need good shoes and a neat looking cane

[jjs]

Does anyone have a suggestion on good support shoes? Comfortable, plain, pref all leather.

And I've been really resisting using a cane but think maybe I should stop resisting. The other day I thought about how I'd be able to walk more properly with a cane and maybe not get tired as quickly. Kind of like using the electric shopping cart at the big stores (which I still have not done but should have several times). I just look so young and healthy (except that I now walk like Frankenstein most of the time) - I'm dreading all the questions that will inevitably come.

Anyway - I'd like a cane that looks kind of "cool" instead of the one I have (the drugstore kind that my grandma used). Do you have a website or brand name suggestion?

Thank you.

[palmtree]

The cool canes are walking sticks.

For shoes you could wear some sort of hiking boot. They are very supportive, look cool and have good grip.

Happy trails.

[SNOOPY]

Hi jjs,

Have you received a diagnosis yet?

I'd like a cane that looks kind of "cool" instead of the one I have (the drugstore kind that my grandma used). Do you have a website or brand name suggestion?

On a personal level I don't like canes or use them, although I have two.

I much prefer Trekking Poles (you can use one or both). For myself they offer stability/better balance, improved endurance, and they look much better than canes (my opinion). You can get them at sporting goods stores ( I use REI) and there are rubber tips you can buy so they can be used inside or out. I have Black Diamond Trekking Poles with Leki rubber tips.

[zilphia01]

bling it up

I use drugstore canes, but I decorate them. I love to sew, so I make a sleeve that tucks into the center with the plunger thing at the bottom, and held on by velcro at the top,.

Then I add stuffed animals (fox at bottom looking up at bird on top), a basketball (hole in middle, w/cane going into hole when son played), christmas lights in dec, sparkly stuff at new years, etc. Whatever strikes my fancy.

I teach, so it is a game to entertain them... sometimes they like to give me interesting ideas.

I like the drugstore type b/c they collapse and are portable.

[Chirp]

Hi jjs,

I completely understand what you mean about resisting using a cane, especially a grandma-style one! I didn't want to deal with the questions either, especially at work. Like you, I look young(ish) and healthy.

Every morning before I left for the office, I'd spend 15 minutes agonizing about whether I should take the cane. I'd decide I didn't need it, then regret that I didn't have it by the end of the day. When I did start taking it to work, I would go in early, hide the cane in my office, and leave late so nobody would see it. I know, I know...

I have a new cane that I absolutely adore. The company is called Top and Derby - it's a small Canadian company. They ship to Canada and the US and have some stockists in both countries. I have the blue-handled one. They even have a special-edition orange one, with proceeds going to MS research.

Try also Sabi for canes.

Shoes, ugh. So hard to find non-ugly, flat, work-appropriate shoes! I work in a conservative office and need to wear a business suit every day. I usually get work shoes from Ecco. They always have ballet-type flat with a sneaker sole (but doesn't look like a sneaker). Comfy, all leather, plain, ok for work, and not hideous. Outside of work, I just wear sneakers all of the time.

Good luck!
Chirp

[DorOMA]

Brazo's walking sticks. I bought the shorter one at the Field and Stream store for $20.00. Merrell shoes are expensive but are very good support with a good winter tread and last a long time.

[J-Bo]

hi jjs,

If you want some nice-looking canes, hands-down the best place to look is fashionablecanes (not putting in the actual link, but the company name is Fashionable Canes) I have three from them, and I get compliments everywhere I go! There's something for everyone there, from wild to elegant, young to old, sporty to classic. I guarantee that you will find something there that fits your style.

As for shoes, I like Clarks. They have some very solid leather shoes that have some interesting, (but not crazy) styles that I've never seen anywhere else.

Good luck!

[KateA2]

Hi jjs! I look pretty young and was embarrassed to use the ugly, frumpy, beige cane from the med-supply. I found two canes online-- both are black, adjustable height, rubber foot, and easy to hold. One has a sleek black-silver head, and (faux) alligator-skin texture.The other has a smooth leopard-pattern head.

I wear mainly Aravon brand shoes for comfort and non-frumpy look. Earth, Ecco, Softwalk, brand shoes are all really comfy/quality, leather shoes.

