|
Jenw87
Nov 5, 2010, 5:38 AM
Post #1 of 18
(25157 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 5, 2010
Posts: 7
|
Much to my dismay, my podiatrist tells me I am getting bunions from my climbing shoes. I need new shoes that are wide enough to accommodate for my bunion. Does anyone else suffer bunions from climbing and can anyone suggest what shoes might be a good option? Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
blondgecko
Moderator
Nov 5, 2010, 5:41 AM
Post #2 of 18
(25154 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 2, 2004
Posts: 7666
|
Don't mind me. Librarian coming through.
|
|
|
|
|
Express
Nov 5, 2010, 6:50 PM
Post #3 of 18
(25073 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 15, 2010
Posts: 64
|
Damn, sorry to hear that. The Wiki article on Bunions has some mention of splints and orthotics to keep your toe in a better position, but my guess is probably you're going to need a very non-aggressive shoe like a trad shoe or a rental-type shoe and you're going to need to size up a little bit. Assuming, from your handle, that you're a woman, you may want to look into a men's climbing shoe, as they will probably be a bit wider.
|
|
|
|
|
plasticookies
Nov 8, 2010, 2:41 PM
Post #4 of 18
(25000 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 14, 2010
Posts: 9
|
Express wrote: The Wiki article on Bunions has some mention of splints and orthotics to keep your toe in a better position No suggestions for shoes (probably best to just try everything at your local shop and find the widest/most asymmetrical one), but just want to say to stay away flexible splints. My podiatrist convinced me to buy a flexible (hinged) splint that was apparently designed to be run with. Spent $150 and am really regretting it. They barely fit into my running shoes, never mind climbing shoes, and they shift around with use, making them completely ineffective.
|
|
|
|
|
dreday3000
Nov 8, 2010, 10:25 PM
Post #5 of 18
(24974 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 15, 2006
Posts: 566
|
What are your symptoms?
|
|
|
|
|
mr_rogers
Nov 8, 2010, 11:05 PM
Post #6 of 18
(24960 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 9, 2006
Posts: 57
|
I have bunions. I started to develop them before I started climbing (darn my mother's foot genetics), but I'm sure that climbing shoes haven't helped the matter. I wear orthotics in my street shoes and assorted hiking, ice-climbing, and ski boots. But I don't wear them in my rock shoes or wear any sort of special rock shoe - just what fits. A lace up might be a better choice as with creative lacing you can accommodate the bulge at the ball of your foot without loosening up the rest of the shoe. At the end of the day though, a snug fitting climbing shoe is going to aggravate your bunions some. Especially if it is aggressively cambered or you're wearing the shoes for a long period of time.
(This post was edited by mr_rogers on Nov 9, 2010, 1:36 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
Jenw87
Nov 8, 2010, 11:47 PM
Post #7 of 18
(24945 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 5, 2010
Posts: 7
|
My podiatrist actually made me a splint that sits snuggly between my toes, but doesn't fit so great between most of my shoes. I don't wear it climbing, but when I come home and put it in it's a massive relief. I was considering a lace up for that same reason - although my bump isn't too big now, I just wanted something that wouldn't irritate it further. Thanks for the input guys :)
|
|
|
|
|
sp115
Nov 9, 2010, 12:11 AM
Post #8 of 18
(24934 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 17, 2007
Posts: 515
|
When my wife had bunions (she's since had operations on both feet) she swore by her Five-Ten UFO's. In fact she still has them. I'm not sure if they currently make a shoe with a similar last, though the Jet sort of looks like them? Edit: hmm, maybe the V-mile might be a better choice, given how aggressive the Jet looks?
(This post was edited by sp115 on Nov 9, 2010, 12:15 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
gblauer
Moderator
Nov 15, 2010, 2:22 AM
Post #9 of 18
(24847 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 4, 2002
Posts: 2824
|
I do not have bunions, but I do have hallux rigidus in both big toes. My husband made me carbon fiber inserts for my climbing shoes (I sized up a FULL size, I wear Evolv Rockstars).
|
|
|
|
|
aerili
Nov 15, 2010, 4:00 AM
Post #10 of 18
(24831 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 13, 2006
Posts: 1166
|
plasticookies wrote: No suggestions for shoes (probably best to just try everything at your local shop and find the widest/ most asymmetrical one), but just want to say to stay away flexible splints. Wide, yes, but NOT asymmetrical. A symmetrical shoe should be much better, most likely.
