Monday, January 12, 2009

Long Shot...

So we just got JT's correct DAFO (they messed up twice) and we went to get shoes for him.  I am totally into shoes and I was really excited about getting him some new ones.  My excitement turned to despair as we tried on shoe after shoe in 5 different stores.  JT just grew out of size 5 but his DAFO makes his left foot an 8.  Both of his therapists have insisted that we only buy 1 pair of size 8 shoes, that buying two different sizes was ridiculous.  They also said to look for sturdy shoes.  Sturdy shoes are ugly.  JT has the thinnest feet known to man, size 8s just flop around on his right foot for a few minutes before they fall off. 

 So here I am crying on the floor of a Famous Footwear while JT runs up and down the aisle laughing and flopping and tripping.  After trying it their way for way too long, we went against most everything they told us.  I bought two pairs of black Converse All Stars.  One an 8 and one a 6.  I love them, JT loves them....but now we have two unused shoes.  I don't like to waste anything but I know it's a long shot.  Can anyone use a left size 6 or a right size 8?

7 comments:

Melissa said...

Katie!
I feel your frustration! I went to FIVE stores to find shoes for Josh with his Dafo braces, and we found ONE pair... and we had to get two sizes too big to fit. He is doing OK in them, but falls alot. It was very frustrating. I usually just put slippers on them and let him go, but Lisa (The PT) told me he should always have shoes on. Sigh... you can't win!

Mel said...

Have you tried the CROC's with his DAFO's? They are our favorite!

Luke and Erin said...

I SO FEEL what you feel right now. I HATE looking for shoes that fit with DAFO's. I too love shoes, especially for kids.
Here is what I know: If you want to pay $50 for shoes there are Hatchbacks... they are awesome but they cost a lot! Even with those WE run into a problem of "the other foot". We are looking in to a "hotdog" I am not sure if you know what those are, but our PT told us about them. They go in the shoe that does not have a DAFO. Cascade sells them, for about $15, I think. As I understand it, the “hotdog” just takes up the extra room and you don't have to get two sizes.
When we first got our DAFO it was summer and crocs worked really, really well. They were easy to get on and they did not pinch Bree’s foot. But now I am stuck looking for winter shoes. We got a hold of some Hatchbacks but they don’t fit Bree. If you know anyone looking for girl shoes let them know!
Good luck. Let me know if what you got works out.

Anita Nap said...

I was once told that sometimes you have to be a Mom and not the therapist. I'm glad you found some shoes you and JT like. I hope they work well for you. Let's think of some creative things you can do with the extra shoes. Hmm.. a pencil holder? Yeah! That works!! You can hide things in shoes so well. Marshall does it all the time. I'll keep thinking. It's been a long stressful couple of weeks so I need to think of fun things for a change.

tiptoe mama said...

For once, I'm grateful that MK wears DAFOS on both feet! lol! Perhaps you could attach wheels to the bottoms of the spare shoes and make them into cars for him to play with. hmmm. I'll keep thinking. Good luck!

Luke and Erin said...

Correction, we have a pair of girls shoes in size 6 black dress, and a pair of boy shoes in size 7 brown casual. I will post pictures if you would like. They are pretty cute, and they have never been worn. I am really hoping they will work for you guys!

Katie said...

Thanks guys. It seems like such a small thing but small things matter. It is so good to know that I am not alone.