Though they’re sometimes ridiculed on the Internet, I’m about to buy my first pair of Crocs.
My AFO is not meant to be worn without shoes, and I don’t have what I need. Right now I have a pair of Skechers slip-ons, but they’re too tight for me to get on easily over the brace. The top of the shoe has no give, and it’s nearly impossible to get a braced foot in there without help.
Fun as it is pretending I’m Cinderella going to the ball, I kind of hate needing more help. I think I’ve already established my desire for more independence, not less.
When I picked up the AFO, Bob recommended something like the hands free, Slip-in Skechers, because they self-adjust with elastic bands across the top. But they (like most things disabled people need) are expensive, and I am unsure they’ll work. So I just can’t pull the trigger.
However, for about half the price, I can try some Crocs. (Walmart has them 40% off right now, and I have an affiliate link there too ) They’re still one solid piece across the top, but with the heel strap and a hair dryer to heat and custom form the plastic a little, I think I have a chance at making them work for me.
The bottom of the AFO is as smooth as the rest, so I have to keep myself steady while my brain learns to adjust to a different gait. It’s super easy to fall or trigger a panic attack or both until then.
I can slip on a grppy yoga sock, but then the sock grabs the floor and stays put while the orthotic slides around inside it.
Most of the time, I feel like I’m learning to walk again. Sometimes I take the AFO off, walk to my destination, and put it back on. I still get the benefit of 90-degree flexion that way, but it doesn’t really help me walk more—the ultimate goal here.
So I’ve noodled out something to try. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I’ll post an update after I’ve had enough time to try it out.