Post Surgery Shoes: My Foot Surgery Over 60 Survival Guide

Recovering from foot surgery after 60? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. My metatarsal bones were fused together in a procedure that sounds as fun as it was painful. And here’s what they don’t tell you—finding the right post-surgery shoes for each stage of recovery is a game-changer.

Lucky for me, I own a shoe company. You’d think that would make things easier, but even I had a lot to learn about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to post-surgery shoes. In this article, I’m sharing what I've learned along the way—and how, in our effort to create fashion forward shoe that could accommodate swelling, we accidentally ended up with some pretty amazing post-surgery shoes. So, let’s talk about what really works when you’re trying to get back on your feet—without losing your mind.

As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes that can impact the healing process. After 60, the recovery timeline from foot surgery often becomes more protracted and challenging. This is largely due to factors like diminished circulation, reduced bone density, and decreased flexibility - all of which can hinder the body's ability to heal efficiently.

One of the primary reasons seniors face longer recovery periods is the natural decline in circulation. As we get older, our blood vessels become stiffer and less able to dilate, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to injured areas. This impaired circulation slows down the inflammatory response, which is crucial for the initial stages of healing. The body's ability to deliver essential nutrients and remove waste products is also compromised, further delaying the healing process.

In addition to these factors, finding the right post-surgery shoes can significantly impact your recovery. As we age, our bone density naturally declines—especially for women—which makes healing from surgery a much tougher job. Knitting bones back together is hard work, and it takes even longer when those bones are thinner and more fragile. 

I got to be one of the lucky ones whose bones didn’t heal correctly, landing me in the unfortunate 5% of cases where a non-union occurs. Not only did this drag out my recovery, but it also left me baffled. How could I end up in the small percentage of complicated recoveries when I’m otherwise healthy?

Swelling is a beast—especially when you’re already dealing with a chronic condition like lymphedema. For most of my customers, managing swelling is a daily battle, but throw surgery into the mix, and it becomes a whole new level of stress. Right after surgery, significant swelling is all but guaranteed. And if you’ve been keeping chronic swelling in check, like I have, it can get scary fast. For the past decade, I’ve managed my lymphedema better than ever with a combination of high compression stockings (49/70 mmHg Elverex—pricey but worth every penny), manual lymph drainage, intermittent bandaging during the day, and night garments to prevent overnight swelling. But surgery threw all that hard-earned stability out the window, and suddenly, I was staring down swelling that felt uncontrollable after years of careful management.

Before I dive into understanding post surgery shoes, I want to share a hack that made a huge difference for me right after surgery. 

Using my lymphedema pump with ice packs tucked inside the leg sleeve—wrapped around my foot and ankle—was a game changer during those first couple of weeks. I usually slid the ice packs between my pajama pants and the pump sleeve, using flexible packs that were either partially frozen or gel packs that stayed pliable. 

The pump kept my lymphedema in check, while the ice packs helped reduce the post-surgery swelling and trauma. It didn’t eliminate the need for manual lymph drainage later on, but it made the immediate post-surgery period much more manageable. 

Please understand, I’m not a doctor—just someone with a lot of experience managing lymphedema. This trick worked wonders for me, but make sure to talk to your doctor or lymphedema therapist before trying it. Everyone’s situation is unique, and what worked for me might not be the right approach for you. But if you’re staring down the same post-surgery swelling nightmare, this might be worth a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Phase 1: The Post-Op Boot

The first shoe you'll need when you can start putting weight on your foot is a post-op boot. There are various types of post-op boots, and the specific one you'll use will depend on your surgery and your doctor's recommendations. These boots are designed to shift weight away from the healing site and to protect and immobilize it, preventing unnecessary movement that could disrupt the healing process. They also shield your foot from accidental bumps and impacts, which is crucial as your bones begin to knit back together.

Don’t forget your compression stockings during this phase—you're going to need all the support you can get, so find the motivation to wear them daily despite any challenges like hot weather or limited hand strength. If you find that the current compression level isn’t sufficient, consider moving up to a higher level. This is how I got to the high custom compression. The 40/50 mmHg was never enough to hold the swelling at bay and I didn't start feeling good until I got to 49/70 mmHG.

Phase 2: The Post-Op Shoe 

As you progress, you’ll transition to a post-op shoe. This shoe is different from your regular footwear because it has a stiff, inflexible bottom that helps limit movement in the foot. The rigidity of a post-op shoe is essential; it prevents your foot from flexing too much, which could strain healing tissues or disrupt bone fusion. You’ll know it’s time to move on from the post-op shoe when you can walk without discomfort or pain, and your doctor confirms that your bones have healed sufficiently.

