According to the British Lymphoedema Society, lymphoedema affects approximately around 450,000 people in the UK alone. The condition causes swelling in the body’s tissues, which usually develops in the arms or legs, and can affect all ages. For this year's Lymphoedema Awareness Month, we caught up with Matt from Lymphoedema United to get his personal and professional opinion on the most lymphoedema-friendly Cosyfeet footwear.
Soft yet supportive, these bestselling slippers have a cushioned insole making them very comfy underfoot. The broad toe shape and seam-free front ensure they're ideal for swollen and sensitive feet, while the touch-fastening strap adjusts to fit a range of swelling. This style also has optional strap extensions, and is available in split sizes (Navy only).
Matt says: "Looking after our feet when living with lymphoedema is so important due to the risk of infection, so wearing slippers indoors protects our feet from potential skin breakages.The Holly slipper is easy to put on and the touch-fastening straps can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your feet."
This ultra-adjustable, extra wide fitting shoe fits a variety of tricky feet. Made on our deepest last, it’s very generous across the front, so ideal if you need extra room for bunions or problem toes. Opening right out, it’s easy to put on, even if you’re bandaged or very swollen across your foot. The underfoot cushioning and seam-free lining makes it bliss for sensitive feet.
Matt says: "Some people with lymphoedema in their leg(s) get a swollen foot or feet in cases of bi-lateral lymphoedema. Many need wide fitting shoes that are easy to put on and are comfortable. Touch-fastening straps are much easier than laces and can be adjusted as swelling in the feet and ankles sometimes increases throughout the day."
This slipper is supportive and accommodating thanks to the deep, seam-free toe area - perfect for swollen feet, or misshapen toes and bunions. The touch fastening strap provides a secure fit around the foot. This style also has optional strap extensions, and is available in split sizes (Navy only).
Matt says: "Looking after our feet when living with lymphoedema is so important due to the risk of infection, protecting our feet with slippers prevents potential skin breakages from stepping on something sharp or stubbing our toes. Breakage in the skin, if not treated, could let in bacteria which could lead to a serious infection called cellulitis."
With lots of support for all day comfort, this sporty-looking shoe features twin touch-fastening straps which adjust to fit a variety of swelling as well as a high instep. The padded collar is shaped to fit both swollen and slimmer ankles, while the cushioned footbed can be removed to fit an orthotic.
Matt says: "The Angus shoe would look good with jeans, chinos and even smart shorts in the summer. I like the double touch-fastening straps which can be adjusted to the size of both feet, as this can be totally different for people with lymphoedema in one leg."
Make your footwear even roomier by lengthening the touch-fastening strap with our selection of matching strap extensions. Available for a number of styles, these innovative extenders work especially well if you have one foot which is more swollen than the other, or if your swelling fluctuates throughout the day.
Matt says: "Strap extensions are a helpful addition for people with larger feet, or indeed with one foot bigger than the other, which is common for people living with lower limb lymphoedema."
Lymphoedema is classified as a long-term medical condition, and if you have it you could be entitled to VAT Relief on purchases of specific products. To find out more about VAT Relief, click here.
Don't forget, the majority of our products come with a No Quibble Guarantee, making purchasing easy, simple and risk-free. To find out more, click here
Lymphoedema United is a free membership organisation that is uniting the lymphoedema community. Their one-stop-shop website provides trusted information and helpful guidance from a panel of medical experts, along with a secure place where people living with lymphoedema can unite directly with others, view appropriate products, clothes and shoes and be signposted to recognised organisations.
Cosyfeet is proud to partner with Lymphoedema United, offering members exclusive discounts on our extra roomy footwear, socks, and hosiery designed to provide all-day comfort and support.
