Insights & Stories

That's Why We Left Amazon For Good By Laura Oden CEO/Founder Pandere Shoes As the founder of Pandere, I’ve talked with literally thousands of customers about what brought them to our website. Over and over again, I hear the same thing: “I’m desperate. I’m about to give up. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on shoes that just sit in my closet. I keep buying shoes but always have to return them.” And in my head, I’m thinking: Are you buying from Amazon? If you have one of the problems that most of our customers have—swelling, bunions, or hammer toes—Amazon doesn’t know how to assess what you need. It’s like a self-feeding disaster. The more you buy, the more Amazon keeps feeding you the same options—even after you return them. We were on Amazon for a little over a year. Honestly, I thought I was going to die as a business owner. Everyone who purchased returned their shoes.  I would try and try to initiate conversations with the customers to get basic information: Tell me about your problem. What size are you wearing? Where do they not fit? And yet, there was absolutely no way to create a sizing chart that took into account the multitude of factors involved in fitting swollen feet—a foot shape that changes throughout the day and often encompasses multiple sizes. Add to that, there is no metric in the shoe industry for measuring volume—like swelling, for example. And Amazon? They just couldn’t help. A central part of the agreement that retailers make with Amazon when they go on the platform is that we cannot reach out directly to our customers in any way. We had to wait for the customer to reach out to us—which almost never happened on Amazon. They’d just buy shoes and return them. Amazon customers didn’t send messages saying, “Hey, my shoes don’t fit. Can you help me figure out what size I need?” or “Will your shoes even fit me at all?” And even when I did reach out to customers who were returning their shoes, I almost never got a reply. This is how Amazon wants it. They want you to buy as much stuff as you can possibly stomach. If you return it, no problem—it’s really not their concern. That problem belongs to the retailer, not the platform. Finding the Right Fit: Why We Had to Break Free from Amazon I was in a real quandary. Amazon was supposed to be the key to our future. Every business that was succeeding seemed to be on Amazon. But despite the platform’s massive reach, I just couldn’t find a way to overcome the communication barriers that came with it. If I even pointed a customer to my website’s sizing page, it was considered a violation of Amazon’s terms. I felt trapped. Amazon was a dead end, and I had to find a real way to size people properly. Shoes are hard to fit for normal feet, even without any medical problems. But when you add in swelling, bunions, or sensitivity like neuropathy, length and width are simply not enough information to get a customer to the promised land. I needed a new process—one that took into account the real-world complexities of foot shape and volume. Pandere Shoes: Designed for Comfort, Built for You When you’re dealing with swollen feet, lymphedema, bunions, or other foot conditions, finding shoes that fit well isn't just about comfort—it’s about feeling like you belong. But most shoes on the market aren’t designed with people like you in mind. That’s where Pandere comes in. Patented Technology That Sets Us Apart What makes Pandere shoes truly special is that they’re not just designed differently—they’re patented. That’s right, not only the designs, but the expandability of our shoes is protected by a US Utility Patent. Through years of engineering and design innovation, we’ve created a shoe that adapts to your foot in ways no other shoe does. Our heel technology is one of the hardest elements to replicate. We’ve designed it so that it stretches outward to accommodate swollen ankles but can also tighten up when you don’t have swelling, ensuring a perfect fit no matter what your feet are doing that day. These shoes can’t be copied—unless you have the specific expertise at our factory in Portugal. We take pride in this innovation, as it allows us to create shoes that work like no others on the market. Toe Box Innovation for Swollen Feet Unlike traditional shoes that are made with a rigid attached toe box, we’ve engineered ours to be flexible—giving room for swollen toes and allowing a more comfortable fit. This unique design choice means that you can actually move your toes freely, unlike many shoes that squeeze your feet and cause discomfort by the end of the day. Stretch Materials Where You Need It Most We’ve incorporated stretch lycra into the tongue and laces of our shoes, allowing them to grow with your feet as needed. If you have swelling, you know how painful it can be to wear tight shoes. Our stretch materials in all the key places where swelling occurs help to alleviate