Table 2 Themes for non-adherence and adherence to MGF

Themes for non-adherence

 Preference for wearing other shoes at home for some or all of the time (e.g. moving from bed to bathroom or getting up from watching TV)

2^a

3^a

 Preference for wearing no shoes at home for some or all of the time (including barefoot or in socks)

3^a

2^a

 Sitting or keeping feet up at home

2^a

2^a

 Feels safe walking barefoot at home

1^a

1^a

 Difficulty walking in MGF (e.g. due to unsteadiness or difficulty adjusting)

4

0

 Discomfort

4

2

 Heaviness

1

1

 Difficulty driving

1

0

 Difficulty applying and removing MGF

1

1

 Appearance

2

0

 Concerns with fit

2

2

 Cleanliness concerns (indoors)

3^a

0^a

 Lack of perceived benefit

1

1

 Forgets to wear

0

1

 Caused skin trauma (e.g. blister or ulcer)

1

3

Total

28

19

Themes for adherence

 Safety and protection of feet

2

5

 Avoiding ulcers and/or amputation

4

2

 Following healthcare advice

7

6

 Warmth

1

0

 Perceived benefit

3

3

 Comfort

6

4

 Ease of walking

1

0

 Accustomed to use

1

0

 Appearance

1

0

 Preventing blisters and/or callus

2

1

 Unsure if able to transfer orthoses to other shoes

1

0

 Appreciative of resources

0

2

 For work purposes

0

1

 Other shoes are not comfortable or cause skin trauma

1

2

Total

30

26