So as regular blog readers know, I’m on a year of not buying clothes, shoes and jewelry that began July 1.

All is going well so far except for the exceptions. They were bras, a dress to wear to a friend’s wedding, and running shoes.

The bras were bought in July. I now have non under wire options for work. The dress I bought in August. (I bought one with a slit up the left side so I could ice my knee during the event, cute and practical.)

Now I’m looking for running shoes. My exception was new shoes after knee replacement because when I started the year of no shopping I had no idea when that would be.

I say running shoes but there’s no actual running in my life these days. Lots of walking with crutches and likely I’ll still have crutches when I’m back at work.

I laughed because a few manufacturers of running shoes have a new name for shoes that aren’t actually for running. They’re “recovery shoes.” On your non running days, you’re recovering.

Here’s what’s being replaced:

And to be clear I bought the orange running shoes back when I was actually running. That’s seven years ago. Yikes.

What am I looking for?

They need to be comfortable and sturdy and good for walking with crutches. No flip flopping around, reasonable foot support.

They need to be suitable for work, but that does not preclude sporty-looking. Paired with crutches I think people will understand.

Some of the time I can wear my short leather boots that also fit my orthotics so they won’t be the only shoes that I wear.

Reasonably easy on and off. While I was thinking slip-ons, they could have laces if they don’t make a whole production getting them on and off.

I’m Googling “best shoes to wear after total knee replacement” and they’re pretty much all running/athletic shoes.

Here’s one person’s explanation, “Now that my knee requires more support, I find that using a walking or running shoe gives me a little extra padding to take the pressure off my joint. Think of your shoe as the shock absorbers on your car. Remember, you can also add shoe inserts that help even more with cushion.  Also read my article about the best shoe inserts after TKR. It’s not fun riding in a car with bad shock absorbers because it makes for a rough ride. Our bodies are the same way. However, because it’s so subtle we may not realize the extra “shock absorbing” we get from our shoes. Even if I’m not a runner, I usually gravitate toward running shoes for comfort and daily use. Why, you ask? Because running shoes are made to reduce the repetitive impact caused by running and they are made with more cushion technology in the heel (air, gel etc.). They also have good arch support to enhance the position on the foot.”

Also remember I have two knees, both of which were in need of replacement so my right knee will still require lots of extra attention until its also been replaced.

So far people have suggested All Birds

Also Hokas

My son thinks Ons might be good shoes for me.

Sarah suggests these New Balance shoes.

I also like the sound of the Canadian brand Vessi

And finally, there’s Danskos. I wear their clogs a lot but haven’t tried their walking shoes.

Probably I need to go out shoe shopping and try things on. But the whole idea is off putting. I’m still very tired. If I only have so much energy during the day I don’t want to use it shopping.

I’m tempted to order my favorite 3 and return 2.

All of the above are available in bright colours as well as black. I haven’t decided which way to go yet. They are also all in the $100-200 price range as are the pair they’re replacing.

Welcome your suggestions!