that misery. You can tighten them up in the morning, and they’ll loosen up as your feet swell, giving you comfort throughout the day. This design ensures that you don’t have to endure the pain of tight shoes by the end of the day. Our shoes are made to adapt to your unique foot shape, providing the comfort and relief you deserve. How to Get Your Feet Sized: Easy, Personalized Recommendations At Pandere, we try to make it as easy as possible for you, the customer, to provide us with the information we need to tell you what size and styles will work best for you. We’re not here to make you guess, and if we don’t have a shoe that will fit your needs, we’ll always refer you to our friends at Pedors.com. They make larger sizes and have been in the business for a long time. Plus, they’re super nice and always happy to help! Immediate Help with Sizing: Chat with Susan! If you need help right now, grab a tape measure, a paper, and a pen, and head over to our Chat on the website. Susan will walk you through the exact measuring process. She’ll ask you a few questions, crunch the numbers, and give you size and style recommendations right away. It’s simple, quick, and totally personal. Submit Your Measurements for a Full Recommendation. If measuring on your own isn’t an option, or if you prefer a detailed recommendation, go to our sizing page: Find Your Size and fill out the form with all the requested information. I (Laura Oden, Founder of Pandere) will personally email you with a full list of recommended shoes and corresponding sizes. I usually provide a general assessment and explain my reasoning, and sometimes I’ll ask a few more questions if I need more info. This process typically takes a day or so, but often leads to a meaningful email exchange between me and the customer. I can’t tell you how many people have said, “I was honestly at the end of my rope until I got your email.” The Last Option: Email Me Directly. If you prefer a more personal touch, you can always email me directly at hello@pandereshoes.com. Let me know you’d like me to size you, and I’ll send instructions and ask you a few questions. This option might require some back-and-forth, but we always get there in the end. Customer Testimonials: Real Stories, Real Relief Here’s what some of our happy customers have to say: Debra D.: “I literally could not find closed-toe shoes that fit, most shoes dug into the swollen parts of my ankle and HURT. But these Pandere Shoes are AMAZING.” Diane G.: “I love, love, love my Two Steps. I’ve been wearing them on & off for two years now, with months at a time being my only shoe—especially when I travel.” Ken F.: “3rd pair. They’re great!” Grace E.: “I had no hope that these would work, because nothing ever works. But they do! And they’re not just bearable, but actually comfortable. I walked the dog last week for over an hour and it didn’t hurt. I can adjust for different sock thickness. My right foot (typical) doesn’t slip because I can tighten it. And these aren’t ugly or medical-looking, which is a bonus.” Ready for the Perfect Fit? Explore our full range of swollen feet shoes designed for lymphedema, bunion relief, and more. Take our sizing quiz or schedule a consultation, and let us help you find your perfect fit today. 👉 Get Customized Size Recommendations Now: Find Your Size

Cutting funding for medical research may seem like an easy way to balance the budget, but it comes with serious consequences—especially for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. In this article, we explore how research drives advancements in treatments, from continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes to immunotherapy for cancer. We also highlight how cutting research funding doesn’t just stall progress—it leads to higher healthcare costs, more hospital stays, and ultimately, a less hopeful future for those relying on medical breakthroughs. Discover why maintaining support for medical research is essential and what you can do to ensure continued funding for the future of healthcare.

Welcome to the Lymphesphere: Strength, Support & Solutions for Lymphedema Living with lymphedema, lipedema, or chronic swelling can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. The Lymphesphere is a growing community of innovators, advocates, and businesses dedicated to making life easier for those managing swelling. From stylish compression garments to expandable shoes, real solutions are finally here. In this article, I share my personal lymphedema journey, the inspiration behind Pandere Shoes, and the incredible people and products changing the game. Plus, don’t miss our Lymphedema Day Sale—15% off products, 50% off shipping, and a free gift with code LymphLove15! Read more ➡️

The holiday season is upon us, and finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones can be a daunting task, especially for those with unique foot care needs. 

