All about colophony allergy and shoes

I am allergic to colophony, which is just a fancy name for pine resin. It’s a contact allergy, and so was hard to identify, as the effects are seen to begin a day or two after contact, the skin blisters up in fluid filled bumps, and its crazy itchy. So you get a reaction, and find yourself trying to think about everything you came into contact with over the last few days. In the world of contact allergy, around 5% of people who have an allergy have colophony sensitivity.

Once I finally found out what I was allergic to, with a proper dermatology test, things got a lot easier. I’m not allergic to pine when it’s in lump form (like furniture) so that’s a start. Sawdust is a real killer, especially if it gets caught by sweat in elbow or knee creases. Dust in garages seems to generally contain an aspect of sawdust presumably from past woodworking projects. Obvious sources of resin, like the tacky stuff on the kiln dried pine at the timber yard can be avoided, or at least you tend to know if you’ve come into contact as its sticky.

Plasters can be a problem, I find even the “allergy free” branding is no guarantee of it being free from colophony. I used an allergy free soap (Pears I think) in a hotel once and realised as my skin began to prickle afterwards it contained pine, and it was listed on the contents. I’m also allergic to juniper berry bubble bath.

But all of these things pale when the spectre of being allergic to shoes rears its head. I’m allergic to the glues in shoes, particularly those used for sticking the insole down, and for gluing the panels of shoe together (often shoes are glued as well as stitching). I suppose it’s the close contact that feet have with shoes, the extended exposure time, and repetition of exposure day after day. I tend to react worst in a line around my foot where the insole meets the sides of the shoe, but it can be anywhere in the shoe, toes, heals. It is sometimes ok with a brand new shoe, but as the shoes wear, the problem can reveal itself, sometimes after a week or two, sometimes it begins after a few months.

It’s a real problem. And that is the point of making this post. I have spoken to some manufacturers about if their shoes contain the colophony glues. Many shoes I have tried and failed with. Here’s what I know….

Shoes that do not contain colophony :

Crocs

At least all the one piece plastic moulded versions, they contain no glue at all.

I also have a newer style pair with a leather top to them, with the plastic soles, these do contain some visible glue, but they seem ok, the insole is not glued it is a croc foam pad. Proceed with caution on this style.

WELLIES! Croc makes a welly called the Georgie. Its not as tall as a regular welly, maybe ¾ height, but it is one piece moulded so no glue at all. A life saver for me, great for walking, festivals, building work, gardening. The sole is a bit spongy for my taste, and you can feel when you’re walking over rough ground, but it’s a soft foamy sensation.

My main issue with Crocs, is that they look kind of funny, not really suitable for the corporate world, or for formal occasions.

Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks are a lifesaver for me. It is worth noting that they do contain glue that the company cannot verify colophony free. But many styles seem to work for my feet. The sandals and shoes have a cork footbed with a top layer of leather. The design of this is that the foot sits in the middle of the footbed, safely away from where any glues might be in the shoe. This footbed is removable, so again, no glue.

So all the sandals are good.

I also seem to not react to the leather top clogs. These come in all types of leather and colours, and easily work with casual. I have black leather ones, and they work ok for my smart-casual office. Although, they are a bit funny looking, and don’t go completely un-noticed.

They also produce plastic clogs one piece moulded, with the orthopaedic footbed built in, with these again, no glue. I also like their flip flops, and various ‘Croc like’ variations on the plastic clog.

Importantly, the company was able to tell me that the Pasadena style of shoe is glue free, as it is stitched. This shoe has become a staple for me, they are loafers, with laces, and come in leather. A black pair and a brown pair are my go-to items for formal, and often for the office or casual. Its worth noting that after heavy wear, I think I become allergic to these, I think once the layers of leather begin to split inside the shoe, I guess the colophony is a part of making layered leather.

Po-Zu

Po Zu are environmentally aware shoes, they are hand stitched in Portugal, and will (in due course) bio-degrade. The soles are made of coconut fibre and natural latex. They are not at the cheap end of shoes, but are reasonable priced.

Po Zu have been able to tell me that their shoes contain no colophony at all. A real find for me, as well as funny ‘crazy’ shoes, they make some shoes that look like, well, just shoes. I have a great pair of Chelsea boots, and plans for more from Po Zu.

General

Any shoe that contains no glue should be ok. This starts from flip-flops and ends I suppose at fully stitched dress shoes.

Goretex socks

Goretex socks, and other water proof breathe-able socks work. They will make any shoe wearable. They have their own problems.

I have some army style boot liners, these are non elastic, designed to be used over a sock, and work great for army boots.

My favourite brand though is Sealskinz socks, they are elastic like a sock should be. They basically have the Gore liner contained inside the fabric of regular sock material. Most of them are fairly chunky socks, and warm. They do a lightweight version, this is about the same as a heavyweight regular sock (but short of chunky). You can wear any shoe with these socks, if the shoe still fits when you’ve got big socks on. I use them for training in, so I can wear converse boots, or hike boots.

The downside of the breathable sock, is that its warm to wear (often overwarm), and your feet feel a bit like they are in a bag all day. Ok, but not for all the time.

I’ve heard that for sports, you can just put your socked foot into a freezer bag into your shoe. Ok for the length of a match perhaps, and at least allow you to wear specialist sport shoes.

Barrier cream

“Gloves in a bottle” It creates a barrier by combining with the skin, forming a layer that will naturally come loose over a day or so. So it doesn’t sit on the skin and isn’t greasy. This eases the effects I have if I have to wear a pair of problem shoes, although doesn’t fix it, depending on what I wear and for how long. I also use it if I have to work with pine, this works out pretty well, obviously I clean the sawdust off as soon as possible as well.

Latex Lining

I’m not allergic to latex. I poured liquid latex into my shoes, swilling it around to get good coverage. I have done this for several pairs. It seems to work ok if you get good coverage. Its ‘rubber’ so it does make it a bit hard to get the shoes on as your feet don’t slide in. And it doesn’t breathe, so for wearing for longer periods it’s a bit damp and nasty. There may be ways to make this work, but I have largely abandoned the idea. Watch out because of course adding layers of latex will shrink the size of the space for your feet.

Shoes that are confirmed not ok (by me or by the manufacturers)

Almost all shoes, trainers, dress shoes, boots. (confirmed by me)
Converse (me)
Vibram Five Fingers (manufacturer)
Vivo Barefoot (manufacturer)

Note to strongmen

‘Tacky’ the stuff they use on the forearms for stone lifting, is pure pine resin. Keep clear, and remember anything near strongmen is likely covered in the stuff.

Final thoughts

Many shoes suitable for this allergy are funny looking. Clogs are cool enough, but they have big clunky toes. Sandals are ok in the right place, but often get me funny looks (maybe those looks are just from seeing a garage dweller outside the garage habitat). I rely on a few key brands and types to see me through.

If anyone knows any more shoe brands that will work, please please leave a comment. And any other tips about life with a contact allergy to colophony too. There must be a few of us about?