Phase 3: The Almost Back To Normal Stage 

Finally, you’ll graduate to a regular shoe—though not just any shoe will do. Typically, you'll need one with a stiff bottom that still allows some flexibility in the forefoot. At this stage, your foot needs enough support to avoid re-injury, but it also requires a bit of give to help you ease back into normal movement. You’ll know you’re ready for this phase when your foot feels strong and stable enough to handle a regular walking pattern, and when there’s no lingering pain or discomfort during daily activities.

When it comes to navigating the different phases of recovery, we’ve got you covered. Our shoes truly shine in Phase 2, offering a level of support and durability that far surpasses the typical post-op shoe. We’re not too shabby in Phase 3 either, providing the perfect blend of stiffness and flexibility to help you ease back into your normal routine.

So, where does Pandere fit into all this? When it comes to navigating the different phases of recovery, we’ve got you covered. Our shoes truly shine in Phase 2, offering a level of support and durability that far surpasses the typical post-op shoe. We’re not too shabby in Phase 3 either, providing the perfect blend of stiffness and flexibility to help you ease back into your normal routine.

Phase 2: Stiff-Bottomed Sandals for Comfort and Support

As you transition from a post-op boot to more everyday footwear, our stiff-bottomed sandals are a game-changer. For this phase, check out the Traveler and Conga sandals—both are perfect for providing the support you need while offering more flexibility than a post-op shoe.

The Traveler is your go-to for incredible support and customization. Unlike those flimsy post-op shoes that barely last and offer minimal comfort, the Traveler’s sturdy bottom and adjustable features make it a standout. You can tighten or loosen the fit based on your needs, giving you much better support and longevity.

The Conga has been a lifesaver for me personally. Its long, adjustable straps are a dream, especially if you’re dealing with swelling and wearing a night garment. It can handle a lot of volume—so you can slide in comfortably, even in the middle of the night wearing a night garment that takes up a lot of volume. While it's currently available only in women’s styles, we’re working on a men’s version too!

Phase 3: Shoes for the Final Stretch

Once you're ready to move past the stiff bottom shoe phase, you'll want something with a stiff bottom but with a bit of flexibility in the forefoot. This is where our regular footwear comes into play. They’re designed to support your foot as it’s getting back to its usual strength while offering a bit of flexibility to ease into normal movement.

When you're ready for this stage, Pandere has some fantastic options for you. For those in Phase 3, the Barista is a solid choice if you don't require a particularly wide fit and only have mild swelling. It offers the right mix of support and flexibility, making it an excellent transitional shoe as you step into a more regular routine. 

If you need more volume - like an Extra Wide shoe, the Saturday shoe is your go-to. It combines enough stiffness for support with the extra volume to accommodate ongoing post-op swelling, which can persist for up to a year.

In every phase, it's important to find a shoe with lots of adjustability and a roomy toe box—both key features of all Pandere shoes. While the Barista has the smallest toe box of our collection, our Extra Wide options provide a lot more toe room. You may need this extra room as you heal.

And let's not forget about orthotics. I've spoken to so many customers who were prescribed orthotics but stopped wearing them because they were uncomfortable. If that's you, I challenge you to rethink that decision. 

Custom orthotics can be a game-changer for foot health, especially as we age. Our feet have endured a lot over the years—muscles weaken, and arches begin to fall. Orthotics offer the extra support your feet need, literally from the ground up. If your orthotics aren't comfortable, don't give up—go back to your doctor or orthotist and have them adjusted until they fit right. Your feet will thank you for it!

Recovering from foot surgery? Keep it simple: start moving slowly and remember to prop up that foot. Ease into short walks and light exercises—your shoes are there to support you every step of the way. Elevating your foot above your heart helps keep swelling down and gets your blood flowing, speeding up the healing process. Stick to these easy tips, and with the right shoes, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Recovering from foot surgery has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, especially at this stage in my life. But finding the right footwear made all the difference. Each phase of healing demands something different, and the shoes you choose can either support or hinder your progress.

At Pandere, we’ve poured our hearts into designing shoes that don’t just look good—they work hard for you, every step of the way. Whether you're navigating the immediate aftermath of surgery or easing back into your daily routine, I hope that sharing my journey helps you find comfort and support in your own. Remember, the right shoes can be your best ally in the long road to recovery. You’re not alone in this, and neither are your feet!