i've been going barefoot in the house and for quick trips out the front door and my very well supportive slippers for walking around the street (they are almost like shoes, great for airplane). i wear my slip-on sketchers for going anywhere in public (only 2 places i've been are the surgeon and the physio); they aren't the most supportive or comfortable but easy to get on and off. i don't even bother with socks after putting them on once, triggering pain. i look forward to getting to the mall to buy some new birkenstocks, possibly with a strap, my other ones are thong style, which i love, but i think i best be more cautious now; "keens" are another brand i wear in the summer. good luck finding shoes just right for you.
i've put heat on that area above the incision; not sure if it helped or not, but it warmed me up, having the ice pack on my knee. up until recently i was taking my magic bag (heated in microwave) to bed with me to keep warm since the ice pack made me so cold.