Good shoes for walking?
LCSt68
Posts: 67 Member
Hi all,
I need to begin a regular exercise program and walking seems a good start. Since I seem to injure myself quite easily just walking at the moment I need advice on really good shoes for a heavy gal with wide/long feet. I'm thinking cross trainers (built for carrying heavier weight) or walking shoes (good soles).
I can't buy normal women's sizes at the local shoe store anymore because of the girth of my foot. I already wear a Euro size 42/U.S. size 11 in length, the largest women's size available here, so my options are narrowed down to either buying online or making a foray into the men's section which are wider in general but masculine. I'm girly about the pretty colors and don't feel good wearing man shoes, unisex label or not.
Anyone else faced with this problem?
I need to begin a regular exercise program and walking seems a good start. Since I seem to injure myself quite easily just walking at the moment I need advice on really good shoes for a heavy gal with wide/long feet. I'm thinking cross trainers (built for carrying heavier weight) or walking shoes (good soles).
I can't buy normal women's sizes at the local shoe store anymore because of the girth of my foot. I already wear a Euro size 42/U.S. size 11 in length, the largest women's size available here, so my options are narrowed down to either buying online or making a foray into the men's section which are wider in general but masculine. I'm girly about the pretty colors and don't feel good wearing man shoes, unisex label or not.
Anyone else faced with this problem?
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Replies
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I have quite wide feet also. I actually bought a pair of men's walking shoes which fit me really well.
I tried on a lot of women's walking shoes, and they were all quite narrow, but the men's sizes were more generous. I ended up spending £30 (around $43), which is more than I've ever spent on shoes, but they're very sturdy, very comfortable, and because they're plain black, you wouldn't really know that they're from the men's range.0 -
I have big feet, very wide uk size 9 which i think is US size 11. I usually by EU 43 or 44. I tend to buy mens shoes because have to order womens ones from specialist shops and they are never as comfy as men's ones. It used to upset me but I am not a particularly girly girl, I don't do salons or makeup or heels. I still consider myself feminine but comfort comes first especially when it comes to my long suffering feet. I wear unisex black ankle boots with metal studs in the back, a bit gothic in style but go with my drawer full of black leggings and black skirts. I am like a cartoon character, I always look much the same and just dress up my standard black with bright tops and jewellery.
What I have found helpful are silicone gel heel covers, I am ordering some for front of foot too. The plain gel ones seem better than the fabric covered ones and better than the inner soles from my vast experience of trying out every foot comfort product I can get my hands on. I do think the thickness of the gel might mean I have to get even larger shoes though.
Google silicone gel heal covers and Protective Hallux Valgus Prevention Bunion Foot Care Silicone Gel Toe Separator.
I use them for sore heals and sore edges around ball of foot. Most ball of foot products are not big enough for balls of my wide feet. I am hoping band around foot will solve that. available from amazon, e-bay, aliexpress. Pictures are from adverts , my feet do not look like that.
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I wear 11 1/2 or 12 wide, and I'm a big fan of New Balance shoes. However, I recommend AGAINST cross-trainers, I don't find them good for walking. I have walking shoes and aerobics shoes and ne'er the twain shall meet! (New Balance has great walking shoes. I usually get them at Zappos.com) I feel your pain at shoe stores, sometimes I feel that I should sue for my "civil rights" to buy shoes at the mall! LOL0
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P.S. I won't buy men's shoes on principle (I know, eye roll here, but bad early life experiences with men's shoes, and I want to feel pretty)...I have some nice purple NB shoes! (and pinkish and pastel green) Skechers also seem ok, but I go beyond their size 11 limit...0
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i wear a size 10 and sometimes have the same issues.. i have issues with tendons in both my feet and have been told by my doctor to wear a stiff/heavier shoe.. i was wearing some pretty light shoes (skechers)... i am currently wearing ascics and my feet feel really good.. i also wear heel cups for some extra padding.. when i am at the gym i have been wearing fila's and they seem to be a little big but they are also comfortable.. i have worn new balance and they are a really good shoe...0
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I've always worn men's shoes because I find the arch hits my foot in a better spot. I understand that some people are adverse on principal but there are many gender neutral men's shoes if you take a look0
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Also a quick change of laces can feminize the shoes as well0
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I measure just above a uk 5 but very very wide. Usually end up with a 6 that give me blisters cos they slotch. The places that do half sizes don't do wide fitting. I really need some good trainers.0
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My foot is a U.S. men's size 7 with a 5E width.
For years, I've had to order my shoes online at www.wideshoes.com (carries wide shoes for men & women).0 -
Here are my shoes -- Brooks Glycerin 12 in Ombre:
They're actually running shoes (and I don't run...yet), but I LOOOOVE them. I can't say I did any research before buying them. Here's basically what happened:
1. I went into a sports store.
2. I saw a 66% off table.
3. I saw pink and orange (my favorite colors) and my size (US 11).
4. They felt like wearing and cloud, and I bought them.
They've honestly been the best shoes I've owned. I love how rigid the backs are, and they have a nice bouncy feel.0 -
OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH Jess I soooooooooooo need those shoes!!!!!!! I Love bright colors! The brighter the better!0
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Gosh people, heaven sent answers here! Taking notes on all this!
I'll look at wideshoes.com, Brooks and New Balance. I've never tried the heel/toe gels, I'll look into that as well. Currently I'm wearing a green, men's Converse type generic shoe I bought at a local grocery store for 5€, the unfortunate appearance of which makes me look like I'm trying really hard to be a teenager.
At home I wear Crocs and got used to the cushy comfortable feel of those so I'm sort of spoiled. Can't wear Crocs outside the house though because they're considered a gardening shoe only and people would look at me strangely, like I'm wearing a French maid's uniform as office wear.
Also never would've thought of dressing up a black shoe with laces. Thanks for the tips everyone!0 -
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Saucony sneakers for me. They are the only ones that properly fit my feet (US size 10 wide), and a podiatrist surprised me by saying they are one of the better shoes for your foot health out there on the market.0
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I finally found a comfortable pair. I know this sounds corny but I'm sort of stunned at my good luck. We went to a local sports outfitter tonight and I found a pair of Skechers that are not only wide they've got that foam sole and feel like walking on a cloud. First time in over a decade I put a pair of shoes on that didn't hurt, no exaggeration. Fyi, nice wide toe box, nylon upper that gives and feels like cloth, men's shoe but not overly manly - they make a woman's version as well, bright summery color, two matching pairs of laces, also comes in a charcoal color for those who like a shoe that'll match everything. I give it a 10 out of 10 on the comfort scale, no joke. It's called the Skechers Equalizer Walking Shoe. Behold:
It wouldn't have been my first choice looks-wise but it ain't too bad and the comfort alone makes it worth it.
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I get compliments on them often. 
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