical solutions tailored to the needs of swollen feet. From trainers and casual shoes to sandals, our footwear prioritises comfort and functionality without compromising on style.

With features like variable width fittings and stretch panels, our shoes provide ample space and support, essential for managing swelling and promoting circulation.

Moreover, our commitment extends beyond mere functionality. We understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle despite these challenges. That's why our shoes are designed to facilitate movement and ease discomfort, helping you to stay mobile and engaged in your daily activities.

Whether it's tackling swollen feet or seeking relief from discomfort, our shoes offer a pathway to comfort and freedom, empowering you to live life to the full, despite the obstacles posed by oedema and lymphoedema.

Whilst we may be able to help with suitable footwear we know that the care of your feet is important to your health. Why not check out our Foot Care Provider page to locate someone who may be able to help you!

NEW TO OUR SHOES? Find out more about how we can help!

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