The significance of hand strength in our daily lives, particularly as a predictor of longevity, has been gaining attention in recent scientific research. A recent Washington Post article illuminates several studies that correlate hand strength to overall health and slower aging. While most of us don't consider the everyday activities that engage our hands, studies are now revealing that strengthening exercises are foundational to help. And guess what? Those annoying stockings you’re putting on every morning to help you manage conditions like  lymphedema, lipedema, or diabetes are building up hand strength that can enhance your overall health and lifespan. 

You want your shoes to be comfortable. You want them to fit your feet well. And if you have trouble with swelling in your feet, you absolutely want to find the best shoes for edema. Too often, however, we struggle with finding the right shoes for edema feet. It can be challenge to find shoes that are comfortable, fit well and meet the right tone for various occasions. This is why we settle on shoes that might not be totally comfortable all of the time. Or we risk embarrassment by wearing comfortable shoes that are not appropriate for various events or activities. Nobody wants to wear shoes that don’t fit. And nobody wants to waste money and time on returning shoes. That’s why it is important to try to find the right edema shoes when you are looking for the best shoes in your situation. It’s easy to understand how you might wind up with the wrong shoes, of course. We all make mistakes. Here are the most common mistakes everyone makes when buying edema shoes. 1. You bought the wrong size Many of us don’t actually know our own shoe size. You might have an idea in your mind about what size shoe you wear, but that doesn’t mean it is actually the correct size. Buying shoes in the wrong size isn’t just a problem with shoes for edema patients. It’s a universal problem. What is most important to note is that you will never wear a single shoe size. Shoe manufacturers have different size guidelines and different styles of shoes fit your feet differently. You might wear a 7 in dress shoes, but need a 6.5 in sandals to keep them on your feet and even an 8 in athletic shoes. This can make shoe shopping a challenge, even before you add in the swelling that creates problems finding shoes for edematous feet. Your best bet is to first get measured for shoe sizes on a regular basis. Feet grow and spread over time. Your feet can change shape. Get measured every six months to a year to be sure you’re wearing the right size shoe. Then, try on your shoes as best you can before you buy them. If you know that in one brand you wear a larger size than in another brand, you can use that information as you shop online for shoes. Or, even better, skip the sizing issues all together and simply buy adjustable shoes for edema. 2. You didn’t read reviews Shopping online has tremendous benefits over shopping in stores, specially for shoes for people with edema. You have greater options in footwear. You have expanded sizes. You also have specifically made shoes for edematous feet. But what makes online shopping even better is that you have access to reviews as well. If you are looking at edema footwear, but want to know more about how the shoe fits, what other customers are experiencing with the shoe or simply what the material feels like, you can read the reviews. There are multiple websites dedicated to reviews on footwear and to the companies that make it. If you don’t read the reviews, you may not know what to expect in terms of delivery and returns, or if the shoes tend to run big or small. Read what others have said, and write up your own experience in turn to help those shopping later. 3. You didn’t fit the widest part of your foot Edema footwear needs to fit the widest part of your foot. If you suffer from edema and also have high arches or a bunion, you should take that into account when you’re shopping. Just like you should buy clothes for the widest part of your body, you should be buying shoes for the widest part of your foot. If you realize that your shoes are too loose in other ways once you fit the widest part, it may be that you need to shop for another brand of shoe, another style or perhaps just find a pair of adjustable shoes for edema. 4. You chose fashion over comfort We all want to look and feel good in our shoes. But looking good shouldn’t matter more than feeling good. If you choose fashion over function, you might get away with it for a little while. But eventually you’re going to have problems. Fashionable shoes often are made without much consideration for comfort, and they are certainly not designed to accommodate wider feet or those with feet that swell during the day. Even if you absolutely love a pair of shoes because they are so stylish, forcing your feet into those shoes can lead to long-term foot damage and short term pain. Buy shoes that fit comfortably instead. 