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Shoes: Balancing Lymphedema & Leg Length Discrepancy

You may have noticed from previous posts and picture that in addition to dealing with lymphedema in my left leg, I also have a leg length discrepancy of 2+ inches. 


Between the size of my extra-swollen foot and internal and external shoe lifts, my family and I like to joke that I’ve got a lot going on in my left shoe. 


For a while after my hip surgery that led to my discrepancy, I was able to get by with just an internal lift in high top sneakers or boots. As my discrepancy increased beyond an inch though, it became clear that I needed something more. 


Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time working with an orthotist and my doctors to come up with a functional shoe-lift design. There have been many failed attempts and moments of frustration, but I recently had a boot with a sloped lift done, and although it’s not exactly perfect, it is the most functional of any other design I have tried by far. 


Aside from my boots, I have a pair of New Balance running sneakers with a built-up external lift, and a pair of sandals that I made over quarantine by supergluing two different flip-flops together. Both of these shoes are fine for walking short distances on flat surfaces, but unfortunately lead to pain on uneven ground, stairs, or long distance. 


As for what works well for me in terms of lymphedema, I find it much easier to wear shoes with adjustable laces such as Converse sneakers or Doc Martens. While my leg and foot tend to start out each day at a pretty stable size, there are always those random days where it will be smaller or larger than the norm. There is also a good amount of change as the day progresses and depending on how active or sedentary I am. With adjustable laces, the size of your shoe can adjust with you, accommodating for any time or day. 


It could be just me, but I find that when I wear shoes that are not high-tops or boots, my ankle collects a lot more extra lymph. Luckily these are the main types of shoes I can wear with lifts, so that isn't something that affects me much anymore.


In all honesty, my limitations and difficulties with shoes have been something I have really struggled to come to terms with. In fact, I still have a “graveyard” of shoes that I’ve held on to from before the surgery that led to my leg length discrepancy. It’s a bit hard to envision at the moment, but I try to remain hopeful that one day I will reach a place where I am happy with my shoes’ functionality and appearance. 


I know my situation probably doesn’t apply to many, but I hope that my suggestions are still able to help others struggling with finding shoes that fit their swelling or other extra accommodations.



Picture from Fall 2019: Red lace-up Dr. Martens 1460s, worn with 1" internal lift

Picture from Winter 2020: Black boots with sloped 1.5" external lift and 1" internal lift; purchased from Marshalls; lift built-up by my orthotist

Picture from Spring 2018: Off-white suede sneakers with front laces and zipper at heal; 1" internal lift; purchased rom Target

Picture from Summer 2020: Cream and white new balance sneakers with 2" external lift; purchased at Marshalls; lift built by my orthotist

Picture from Spring 2019: Grey hightop Converse sneakers with 1" internal lift



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