|
|
|
|
|
plasticookies
Nov 15, 2010, 12:47 PM
Post #11 of 18
(24809 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 14, 2010
Posts: 9
|
A symmetrical shoes would better "fit" a foot with a bunion because the toe is pointed inwards, but it will serve exacerbate the problem by continuing to shove the big toe towards the center of the foot leading to a bigger bunion.
|
|
|
|
|
aerili
Nov 15, 2010, 7:39 PM
Post #12 of 18
(24785 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 13, 2006
Posts: 1166
|
Well, high heels and most dress shoes are somewhat asymmetrical and, as far as I know, often part of the exacerbation/cause of bunions for many people. They are usually recommended to wear a more symmetrical and looser-fitting shoe, right? However, I do think the most important issue is the width of the shoe: tightness = problems. Of course, a foot doctor would be the best resource for this individual.
|
|
|
|
|
onceahardman
Nov 15, 2010, 10:34 PM
Post #13 of 18
(24771 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 3, 2007
Posts: 2493
|
There exists a mechanical device for stretching shoes, specifically for stretching out a big old golf ball-sized space for your bunion. We had one at a place I once worked, maybe a place that makes orthotic footwear would do it for you. You may need to leave the shoes on the stretcher overnight.
|
|
|
|
|
plasticookies
Nov 16, 2010, 5:52 AM
Post #14 of 18
(24737 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 14, 2010
Posts: 9
|
aerili wrote: Well, high heels and most dress shoes tare somewhat asymmetrical and, as far as I know, often part of the exacerbation/cause of bunions for many people. They are usually recommended to wear a more symmetrical and looser-fitting shoe, right? However, I do think the most important issue is the width of the shoe: tightness = problems. Of course, a foot doctor would be the best resource for this individual. The thing with high heels is that your toe is constantly bent back and for someone with the beginnings of a bunion, the toe tends to get pushed back and inward. Plus, high heels tend to be super tight up front. I really don't mean to be argumentative...It's just that bunions seems to run in my family and I've done a lot of research/seen a lot of doctors and health professionals to try and keep mine from progressing.
|
|
|
|
|
sp115
Nov 16, 2010, 1:32 PM
Post #15 of 18
(24722 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 17, 2007
Posts: 515
|
onceahardman wrote: There exists a mechanical device for stretching shoes, specifically for stretching out a big old golf ball-sized space for your bunion. We had one at a place I once worked, maybe a place that makes orthotic footwear would do it for you. You may need to leave the shoes on the stretcher overnight. I've had this done on hockey skates and it made a huge difference, but I'm not sure how successful it would be if the bunion hits the rand. The elastic nature of the rand will most likely maintain its shape.
|
|
|
|
|
sidepull
Nov 16, 2010, 2:22 PM
Post #16 of 18
(24712 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 11, 2001
Posts: 2335
|
Don't most people get some sort of growth on their big toes from extensive climbing? Isn't this the source of "five ten toe"?
|
|
|
|
|
matterunomama
Nov 24, 2010, 12:21 AM
Post #17 of 18
(24570 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 11, 2005
Posts: 419
|
I have had bunions for 25 years and I never wore high heels-mostly I was barefoot or sneakers. A lot of it is genetic and/or gait related (I roll my feet inward). I have found that Evolve shoes work well-I wear a size smaller than my street shoe size. I can't tolerate a downturned shoe for more than a few minutes but the Evolve Defys are not a terrible shoe and they are very comfortable, even with my D-width feet. I kid you not. D-width.
|
|
|
|
|
Juha_H
Jan 12, 2012, 8:39 PM
Post #18 of 18
(23038 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 16, 2010
Posts: 5
|
Hi there, I tore my knee in January of 2010 while skiing telemark. After the knee injury I have been limping around and it seems to affect my left foot. Recently my left foot has been really painful and I saw orthosurgeon about the foot pain and ask what he think about it. Surgeon took pictures from my aching foot and told that I have bunions and probably incipient arthritis in big toe. In other words, Hallux valgus. Climbing is one of the only sports that I'm able to do (exept water running) after my knee injury and I would love to continue climbing. My question is that is it possible to find climbing shoes that are made for patients who are suffering Hallux valgus/bunions? My left foot with hallux valgus. Ouch. Thanks in advance and stay away from injuries
|
|
|
|
|
|