5. You didn’t leave room for growth Buying shoes for children requires leaving a bit of room in the toe for feet to grow. Buying the best shoes for edema means almost the same thing. You need to buy shoes that have some wiggle room or give to accommodate your feet and ankles throughout the day. Adjustable shoes for edema offer plenty of ways to make room as your feet swell, especially if your feet swell a great deal during the day and then come down in size overnight. But even without adjustable shoes for edema, choose your shoes carefully to be sure they have room at the sides and the top of the shoe to accommodate swelling. 6. You bought a shoe designed for men If you’re a man looking at men’s shoes for edema, this is a mistake that doesn’t apply to you. However, if you’re looking for shoes for women with edema, you might be tempted to check out the selection for men. This might be a mistake, however, because women’s footwear is not the same as men’s. While some shoes are interchangeable between men and women – slides, for example – others are not as versatile. If you are looking for professional shoes tailored to a woman’s smaller foot, you can’t just buy men’s shoes and expect them to fit the bill. The best shoes for women with edema are shoes that incorporate feminine styles but include options for growth and stretch during the day. Men’s shoes are often bulkier, heavier and might not be much wider than traditional women’s shoes. 7. You bought shoes too quickly If you grab the first pair of shoes that comes in your size, you may be buying your shoes too quickly. Shoes fit differently and they can vary in fit even in the same manufacturer. Don’t just grab the first pair you try on that seem tolerable. Instead, try on a few different pairs or buy multiple pairs online with plans to return the ones that don’t fit well. Just be sure you research the return policies first! Trying on multiple shoes before committing to a purchase allows you to test different brands and different styles. Grab and go footwear purchases might leave you a pair that fits, but you might have missed an opportunity to get something much better. At the very least, you’ll have a better idea of sizes and fit across multiple brands and shoe styles by trying on a large selection. 8. You think all shoes are naturally a bit uncomfortable If you’ve been wearing regular shoes instead of edema shoes, you have likely experienced some of the discomfort that comes from poorly fitted footwear. But if you’ve been jamming your feet into poorly fitted shoes for a long period of time, you may not even recognize how accustomed you’ve become to discomfort. It is not normal for your shoes to be uncomfortable. Your feet should not hurt every time you have to wear your shoes. If you can’t find comfortable edema shoes, then consider new brands or special adjustable shoes for edema that you can customize to your liking.   9. You didn’t buy shoes with enough support One thing that has been known to happen when looking for edema shoes, is trading too much comfort for a lack of support. Not having a solid shoe supporting your arches and heels can result in foot and even hip pain over time. You need plenty of give and room in your edema footwear, but wearing slippers all of time can be dangerous to your ongoing foot health. Find shoes that are soft like slippers around your feet, but blend that softness and comfort with a study sole that includes proper arch support and some give for when you walk to protect your feet, especially if you are on your feet for long stretches of time on a daily basis. 10. You didn’t try your shoes on with socks If you are used to wearing slippers or slides on a regular basis, you might have gotten in the habit of wearing your shoes without socks. But when you go to try on your shoes for edema feet, you need to be sure that you are trying on shoes the way you’re going to wear them on a regular basis. That means if you are trying on shoes for work, then you need to be trying on your shoes with socks. Shoes fit differently over bare feet than they do over socks. Different socks also can make a difference as well in how shoes fit as well. Thicker socks can help protect your feet, especially as feet adjust in size throughout the day. Thinner socks can help shoes fit more smoothly over your feet. Be sure that you try on shoes with the socks you plan on wearing with them on the daily basis. 11. You shopped for shoes in the morning All feet grow in size over the course of the day. This is especially true for those suffering from edema. Edema shoes should take this natural growth into account, but we don’t always remember how much our feet can swell if we shop for shoes in the morning. The best time to shop for new shoes for people with edema is when your feet are most swollen, likely at the end of the day. This ensures that you have shoes that fit comfortably when your feet and ankles are at their least comfortable. Even if you are shopping online for new shoes for edema patients, be sure to measure your feet at the end of the day and use those measurements as you are finding the proper size. Remember that adjustable shoes for edema will have the most grace in sizes, often allowing you to change the size of the overall shoe as the day progresses so that the time of day doesn’t matter as much for shoe shopping purposes. 