There is no one type of shoe that is best for people with EB, but these characteristics have been identified as essential:
- Roomy enough to accommodate bandages and/or protective socks, although not too loose and this may increase friction and blistering in unbandaged skin
- Soft
- Lightweight
The following footwear has been recommended for people with EB:
- Adidas ClimaCool (men and women): Athletic shoes with ventilation
- Ballet slippers (kids): Soft, comfortable, pliable
- Bilby shoes (kids and adults): Custom shoes for people with EB; soft leather tops and sponge lining are comfortable and protective. Go to www.bilbyshoes.com, click on Products and then Medical Grade for information on shoes for people with EB.
- Elefanten (babies and kids): Many soft, flexible styles available
- Front Wrap by Outpost Sheepskin Specialties (men and women): Sheepskin-lined shoes and liners. Top of the Front Wrap shoe opens completely for easy insertion and accommodates bandages. Adult moccasins also available.
- L.L. Bean (kids and adults): Fleece slippers and ankle cuff slippers (item number TA48940)
- Moccasins (kids and adults): Soft and supple and accommodate dressings. Minnetonka moccasins are among the many brands. Many vendors carry moccasins.
- Nike Shox (youth, men and women): Athletic shoes with ventilation; very soft
- Pedors (youth, men and women): Adjustable closure and soft, stretch uppers to accommodate bandages. May need soft insole for padding.
- Preschoolians (babies and kids): Many soft, flexible styles
- Robeez (babies and kids): Many soft, flexible styles
- Swedish moccasins by Hanna Andersson (kids): Leather-soled socks (Item # LD18611)
- Tempur-Pedic® Comfort-Step slippers (adults): Comfortable, conformable slippers that can be worn indoors or outdoors.
- Ugg boots (kids and adults): Sheepskin-lined boots, shoes and slippers
- Water shoes (kids and adults): Soft, stretchy, pliable
- Arctic Shoe (adults): Top of the Arctic Shoe opens completely for easy insertion and accommodates bandages.
There are a variety of preferences for socks, depending on the type of EB and the amount of bandages worn underneath. Ensure that shoes are large and wide enough to accommodate socks and/or bandages without putting undue pressure on the foot. If bandages are worn on the feet, a thin sock or a trouser sock often is worn. Tights and pantyhose also are used. These help stabilize the bandages and are not too bulky.
Gel insoles are also beneficial to some. They can be refrigerated for added comfort and pain/itch relief.
For people with EB who do not wear bandages on their feet, thick, protective socks often are worn. These include:
- Silipos® SoftSock: Reduces friction, abrasion and shear forces. Bottom of sock has a ¼-inch solid gel bottom. Cotton/nylon blend.
- Thorlo®: Running socks that are thick and padded and reduce friction. They may require a ½ size larger shoe. Wear these when fitted with new shoes only.
- SmartWool®: Running socks that wick moisture from the skin. Available in many sporting goods stores.
- World's Softest™: Relaxed fit socks stay up without binding. Smooth seam to reduce rubbing; medium cushion acrylic foot bed helps keep feet dry and comfortable.