A good fit. People with MS need to find shoes that fit them well and right away, instead of buying shoes that don’t fit properly in the hopes that they will gradually break them in. Well fitting footwear will provide support to your feet and legs, helping with balance issues, pain and foot drop. If the shoes are too small, they might restrict blood flow to the feet and if they are too large, you won’t be stable. The most important factor in selecting the best shoes for MS is finding a good fit for your foot and your specific needs, Pfeffer says. To get a good fit, Pfeffer suggests shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your feet tend to be swollen, and finding a shoe that is a half-inch longer than your longest toe when you’re standing up.

Unlike other conditions that cause pain in the legs and feet, such as neuropathy caused by diabetes, the nerve damage from MS is not only painful, but also makes walking very difficult, leading to gait (your walking pattern) related foot problems.If high heels are very important to you, it’s best to discuss your options with your MS neurologist,” says Dr. White. We loved the comfortable fit after the initial break-in period of about three wears, which kept our feet warm during the cold days while remaining versatile and durable. The hard rubber sole makes the Tasman slippers perfect for trips to the mailbox, even with a wet or snowy driveway in your way. However, the suede upper may be difficult to clean, so we recommend spraying your Uggs with a protective spray before wearing them outdoors. When we slipped on the Vionic Relax Slippers for the first time, we were blown away by the arch support. These were the most supportive slippers we tested, they have Vionic’s signature orthotic footbed is covered in terrycloth for a soft and supportive step every time. They felt comfortable for hours—without a single blister or moment of pain.

Although the right heel height can vary from person to person, it’s best to avoid heels higher than 2 inches. Shoes with higher heels might make it difficult for you to walk and cause you pain. The NineCiFun Women's Slip-on Fuzzy House Slippers have a slip-on style that’s perfect for busy mornings, and these were the most undeniably soft slippers we tested. When you slip these on, the faux fur feels like a warm embrace for your feet. Compared to the Uggs, there is no break-in period with these slippers. The faux fur and memory foam insole are thinner than others on this list, but that means the interior won’t matte over time. They are not as supportive as other options because of the thin sole, but they have a thin rubber outsole if you have to run outside, thought we would recommend using these as mostly indoor shoes. The Indulge Relax slippers are designed for indoor and outdoor use. They also offer lots of support. "The slippers provide arch support, cushion, and stability [and are] great for low arches and normal foot types," says Fuchs. Plus, the footbed is treated with an anti-bacterial and odor-resistant treatment to keep your feet feeling clean and fresh.Shopping for a dad, brother, or husband? Opt for these stylish and functional suede leather moccasins from Lands’ End. Available in four colors and both medium and wide sizes, the suede upper looks undeniably sophisticated and mimics a fashionable loafer, while the rubber sole provides traction on all surfaces, including the driveway or sidewalk. Stairs, uneven surfaces and curbs can become a real challenge when you walk with foot drop. Many MS patients lift their legs higher to compensate for the foot drop and avoid dragging their feet on the ground, which can be very tiring. Another important footwear feature to look for is the right heel height. Don’t wear anything with a heel higher than two inches, Pfeffer says, or your feet will hurt and you may have trouble walking.

Foot drop makes it more difficult to lift the front part of the foot to the angle needed for walking, causing the foot to hang and the toes to drag on the ground and making it very difficult to maintain stability. I think comfort has to be paramount, even above fashion,” he explains. “If someone is not comfortable in their shoes, they’re going to be miserable. The shoe has to fit not only the foot, but also the person and their needs, depending on their MS.”Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves - all of which make up the nervous system that basically controls everything we do. There are a few main styles of slippers that you can consider when shopping. This will be the first step in determining the right slipper for you, especially if you’re interested in how fashionable your slippers look. Seeing as MS also causes vision problems, people with MS may not notice foot problems at the early stages, when they are easiest to treat, which can lead to complications.