[sarabeach123]

My favorite shoes are NAOT shoes. Right now I only own one pair of shoes (and one pair of sandals) that I can wear without my right foot going numb. That means I have been using those shoes for everything - work, walking, mowing the lawn, etc! They are starting to get worn out. I will have to buy the exact same shoes again, I am afraid of trying something different! I got a doctor's prescription for orthotic shoes so my next pair will be partly covered by my insurance (hopefully!)

[rdmc]

I'll "echo" the remarks about Ecco shoes. In Florida, I can wear sandals most of the year, and theirs are so comfortable.

As far as canes, I have an etched cane in red from Fashionable Canes website, and I always get comments on it (good ones ) It's lightweight and folding, and I like that too.

My "frumpy" canes (I have a good supply I've picked up at garage sales) are positioned at strategic places around the house. In the house I don't usually use a cane, but to have them positioned around the house, if I'm having trouble (sudden spasm or weakness), I'm never far from one.

[jjs]

Thank you!

Wow, there are so many good suggestions here! I found a cane I like on Fashionable Canes (one that's all wood and has a nice looking palm grip handle).
We are going shoe-shopping as soon as we can get to a bigger city, and now I will have a list of shoe brands to try. Thank you all again so much!

Hi jjs,

Have you received a diagnosis yet?

No - I gave up for now. Because the doctors all agree it's MS and I'm not seeking any medications, treatments, disability, etc. I am just 'sitting on it' for now. But that's how it is for now ... I'm up for changing my mind if it seems needed.

Thanks again!!

[Monsterma]

Best shoes for me ... Maybe you too

I am a teacher and on my feet all day. I wear Dansko Professional Clogs. There are lots of styles and patterns to choose from. They keep your foot flat and unconstricted ( like walking barefoot) and are so comfortable. They an 1 1/2 inch platform so I gain some height also. My students get a kick out of the patterns and since they have some weight to them, I am always aware to walk slowly and carefully. Good luck!

Does anyone have a suggestion on good support shoes? Comfortable, plain, pref all leather.

And I've been really resisting using a cane but think maybe I should stop resisting. The other day I thought about how I'd be able to walk more properly with a cane and maybe not get tired as quickly. Kind of like using the electric shopping cart at the big stores (which I still have not done but should have several times). I just look so young and healthy (except that I now walk like Frankenstein most of the time) - I'm dreading all the questions that will inevitably come.

Anyway - I'd like a cane that looks kind of "cool" instead of the one I have (the drugstore kind that my grandma used). Do you have a website or brand name suggestion?

Thank you.

[schmangi]

I am at the same crossroads of needing but resisting a cane. You mentioned it but no one has answered how to deal with all the questions. Any tips? I am really dreading it.

[Ivy_Sprite]

Canes

Hi jjs!
I refuse to use a cane that's not cute. I have to have the quad bottom, which can
make it bulky and makes it stand out. Fashionablecanes is a great place-and I have gotten
a few there I even got a metallic pink one with rhinestones at the top! But that one didn't
have the quad bottom, so I can't safely use it (yet!)
I have a black drug store one that I decorate with Duck tape, which can be tricky, but is doable.
Right now, I have it decorated with some "Rock tape" athletic tape. It's pink with skulls and wings on it. Much easier to wrap around the cane. Next, I'm going to use some Rock tape that is yellow with the "biohazard" sign on it. Just to be edgy
Good luck!!

[kmallory1]

Reply to questions about the cane

I passed it off as "just some nerve damage", which it actually is. I did not disclose my MS diagnosis at work for several years.

People notice your difficulty walking even though you don't realize it. Using a cane says you have a medical condition, not a substance abuse problem.

My favorite cane was red paisley. Unfortunately I'm past using it now.

If you find that you need more support, consider forearm crutches. I know, they look awful and are another step down that dreaded road.

I saw a woman using just one at my doctor's office. It was all black, very sleek, actually cool looking, if that's possible. It was a Kowsky crutch, made in Germany and expensive. They come a wide selection of colors. I invested in a pair and still use them when I get out of my power chair.