Seeking Very soft sole shoe advice

**Kitfoxdave** · 2nd April 22, 06:05 AM

Folks,
I just recieved my first kilt. Mackenzie old colors. I have a bunch of metal screws and straps in my left ankle and hip, and because of this wear very soft soled shoes.... the shock from walking in leather soled shoes even with thick gel inserts is quite painful.
I normally wear Reebok DMX walking shoes (very squishy soles) with a gel pad insert. Is there a dressier looking option I should investigate to go with my kilt?

Thanks in advance for your much needed advice!

**Father Bill** · 2nd April 22, 06:27 AM

As a starting point, perhaps you'd show us what you have so that we have a 'bar' from which to measure. To me, that would be helpful.

**Riverkilt** · 2nd April 22, 08:16 AM

This may sound like the very opposite of what you'd think, but worth consideration.

I've become quite fond of "Barefoot/minimalist shoes and boots. Obviously the very thin soles won't work for you. But many of the boots do have very soft and very cushioned soles. The one's I like are Belenka Nevadas, Belenka Rangers, and Lems Boulder boots.

Heres an Iowa shop that carries them https://anyas-shop.com/ or you can go direct to the Belenka and the Lems websites for information.

After years of Z Coil spring shoes, heel inserts, and even Don Joy braces it turns out that for my foot and ankle problems barefoot whenever possible with barefoot/minimalist shoes combined with daily foot and ankle stretches and exercises and daily walking GREATLY improved my condition.

This was an accidental discovery from rafting the Grand Canyon with sandals and spending 8 days walking on sandy, rocky, always uneven ground. Muscles in my ankles and foot I'd never been using got stronger. I've continued walking on rock and uneven ground whenever possible.

The barefoot shoes and boots also have a wide toe box to allow toes to splay out and give better support than standard cramped toe shoes. Been a huge change for the better.

Also a number of wonderful books to help. Favorite is Fix Your Feet. Another is Becoming a Subtle Leopard.

From a kilting perspective you can also order SoftStar Primal Sawyers and add long Ghillie laces... they're not brogues, but have a similar look.

Obviously, I don't presume to tell you how to fix your medical condition. Just saying it may be possible. There are also many articles on line about the benefits of barefoot time and barefoot/minimalist shoes.

**Kitfoxdave** · 2nd April 22, 08:32 AM

I fully appreciate your input. I will look into those shoes you mention. I do need the arch support and heel in the left shoe as my ankle does not allow very much tilt up direction movement. The cushioning is needed for reducing shock (pain reduction) in the knee and hip joints as well as lower back.

I used to love walking barefoot on the beach, but alas those days are unfortunately over.

Again thanks for your help!

**Kitfoxdave** · 2nd April 22, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

As a starting point, perhaps you'd show us what you have so that we have a 'bar' from which to measure. To me, that would be helpful.

Here is a link to the DMX shoe I usually wear.

https://www.amazon.com/Reebok-Ultra-...53824281&psc=1

**Father Bill** · 2nd April 22, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Kitfoxdave

Here is a link to the DMX shoe I usually wear.

https://www.amazon.com/Reebok-Ultra-...53824281&psc=1

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that's in any way inappropriate for a medical situation with a kilt. Those who might scoff may actually lack either understanding, compassion, or both. Take a look at the top of this page for the gentleman with the knee brace. It is what it is.

What would you like to see changed in the footwear to meet your wishes, which I respect very much.

**Kitfoxdave** · 2nd April 22, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

To be perfectly honest, I don't think that's in any way inappropriate for a medical situation with a kilt. Those who might scoff may actually lack either understanding, compassion, or both. Take a look at the top of this page for the gentleman with the knee brace. It is what it is.

What would you like to see changed in the footwear to meet your wishes, which I respect very much.

Thanks so much for your reply. On a bad day, the knee brace I have to wear is much more bulky than the one in the picture...and the velcro straps would tear up my kilt!

I was looking to possibly find a pair of similar shoes with more of a brogue look that have cushion soles...

Again, I thank you for your input.

**Paco500** · 2nd April 22, 03:52 PM

I would take a look at Ecco brand shoes. They have a reputation of making very comfortable supportive shoes in a variety of more formal styles.

Seconding Father Bill, if you can’t find the ideal shoe, wear the Reeboks. In my opinion, comfort always trumps style.

**DCampbell16B** · 2nd April 22, 06:46 PM

Or as Jock Scot said a few months ago "There is no merit in being wet and/or cold and sartorial elegance take second place to common sense." Jock Scot. The second part of the sentence applies here.

**OC Richard** · 3rd April 22, 05:10 AM

With your kilt it's probably best to go on wearing the shoe you've found to work for you.

Yes there do exist two specifically Highland sorts of shoe, the Ghillie Brogue and the buckle brogue, but they've never been the universal Highland shoes, or even the majority Highland shoes.

Looking back from Victorian photos to the present day, most men in tasteful civilian Highland Dress wear ordinary shoes.