Post Surgery Footwear: Best Shoes to Support Your Recovery

Comfortable Shoes to Wear After Surgery

The aim of postoperative shoes is to ensure they provide sufficient support for the bones that have been cut and reset or fused to be stable when walking from ground reaction forces. It is usually a sandal with Velcro straps that allows for a large dressing to be placed on the foot post-surgically to provide cushioning and comfort to the wound and prevent any bleeding.

Slip-on Shoes with Adjustable Straps

If there is significant swelling, such as after bunion surgery or forefoot surgery, then a soft shoe which you can slip on with adjustable straps to provide support can be helpful to allow for swelling. However, one must ensure that this sole is not too flexible and is rigid so that it can support the arch of the foot and the forefoot. This will allow the healing to not be delayed. The adjustable straps do allow for swelling, and the softness of the outer of the shoe allows for comfort.

Shoes with Removable Insoles

Once you transition into trainers after 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, you may need a little more room. Therefore, having an insole that’s removable will allow for extra room in the shoe. Trainers such as Asics or Nike, which have built-in arch supports, can be helpful to remove for a little while whilst swelling is present and then to place back once initial recovery has occurred after 6 weeks to allow for support again.

Recovery Shoes

There are a variety of recovery shoes, but essentially, a shoe should be sturdy. If ankle surgery is performed, then it should be a high top. If foot surgery, then it should have enough forefoot space and depth in the toe box to allow for swelling and support. A rigid sole is again important.

Soft Materials

It is useful to have a shoe that allows some air to pass. This aids in healing and comfort post-surgery. To see real examples of recovery, check out the Before and After Surgery Image Gallery .