Brace Direct Post-Op Shoe - Adjustable Orthopedic Walking Shoe for Broken Foot & Toe, Stress Fractures, Bunions, Post-Surgery Recovery, Left or Right Foot, Men M (US Shoe Size 10-11/27 cm)

I broke my big toe almost 4 weeks ago, and although I've broken toes before, it was never my big toe. VERY painful! I "buddy taped" it to the next toe, but I was still suffering from severe pain while wearing any type of regular shoe, mostly due to unconsciously raising the tip of my toe and having it press up against the inside of the shoe box. After 10 days of that, I found this shoe on Amazon. I looked at several other ones that were less expensive, but after reading a lot of the reviews on this shoe I felt that this one would meet my needs the best.I wear a woman's 6.5M, but I ordered a medium instead of a small because numerous reviews stated the shoe was too short in length despite ordering the size that corresponded to their regular shoe size (The width of the shoe is completely adjustable due to the Velcro straps.) When I put the shoe on it was obviously too large, as the tip of my big toe was a good inch from the top, and the first strap actually crossed over my toe, causing more pain instead of less. So I then ordered a small, and it fits perfectly! The tip of my big toe is about 1/4" away from the end of the shoe even while wearing a heavy sock, and the strap crosses where it should.Some reviewers complained that the straps were too long, or that the shoe didn't feel secure. The straps are made long intentionally to accommodate a foot that may be very swollen and/or wrapped in thick bandages. I haven't needed to, but I'm sure, like all other Velcro, the ends of the straps can be trimmed to the desired length.When I put the shoe on, I'm careful to make sure the pieces on top of my foot (under the straps) are overlapped properly and laying flat. Then I carefully fasten the Velcro straps so they are snug but not tight. The shoe feels comfortable and sturdy. I have no problem walking in it at all; in fact, I often forget that I have it on. I only wish I had found this shoe the day I broke my toe instead of 10 days later!

It was almost a week of limping around with a broken small toe. People told me a special shoe wasn't necessary, and the doctor recommended one only if my sneaker was hurting me. But for $30, I felt it worth it to try anyway. And I'm so glad I did. I can now walk without pain and faster than I could limp without it. It protects my toe from accidentally being bumped against objects and even me unconsciously curling it. I even sleep with it now since I was curling my toes during sleep and waking up to pain. Less pain must mean better healing.I would suggest googling the shoe on the manufacturer's web site for a more accurate size chart. The sizes in the description on Amazon didn't match further down in the description, and neither matched the manufacturer's site. I am 8.5" male and it seeems right in between sizes. I ordered the small and it fits perfectly. According to the Amazon description, I should be wearing a medium, so not sure if that would be okay too.

The whole thing where the hook velcro has to be set manually is kind of strange, but once I set it and trimmed the straps I didn't have any trouble!Overall it's been a great help. I sprained my big toe and after the first few days where I rested a lot, it's made it possible to get around and do my daily activities with little or no pain. It's pretty sturdy, the mesh is comfortable, sole about equal to a thick soled athletic shoe.The rocker bottom is more "rocking" than another one I ordered to try out, and the velcro can get tighter, both of which have helped keep my toe in place. The traction is pretty good (not amazing, but fine for every day) with the wavy pattern.The other tricky aspects have been:* As a women's size 8-8.5, I'm between sizes. Pictured is a large, which is really a bit too big (especially around the ankle) but provides good toe protection. I've just ordered a medium to try too, especially now that I'm healing up.* The inner sole is extremely flat with no arch support - probably important to be usable for a wide range of injuries, but has created tension and pain for me over longer use.Wearing thick socks has helped with both. Hope this helps and you heal soon!