walking/running shoes...brand?

The type of shoes is more important than the brand, as long as it's one of the reputable brands. It's very important to pick the type of shoes that matches your gait, so it's worth having a professional analyzes it. I'll give you several brands for starters: Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno.

Love my Asics but the other poster is right, it will vary a lot person to person. I had some adidas that felt great in the store but were too narrow on my toes I realized after a few runs my toes blistered each other. Try shopping around until you find a knowledgeable sales person that asks about your activities and can make an educated recommendation.

Brooks.

If you have a Fleet Feet* nearby, check them out. It's worth the very slightly higher price (compared to online) for their fitting process. They really know their stuff.


ETA *or other specialty running store

I love Brooks. The ones I have are comfy, waterproof, and they are lasting a lot longer than my Nikes.

My running shoes are Brooks. Ditto what Jof said about getting fitted, it's really helpful.

When I was bigger I started with Asics. New Balance was okay too but I really like the Asics. Since then, I have changed to Mizuno road shoes and Brooks trail shoes. Point being, find one that is comfortable and don't be afraid to take them back if they hurt. Also, spend money on your shoes. Discounts are nice but not at the cost of pain.

I had the exact same issue you have. I walk at least 3 miles daily and was getting blisters on the outside of my soles as well as pain in my hips. I thought it was my shoes, and so I went to a running/ walking store. They actually measured my feet and video taped me walking on the treadmill to get the perfect shoe. I ended up with Brooks and an insole since I overpronate. I have noticed that since going to the store, I haven't had the hip pain and only gotten blisters once since. I went back to the store and talked to the experts about the blisters and realized that when I got blisters I was wearing cotton socks and not socks that were made for walking and running. The cotton caused friction when my feet swelled during exercise resulting in the blisters. I switched socks and no more blisters!!!

Ultimately I really encourage you to go to a specialty store. They will tell you what kind of shoes to get and if you need anything to correct your step. Also switch the socks that are made for exercise and have very little cotton in them. Hope this helps!

I think it depends on your feet! Do you have a running store that you can go and get measured/fitted at? I went to mine and Brooks are what worked for my feet.

I use New Balance and Aesics for my running shoes and have found them to be of very good quality and there are many different options to choose from.. However, like mentioned multiple times, it depends on your feet/arch/stride. You should definitely go to a running store where they can look at your feet to figure out what type of shoe is best for you. It will definitely be worth it if you're wanting to get into running as a regular activity.

I did have Nike as my first brand as I first started out, but those ended up giving me major problems when running. I still wear them for light activity, like the elliptical, though.

I have Brooks sneakers, and they're the most durable, comfy sneakers I've ever owned. Seriosly, I've gone miles and miles in these, and they're still in good shape. Most good athletic shoe places will have someone who knows how to fit your specific feet to a good pair, though. A little pricier than just grabbing some off the rack, but if you're making a point to get a LOT of use out of those shoes, it's totally worth it.

I have wide feet and a high arch .. I tend lean towards, Nike and new balance. But before you purchase, you should get your feet checked. just so they can check your arch for you..

My advice is that if you're going to walk consistently, you need to go get fitted. You can go to your local running store and tell them your goals. They'll have you walk on a treadmill to see how your feet move, and then they'll have you try on several pair of shoes. Be ready to pay around $100 or more, but if you use them only for walking or running, they should last a while, depending on how often you walk and how far you walk. I have New Balance right now, and I really like them! But, I got fitted at the store. To me, it's worth the money!

If you have a Road Runner Sports store near you, they have a 90 day return policy.....even if "you bring them back covered in mud"....allegedly. I will be testing out this theory within the next week.......as the ones they fit me in are giving me more problems than they are solving, unfortunately.

Good luck....there are lots of choices out there.

This is true; a friend of mine just exchanged shoes at RR Sports that had a couple hundred miles on them.

I started with Mizunos and switched to Asics several years ago. I have high arches and wear a neutral shoe. I just started wearing the Asics Gel Blur 33s - they're a more minimal shoe than what I've worn in the past. So far I like them a lot.

I went to a so-called local specialty shop and was fitted for running shoes. They seemed just OK no better than something I'd have picked out on my own. I went to a different shop where they really spent time getting me fitted. They took the lining out of my shoe to examine the wear, checked my feet, my walking gait, running gait at various speeds (gave me some tips too) and told me to go run around the block a couple of times. Those were the perfect ones but they insisted I try two more pairs for comparison. First run in them I increased my speed, distance and my knees felt way better. Check yelp reviews for local stores and go to a good one.