Any suggestions on walking footwear.

lukewind
lukewind Posts: 177 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey Guys

I lost my first 140lbs by doing a lot of walking and during that time I had to deal with a bad case of Plantar Fascitis. Through steroid injections and taking it easy for a while I have managed to get rid of the PF. I really would like to keep it from coming back so I was wondering if anyone who may have had this issue has some suggestions for a good shoe. I wear 14 4E in size and my current show is ok, but its falling apart and is not made anymore so I am needing to find something with good arch support and preferably something that an take some punishment. My shoes only tend to last about 8 months due to all the walking.

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Skateboard shoes + Superfeet or Powerstep insoles.

    Are your arches flat, high, or normal?
  • lukewind
    lukewind Posts: 177 Member
    Skateboard shoes + Superfeet or Powerstep insoles.

    Are your arches flat, high, or normal?

    Arches are somewhat flat. I don't like skateboard shoes though, was looking more for info on standard tennis shoes. Also I have insoles that my podiatrist gave me already so I am set there.
  • heronh
    heronh Posts: 529 Member
    i have wide flat feet. SUCKS for a chick because most cute heels don't come in wide sizes :(
    I used to have a lot of problems with blister, shin splints and PF until i switch to vibram 5 fingers shoes but they wear out fast and I wear Merrell minimalist shoes. I LOVE them, they run wide,comfortable, stain resistant and it last me a year. I should have change them months ago but I was waiting for a sale. Just bought 2 pairs of Merrells for $120 yesterday. Yay sale!!
    The "rule" is you should change your shoes every 300-500 miles depending on your gait, feet etc.. But if you have high arches and need it for support after 300-500miles the support would've wear out. If you soles are still good and not worn you can buy insole support at Any Mountain, REI or any running store. The sales people at those store are usually very knowledgeable. Those insoles are not cheap though. Its about $40 but they last a while.

    You need proper equipment ie: footwear to exercise safely even walking.
  • heronh
    heronh Posts: 529 Member
    Tennis shoes are for Tennis. Tennis-specific shoes allow for frequent stopping and starting as you move all over the court. Tennis shoes usually have less heel cushioning and are flatter, which makes them sturdier for the rigors of play. They also feature more stabilization for side-to-side activity.
    Walking shoes are lightweight and breathable. They offer a relatively stiff and well-cushioned heel that supports the heel-ball-toe action of walking. While some flexibility in the sole is good, a walking shoe isn't flimsy when you twist it gently. If the shoe offers moderate resistance when you twist, it'll offer you the support you need to cover dozens of miles. Some models of walking shoes have special features, such as increased tread for trails, or are made from waterproof material. Running shoes offer many of these same features and may be an appropriate substitute for dedicated walking shoes.

    Also if you have problems you should stretch you feet and calf. Ever since I switch to minimalist shoes and incorporating those stretch I haven't had any issues.

    Good luck
  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    As a fat woman with high arches, I adore my Keens. Whereas for running, you want something lightweight and bouncy, a nice sturdy sole will take you for hundreds of miles with no pain. Also, I have yet to wear down my shoe soles in an uneven fashion, something I've always done before!

    After about a year, they weren't feeling as supportive, so I splurged on green Superfeet insoles. I've been using those for two years, now, and still going strong! Both insoles and shoes are the best thing I've ever done for my feet. Can't recommend them enough!
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    If it were me, I'd go to a shoe store and talk to the sales associates there about the situation and let them recommend me a pair of shoes and probably a set of insoles. My father has heel spurs and has always had trouble with finding shoes that help relieve the pain of being on his feet all day. He doesn't run but did the gait analysis at a Brooks display at a running expo (he came with my sister and me), explained he wanted them for walking and what his issues are and they found him the perfect pair of shoes. He says he's never owned a pair that were so comfortable for him.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    The "rule" is you should change your shoes every 300-500 miles depending on your gait, feet etc.. But if you have high arches and need it for support after 300-500miles the support would've wear out. If you soles are still good and not worn you can buy insole support at Any Mountain, REI or any running store. The sales people at those store are usually very knowledgeable. Those insoles are not cheap though. Its about $40 but they last a while.

    You need proper equipment ie: footwear to exercise safely even walking.
    The mileage rule is for running, not walking. Walking doesn't break down shoes like running does.
  • cfer1963
    cfer1963 Posts: 2
    I bought a pair of Altra one2 for my walking. They are zero drop (i.e. no heel) running shoes with a very wide toe box. I love them and they immediately helped with knee and foot pain. I love them. The only problem is that I can't tolerate my more normal shoes, but they have leather casual shoes that also feel wonderful that I wear when I don't want to have on running shoes.
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    Go to a specialty store and talk to an expert. A store that specializes in running will have the knowledge for walking too. Orthopaedic inserts will help with the flat feet and you can also get recommendations when you get those.

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