12. You only tried on one shoe We’ve all done it. You’re in a hurry or trying on lots of pairs of shoes, so you simply try on one shoe in the pair to get an idea of how they fit. This can be a mistake. Everyone’s feet are different sizes. And when your feet swell due to edema, they are going to be even less evenly matched. To decide if a shoe fits comfortably, you should be trying on both shoes in a set. It is very possible that a shoe may fit your right foot differently than it fits the left. To find the best shoes for edema, you need to try on the full set – don’t buy a pair of shoes when you’ve only tried on half of the purchase. 13. You assume a shoe will stretch over time In the case of leather shoes and boots, you can expect a bit of stretch over time. Some people still buy shoes a bit snug anticipating some stretch over time. After all, if a shoe stretches too much, it will wind up too big. This is not the right advice for edema footwear, however. You can count on your feet growing over the course of the day and possibly the week. Modern shoes are often not constructed of leather, which means they aren’t going to do any stretching. If they do, it will be minimal and it will come at the expense of your feet. Buy shoes that fit the first time you try them on. Don’t assume the shoes will stretch to accommodate your feet, because they probably won’t. 14. You bought one pair of shoes for all occasions Edema shoes can be a challenge to find, and when you find a pair that is comfortable and fits well, it’s natural to want to wear that shoe as often as possible. After all, isn’t a comfortable set of edema shoes the goal? It is absolutely true that you want your edema shoes to be comfortable. But you don’t want a single pair of shoes for all occasion. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a single pair of shoes and then trying to make that pair work for every single thing you do over the course of the day or week. You can’t jog in your work shoes. You can’t work in an office in the same shoes you use to cut the grass. Find a brand of edema shoes that works for you and fits well. Then invest in multiple pairs to help you cover the range of activities you can expect in your daily life. 

Shopping for shoes online when you have hard-to-fit feet can be a huge challenge - with no salesperson to talk to and no shoe to try on before you buy, the purchase may be a gamble that results in an extra trip to the post office to return an ill-fitting shoe. Enter the Pandere Fit Specialist. We know first-hand how challenging it is to find shoes that fit well, whether you’re shopping online or in person. That’s why Pandere offers Fit Specialists whose passion it is to find the right shoe for your foot. Here are 5 reasons why you should chat with a Pandere Fit Specialist. 1. Fit Specialists are real peopleThere’s nothing worse than needing answers and trying to communicate with a bot. Our Fit Specialists are real, living humans sipping coffee at their desks and wearing Pandere shoes, of course. They are part of our core team here at Pandere and are passionate about matching you with the right shoe. 2. Fit Specialists guide you to the right shoe for your footEveryone’s feet are different and Pandere is dedicated to finding the right shoes for your unique feet. Each of Pandere’s styles are engineered to accommodate a variety of foot conditions, including but not limited to swelling, bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis and extra wide feet. Whether you have a medical condition or two differently sized feet, are pregnant, work on your feet all day, have extra wide feet, or are just looking for the ultimate comfort shoe, our knowledgeable Fit Specialists know our shoes inside and out and can help guide you to the right shoe. 3. Fit Specialists provide more in-depth information about our stylesBecause no two feet are alike, our Fit Specialists have an in-depth knowledge of Pandere’s styles and can answer questions and provide information customized to your unique needs. Swelling in only one foot? Plantar Fasciitis? High instep or arches? Our Fit Specialists can help. 4. Fit Specialists steer you away from the wrong style You may already have a shoe picked out and added to your cart, but is it the perfect shoe for your foot? Our Fit Specialists are trained to know how your unique foot needs can best be accommodated by one of Pandere’s styles. Returns at Pandere are easy, but we want to help you get it right the first time! 5. Fit Specialists have insider knowledge We always have a few surprises up our sleeve! Whether it’s a new style or size slated for release, an exclusive discount, or a shoe in production designed to accommodate a specific foot need, our Fit Specialists have the inside scoop and may end up guiding you to a forthcoming style or exclusive discount you didn’t know about.  CONNECT WITH A FIT SPECIALIST We have fit specialists that are experts in helping you pick the right shoe. TALK TO A FIT SPECIALIST