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1

Backstory:
After a few years of undiagnosed foot and ankle problems, I was diagnosed a few months ago. It is complicated to explain- but think of it as an extremely bad case of dropped arches and foot. Since I need major motion control in my footwear to alleviate the pain, this condition requires me to only be able to wear shoes approved by my podiatrist and physical therapist. I have to insert a bulky custom orthotic as well. Due to the severity of this issue, currently I am only able to wear two different shoes: a pair of Merrell Jungle Mocs and a pair of Hoka sneakers. This may or may not change in the future depending on how my other treatments go.

Anyways, I had a few questions in relation to this issue and college.

  1. I have a couple Ivy league university interviews coming up, should I briefly state that I have this condition? Or will the interviewer not notice? I can't wear my "orthotic" shoes and then say, change into flats because I really can only wear these two pairs of shoes. Even if the interview is only 30 minutes or less.
  2. During an interview, or even in the workplace, would this be something I would be "judged" over? Would I always need to explain my condition at every job?

I guess I have just been worrying because this has created a clothing dilemma for me… Dress pants and sneakers look pretty bad together in my opinion, but so do the Jungle Mocs. I’ve ruled out ever wearing dresses or skirts again too. These shoes and my orthotics really do help, a lot, though.

Any tips? Maybe I am overthinking it and people don’t care as much as I think. :slight_smile:

2

Interviewers do not expect high school students to dress like corporate CEOs. Wear nice sneakers with khakis or nice jeans and appropriate top. You’ll be fine, and the interview isn’t important anyway.

I can relate - I can’t wear anything but Birkenstocks, which aren’t remotely elegant! It’s great that you have found shoes that work for you.

3

The Merrells will do fine. I would not mention your foot problems in an interview. There are lots of occupations where women wear practical shoes.

4

Wear solid plain black ones and black pants/jeans.

5

They most likely won’t judge high schoolers that much, but I’d say that if you notice the interviewer repeatedly glancing at your shoes, do take some time to explain to them.